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Archive for the Conditions A-Z Category

A common problem for women
Marysia Kratimenos discusses the homeopathic management of urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are very common in adult women and may become recurrent. The most common is cystitis, an infection of the bladder,
but infection may occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys. Infection is caused by the growth of the gut bacteria within the
urinary system, but in many cases bacteria are not found on urine culture, despite obvious symptoms of bladder discomfort. The close
proximity of the anus and urethra (opening from the bladder) in women allows for the bacterial movement, especially if there is irritation of the
delicate perineal tissues.
Urinary tract infections are rare in boys and men because of the length of the urethra. In most cases there is an underlying cause, usually an
obstruction to the normal urine flow, or reflux of urine to the kidney. All cases of proven urinary infection in men and boys must therefore be
fully investigated, preferably by a urologist. Recurrent infections in women, more than three within a year, also warrant investigation, although
the chances of finding an underlying cause are less likely. Occasionally, kidney stones or bladder warts may present with recurrent bladder
infections.
Homeopathy can be used alongside conventional treatment with antibiotics and for cases where no infection is found. It can be very helpful in
building up the constitution, thus reducing the risk of recurrence. There are also many other simple measures that can reduce the chances of
re-infection.
In all cases of suspected urinary tract infection a detailed history is essential, not least of all to find the appropriate homeopathic remedy. A
urine sample should always be sent off for analysis in the laboratory. A preliminary inspection of the urine is very useful. A strong smell,
cloudiness or the presence of small amounts of blood are highly suggestive of a bacterial infection, but clear urine does not exclude it. The
doctor may use a reagent strip to see if there are any blood or pus cells not visible to the naked eye.
In a simple case of cystitis, when there is no fever or obvious general illness, the GP will usually wait for the results of the urine culture before
prescribing antibiotics. As this can take several days, it is well worth trying a homeopathic remedy in the meantime to alleviate the discomfort.
Acute cystitis
The most common symptoms of a bladder infection are pain on passing urine and frequency of urination, although these are often absent in
very young and older people. An uncomplicated case of cystitis will rarely give much more than a mild fever and does not make the person
feel terribly unwell.
Pain may be felt in the urethra, as a burning, scalding sensation and/or as a dull ache in the pelvis. If the pain extends to the loins or the
temperature is very high, this indicates the infection has possibly ascended to the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and medical intervention must be
sought urgently. The passage of blood also warrants prompt medical attention.
Kidney infection may lead to scarring of the kidneys and prompt treatment with antibiotics is imperative. It is perfectly safe to use homeopathy
alongside antibiotics.
Noninfective cystitis
Many women present with symptoms identical to cystitis but urine culture yields no growth of bacteria. Often they do get courses of antibiotics
prescribed which do little to help the symptoms. In some cases there is a local cause such as inflammation of the urethra or bladder (chronic
interstitial cystitis), or the delicate tissues of the perineum. Herpes infection can lead to cystitis-like symptoms, as can chronic vaginal
discharges or irritation. In the vast majority of cases no cause is ever found and the patient is told she has an irritable bladder.
Homeopathy can be very helpful in this situation, as treatment is aimed at the whole person rather than the results of a single investigation.
Careful dietary management may be indicated as some women do seem to be sensitive to certain acidic foods. A professional homeopath

should be consulted.
General management
Drinking large amounts of clear water is essential. A very minor infection may be cleared by this simple action. Coffee and regular tea often
aggravate the symptoms, so should be avoided. Certain herbal teas may be helpful in controlling symptoms and helping to clear minor
infections, but are best avoided in pregnancy. Golden seal tea encourages urine flow and is quite palatable.
Changing the acidity of the urine is helpful. Drinking cranberry juice, or taking tablets of cranberry concentrate, make the urine too acidic for
the bacteria to thrive. The sachets of powder, available at chemist shops to relieve the symptoms of cystitis, work on the same principle. Some
contain large amounts of bicarbonate to make the urine too alkaline for the bacteria to thrive.
It is important to keep the bladder empty, however painful this may be. Holding on to urine will only make matters worse and encourage a
more serious infection. If one is prone to recurrent infections, it is helpful to double void, that is to return to the bathroom about five minutes
after passing urine and empty the bladder again. It is often surprising how much urine has been left in the bladder.
In women infection may be precipitated by sexual intercourse, a condition known as honeymoon cystitis. It is advisable to empty the bladder
after sex to avoid infection. In some cases there is no infection, the urethra is irritated by friction and this can mimic the symptoms. Adequate
lubrication and a change in sexual position may often solve this problem.
Some women develop an allergic reaction to the latex of condoms or the spermicide they contain, and this can lead to bladder symptoms. A
change of contraception may be indicated if this is the case.
Local vaginal infection with thrush also predisposes to urinary infection. Many women get thrush after a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are
not highly selective, they also eliminate the so-called friendly bacteria, and the normal range of bacteria in the gut is altered. Abnormal
bacteria, thrush and other fungi proliferate, leading to a condition known as gut dysbiosis. Abdominal bloating, bowel disturbance and food
intolerance may result, as well as recurrent infections in the urinary system. This leads to further antibiotic courses, which derange the
bacterial content of the bowel even more. In these cases homeopathy is immensely helpful in breaking the vicious circle.
Acidophilus may be prescribed alongside the remedy to repopulate the bowel with healthy bacteria, as well as remedies and anti-fungals to
clear the yeast infection.
Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection, may mimic a urinary tract infection. It is becoming increasingly common in young women and may
lead to fertility problems if left untreated. There is often no associated vaginal discharge and so the infection can go unnoticed. A vaginal swab
taken at the local genitourinary clinic can detect chlamydia and other infections, which will require specialised antibiotic therapy.
Local irritation of the perineal tissues predisposes to infection. Bubble baths, harsh soaps and deodorants should all be avoided, as well as
thongs and tight trousers. Pure cotton underwear is best, as are stockings rather than tights. It is important to teach girls to wipe their bottoms
from front to back after a stool.
Homeopathic remedies
Treatment with homeopathy is in two parts: first to treat the infection, and secondly to improve the general health so as to avert further
infections. This deeper treatment is best left to a professional homeopath.
For an acute attack a relatively high potency, 30c, is indicated. It can be repeated every hour, decreasing the frequency of the remedy as the
symptoms improve. If there is no improvement after three or four doses, professional homeopathic treatment should be sought.
Arnica montana
Arnica is very useful for cystitis that occurs following bruising injuries of the perineum. It is therefore well indicated for urinary problems
following childbirth. There may be trouble emptying the bladder and some involuntary dribbling.
Sepia
Sepia is immensely useful for recurrent urinary tract infections, especially when there is also a history of lots of antibiotic use and thrush. The
woman often loses her libido, because sex is painful and she fears cystitis may result. She is often worn out by the recurrent infections, so
exhausted by the struggle to keep going that she cries when expressing herself. Genital herpes may be present.
Aconite
The symptoms come on very suddenly and without any warning, often after a fright or exposure to cold. Diving into icy water may bring on
cystitis. There is a lot of fear and this may lead to retention of urine. There is a sensation of pressure in the bladder and burning before
urination.
Pulsatilla
This remedy is often prescribed constitutionally for shy little girls with a highly emotional and changeable nature. As they do not drink much
they are more prone to urinary tract infections. Pulsatilla is often prescribed for older women, who are soft and yielding in character. They are
prone to cry whilst relating their story, and evoke sympathy in the listener. The pain is worse when urination is delayed, and after urination.

The symptoms are changeable, and the urine tends to spurt out.
Cantharis
The Spanish fly is a urinary tract irritant, well known to the Marquis de Sade and his followers. It produces the most agonising pain before,
during and after urination. Each drop of urine feels like scalding acid and it may be easier to pass urine in a hot bath. The surrounding skin
may become excoriated, and there may be blood in the urine. The patient is beside herself with pain and avoids drinking so that she wont
have to pass urine.
Nux vomica
There is intense chilliness and the person feels very irritable with the cystitis. There is constant urging and a sense that the bladder is full,
although tiny amounts of urine are passed. This remedy is well indicated when frequency is the predominate symptom. A constitutional Nux
vomica is the typical Type A personality driven, ambitious and very competitive, with a short fuse.
Staphysagria
Honeymoon cystitis frequently responds very well to Staphysagria, as do urinary tract infections that come on after pelvic examination,
operation or labour. It is indicated where there is suppressed anger and grief. The anger is hidden, the person appears mild tempered and
gentle, yet there is often a history of abuse or deep sorrow. Cystitis occurs after sex and the pain is felt during and after urination.

Sarsparilla

This remedy is frequently used for infections when the pain comes on after urination. There may be some blood in the urine and severe

symptoms of cystitis. It is easier to pass urine whilst standing up and there is a tendency to urinary retention.

Urinary matters
Dr Raymond Sevar looks at how homeopathy can help with urinary conditions
Rattlesnakes are native to the USA and common in the south eastern states where they live in sunny stony hilly areas with streams and
perennial shrubs. Rattlesnakes like to bathe in the morning dew and then stretch out in the morning sun, finding shelter around noon. As
autumn advances and the temperature falls they retreat to deep lairs and lie in torpor. In winter they stiffen with the cold and can appear dead
but emerge in spring and find a mate. When hunting they are most lively and rise up and strike with remarkable speed, so fast it is difficult to
see. Its only enemies are humans, whom they warn of their presence by rattling their tails and wild pigs that battle with them. Fortunately, the
latter are protected from the venom by thick hides. The venom was proved by Constantine Hering (of Herings law) the medicine is called
Crotallus horridus.
I prescribed this homeopathic medicine with great success in 1996 to B a 61-year-old man with benign enlargement of his prostate. This is a
very common problem for men over 55 and often responds very well to homeopathic treatment. His PSA (a marker of possible cancerous
change in the prostate) was normal. He attended for homeopathic treatment because he could not tolerate the side effects from alpha-blocker
drugs prescribed by his GP.
Patient profile
B is a short, square-built man and very muscular, with short grey hair who looks much younger than 61. He is powerful, not just in build but in
his actual presence. He makes big fast sudden striking forward arm movements, talks openly and freely, and is wearing a red T-shirt and
bright blue casual trousers. He is loquacious and jumps from one subject to another from his problem passing urine, urgency so severe he
has had to stop buses to get out to pass urine, mild arthritis of his spine, to his recurrent spots on his legs, and back again to his prostate.
Symptoms
Here are parts of his story in his own words. For many years I have had to pass urine every hour through the night, every night, and it is a
large volume each time I have had a lot of dribbling after I pass urine since I was a little boy. The flow of urine has always been a bit of a
trickle, or a loose spray, or one-sided or a forked stream.
the spots on my legs started as one tiny boil on my left leg and then there were hundreds they were itchy then after three weeks they
went to my right leg.
for the past two years, till three months ago, I kept on getting boils and abscesses in my ear canals here at the entrance just inside the
hole they used to burst and run and burn the skin of my ear just on the right side.

. when I was a boy I was small but strong I sorted out the bigger bullies I warned them once or twice or even three times then I just
destroyed them even though they were much bigger than me. Observation: this struck me as highly unusual, but I didnt interrupt his
flow After school I got into body building. I had sex first when I was 13. I got married young, had three children and got divorced at 21. I got
married again and had four children and got divorced again but we are all still very close. I still feel responsible for them all.
I am a self-employed industrial window cleaner. My bid for a contract is always successful yes, always Observation: I raised my
eyebrows in surprise/disbelief and he pinned me with his eyesas if I was the prey and he the predator I rocked back in my chair with the
impact it was a moment when the room disappeared as soon as he saw that I had truly seen this energy he released me with a gentle
see me now look and little smile. To recover my composure, I asked him some questions about his reactions to food, temperature and
weather.
Alcohol makes me ill I get severe pounding headaches with an empty feeling behind the eyes it is just terrible I am much worse from
cold wet weather and much worse from heat I get headaches from chocolate but I really love chocolate when I was younger I could eat
3kg of chocolate I eat once a day at night and eat nothing else during the day I am thirsty I drink lots of lemon tea about 15 cups a
day.
Further probing
Now I feel settled enough to again broach the subject of his temper and how he reacts when challenged and finally ask if he has any fears.
His response is: I cant stand anyone being in charge of me or being in control of me. Things always seem to end up the way I want it I can
discuss things and be diplomatic its just that I must be free My temper has always been the same I give them a warning, sometimes
two or three warnings and then bang, I unleash myself and destroy them I am afraid of narrow closed-in places.
Case analysis
He is powerful in build, in his presence and manner. B makes fast, striking forward gestures. There are themes of: competition, aggression,
domination/ freedom, sex, family and bloodline all of which suggest a medicine from the animal kingdom. He pinned me a remarkable
experience this indicates a predator but which family? He has many symptoms which are common to Lachesis and all the snake remedies:
he is loquacious and jumps from subject to subject, the boils on his legs began on his left leg then progressed to his right leg, sleeps into an
aggravation and is worse from alcohol. But which snake fits his symptoms best? He has recurrent boils at the entrance to his ear canals which
are always on the right side so I looked up my repertory and decided Crotallus horridus fits his picture best. He gives warning before attacking
like a rattlesnake. This medicine also covers his prostate symptoms. I gave him Crotallus horridus 200CH one pill.
Relief found
At review consultation two months later he has had an excellent response that follows Herings law of healing from within outwards, above
downwards and in the reverse order of illness with temporary replays of old symptoms. B says: Spots came out all over my back and right
arm and are starting to clear and then the spots came on my legs. All the spots are definitely clearing now they are just little red dots my
nose ran from the first day for weeks and now is tailing off I got fierce headaches twice in the first week, like in the old days, but I didnt take
anything for them the arthritis is better my joints feel freer I am definitely a lot freer especially in my spine I have had three pints of real
ale three times and I did not have to get up at night to pass urine otherwise the peeing at night is better every two hours instead of every
hour.
I prescribed Crotallus horridus to take occasionally when required.
Outcome
Since then he continued to improve until he was entirely free of all symptoms and only getting up once at night to pass urine. He still continues
to recommend patients to me and asks them to tell me that he is well.
Dr Raymond Sevar MRCGP FFHom is Dean of the Faculty of Homeopathy and a Homeopathic Physician in private practice in
Carlisle, Cumbria. He also teaches homeopathy to doctors and other health professionals in the UK and abroad.

Enlarged tonsils
Jeni Worden describes how she treated a toddler with worrying symptoms homeopathically
Baby Cerys was fast asleep in her mothers arms when I first met her in March 2002. She looked like a small but unwell cherub as she
continued to sleep whilst her mother, Jenny, explained what was wrong.
Cerys, then 13 months old, had been ill on and off since she was aged just four to five months old. She had never been well since having a
croup-like cough, which had then progressed to wheezy breathing, like that of asthma. After that initial illness, Cerys had gone on to develop a
cough, which her mum described as similar to that of whooping cough. Her GP had been so concerned by this cough that a special swab
taken from the back of the throat called a per nasal swab had been taken. This is one of the only ways that whooping cough, pertussis, can
be diagnosed but fortunately for Cerys, this swab showed no evidence of this long-lasting infection. However, since that time, Cerys had been
ill recurrently, having no more than five or six weeks of health at a time in between episodes of distressing symptoms.

These symptoms started with what seemed to be a simple cold. Colds are common in children of preschool age and most children will suffer
from six to eight colds a year, each one possibly lasting for up to four to six weeks at a time. This is the reason why most toddlers and nursery
age children seem to have perpetually running noses.
However, poor Cerys suffered from complications, in that, when she had a cold, she vomited as well. This was obviously a very worrying
symptom for her mum and not helped by the fact that Cerys often wheezed when she was unwell. Although Cerys was a very normal little girl
in between being ill, her mother found the frequency of Cerys symptoms distressing for her daughter and very worrying for herself and her
husband.
Their GP had been supportive, referring Cerys to a consultant paediatrician for specialist advice about her condition. He had seen her about
six weeks before I saw her and the GP had helpfully sent me a copy of his clinic letter. In it, he had mentioned how large Cerys tonsils were
and commented that they almost met in the middle of her throat. He noted that her breathing was noisy on the day she was seen but that
this was not causing her any apparent distress. There was no obvious infection in her chest when examined.
The consultant thought that when Cerys caught a cold, the resulting increased mucus secretions caused irritation at the back of her throat and
combined with her already enlarged tonsils, made the enlargement worse. This resulted in her coughing, as her throat tried to clear itself and
then vomiting. Vomiting with a cough in children is much more common than in adults as they do not have the same degree of muscular
development in their diaphragm and gullet that adults have. This makes it easier (unfortunately) for children to regurgitate their stomach
contents when being sick.
The wheeze that Cerys experienced was probably because of the cold virus making the small airways in her lungs much more irritable than
usual. This results in the airways narrowing for a short time, causing a wheeze that can be easily heard.
The advice of the consultant was that there was no significant conventional treatment that could be advised at the time but that he would keep
Cerys under review in his clinic in case her symptoms did worsen.
Cerys parents, although appreciative of the consultants advice, wanted to help their daughter in any way that they could. Their GP was more
than happy to refer them to me for further help as we had been colleagues when I was an NHS GP.
Cerys was still asleep as I took both a homeopathic and conventional medical history from Jenny. Although troubled by pregnancy-related
nausea and sickness whilst pregnant with Cerys (her first regnancy), Jenny had been otherwise well. However, the vomiting symptoms had
reappeared towards the end of her pregnancy, resulting in her being admitted to hospital with dehydration two weeks before erys was due.
Cerys was finally born five days late by a Ventouse extraction.
There were no apparent problems related to Cerys diet, although her dislike of lumpy food was very marked. Jenny described Cerys as a
busy, happy, laughing baby when she was well. She liked to be ut-doors.
The only area where Jenny had any trouble with her daughter when she was well was that Cerys woke frequently in the night. She loved to be
cuddled and this was in fact the best way to get her to sleep, specially if combined with a rocking movement.
Although not normally a clingy child, she was just starting to be wary of strangers, which I would regard as a normal developmental milestone
for this age group. Cerys had been walking for just over a month when seen and was saying simple words.
Physically, apart from being a very appealing child, she tended to get hot and could perspire easily.
Cerys had woken up by this time but was still very sleepy and it was difficult to assess her properly. She had been ill in the night, hence her
unscheduled nap. Taking her physical symptoms and her episodes of being unwell since her attack of that croup-like cough when she was just
four months old, I prescribed Spongia and Baryta carb 30c, one to be taken daily. I arranged a review appointment for Cerys in six weeks time.
Imagine my delight when a very different little girl came running in to see me three months later. The appointment had been delayed as Jenny
was pregnant again and suffering from severe sickness once more. Cerys had had no episodes of ill health since last seen and she looked
very happy, exploring my consulting room and chatting non-stop at the same time. She had seen her consultant in the intervening episode
who had been amazed at the reduction in the size of her tonsils and equally pleased with her progress. Since starting the homeopathic
treatment, and as the size of her tonsils reduced, Cerys also started to enjoy lumpy food. I didnt change the medication and arranged a follow
up appointment for October 2002.
Cerys had a single episode of illness before her appointment but still looked well when next seen. She was also due to see the consultant. In
view of this recurrence, and because Cerys was occasionally wheezy when she missed a tablet, I felt that perhaps a deeper acting remedy
would help.
I prescribed three tablets of Phosphorus to be taken over a 24-hour period, in view of her combined problems of tonsillar and chest symptoms
in such a happy, engaging child.
Cerys has remained well since last seen apart from one virus infection that did not result in her becoming as ill as she has been in the past.
She was reviewed by her NHS consultant who was happy for her to stay on her homeopathic medication and has arranged not to see her

again until Spring 2003. Jenny and her husband are delighted with Cerys continued good health and all three of them are looking forward to
the birth of a new baby soon.
Dr Jeni Worden MB ChB MRCGP MFHom was an NHS GP in a group practice in Christchurch, Bournemouth for ten years before
leaving to expand her medical homeopathic practice in February 2001. She also practises at the Centre for the Study of
Complementary Medicine in Southampton and still does GP locums to keep her skills as a conventional doctor up to date.

Too much or too little?

Keith Souter explains the enigma of the thyroid gland and its problems
The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body with a far-reaching influence. It is one of the endocrine, hormone-producing,
organs and it basically controls the rate at which the bodys various organs and systems function. It has an effect on immunity, energy levels,
circulation, sugar regulation and is the overall controller of growth and development, and of metabolism throughout the body. More than that,
however, it has an important part to play in mood.
A shield
The name thyroid comes from the Greek thyreo-eides, the name from the Ancient Greek door-shaped battle shield, which had a notch for the
chin, from thyra, meaning door. The thyroid cartilage is such a shape and forms the Adams apple prominence on the front of the neck. The
thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland, the two lobes of which lie against the lower half of the thyroid cartilage. The two lobes are united by
an isthmus of tissue.
Essentially, the thyroid gland makes the thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine (respectively referred to as T4 and T3) and another
called calcitonin, which has an effect on calcium metabolism. Ninety per cent of the bodys iodine is contained in the thyroid gland in organic
form. This iodine is needed in order to manufacture the thyroid hormones.
The thyroid hormones are the mediators of innumerable chemical reactions within the body. This is what we mean when we talk about
metabolism; basically the thyroid, through the action of its hormones, is the regulator of the rate at which the body functions.
Feedback loop
The thyroid hormones function via a feedback loop. The hypothalamus, a collection of specialised cells within the brain, is affected by the
circulating levels of the thyroid hormones. If the level is lower than it should be, then it pumps out a hormone that controls the pituitary gland,
at the base of the brain. This responds by producing Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which causes the thyroid to produce more thyroxine
until it achieves adequate levels. Once those levels are attained, then a negative feedback ceases further production. Tapping into this
feedback loop is the way in which we can biochemically test for over- or under-activity of the gland. Essentially, we find out if there is too much
or too little.
Tadpoles into frogs
Let me take you away from human physiology for a moment and consider your common or garden pond and its population of frogs spawn.
How wonderful it is to see those jelly-like masses develop into little wriggling tadpoles. Remember the wonder with which you watched them
during your childhood, as they slowly transformed into frogs? You were witnessing the metamorphosis of a creature from one life stage to
another. And it is a profound change because the larval tadpole hatches from the egg equipped by nature to live its life in the water. It is an
herbivorous water-dweller with gills. As it develops, however, it grows limbs, lungs and when it emerges from the water as an adult frog, it has
become an air-breathing carnivore.
Frogs are amphibians and the whole class to which they belong exhibit this metamorphosis. The name comes from the Greek amphi, meaning
double, and bios, meaning life. The stimulus for this profound growth and development is the thyroid hormone, thyroxine. This can be proved
by suppressing thyroid function in the tadpole, which will cause it to remain permanently in the larval stage, although it will continue to grow
abnormally large. On the other hand, increasing the concentration of thyroxine in the water will induce a rapid metamorphosis to produce a
tiny frog. I find this a useful model when thinking about thyroid disorders.
Too much or too little?
Thyroxine is very important in every stage of human development. It is important to the developing foetus and it is important to the newborn
baby. In this country we automatically check for congenital hypothyroidism, which is important since early treatment is of vital importance.
Over-activity of the thyroid is called hyperthyroidism, or thyrotoxicosis and occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. It is
associated with weight loss, increased appetite, palpitations, hot flushes, anxiety and restlessness, muscle weakness, tremor and, in women,
often a reduction in menstrual flow. Sometimes the eyes may be affected and seem to bulge, hence the symptom of exophthalmos. Conventional treatment usually consists of taking anti-thyroid drugs, possibly radioactive iodine, and/or surgery. (Just think back to the mini frog and
its accelerated metamorphosis. Small weight loss fast, fidgety, with bulging eyes.)
Under-activity of the thyroid, called hypothyroidism, is the result of too little thyroid hormone being produced. It is five times commoner in
women than men, affecting up to ten per cent of women over the age of 50. It typically produces weight gain, fatigue and listlessness, cold

sensitivity, skin dryness, fluid retention, constipation, loss of libido, anxiety and depression. In addition, it may cause brittle nails, lustreless hair
and diminished immunity. The conventional treatment consists of taking Levothyroxine, a replacement hormone, for life. (Here think back to
my large, languid tadpole deprived of thyroxine.) There are actually several causes of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, but they are
beyond the scope of this article. What is important is understanding this concept of too much or too little.
Goitre
A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. This can be the result of several factors, including insufficient iodine in the diet, high
consumption of certain foods that have a neutralising effect on iodine, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, and various drugs, such as
Lithium. A goitre can occur in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Thyroglossal cysts and thyroid nodules
In embryonic life the thyroid gland migrates downwards from the pharynx to its position below the Adams apple. Sometimes a cyst will
develop along the thyroglossal tract. Usually this presents as a swelling above the thyroid in the midline of the neck. They should always be
medically investigated.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that develop within the thyroid itself. Although 95 per cent are quite benign, as with thyroglossal cysts, it is
important that they be investigated medically.
The thyroid enigma and homeopathy
The thyroid gland is a bit of an enigma. Although the textbook descriptions are quite clear, it is not unusual to see someone who looks to have
an over-active thyroid yet who, on testing, is found to be hypothyroid and vice versa. In addition, one often sees someone who has been
diagnosed as being under-active and who has been prescribed ever-increasing doses of Levothyroxine, yet derives no symptomatic benefit.
They may have been told that the thyroid is functioning in the normal range, yet they still have symptoms of fatigue, high cholesterol and are
still clearly out of balance.
The aim of homeopathic treatment is to stimulate the bodys homeostatic or inner self-balancing mechanisms. In order to do this the individual
ideally needs to be given the simillimum, the right remedy for them at that moment in time. Theoretically, that means that the right remedy
could be one out of several thousand. In practice, however, we find that there is a manageable number of remedies that have a propensity to
help the thyroid and the ones mentioned have all been found of value in my practice. Interestingly, the same remedies can sometimes be
indicated in situations of both over-activity and under-activity. It is the individual that is being treated, rather than the condition.
Let me describe Jacquelines case, because I think it illustrates the enigma of the thyroid, especially upon treatment. This woman is 45 years
old. She consulted me after a two-year history of ill health, which had started with rapid weight loss and irritability. She had been diagnosed
with thyrotoxicosis and had treatment with the anti-thyroid drug Carbimazole. This and other drugs had failed and she then had thyroid
surgery, with initial improvement, which was then followed by weight gain, loss of energy and the subsequent diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
Then followed a period of slowly escalating dosage of thyroxine, but without any marked improvement. By the time she came to see me she
was two stones overweight, irritable, subject to numerous allergies and with a marked suspiciousness bordering on the paranoid. She felt that
she would never get well again. This emotional state, especially the irritability, gloom and the suspiciousness highly suggested that she
needed the remedy Thyroidinum. This she was given at monthly intervals, with immediate improvement in her emotional state. She became
motivated to lose her excess weight and was able to do so. Most importantly, she was gradually able to reduce her Levothyroxine dosage to a
minimal level, upon which she is still maintained.
Exophthalmos
The prominent, bulging eyes that I mentioned above makes me think of two excellent remedies. The first is Conium maculatum which is very
useful when the individual feels flat and depressed, and when they develop a very hard, smooth goitre. Being very superstitious is
characteristic.
The other one is Lycopus virginicus. The characteristic here relates to the heart, with frequent palpitations and shortness of breath.
General over-activity
Ferrum iodatum is a remedy that is useful in the paradoxical situation where an overweight person is afflicted with hyperthyroidism. They can
be peevish, sensitive to noise, and subject to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or colitis. Iodum is perhaps indicated in the classic hyperthyroid
case. Here the individual is ravenously hungry, yet finds that weight just drops off them. They are incredibly hurried and restless. Very often
they will admit to developing little compulsions, or even have developed full blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Goitre
As mentioned earlier, goitres can occur in both over- and under-activity. Spongia tosta is a useful remedy for someone with a goitre, generally
with an overactive thyroid and a background picture of tickling coughs, a tendency to suffocative cough at night (as if having to suck air
through a sponge) or asthma. They may feel that their cough or difficulty breathing stems from their goitre.
Calcarea carbonica is very useful in cuddly, doughy people with goitres. They feel easily overwhelmed by life, have multiple fears and crave all
sorts of indigestible food. They can be very constipated, yet be unconcerned about it. Their goitre tends to be associated with under-activity.
Bromum is useful in people with respiratory problems, who present with rock hard goitres and who long to be by the seaside, their favourite
place. Being overheated makes them feel awful. Their thyroid can be either over-active or under-active.

General under-activity
Fucus vesiculosus (sea kelp) is a classic remedy for generalised under-activity in overweight individuals. They tend to be very constipated and
subject to headaches as if an iron ring is tight about the head. They may have both a goitre and exhibit exophthalmos.
Graphites is useful for overweight people with cracked, scaly skin troubles. They tend to have under-active thyroids and be weepy, sensitive
and quite anxious.
Natrum muriaticum is another very useful remedy for reserved, sensitive, and sorrowful folk who are subject to migraines and who usually like
or crave salt. They can develop either over- or under-active thyroids. They are often slim with thin necks and slightly lank hair.
Other strategies
It is not always possible to pin a remedy down and sometimes one can look at the clinical state of the individual as the result of a series of
layers that need to be worked through, or be peeled away one at a time, using different remedies for each layer. Yet another approach is to
use organ remedies. These are called sarcodes, remedies made from organs of healthy cattle, sheep or pigs, which are prepared in a variety
of potencies. The basic principle is the triphasic activity of the remedies. Thus, low potencies (of Thyroid) 3c, 4c and 5c stimulate the gland,
medium potencies of 6c and 7c regulate it, and high potencies of 9c up to 30c depress it. When used properly it can be an effective strategy.
Nutritional advice
Good wholesome food is important if someone has a thyroid problem. They would be well advised to avoid refined foods, saturated fats and
sugars and to have at least 50 per cent of the diet as fresh food.
Keith Souter MB ChB FRCGP MFHom MIPsiMed DipMedAc is a part-time GP in Yorkshire. He also has a private holistic medicine
practice and is a newspaper columnist as well as the author of Homeopathy for the Third Age and Homeopathy: Heart & Soul.

Stress
Conventional medicine has little to offer, often relying on sedatives or tranquillisers but homeopathy, writes John Hughes-Games,
can be very effective
Medically, the mental or emotional aspects of stress are exceedingly important. Unhappiness, shock, illness, fear and much else can cause
stress, which in turn can make people vulnerable to so many different illnesses both mental and physical. Stress and anxiety go hand in hand;
every illness has a degree of anxiety. Even a predominantly physical illness like a sore throat can cause some stress. Certain illnesses have a
very large stress component; particularly illnesses like depression, anxiety states and panic attacks.
A persons tolerance of stress varies enormously some people thrive on it; high-powered businessmen, for instance, who constantly have to
make important decisions. Others buckle under quite small stresses and this may lead to illness.
Types of stress
Stress can be divided into four types. Firstly, there is everyday benign stress, the mild stress that stimulates us to get on with things and which
stops us from becoming cabbages. For instance, on a cold winters morning it might be very tempting to stay in bed but the stress of knowing
that things have got to be done jobs, housework, paperwork makes us get up. Nobody likes paying bills but the consequences of not doing
so would certainly lead to worse stress, so we do them! This sort of stress motivates us.
The second is healthy stress having to meet deadlines, having to speak in public or, on a more physical level, competing in a race or
competition. This is the sort of stress that makes us do things we might not particularly want to do but having done them we have a sense of
achievement and satisfaction that is extremely good for us.
The third is acute stress resulting from the shock of, for instance, a burglary, a sudden bereavement or a road accident, or even a more
physical cause like being mugged, an operation, a haemorrhage.
The fourth might be called malignant stress for instance, the anxiety, frustration and unhappiness resulting from an unsatisfactory marriage
or relationship, having chronic financial problems, having to look after a difficult, disabled or ill relative or having a chronic or disabling illness
oneself. This is the sort of stress about which we can do nothing and it is this particularly that concerns us as doctors, as it can lead to mental
or physical disease.
If a doctor is good at reassurance he will be able to help his patients through many traumas in their lives. I once had the privilege of working
with Dr Blackie who had this quality to a remarkable degree. Directly she came into the sickroom there was an immediate feeling of thank
goodness here she is, now we will be all right. The intense worry and anxiety, which were compounding the illness are removed and this
energy, instead of being dissipated in worry, is redirected to helping the patient to get better. Dr Blackie had the quality that used to be known
as the bedside manner; a combination of wisdom, knowledge, compassion, humour and common sense a somewhat rare mixture
nowadays when knowledge is considered far more important than any other quality. However perhaps knowledge without wisdom can be

dangerous.
How can homeopathy help?
To start with, the homeopathic enquiry is a very profound one and very often during a consultation various factors come to light, which may be
creating some degree of anxiety or stress in the patients life. A discussion as to how they may be overcome, removed or mitigated, can often
be very helpful. Discussion itself can be extremely therapeutic. In many cases the patient is anxious or worried because nobody has taken
time to talk to them. The homeopathic physician spends a lot of time with patients. It is however very important that the practitioner should
have a sound knowledge of conventional medical diagnosis because during the discussion signs and symptoms of disease which need
conventional (sometimes urgent) treatment may emerge and a qualified doctor with a knowledge of diagnosis knows when to refer a patient
urgently to the appropriate specialist and is able to do so.
Having carefully assessed the patient, taking into account not only his illness and how he is reacting to it, but his whole make-up, the
homeopathic physician then tries to work out the patients constitutional remedy. If he succeeds in selecting the right remedy, the patients
wellbeing, resistance, resilience, general health and ability to cope are enhanced and many stress symptoms can be helped.
There are a number of polychrests (medicines of many uses) often prescribed constitutionally, which are particularly appropriate for different
sorts of worry and stress. The following I have used to good effect on many occasions: Lycopodium for the patient who greatly underestimates
their abilities and anticipates every ordeal however small with pessimism; Silica patients are terrified of failure and Calc carbs are just too
weak and exhausted to attempt anything! These medicines are only effective, of course, if they fit the patient so far as his whole constitution
and make up is concerned.
There are, however, some homeopathic preparations, which are particularly appropriate for acute situations. Here are a few with their
indications:
Aconite
This is the most useful medicine in homeopathy for shock whatever the cause, whether physical or mental. It can be a great help for the
unfortunate patient who suffers from panic attacks a tablet or pill in a potency of 30c to be taken at the first sign and if necessary repeated
every ten minutes.
Ignatia
This is excellent for bereavement, whether through death or desertion. I once had a family in general practice who had the horrifying
experience of having two cot deaths two sisters whose babies died within forty-eight hours of each other. The whole family was much helped
by taking Ignatia 30c every two to three hours.
Argentum nit
A most useful medicine for people who feel extremely nervous before an ordeal particularly when the nervousness is felt in the gut and they
have diarrhoea or the collywobbles. I recommend the 30c potency to be taken before any ordeal.
Gelsemium
Another medicine that can be taken before ordeals, it is appropriate for the patient who freezes either mentally or physically whose brain
seems to seize up under the stress of an examination for instance. 30c is a useful potency.
Arnica
One of the great stand-bys in homeopathic medicine, it is useful for bruises or falls or any sort of trauma as it promotes healing, but it is also
very useful in high potency for physical or even emotional exhaustion. For instance for the mother with the very fractious baby who keeps
waking up in the night, perhaps due to teething, or the person who is exhausted by having to look after some chronically ill relative. If used in
this way Arnica should be given in a potency of 10M once a week only.

Stress
Bob Leckridge describes some of the major characteristics of and commonly indicated medicines for dealing with stress
How often do you hear those around you using the sword: stress?
Im so stressed!
Im stressed out.
I cant go to work. Im stressed.
Ive got a stress headache.
Its just stress.
These are statements you hear all the time arent they? Youve probably even said one or two of them yourself. But what do people actually
mean when they use this word, stress? Does everyone mean the same thing?

In homeopathy, we are always interested to understand what another person is actually experiencing. Of course, we can only understand by
interpreting what we observe from their behaviour, in addition to listening to them explain what their inner experience is using their own
words.
However we often use words in quite loose and general ways, so to grasp what someone else is really feeling we need to ask them for
examples, and to get them to describe their experience in as much detail as possible.
When we do that, we find that individuals have quite different interpretations of the word stress. For some its a feeling of anxiety, a kind of
nervousness. For others, its primarily a kind of agitation. For yet others its a feeling of not being able to cope. In fact, there is a wide range of
emotions and inner feelings associated with this word stress.
Biologically, a stressor is anything which impacts on an organism requiring it to adapt or to defend its integrity. In human beings that impact
may come from within, or from without. Physical disease processes can alter the inner environment of the body and these alterations require
adjustments to be made.
More commonly, probably, we attribute stress to circumstance or to some external force. (We can call this external force the stressor the
whatever it is thats doing the stressing.) When we come to consider these stressors, again we find a wide range of possibilities. It can be a
kind of harassment, a being hurried and pressured to meet deadlines, or to perform tasks in particular ways which we find demanding or
challenging. It can be about feeling we have too many issues and/or tasks demanding our attention all at once. Or it can be about
experiencing some significant trauma, like a bereavement, a divorce, or losing a job.
In most circumstances we feel stressed when dealing with change. However, clearly everyone will experience similar situations differently,
some feeling unruffled. Even those who are experiencing a situation as stressful will have different thoughts and different sensations from
each other.
As always, the homeopathic approach recognises this and therefore there is no single remedy for stress, or even small handful of remedies
for stress. The most appropriate remedy will be the one which best matches the individuals experience and characteristics.
Id like to describe for you some of the leading characteristics of some commonly indicated remedies for those who are experiencing stress,
partly so you can see the diversity of patterns, and partly because you might identify with one or two which could be useful for you, yourself.
Anticipatory anxiety
There are a number of ways to consider the specifics of stress. For example, we can consider the pattern of the persons symptoms in a
common stressinducing situation, such as anticipatory anxiety. A common situation in which to feel stressed is in the runup to a challenging
task or event, such as an examination or a performance. Two of the most commonly indicated medicines here are Argentum nitricum and
Gelsemium.
Both of these medicines can be useful in reducing the effects of stress in situations where some kind of performance is expected. As a GP I
frequently prescribed these remedies for patients who had previously failed a driving test because of nerves. It was very satisfying to see
them come back with their new driving licence in their hands after the remedy settled their nerves and let them perform at their best.
A very particular group of patients who came to me asking for one of these remedies were those who performed for a living. Musicians who
played a string instrument like a violin or viola might find that shaky hands caused by the stress of the event could ruin their performance and,
just like those who were about to take a driving test, taking a sedative drug like valium was totally out of the question. In modern homeopathic
thinking, remedies which are prepared from the metals we find in the row of the periodic table which contains silver seem commonly indicated
for people who are involved in creative work such as musicians and other performers. (Right in the middle of that row of the table is the metal
palladium, and youll be well aware of the longstanding reputation of a theatre like The London Palladium where you could expect to see the
best performers.)
What about the fact that many performers say they need stress in order to perform well? Its true that most great performers not only feel very
stressed as they are about to step on the stage, the track or the pitch, but they claim it benefits them; it gets the adrenaline flowing and without
that their performance doesnt go so well. This is a good example of how stress is a complex phenomenon. We often feel that disturbing or
uncomfortable symptoms are just bad things and if we could have a life free of stress, then that would be a better life. If we listen to what the
top performers say, then well realise that such a view is simplistic. Stress has the essential value in preparing us to meet challenges and in
optimising our abilities to cope with them. Medication which removed stress might seem like a desirable thing, but if it impaired our ability to
cope and to perform, it wouldnt be doing us any favours. Sedative drugs like valium have this drawback. Not only do they cause drowsiness
which makes it impossible to think or act clearly but they are highly addictive and people can find that once theyve started them, its very hard
to stop.
Homeopathic medicines have a huge advantage over sedatives here. A remedy does not act in a chemical way, suppressing anything within
the body. Rather it stimulates the natural mechanisms of healing, repair and resilience. In other words, the intention of taking a homeopathic
medicine is to improve the efficiency of your body and your mind. The remedy, therefore, reduces the distressing symptoms of stress only by
enhancing your ability to cope with it.
Are remedies performance enhancing drugs then? No, they are not. Not in the way a sports authority would think of it anyway. (Of course
even if they were, they are neither proscribed medicines in sport, nor are they detectable in the human body.) Homeopathic medicines are not

magic. They wont enable anyone to do what they are not naturally able to do. In that sense, they cannot enhance performance. They are not
a kind of cheating.
The problem with stress is when it becomes overwhelming. An amount of stress might be good for us. It might stimulate us and tone us up to
perform at our best, but when it becomes too much then it makes it hard for us to function at all.
Another common situation which calls for one of these anticipatory anxiety remedies is where the stress is so inhibiting that it limits personal
choices and freedom such as when people have a severe fear of flying which prevents them from actually being able to get onto an aircraft
and being able to enjoy a foreign holiday.
Argentum nitricum or Gelsemium or some other anticipatory anxiety remedy can enable some people to take their holidays with the rest of
their families, spreading the benefits beyond just the patient who takes the medicine, to their family and friends who wanted to travel with
them. This is especially the case where someone is literally paralysed by their fear and just cannot physically climb onto the plane.
This same principle applies in many phobias. Think of someone who is unable to get on a bus, or who is so afraid of crowds that they cant go
into town to shops or restaurants. Whilst phobias are a more extreme form of stress, they do show how a situation which one person finds
overwhelmingly stressful can be problem free for another. We are all so different.
Argentum nitricum
The pattern of Argentum nitricum is predominantly focused on the bowels and the limbs. This is a common state. The bowel becomes noisy
with loud gurgling and this overactivity can reach the outside world as diarrhoea. The anxious, stressed exam candidate who has to keep
dashing to the loo is a typical example. But its not just the bowels which become overactive. This poor soul becomes tremulous developing
both a fine tremor of the hands and shaky legs. You can imagine how difficult this is if you are a musician about to perform in a major concert!
They feel flushed and overheated, crave something sweet or sugary, which can easily make them feel sick.
Gelsemium
This is the classic stage fright remedy. Theres a theme of paralysis running through all its main features. Its the pattern where the main focus
is not so much the bowel but more the head and the limbs. The legs feel heavy and shaky, and theres a foggy, dull feeling in the head. It can
feel quite like certain kinds of flu. When about to get up on stage they find their legs just wont take them, or they get onto stage and find that
their voice has disappeared and theyre unable to talk or sing. Most professional performers who have these symptoms find that once they
actually get going, once they begin to act or sing, then the symptoms disappear and they actually perform very well. In fact, thats also the
case with Argentum nitricum, where if they can get beyond the stressful symptoms, many of these people can deliver excellent performances.
Pinpointing stressful circumstances
We can also consider the focus of the persons stress, their main issue. In other words, exactly what are the circumstances or issues which
this person finds so stressful? As we saw above in considering the anticipatory anxiety remedies, finding the cause of a stress can also give
clues about which remedy might help.
Arsenicum album
The patient who responds well to Arsenicum album, for example, is usually quite an anxious, nervous type of person, someone who is very
fastidious and punctilious. In fact, these are people who always arrive in plenty of time for an appointment because they absolutely cannot
stand to be late. Time pressure can be a major source of stress. I remember a number of years ago sitting on a commuter train which kept
stopping between stations. It was clearly going to arrive late. I found that I was constantly checking my watch, updating myself literally every
few minutes about just how late I was going to be. I was becoming increasingly stressed. Then I had an insight. No matter how often I looked
at my watch, the train would not go any faster. All my time checking was doing was increasing my stress level. I took my watch off and settled
down to read my book. I havent worn a watch for over ten years now and I dont get stressed on commuter trains any more. That worked for
me, but I guess if you are an Arsenicum album type, the idea of going through life without a watch is a complete nonstarter for you.
Another major focus for the patient who responds to Arsenicum album is disease. They are often afraid that some minor symptom is a sign of
a serious disease. I had one patient in general practice who had a fear of cancer of the throat. He made an appointment once a month for me
to shine a torch in his mouth and check his throat. He always arrived in plenty of time! However, as you can imagine, if you are particularly
anxious about disease, then any small symptom might send you off to the doctor because every small symptom becomes a stressor.
Bryonia
In these economically troubled times Bryonia is an increasingly indicated remedy for stress. The main focus for the Bryonia patient is stress
about their business or about money. These are people who are hard workers and whose work provides them with the money they need to
live their lives. Its not that they are necessarily ambitious or competitive. Its more that they have a deep insecurity about not having enough
money, a real fear of poverty. When such a person faces uncertainty at work, then their stress levels can go through the roof. The stress
manifests itself most typically as physical pain or stiffness.
Calcarea carbonica
This is another common workfocused remedy. People who need this remedy are good steady workers but they get especially concerned
about being observed or stressed by being hurried towards a deadline of some sort. You can imagine that in difficult economic times, as
employees come under increasing pressure to do more in less time, that the Calcarea carbonica patient will become very stressed. Another
common feature of employment these days is appraisal. More and more, employees are being subjected to demands to demonstrate their
work skills and performance. If you are a typical Calcarea carbonica type, then youll find the annual appraisal round an especially stressful

event.
Staphysagria
Other patterns are revealed by the kind of issues to which a person is sensitive. Unfairness, or injustice, is one such common issue. The
Staphysagria patient, for example, will probably have experienced something which they feel has been unjust or unfair. Its just not fair! is a
common remark theyll make. This is common in either school or at work where someone is being bullied. A remedy, of course, will not change
a bullys behaviour, but if it enables the bullied person to feel stronger and less vulnerable, then they often find that they cease to be the target
of the bully.
A useful tool
There are many, many situations which individuals can find stressful, and a myriad of ways in which people experience stress. The situations,
the sensitivities and the particulars of the symptom patterns are always the keys to finding the best remedy for someone. Homeopathy is a
great treatment for stress, because we cant, and shouldnt, remove stress from our lives, but when our whole being is working optimally then
we cope well, we are resilient and confident and stress can then be a useful tool rather than a limiting, distressing phenomenon. A wellchosen
remedy can help to achieve this goal.
Bob Leckridge MB ChB FFHom is an exGP who currently works as a locum Consultant in Homeopathy at Glasgow Homeopathic
Hospital. President of the Faculty of Homeopathy from 1999 to 2005, he teaches homeopathy extensively and internationally and is
the author of Homeopathy in Primary Care published by Churchill Livingstone.

Stress Busting
Dr Jeni Worden looks at how to stay in good mental health during these tough economic times.
We live in stressful times. High unemployment, pay freezes and short-term working are causing serious financial hardship for many people.
Concerns over how to pay the household bills and mortgage on a reduced family income often lead to anxiety, stress and sleepless nights
which, if untreated, can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. The economic downturn has also produced rising stress levels
among UKs shrinking workforce as many workers have found that theyve had to take on a much heavier workload. A recent study from 2009
shows that 415,000 people reported work related stress problems that they felt were making them unwell. Already one in five visits to the GP
are for symptoms related to stress, anxiety or depression; and with the economic future still uncertain it is feared that these figures will
increase.
What is stress?
Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive as an adverse reaction to excessive pressures or other demands and produces
symptoms such as a pounding heart or palpitations, dry mouth, headaches, generalised muscle and joint pains, loss of appetite for food or
sex, tiredness and poor concentration. The hormones responsible for making us feel so bad are released by the adrenal glands, of which we
have two, situated just above the kidneys (hence their alternative name of suprarenal glands). Cortisol is responsible for causing raised blood
pressure, reduced effectiveness of our bodys immune system and the release of fat and sugar into the blood stream. Adrenaline and
noradrenaline are the flight or fight hormones, causing our heart rate and blood pressure to rise and making us sweat more. Already it can
be seen why rising stress levels makes us feel the way we do. If stress is left unchecked, it can cause physical problems such as a stroke or a
heart attack due to hypertension (raised blood pressure) or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, frequently with accompanying
insomnia.
First line of defence
So what can be done to eliminate harmful levels of stress from our lives? The good news is that there are a number of ways of combating
stress and making yourself feel better. Talking therapies are advised by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) for the symptoms of
mild anxiety or depression, but it can be difficult to access them on the NHS due to long waiting lists or lack of facilities in some areas.
However, talking to a good friend or close relative is an alternative approach and the phrase a trouble shared is a trouble halved is very true.
Self-help groups can also be a valuable source of support but avoid those that become too introspective as it is meant to be a way out of your
problems, not to further delve into them. While the mental health charities Mind and NoPanic offer valuable online advice.
Apart from counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy and anger management to which your GP may be able to refer you, relaxation techniques
such as listening to music, deep breathing or muscle relaxation can help to relieve stress related symptoms. A healthy diet will always help as
sugary snacks, eaten in a rush, will just make your body feel worse, and cause a sugar dip in both your energy and concentration. Plenty of
fluids not alcohol or caffeine are recommended (at least 1.2 litres a day), and I can personally vouch for the calming effects of exercise. My
local council run gym does an excellent programme called Healthy Horizons to which I, as a local GP, can refer anybody with a health
problem, including depression, stress and anxiety, who wants to participate in an exercise regime with appropriate supervision. Fees are
reduced for such patients and most people find it very beneficial as natural painkillers and mood hormones called endorphins are released
during exercise. Endorphins can help to smooth out the chemical imbalance in the brain which causes depression and related anxiety
symptoms.
Giving up smoking is another way to help relieve stress, although some of my patients claim smoking cigarettes is the only way they can
combat stress and therefore a reason for not stopping!
The homeopathic approach

Furthermore, there is a whole range of homeopathic medications that can be used for a wide variety of symptoms in conjunction with all the
therapies mentioned above and without affecting the effectiveness of conventional medicines.
For stress related symptoms such as chest pain, indigestion and heartburn/acid reflux, dizziness, diarrhoea, sweating, tension, breathlessness
and anxiety, feelings of restlessness and worries about health, I find myself advising patients to try one of the most common remedies,
Arsenicum album (white arsenic). If taken in a toxic dose, arsenic causes the symptoms mentioned above, which is why it is such a good
homeopathic remedy for this situation. It is especially useful if the underlying personality is that of a tidy person who worries about their own
health and that of their family or loved ones. They feel worse when alone and want people around them. There may be perfectionistic traits or
even an element of obsessive compulsive disorder. Patients admit to wanting to feel in control and becoming very depressed if they feel that is
no longer possible, for whatever reason. Generally, Arsenicum album suits someone who feels the cold and is chilly in nature, hardly ever
feeling too warm. Heat makes them feel better and they often feel worse at midnight or in the early hours of the morning.
One of my female patients came to see me some years ago as she wanted to stop taking her conventional antidepressant medication but was
worried about her depression returning. She was a very tidy and precise sort of lady and I felt she would do well with Arsenicum album, so I
prescribed a 30C tablet to be taken daily while she reduced her Prozac. She remained well after stopping the antidepressant and has done so
to this day, using Arsenicum album very occasionally for a short while to control any recurrent symptoms. Another patient had an outbreak of
severe eczema which had coincided with him losing his job. He was a worrier by nature and Arsenicum album worked amazingly to restore his
skin and mental state to full health.
If you are more of a hot and bothered type of person, being impulsive rather than guarded (as described in the Arsenicum album picture) but
sharing the concern about health and having anticipatory anxiety (worry about forthcoming events), then Argentum nitricum (silver nitrate) may
well be the answer to your stress levels. People who do well with Argentum nitricum tend to be suggestible and sympathetic, preferring
company and becoming anxious when alone. They are warm-blooded and are worse for heat, the opposite of the Arsenicum album picture.
They can suffer from palpitations and are plagued by digestive problems, such as belching and wind. And they have a liking for sweets and
salty foods, in contrast to people possessing the Arsenicum album characteristics who prefer sour and fatty foods.
A personal anecdote may help to illustrate to effectiveness of the Argentum nitricum remedy. I used to have a large black tom cat who spent
his life avoiding getting too hot, disliking the sun intensely. He was a terrible traveller, getting panicky even when placed in the car, and going
on a journey was horrendous as he would frequently pass a motion. Argentum nitricum stopped his anxiety and meant a calm journey home
from a trip to Wales without any unscheduled stops or mishaps!
Melancholy moods
Sometimes, I have to prescribe medication such as antidepressants or sedatives to relieve the severity of my patients problems and
occasionally a consultant psychiatrist is needed for advice. But homeopathy can also be used to treat this only too common form of mental
illness.
When it comes to depression, one of the medications I find myself prescribing most often is Natrum muriaticum (sea salt). Natrum muriaticum
is a very deep acting remedy, especially in the sphere of mental health. Because deep grief and sorrow are typical of the feelings Natrum
muriaticum can help to relieve, and these are emotions that every single one of us will have felt at some stage in our lives, it is not surprising
that it is used as regularly as it is. Typically, Natrum muriaticum will help those people who are sensitive but who have learnt to keep their
feelings in check, a perfect paradigm of the very British stiff upper lip. They tend to be stoical and to get on with things, to bottle things up
regardless of how unhappy they are feeling. They are often good listeners and confidantes, without their friends realising how much they
themselves are hurting inside. Receiving a hug can help them feel better, but they tend to be happier without physical contact from people
outside their immediate family. Being nice to them when they are upset makes them feel worse or cry more and they hate breaking down in
front of you. Music may make them cry but often such patients complain to me that they cannot cry, even though very sad or recently
bereaved. They may suffer from migraines and have back pain which is made better from hard pressure. I find that because of the
psychological nature of these problems I have to use a higher potency such as 200C or 1M; but I would always advise seeing a Faculty
qualified homeopath before using these doses as a whole range of emotions can be raised by this remedy and may require further treatment
with counselling.
Whereas, Natrum muriaticum can be great to relieve the depression or stress feelings due to an ever increasing level of responsibility, if the
responsibility starts to be overwhelming, then Calcarea carbonica (oyster shell) is probably a better option for you. Calcarea carbonica suits
the sort of person who is methodical and determined but has to achieve success through hard work rather than natural brilliance. Obstinate
may be another word used by relatives and friends to describe them. These people have a strong sense of duty and are inclined to become
overworked by trying to keep up with an increasingly heavy workload. Its not uncommon for them to work themselves to exhaustion and they
may even have to give up their job all together as a result. Anxieties exist about health and they feel that they will never recover. They fear
heights and think they are going mad. While cold, damp weather makes them feel worse and they tend to feel physically weak when they get
stressed. Breathing problems such as asthma or bronchitis are common. Excess perspiration is another feature, both of the head/neck and
feet. Calcarea carbonica in a 30C dose taken daily can help restore balance into a sufferers life and to give perspective to their problems.
Lack of sleep
My final section is on the treatment of insomnia. We all suffer from sleeplessness at some time in our lives but for those with anxiety and
stress problems, lack of sleep exacerbates their worries and impairs their ability to overcome their problems. As a GP, I try to encourage
sufferers to analyse what is causing their sleep problem to help me prescribe the most suitable homeopathic medicine. A remedy derived
from Coffea cruda (coffee bean) has often been advised for insomnia and is worth trying. But if they cannot stop their mind from racing, then a
low dose Gelsenium (yellow jasmine) taken at night should help. The herbal remedy Valerian is often recommended for sleep problems, and it

can be taken in a homeopathic dose as Valeriana. As with the Gelsnium I would again advise a low dose of 6 or 12C strength at night. If you
are waking up at 3 or 4 am and cannot sleep due to thoughts of work or how to manage the next day, then Nux vomica (strychnine) will be a
good choice. Nux vomica is often associated with the A type personality who is prone to stress caused by overwork or overindulgence with
caffeine or alcohol. If you just cannot let go of the day then try Kali carbonicum (carbonate of potassium) for this medicine can help when you
are waking between 2 and 4am or you wake only four hours after falling asleep with muscle twitches or have problems talking in your sleep.
There is always help available, no matter how bad you are feeling. Please make an appointment to see your GP if you feel you are suffering
from anxiety or depression which is affecting your work or home life, and talk about how you feel I can assure you, it will help!
Further information
www.mind.org.uk
www.nopanic.org.uk

Sports injuries
At whatever level you exercise, problems can arise and homeopathy has some answers, writes Fiona Dry
Prior to studying homeopathy, my free time was spent as an ice hockey team doctor. Indeed, it was my quest for treatments of the coughs and
colds, which could decimate our team in the winter, that led me to look at homeopathy seriously as a useful tool to add to my treatment
choices.
Today some top athletes have used homeopathy successfully and interest among both athletes and the support teams that care for them,
appears to be increasing. However for most people sport is recreational and the need is for simple remedies to treat the most common
injuries. I usually recommend keeping four remedies in the sports bag so that they can be easily accessed at any time whether in the gym,
on court or on the rugby field.
First aid remedies
Recommended for any physical trauma, Arnica is probably the best-known homeopathic remedy and for this reason it is often used
inappropriately. When using most other remedies we look for a pattern of symptoms to match the illness this shouldnt be forgotten when
using remedies in a first aid situation. Arnica can be used when the injury is in the initial stages and is likely to be superficial sprains,
knocks, falls or when bruising is easily visible, but will be more useful when some of the other features are present such as wanting to be left
alone or not able to bear someone touching the area. By all means use Arnica 30c every 15 minutes for up to two hours if it seems to be
helping, then reassess to check whether another remedy is needed.
For bruising that is likely to be deep as in a direct blow to the quads in rugby or any other contact sport then my choice would be Bellis
perennis 30c rather than Arnica. With an injury needing Bellis perennis there is often a feeling of tightness and bruising may not be
particularly apparent initially. It can also be helpful for tears to the quads where there is a lot of bleeding into the muscle itself. Again use it
every 15 minutes for the first two hours then reduce the frequency to a dose three to four times daily, gradually tailing off the remedy as
symptoms improve.
My third choice is Ledum 30c as it is so useful in treating sprained ankles. Switch to using Ledum, from Arnica if the ankle looks black with
bruising and has the sensation of being cold, yet putting heat on it worsens the pain which is actually relieved by applying ice. Ledum is often
needed for a couple of days so start taking a dose every 30 minutes for up to six doses and then reduce to three or four times daily as you
improve. It is also particularly useful for black eyes so if you play contact sport this is good to have in your bag.
The last remedy is Rhus tox again as a 30c potency. Use it when, having sat down in the bar after a game, you start to move and feel seized
up which is helped by getting the area moving again. Even if you havent been injured but have simply had a hard session and feel stiff two or
three doses of Rhus tox over one to two hours, alternating with Arnica can sometimes help. Although clinical research doesnt necessarily
back this, from a purely practical point of view, it is worth trying. If you are due to play further matches that day or the next use just the Rhus
tox.
Muscle cramps
These are a common problem in athletes. When it happens after a match it is painful and inconvenient, but during a match it can mean the
difference between winning and losing. If cramps are a common problem try dissolving a tablet of Cuprum metallicum 30c in a small bottle of
water and sip it two or three times an hour during the match. If you develop a cramp then this can be increased to one sip every two or three
minutes until it subsides. Remember to mark the bottle well as you should use a different bottle to drink from if you are trying to keep up your
level of hydration!
Tennis elbow
Besides helping in first aid cases homeopathic remedies can be used in injuries that take a longer time to develop such as tennis elbow. This
is not easily related to a specific incident but develops over weeks or months and causes pain in the elbow, which is worse when trying to pick
up an object at arms length. Ruta is a remedy which tends to help with such pains, however in some of my patients it has caused headaches,
which limits its usefulness. It is for this reason I recommend a 6c potency which can be taken daily for up to three weeks rather than 30c.
Often this condition is accompanied by restlessness and the pain is described as a bruised feeling, again some patients have used Arnica

thinking that it is indicated for the bruised feeling but Ruta has a special affinity for the areas where bones and tendons meet, making it my first
choice for tennis elbow. If the pain is more like a tearing feeling and is relieved by heat then Causticum might be a better choice, using 30c
daily for up to two weeks.
Achilles tendonitis
This is another problem that tends to develop slowly. The tendon becomes painful and sometimes appears swollen or feels soft to the touch.
Treatment should include an assessment of both footwear and the way the lower limbs move to help eliminate causative factors. Rest, good
footwear and physiotherapy are the mainstay of treatment. Homeopathic remedies can be used alongside conventional treatments rather than
replacing them as healing tends to be slow and difficult to sustain.
Use Kali bich especially when symptoms are in one part of the tendon only rather than affecting the whole length of it. If the area affected is
the lower part of the tendon where it attaches to the heel then Ruta again would be a reasonable choice, whereas if it is more towards the end
of the tendon that attaches to the calf muscles then choose Anacardium instead. When stiffness is the main symptom rather than pain, the
calves and even the ankles feeling tight especially when walking then Cimicifugia might be needed.
The remedies may need to be taken for three to four weeks so a 6c potency needs to be used and can be taken daily, provided you re-assess
whether the remedy is helping or not in the first five days and regularly during the treatment. Also remember to stop when there is a change in
your symptoms.
Painful heels
A condition called plantar fasciitis causes pain, which is typically worse first thing in the morning when you put your foot to the floor and eases
off during the day. This is due to inflammation of a thick layer of connective tissue, which attaches to the underside of the heel. This
inflammation occurs at the junction of the connective tissue and the heel bone and therefore Ruta is helpful in doses as outlined for Achilles
tendinitis.
If the pain feels more bony in origin, and is worse in damp weather then Aranea diadema 6c taken daily over three to four weeks would be my
choice, particularly if the worsening of the symptoms in damp weather was a prominent feature because I find this an unusual symptom in
this disease.
After some time the heel can produce a small spur of bone which in itself exacerbates the pain. Calc phos in 6c potency taken daily over a sixweek period can help to settle the discomfort and in most cases a small heel raise worn in every shoe or slipper will speed recovery. Your GP
or a physiotherapist can advise you about this.
Recurrent injuries
In recurrent injuries, or those not responding to simple remedies, then the approach must be more constitutional rather than local. A doctor or
therapist can build up a relationship with an athlete and frequently uses knowledge about the character of that athlete in choosing a remedy.
The highly competitive, exacting, winner at all costs who also is popular in the club, enjoys a drink and a joke after the game (especially when
he has won!) would encourage me to prescribe Nux vomica for cramps rather than Cuprum metallicum.
Someone with weak ankles and recurrent sprains would lead me to Calc carb if they were generally anxious, hard working, taking on more
and more responsibility until they become exhausted. Nat carb if they were more reserved, take sudden dislikes to people, or perhaps had a
feeling of sadness about them.
An athlete with Achilles tendinitis who had suffered bereavement around the time of the injury may need Ignatia rather than the remedies I
suggested earlier. In some cases remedy selection can only be done after taking a complete homeopathic history and the symptoms seen in
context.
Drug testing in sport
I am sometimes asked whether homeopathic remedies cause problems with the anti doping rules in sport. Athletes at anything from club to
national level may be subject to drug testing for performance enhancing drugs, depending on the sport they take part in, and detection of
banned drugs could lead to suspension from the sport. The beauty of homeopathic remedies is that they are undetectable via conventional
methods. The problems lie with other remedies, sometimes labelled herbal or vitamin/food supplements that are confused with homeopathic
remedies. If in any doubt you should contact your sport governing body prior to taking a remedy to check that it is allowable.
Can homeopathic remedies improve performance in an athlete? My answer is undoubtedly yes but not to the extent that would unnaturally
enhance his or her performance past optimum, so I would consider them no more performance enhancing than good coaching and they dont
have the health risks associated with banned drugs.
What cant homeopathy achieve?
It cant replace correct equipment, good coaching and sensible training schedules; neither can it replace accurate diagnosis of an injury. If in
any doubt get a professional opinion. A good coach is invaluable in preventing injuries and a chartered physiotherapist is equally so in treating
them, take your chosen remedy along and tell them about it. You may be surprised at how much they know about homeopathy already and if
not why not tell them?
Finally I would recommend a very helpful book to read if you would like to know more about homeopathy and sports injury: Homoeopathy for
Sports, Exercise and Dance by Emlyn Thomas. Full of practical advice for the athlete who wants to start using homeopathy, it is written clearly

enough for those with little or no knowledge of homeopathy to use and is very readable.
Fiona Dry MBBS MRCGP DipSportMed MFHom, who trained with both medical and non-medical homeopaths, is a homeopathic GP
in Leighton Buzzard and runs the BHA-funded clinic in Huntingdon in partnership with Dr Jenny Boyle.

Sleep Problems
By David Curtin MBBS MFHom
Homoeopathic physician, London and Oxford
Insomnia or sleeplessness is a common problem in the modern world: so many people live such busy lives, rushing from one place to the
next, and from one task to the next. And we are surrounded by noise noise from traffic, washing machines, air conditioning, televisions, the
childrens stereo. In cities, it is quite common for such noise to continue all night.
Fortunately, human beings are designed to be adaptive, and most of us learn to filter out unwanted noise. However, when we are under stress
these natural adaptive mechanisms dont function so well.
Some common causes of insomnia in adults include:
Depression
Anxiety or fear
Excitement
Pain
Shift work or overwork
Noise
New baby
Old age
Eating late
Alcohol, coffee, tea or other stimulants
Uncomfortable bed or bed too small
Cold
Insufficient exercise.
In children causes include:
Hunger
Pain teething, ear ache, colic
Fear or anxiety, nightmares
Excitement
Noise
There is no one easy answer to insomnia: finding and treating the cause is the most effective solution. In some cases there will be several
causes.
Sleeping tablets will often help, but they are not always effective, they can be addictive and they may have side-effects. Also, they do nothing
to solve the underlying problem.
If the underlying problem is addressed then sometimes this alone will restore normal healthy sleep patterns. In some cases a multi-faceted
approach is necessary. Any serious causes of insomnia should, of course, be treated under the supervision of an appropriate health
professional.
Self help
Simple tips:

Wind down gradually in the evenings. Do not watch stimulating television programmes late in the evening or read stimulating books

Do not have a television in your bedroom and do not read in bed unless you are quite sure that reading actually helps you to get to
sleep

Avoid eating late in the evening

Avoid stimulating drinks in the evening tea and coffee

Avoid alcohol late in the evening unless you know that it helps you to sleep

Alcohol often causes disturbed sleep, even though it may help you to get to sleep

Take 10-15 minutes to wind down when you get in from work if at all possible

Ideally find a quiet place, lie on your back and then relax each muscle in your body in turn, beginning with your feet, and working up
to your head. Then lie quietly and let your mind drift. Do this everyday

Try to find a bedtime routine that suits you.

Put young children to bed as soon as practicable

Routines are helpful for most children and most adults

Avoid sleeping in late in the mornings if you are over-tired. This can disrupt sleep patterns and result in making you more tired. Go to
bed earlier instead

Try self-hypnosis. Lie down in a quiet room and close your eyes. Imagine yourself in a luxuriously comfortable place. Let your
imagination flood itself with all the sensations that you would like to experience: touch, sound, colours, smells, even tastes. Choose
those that are calming and relaxing. Practise this and you will find that when you are in bed ready to go to sleep you will remember
those sensations

Self-hypnosis sleep tapes can be helpful

Get a good bed. Good beds are expensive but they really make a difference. Many people believe that pocket-sprung mattresses are
the best.

Your bed should be neither too soft or too hard. A double bed should be at least 150 cm wide (5ft) and preferably 165 cm for two
people. Most double beds are smaller than this. Remember, you spend a third of your life in bed.

Homoeopathy
As always with homoeopathy, the remedy must be chosen according to the symptoms of the individual. Some of the remedies used may
already be familiar to you. Here are some of the more commonly used remedies. I have put them in the order in which I most often prescribe
them, starting with the most common.
Nux vomica
The patient goes to sleep late because of a feeling of thoughts crowding in on him. He or she wakes at 3 am and lies awake until daybreak,
when he falls into a dull sleep full of dreams, from which it is hard to rouse. He wakes late, feeling tired.
He or she feels drowsy after meals and in the early evening. His dreams are full of bustle and hurry. He feels better after a short sleep, unless
aroused.
He has a great flow of ideas in bed in the evening, which often drive away sleep until morning.
Experiences sleeplessness and excitement after overwork or over-stimulation.
Dreams of quarrels.
Coffea
The patient experiences complete sleeplessness and is constantly moving and excited. Sleeps until 3 am, after which he or she is only able to
doze. Wakes with a start and feels excited. His sleep is disturbed by dreams.
Experiences sleeplessness because of mental activity; has a flow of ideas, accompanied by nervous excitability.
This remedy is good for hyperactive or hypersensitive children.
Belladonna
The patient has fever, dryness of the mouth, cold extremities and hunger.
There is pulsation of the blood-vessels, and the patient may hear this so loudly when trying to sleep as to be kept awake by it.

He or she experiences comatose sleep at night, with frequent waking and convulsive movements.
The patients sleep may be accompanied by moaning and tossing about.
There may be nocturnal sleeplessness, sometimes with the desire to sleep and useless efforts to go to sleep, mostly because of feelings of
great anguish or agitation.
Dreams may be described as anxious, terrible, frightful and vivid. They may be about fires, robbers and assassins, or may be meditative
dreams. On closing the eyes in order to go to sleep, the patient sees frightful visions and experiences jerking in the limbs.
This remedy is often used during childhood fevers.
Colocynthis
The patient experiences sleeplessness following a fit of indigestion or colic. This remedy can be very useful in children.
The patient is very wakeful and sleepless. When asleep the patient lies on his or her back, with one hand under the occiput.
Chamomilla
Patient has nocturnal sleeplessness, with attacks of anguish, visions and illusions involving sight and hearing. On sleeping, the patient starts
with fright, cries, tosses about, is tearful, talks, raves, groans, snores and constantly separates the thighs.
The patient has fantastic, lively, quarrelsome and vexatious dreams, with a morose and sullen aspect.
This remedy is commonly indicated in teething children. They have difficulty falling asleep, and demand things only to refuse them. They want
to be picked up and carried, but this only helps for a short time.
Aconite
The patient has nightmares and anxious dreams. He or she experiences sleeplessness, and is restless and tosses about (use 30th potency).
The patient starts up in sleep, has long dreams, with feelings of anxiety centred on the chest. Insomnia of the aged.
The patient experiences drowsiness, with anxious thoughts and rapid respiration. This is especially associated with fear of dying.
The patient is sleepless because of anxiety, constantly agitated and tosses about
Arsenicum
The patient is disturbed, anxious, restless, agitated and tosses and turns. He must have his head raised by pillows. The patient has
suffocating fits during sleep. He or she sleeps with the hands over the head. His dreams are full of care and fear.
He is usually worse at or after midnight.
Children are very demanding and will cry for their parents to come and help.
The patient is thirsty for sips of water.
Phosphorus
Used for sleeplessness in old people. The patient goes to sleep late and awakens feeling weak. Has short naps with frequent waking.
Has vivid dreams of fire or of haemorrhage. Has lascivious dreams. Has anxious, distressing dreams that are frightful and horrible; or vivid
and uneasy dreams; for example, of animals that bite, of robbers, of unfinished business of the day, bloodshed, death, quarrels, creeping
things etc.
The patient walks in his or her sleep.
He or she is afraid of the dark and wants company.
Pulsatilla
The patient feels wide awake in the evening and his or her first sleep is restless. He wakes feeling languid and unrefreshed. He or she feels
irresistible sleepiness in afternoon. He sleeps with the hands over the head. He dislikes being covered. May be chilly but likes to have the
window open.
This remedy is used in the Pulsatilla child who is timid and lacks confidence and is clingy and weepy if upset.
These children are very impressionable and may have difficult falling asleep if anything disturbing has happened during the day. They may
have nightmares about being left by parents and they like to be rocked to sleep.

Stramonium
These patients experience night terrors. They suffer from agitated sleep with vivid dreams. They can be very frightened. A child clings to the
parents. They have frightful visions during sleep. They lie on the back with open, staring eyes.
They have a tremendous fear of the dark or fear of violence.
If you are new to homoeopathy, it is best to stick to the sixth potency, and to take one dose every evening before bed. If you are more familiar
with using homoeopathy remedies, then you might use the 30th potency, though this is best used for more acute situations. If you need to take
the remedy nightly for some time, then the sixth potency is better.
Valeriana
Sleeplessness. Disturbed sleep (patient only able to fall asleep towards morning) with tossing, and anxious and confused dreams.
Can be taken in herbal form in capsules.
Homoeopathic remedies for disturbed sleep are widely sold in health food shops and pharmacies. They are usually combinations of two or
three remedies, commonly Nux vomica, Coffea and Valeriana. Combination herbal remedies to assist sleep are also widely available.
Herbal teas are beneficial for many people and a wide variety of these are also easily obtained. The name of the tea will usually indicate its
properties, for example Night-time, Sleepytime, and so on.
Do not continue taking any remedy ad infinitum. If you find that you need to keep taking the remedies you should seek professional help.
Repertory
Sleeplessness:
Anger, after:
Acon., Coloc., Nux-v., Bry., Cham., Coff.
Anxiety, from:
Acon., Ars., Cocc., Bry., Caust., Cham, Kali-c. Lach
Excitement, from:
Coff., Hyos., Nux-v., Arg-n., Aur-m.
Fear, fright, from:
Acon., Bry., Cham., Cimic., Cocc., Ign.
Grief, from:
Nat-m., Ign., Kali-br., Sulph.,
Mental exertion, after:
Ars., Nux-v., Calc.
Old people:
Acon, Bar-c., Phos., Ars.
Restlessness, from:
Acon., Apis, Ars., Merc-c., Alum., Bry.
Thoughts, from:
Ars., Calc., Coff., Hep., Nux-v., Op.
Wine, after abuse of:
Nux-v., Coff. Coffee; abuse of, after: Coff., Cham., Nux-v.

Perchance to dream
Richard Robinson discusses the homeopathic treatment of sleeping problems
A couple of months ago I saw a 29 year-old woman who had been having sleeping problems for 12 months as a result of a lot of stresses in
her life, including business and financial worries which had eventually involved a court case with the Inland Revenue. She had become
depressed and wanted to sleep for hours on end; she was not sleeping at night and then felt very tired in the daytime and could happily go

back to bed for several hours.

She went to her GP who prescribed her the sleeping tablet, Zimovane, and when I saw her she had been on them for six months. They had
helped her but when she tried to come off them her sleeping was terrible again; she would go to bed at 11pm and would get to sleep quite
easily but would wake up at 3.30am and lie awake for two hours before she could get back to sleep. She didnt feel too bad when she woke up
but by one oclock in the afternoon, she said that she has absolutely had it and could quite happily go to sleep. She felt like this for the rest of
the day and when she got home from work in the evening, if she sat down on the sofa she could quite easily go to sleep. She even felt like this
at weekends.
Her confident, extrovert, high energy but impulsive nature, with liking a lot of stimulation and a lot going on around her was very suggestive of
Medorrhinum and I prescribed three doses of this in high potency. When I saw her again three weeks later, she announced that she had been
great on those tablets. Apparently her sleeping had returned to normal, and has been normal ever since.
Having problems sleeping, whether it is difficulty in getting off to sleep, waking up through the night, or early in the morning, is an extremely
common complaint these days. If we go to our GP we will almost certainly be prescribed some type of minor tranquilliser, which often can be
helpful, but if used for anything more than a very short period of time can, as in this womans case, create dependence, with a resulting
rebound effect when the patient tries to stop the tablets, with their sleeping getting a lot worse; they have to be weaned off the tablets over a
prolonged period of time.
Lifestyle changes
Simple measures to help insomnia that patients often find helpful include not drinking tea or coffee in the evenings or stopping tea and coffee
completely and changing over to one of the coffee substitutes made from cereals available from health food shops. Certain herbal teas such
as lemon balm have a relaxing effect and can be helpful.
Going to bed on a full stomach is not conducive to a good nights rest and it is always best to have the evening meal at least three hours
before going to bed. Eating chocolate after the evening meal can slow digestion by as much as twelve hours, but going for a walk after the
meal instead helps digestion, and makes getting off to sleep easily more likely.
Some people find that reading in bed for a while before trying to get to sleep helps take the mind off the stresses of the day and helps them
unwind and feel more relaxed, and if a lot of mental stress through the day has led to tension in the neck and shoulders, massaging the
aching area can help.
Constitutional remedies
If these simple measures do not help, then, as always, the constitutional remedy tends to be the most effective approach. I saw a three yearold girl a while back who had had sleeping problems since birth, and her parents were at their wits end she would go to bed at 8.00pm and
go to sleep pretty quickly, but then would wake up at 3.00am and be hysterical, crying for her mother and shouting herself hoarse she would
be wide awake and would get up and play, talk, and go into her parents bed where she would moan and cry, fidget and kick. This would go on
for about three hours, until she eventually went back off to sleep. She would then wake up and be ready to get up at 7.30am. Not surprisingly,
she would often be tired and irritable during the day, and her parents were absolutely exhausted! Her mother was a GP and had tried every
possible form of treatment both behavioural and medicinal, but nothing really helped.
After taking her homeopathic history, I prescribed Pulsatilla 200c, three doses to be taken in 24 hours, and when I saw her again after two
weeks she apparently has been much happier, calmer and content she had slept well the next night after the remedy and was now sleeping
through the night and waking up refreshed. Her parents said that this was the best two-week period she had had for eight months. A few
weeks and another dose of the remedy later, her parents felt that both her sleeping and her general well-being were now 100 per cent.
Another patient, a 36 year-old secretary, had suffered sleeplessness since she had changed jobs one year previously. She had been working
for a small family business, but was now working at the head office of a major company in a fast and furious I want it now atmosphere. She
described the changes in working environment as like being hit by a fast-moving train.
As a result of the stress she was having difficulty sleeping. She would go to bed at 10.30pm, but usually wouldnt get to sleep until 2.00am,
and then would sometimes wake up in the night as well, and then be fully awake at 6.00am.
I took a full homeopathic history as a result of which I gave her Ignatia 1M. When I saw her again, after three months she said that she was
much, much better. After the Ignatia she had felt very emotional for a few days as is often the case as a constitutional remedy begins to get to
work, and then her sleeping had been getting steadily better she was able to get off to sleep much easier, if she did wake up in the night she
would rapidly turn over and go back to sleep, and she would wake up in the morning feeling refreshed.
She was still feeling very tense and finding it difficult to relax as it was very stressful at work because her boss was about to leave Dysco
(one of the bowel nosodes) got her feeling totally back to normal, and the best she had felt since she had changed jobs one year previously.
Local remedies
These patients obviously had very severe insomnia, but often in milder cases a more locally acting remedy can be sufficient. I once had a
patient from Brazil who told me that when she was growing up, her family would use local, traditional herbal remedies for many different
conditions, and that the one they always used for sleeplessness was the passion-flower. As she was suffering from mild insomnia at the time, I
prescribed her the passion-flower in potency Passiflora incarta 30c, one to be taken one hour before going to bed, and to be repeated half-

hourly if necessary if she was having trouble getting off to be sleep. Her insomnia cleared up completely.
While one doesnt have to come from Brazil to benefit from Passiflora incarta, most patients appear to do very well on the less exotic, but just
as effective Valeriana 30c in the same dosage regime.
Richard Robinson MBBCh BaO DRCOG MFHom has been practising homeopathy for 12 years. He works at the Nature Cure Clinic in
Central London, at Boots in Milton Keynes and in private practice in Amersham.

Sleepless Britain
A good nights sleep is essential to staying healthy, but it appears more and more people are having problems with
sleeplessness. Health and Homeopathy, in conjunction with the natural healthcare specialists Nelsons, takes a look at different
aspects of this common problem and how homeopathy may be able to provide a solution.
A new online survey has revealed that the number one cause for sleeplessness in Britain is worry. The YouGov survey1, commissioned by
natural healthcare specialists Nelsons, has uncovered that 42 percent of the people surveyed who suffer from sleeplessness are most likely to
be kept awake at night by worries, including financial concerns and family problems.
The survey also identified the other main causes for sleeplessness:

13 per cent find noises, such as a snoring partner or traffic, the biggest night-time distraction and obstacle to getting to sleep.

12 per cent found medical problems like asthma and painful joints and muscles the main reason for sleepless nights (Sleeplessness
is also a common side-effect of many conventional drugs).*

5 per cent thought drinking too much caffeine was responsible for keeping them awake at night.

The survey found that a staggering 77 per cent of the 2,108 people surveyed said they experienced insomnia to some degree. When this
figure is applied to the British population, it reveals that up to 36 million people in Britain could be suffering from a lack of sleep 2.
A report by the Mental Health Foundation highlighted the importance of sleep for the mental and physical health of the nation3. Lack of sleep
can lead to poor concentration and memory, lethargy, irritability, a decrease in co-ordination skills and low mood, which can affect peoples
work and social life.
As the YouGov survey suggests, insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns can occur in many forms, and each individual will have their own
experiences and their way of dealing with it. Although conventional medicine offers a number of drugs to aid sleep, they can often leave the
patient feeling groggy in the morning and many doctors are reluctant to keep on prescribing sleeping-pills over a long period of time.
Consequently many people are turning to complementary therapies including homeopathy in search of a good nights sleep.
Dr Sara Eames from the Royal London Hospital of Integrated Medicine says: An increasing number of people mention sleep problems during
their consultations. Causes can vary from anxiety, stress and grief to emotional and family problems.
In my experience the problem can be helped using homeopathy and patients appreciate the non-addictive nature of homeopathic medicines.
The most frequently prescribed medicines for sleeplessness include Ignatia, which is often used when the problem is due to grief and family
problems. Whereas Nux vomica can help if its associated with overindulgence of any sort including food, drink and work. Ive also seen very
good results with Cocculus when prescribed for someone who is exhausted by sleep deprivation through caring for others, particularly when it
is associated with dizziness.
Mental over-stimulation, worries at work and emotional upsets are all treated with different homeopathic medicines, so to find a long-lasting
solution its important to establish the root cause of sleep disturbances to successfully treat them.
Sleep deprived mothers
Motherhood should be an exciting and enjoyable experience but no one will deny it is also a tiring one, particularly in the early months and
years. Another poll has revealed that many mothers confess to not enjoying motherhood due to being so exhausted from juggling the
conflicting demands of modern life on only five hours sleep4. More than half (56%) said weariness left them in a state of despair. However,
according to the survey, it seems men are getting off lightly, with less than a third (31%) of fathers waking up when their baby cries in the night
even if both parents worked full-time.
Lack of sleep can have a knock-on effect on all aspects of the life of women with young babies, with two thirds of mothers revealing that lack
of sleep had put them completely off sex, and 82% of working mothers admitting their performance at work was affected by their lack of sleep.
Once again homeopathy may well be able to help mothers experiencing sleep problems, enabling them to cope much better with the daily

pressures and demands that come with motherhood. Chamomilla is often prescribed when people are feeling tired but cannot sleep; whereas
Cocculus is useful if you are mentally and physically exhausted of if your sleep has been frequently interrupted. Coffea may be beneficial for
those suffering from restless sleep due to waking up regularly during the night, especially when too many thoughts are running through the
mind.
Jet lag
More people than ever are taking long-haul breaks to destinations such as Thailand, USA or Australia. But for many the first days of their
holiday are ruined by the effects of jet lag. Jet lag is the common name for the condition known medically as desynchronosis. It is a temporary
disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms including anxiety, headache, dehydration, fatigue and insomnia as a result of air travel
across time zones.
Jet lag occurs when your bodys usual 24 hour regime is disrupted. You may have trouble getting to sleep, wake up during the night or early in
the morning, find it difficult to concentrate and be irritable because of tiredness. To avoid jet lag why not try the following tips:
When on long haul flights, set your watch to the destination time to allow yourself a few extra hours to adjust.
Air conditioning on aeroplanes can cause dehydration, especially a long haul flights, so make sure you drink plenty of water.
Try not to eat a heavy meal on the flight as arriving at your destination hungry will make it easier for you to get into the new eating pattern.
If you feel that you need to sleep once you are at your destination, only nap for an hour or less. Any longer will cause your body to revert back
to its original body clock.
While on the flight try to take a walk around the plane every few hours and perform basic stretching exercises to keep blood circulating around
your body.
If you have tried these tips and still find that jet lag takes its toll on your holiday, Cocculus is often recommended as its indicated when
someone is fatigued from travelling and feels tired due to loss of sleep. Pulsatilla can also help particularly if you cant sleep due to racing
thoughts.
These are just a few of the homeopathic medicines that are indicated by sleeplessness. For those suffering from chronic insomnia, addressing
the underlying causes of their condition is crucial to finding an appropriate cure and visiting a homeopath could be the first step to achieving
this.
*If you are taking any medicines, including those obtained without a prescription, consult your doctor before taking other medicines.

References
1. YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2108 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th 9th December 2010. The survey
was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
2. Figure based on population of Great Britain (adults 18+) estimate at 47,319,300 in mid-2009
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15106 & survey by YouGov Plc calculation made by Nelsons
3. Mental Health Foundation Sleep Matters report http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-news/news-archive/2011/2011-01-27/?
view=Standard
4. Survey commissioned by Mother & Baby, One thousand UK mothers were questioned with an average age of 30
years: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-107866/Lack-sleep-damaging-mothers-lives.html#ixzz1KpTLdJYr

Spotlight on Skin
The skin is the bodys largest organ; an average persons skin weighs 4kgs (9lbs) and covers an area of 2 square metres (22 sq feet). These
figures are not so surprising when we enumerate the skins many functions. Some are fairly obvious: protection against chemicals, radiation,
microbes etc; preserving a balanced internal environment by keeping us warm, preventing us from drying out; and the sensation of touch in all
its variety. But the skin has less obvious functions: subcutaneous fat is a major reserve of energy, vitamin D is synthesised in the skin when
exposed to ultra-violet light. The skin also has important social and sexual functions: it secretes pheromones which play an important role in
sexual attraction, while the hair and lips play a more conscious social and sexual role.
The skin has two main parts: the superficial epidermis whose thickness ranges from 0.1mm on the eyelids to 1mm on the soles of the feet.
The epidermis contains no blood vessels, its most superficial layer is the dead, dry horny layer which is constantly shed, contributing to the
dust in our homes. The dermis lies beneath the epidermis supporting and nourishing it and providing immunity and other functions.
Whats more, skin problems are common: surveys suggest that 20-30 per cent of us have a skin problem which deserves medical attention,
but that most of us do not see doctors about them, preferring to treat them ourselves. Skin problems are among the commonest reasons for
which people, especially children, seek homeopathic treatment. Of course, as always with homeopathy, it is important to be sure that
homeopathic treatment is appropriate it is for many forms of skin disease, but there are important exceptions. The most conspicuous is
malignant melanoma. This is an aggressive form of skin cancer whose incidence is increasing (although fortunately it remains rare) because
of greater sun exposure and thinning of the ozone layer. The warning signs are a mole, which grows, bleeds or is irregular in shape or colour.
It is better to be safe than sorry, and have any such skin lesion removed surgically.

Eczema
Also known as dermatitis, eczema is among the commonest forms of skin disease, and it often responds well to homeopathic treatment. It
affects up to 20 per cent of schoolchildren and seven to eight percent of adults. Children tend to grow out of it and the majority improve greatly
by their mid-teens. It is an inflammatory condition in which patches of skin become red, inflamed and itchy. The affected areas may also be
covered in small, fluid-filled blisters. There are a number of different forms of eczema.
The commonest form is atopic eczema, an inborn condition which usually starts before the age of two, and may continue to flare up
throughout adolescence and adulthood. Atopy means an inherited tendency to allergies, including eczema, asthma and hay fever. It runs in
families and is getting commoner for reasons that are not entirely clear. A currently popular theory, known as the hygiene hypothesis
suggests the reason is basically that kids today are too clean (try telling that to the mother of an average eight year-old boy!). It is based on
the observation that children who grow up on farms and the younger children of large families are less likely to be atopic. The theory is that
such children are more likely to be exposed to certain kinds of bacteria and that this stimulates their immune systems to mature. But not all the
scientific evidence agrees on this and the jury is still out.
Contact dermatitis is caused by contact with a substance to which an individual is sensitive, such as nickel, rubber or various plants. It can
occur at any age. Nickel is one of the commonest skin sensitisers it can usually be spotted by the areas it affects: earrings and jean buttons
often contain nickel.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis occurs in adult and infantile forms. In babies it is often known as cradle cap because it affects the scalp, although it
may also affect the nappy area. The adult form usually affects the face and scalp.
Finally varicose eczema occurs mostly in older people, as the name suggests it is often linked to varicose veins: the blood stagnates in the
lower legs resulting in a poor supply of oxygen and nutrients. The skin becomes dark, itchy and inflamed. If left untreated the skin may break
down, forming an ulcer.
Psoriasis
This too comes in several varieties, but all involve reddened areas of skin covered in large, adherent silvery scales. The basic problem is
excessively rapid division of the horny cells of the epidermis, probably provoked by inflammation whose cause is currently unknown. Psoriasis
tends to run in families; it most commonly comes on in late teenage or early adult life. It can be triggered by some medicines, including
antidepressant, antihypertensive and antimalarial drugs, and infections with streptococcus bacteria.
The main types of psoriasis are:

Plaque psoriasis: the patches appear typically on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. Unlike eczema, the patches often appear
on the extensor (outer) sides of knees and elbows. The nails may develop small pits, or more serious deformity.

Guttate psoriasis, where the patches are scattered, small and roundish, may follow a streptococcal infection, typically a severe sore
throat.

Pustular psoriasis, a severe but rare type affecting mostly the palms and soles.

Homeopathic treatment
From the point of view of prescribing homeopathic treatment, eczema and psoriasis can be considered together. They nicely illustrate some of
the principles of homeopathy: one of three homeopathic medicines will help in many cases, but the treatment must be individualised if it is to
succeed. The three medicines are: Arsenicum album, Graphites and Sulphur. Homeopathy is holistic: to treat a skin problem, one has to look
at the whole person, not just at their skin.
Traditionally we homeopaths classify the whole in three parts: the locals (in the case of a skin problem this means the characteristics of the
skin problem), mentals (including the personality and psychological features of the person) and the generals (physical features of the
person as a whole). In terms of skin symptoms Arsenicum album and Sulphur are quite similar: intensely itchy rashes which burn after
scratching. Rashes likely to respond to Arsenicum tend to be in small, roundish patches and flakey, while those which respond to Sulphur
typically occur in large, red areas, but these distinctions are often not clear-cut and it is often difficult to be sure which medicine is indicated on
the basis of the locals alone.
However, there are marked differences in the types of people who respond to these medicines: the typical Arsenicum patient is tidy, fastidious,
rather anxious (mentals) and feels the cold excessively (generals). Sulphur patients are the very opposite: often untidy, they tend to be
extroverts who relish a good argument (mentals). They are often warm-blooded (feel the heat) and particularly have hot feet (generals). But
having said that, one has to be flexible.
Graphites cases can often be recognised by the character of the rash alone: it tends to crack, and ooze clear or yellowish, sticky liquid when
scratched. The rash often affects particular areas such as behind the ears or nipples, in women the eczema may get worse around the
monthly period; while the mentals and generals may not be particularly marked.
There are a number of other important medicines for psoriasis and eczema: the deep acting constitutional (whole person) medicines include
apart from Arsenicum album, Graphites and Sulphur Arsenicum iodatum, Lycopodium and Sepia. The two Arsenicums are typically used

for guttate psoriasis: the plaques tend to be small, rounded and flakey. Arsenicum album may also be very helpful in pustular psoriasis.
Arsenicum iodatum has less of the constitutional features of Arsenicum album and even may be positively hot-blooded, but these patients
frequently also have severe hayfever and other allergies, affecting the eyes particularly.
In contrast to Graphites, local characteristics of skin problems which respond to Lycopodium and Sepia are not very specific and these
medicines are prescribed mostly on the basis of the mental and general features. The type of person who typically responds to Lycopodium
clavatum is reserved or shy, and there may be underlying anxiety or depression. They frequently have stomach problems. Odd but
characteristic features include a sweet tooth and a bad period in late afternoon, feeling better later. It can be useful for a range of skin
problems including psoriasis and acne.
Sepia officinalis is most often indicated for women. Typically the patient is emotionally flat, fed-up and snappy with her family and partner. She
resents others prying (as she sees it) into her problems and may hide her feelings. Often, as with Graphites, the problem seems to have come
on following some event of a womans reproductive cycle, such as the start of a girls periods, childbirth and menopause. There is usually loss
of sex-drive. An odd feature is the temporary improvement from exercise (dancing, working out). Again it may be useful for many skin
problems including psoriasis and eczema.
However constitutional homeopathy is not the only kind of homeopathy and unless one of the pictures described above really seems to fit, is
perhaps best left to a practitioner. There are a number of small homeopathic medicines which work well prescribed on characteristic
symptoms, sometimes called keynotes. These include Petroleum (made from crude oil). The keynote for this medicine is the marked
deterioration in winter. It is very useful for children who get thick cracked skin of the knuckles in winter. Many patients helped by this medicine
have told me that, although they have been prescribed steroid creams, they find Vaseline just as effective and use it rather than steroids.
Vaseline is, of course, made from Petroleum! A favourite medicine of mine for gardeners contact dermatitis is Rhus venenata. Typically these
are keen gardeners who get a very itchy, blistery rash, presumably from contact with a plant, although it is usually difficult to work out which
one. The keynote here is that the only thing that relieves the itching is bathing the hands in very hot water.
Acne
Most teenagers have some acne and it can cause great emotional distress at an age when many are very self-conscious; it is much less
common in other age groups. Linked to androgens, male sex hormones, that are present in both boys and girls, acne vulgaris, as this type is
known, affects particularly the face but may also appear on other areas, especially the upper back, chest, shoulders and neck. It is caused by
the overproduction of a natural grease called sebum, which is secreted by glands in the skin. Sebum normally drains into the hair follicles and
flows out through the follicle openings on the skin surface, lubricating the skin and keeping it supple. But in acne, excess sebum blocks the
follicles by hardening into plugs. Bacteria multiply in the blocked follicles, causing the surrounding tissue to become inflamed.
Less common forms of acne include occupational acne, which may result from exposure to certain industrial oils; and drug-induced acne,
often caused by steroids. Rosacea is a related condition occurring most often in middle aged women. The main problem is dilatation and
instability of the blood vessels. It does not usually cause black- or white-heads.
Homeopathic treatment
Two of the most commonly indicated homeopathic medicines are Sulphur and Silica. And again it is illuminating to compare and contrast the
local, mental and general features. We looked at the Sulphur type before. The main local feature of acne which responds to Silica is that the
pustules never seem to discharge: they sit under the skin for weeks without bursting, often forming cysts. The Silica constitutional type is very
different from the Sulphur, like the Arsenicum type they are usually chilly and feel cold even in a warm room. They tend to be pale and thin,
with fine hair and weak, ridged nails. They will often mention that their hair has changed, becoming finer and falling out since they have been
ill. Their hands and feet are cold yet clammy. Mentally they complain of feeling tired and washed out and yet are stubborn and niggly even
sometimes obsessional.
Pulsatilla is another medicine which may be very helpful in acne, particularly (but by no means exclusively) in girls when crops of spots
develop in the premenstrual period. It is prescribed mostly on constitutional grounds the characteristics of the person rather than the name
of the disease. Typically Pulsatilla types are mild tempered or sweet-natured, and indecisive. They are often weepy, crying when they talk
about their problems, but quickly cheered up by a few reassuring words (unlike Sepia patients who may also be weepy when talking about
their problems, but they resent probing and discussion the best thing is to move on to another topic). Strangely, although the Pulsatilla type
easily feels cold, she likes fresh air (provided she is well wrapped up) and hates stuffy atmospheres.
Other medicines which may help in acne include Kalium bromatum; with this medicine the sufferer complains of poor sleep, often disturbed by
bad dreams. They may be mentally slow, have difficulties with memory and thinking and be fidgety. Calcarea sulphurica has large yellow
pustules which are slow to heal, as with Sulphur they may be itchy. Acne spots which respond to Hepar sulph are very sensitive to touch or
painful as they erupt.
Lachesis is the most commonly indicated homeopathic medicine for rosacea. Typically the rash is dusky red and worse in hot atmospheres.
The onset may be associated with the menopause, but if before the menopause, it usually gets worse before the period and eases quite
abruptly when the bleeding actually starts. The typical Lachesis patient is talkative and may be suspicious or jealous. An odd symptom is that
they hate tight clothes, especially round their necks polo necks, scarves etc.
As usual with homeopathy, individualisation of treatment needs a skilled practitioner. However, I am against being too precious about this: the
use of a homeopathic complex consisting of several of the homeopathic medicines most likely to be indicated is often helpful and very unlikely
to do any harm. The most commonly used complex for acne, well worth a try if a good homeopath is not available, is Sulphur, Silica and

Carbo vegetabilis, combined in a single pill often known as SSC.

Dose
As a general rule, all these medicines should be started in a dose of two pills of the 6c dilution, twice daily. Aggravations a temporary flareup of the problem at the beginning of treatment are quite common with homeopathic treatment of skin problems. They are generally
considered a good sign, indicating the treatment is provoking a reaction. If you get an aggravation you should stop treatment until it has
completely settled down, dont be in a rush to restart. You may get another aggravation on restarting, but normally it will be less severe and
will die out altogether after three or four stop-start cycles. In terms of creams and other topical applications, Calendula (marigold) cream is
often used by homeopaths for eczema, it has a gentle soothing action. It is often helpful in weaning off steroid creams, gradually substituting
Calendula for them.
Peter Fisher MA MB BChir FRCP FFHom is the Clinical Director, Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, editor of Homeopathy and is
Homeopathic Physician to Her Majesty The Queen.

Shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia

Homeopathy has something to offer at every stage, says Tom Whitmarsh
Shingles
Shingles usually presents as a painful blistering eruption on the skin. It is caused by the same herpes virus as chickenpox, varicella zoster.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can get a bout of shingles at some point in their lives. This, of course, means most people! After the initial
infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve roots near the spinal cord, kept in check by a normally functioning immune system. If there comes a
time when the immune system becomes temporarily or permanently less effective and its guard is down, the virus can seize its chance. It
multiplies and migrates out along the nerve and shows how much damage it can cause in the nerve and in the area supplied by that nerve.
The skin is the most frequently damaged tissue and sensory nerves are those most commonly involved. Motor nerves (those which are
responsible for movement) can be affected too, especially in the face (causing one-sided drooping) and other organs, particularly the eye.
The commonest reason for the decline in function of the immune system is the ageing process. Most bouts of shingles occur in those over 65
and one estimate reckons that half of those over 80 years will suffer at least one attack. Other states of compromised immunity that can lead
to shingles include some patients with cancer (especially those on chemotherapy), people who have had transplants, people on long-term
immunosuppressive drugs like steroids or people with HIV infection or AIDS. Shingles is not contagious, but people who have not had
chickenpox or who are in one of these risk groups can catch chickenpox from it and should avoid exposure to open shingles, as should
pregnant women.
The most frequent factor that seems to be associated with reactivation of the virus in some studies appears to be physical trauma to the
affected area, but this is by no means always the case. Emotional trauma or psychological stress on top of a relatively weakened immune
system can be enough to bring on a shingles attack. For example, it is common for bereavement to be soon followed by shingles.
An attack of shingles is very often preceded by tingling and numbness over the affected skin. In addition, two thirds of people experience
shooting pains as well, up to three weeks before any sign on the skin. Some people only get pain after the rash has appeared. The rash starts
as a band or patch of raised dots on one side of the trunk, face, arms, abdomen or legs. The rash occurs nearly always on one side of the
body, hence the names shingles (from the Latin word for a belt or girdle) and zoster (a belt in Greek). The spots enlarge and become fluidfilled blisters, only to dry out and crust over within about two weeks. Once they are dry, they no longer contain the virus and are not infectious.
The attack generally lasts about one month.
Pain is an almost invariable accompaniment of the shingles rash, emphasising that although the obvious signs are in the skin, the actual
disease process is within the nerves. The pain can be extremely severe as the rash reaches its height. In Norway, it is sometimes known as a
belt of roses from hell and in Denmark, it is hellfire. These descriptions give an idea of just how awful an attack can be. Sufferers describe
the pain as sharp, stabbing, burning, piercing, throbbing or a combination of all of these! Rarely, there can be a rash with no pain. Very rarely,
people get the pain without the rash and then the diagnosis can only be confirmed by blood tests.
Post-herpetic neuralgia
One imagines that it might be possible to cope with these symptoms for a short time, but 20 per cent of those who have an attack of shingles
find themselves left with a degree of pain after the rash has gone and the skin is intact again, a situation known as post-herpetic neuralgia
(PHN). It happens more frequently in older people and there is some suggestion that early treatment reduces the likelihood of it occurring. It
can be unbearable to suffer this pain, sometimes for months or years following the attack, frequently along with hypersensitivity of the skin, so
that the slightest touch or draft of air is intolerable. Most cases like this do gradually improve over time.
Conventional treatment relies on anti-viral drugs such as Acyclovir taken as soon as shingles is diagnosed. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
can help during an attack. As a pain caused by nerve destruction a neuropathic pain PHN, is hard to treat, but longer-term powerful
painkillers are a mainstay. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can help, as can the application of a patch which slowly releases the local
anaesthetic drug lignocaine. A cream containing capsaicin is sometimes helpful in neuropathic pain. Capsaicin is a pain-producing drug
derived from chilli peppers and is used in a pain-relieving cream in orthodox medicine, the rough idea being that the nervous system is in
some way distracted from the neuropathic process. This seems to me to be a great example of inadvertent homeopathy! PHN is so
unpleasant that it drives many sufferers to depression and social isolation. Any help we can give to this dreadful situation is of major benefit.

Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy has something to offer in shingles at every stage. Before the rash has appeared, when there is just some tingling, if you are
familiar with an attack (and some people do get recurrent bouts) or if it is suspected, it is well worth taking some Aconite. I favour a high
potency (200c, 1M or 10M), but 30c frequently is just fine. Aconite is helpful at the first stages of many acute illnesses to cut down their
duration. One way of practicing homeopathy takes the view that a single remedy should be helpful for an individual whatever the particular
illness. For example, if you know that (say) Natrum mur is always a remedy that helps you, you should try that in more or less any acute
situation before other remedies.
Once the rash is appearing, other remedies come into play. The major remedy in shingles and one which many prescribers would give before
any other, is Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy). Of course, this is often used with great success in cold sores, another common herpes-virus
infection. The use of Rhus tox in shingles is a very obvious and useful example of the similia principle. In sensitised individuals, the rash
caused by a poison ivy plant brushing against the skin resembles shingles quite remarkably. There is inflammation, intense blistering and
intolerable itching of the skin which continues for several days before healing and resolving. As in just about any joint disease, it is all too easy
to give Rhus tox to someone with a blistering, itchy painful rash when other factors might lead you to different remedies. To confirm Rhus tox
as a possibly useful prescription, you might look to it being more applicable in the relatively young who have some relief from moving about.
If the patient is very chilly with restlessness, anxiety, exhaustion and a worsening of symptoms between midnight and 2am, then Arsenicum
album is likely to help. Arsenicum, of course, has a major keynote with burning pains apparently paradoxically relieved by warmth. It also has
many interesting skin symptoms.
Mezereum (spurge olive) is useful for rashes which are very painful and intensely itchy, especially on the scalp and particularly in older people.
The blisters may burst to form brown scabs.
Ranunculus bulbosus (buttercup) is often indicated with severe nerve pains, when the slightest touch or movement makes the pain worse. It is
also particularly helpful for rashes on the left chest wall which are slightly bluish in colour.
For a rash that is described as feeling like a burn, Cantharis (Spanish fly) might be a good choice.
A remedy which sometimes is overlooked, but which is very useful, is Iris versicolor (blue-flag). This seems to be most applicable to right
sided rashes. It is also used a lot for migraineous headaches with a lot of burning in the stomach and vomiting, which are characteristically
better for a walk in the open air. This general feature could be a pointer to the remedy in a case of shingles. Other remedies mentioned for
shingles include Lachesis, Petroleum, Causticum and Mercury.
Another approach would concentrate on events in life before the attack and whether there was anything particular which might have triggered
it. An example might be to use a grief remedy like Ignatia for shingles coming on in close proximity to a bereavement, or an injury remedy like
Arnica if it came on soon after a car accident.
The challenge of post-herpetic neuralgia can be met sometimes using homeopathy. All of the remedies mentioned previously may apply,
though Ranunculus, Mezereum and Rhus tox are most often used. I would also add Spigelia, with its shooting pains along nerves.
Variolinum, the nosode made from potentising fluid from the skin lesions of smallpox, deserves a special mention. Many prescribers will give
this, either as a single 30c or 200c dose before other remedies, or as a prescription to take alongside other remedies (say 30c daily). It does
seem to cut down on the suffering associated with shingles and is especially useful in PHN.
Some topical preparations can help. Rhus tox cream is very helpful early in the bout in cutting down the spread of blisters and in the pain of
PHN, though great care and attention to cleanliness needs to be taken if the skin is very broken. Similarly, applications of sterile Hypercal
(Hypericum and Calendula) solution are pain relieving.
Anything that might reduce the suffering associated with shingles has to be a good thing. Enter homeopathy!
Tom Whitmarsh MA MBBS FRCP FFHom is Consultant Physician at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital.

Seasonal affective disorder

Marysia Kratimenos discusses the reasons why some of us feel so down during the winter months
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) was first described in the 1980s, although many doctors and sufferers were aware of the condition long
before then. Indeed Hippocrates wrote in the fifth century BC, Such diseases that increase in the winter ought to cease in the summer The
physician must treat disease with the conviction that each of them is powerful in the body according to the season which is most comfortable
to it.
In countries where the winter months are characterised by fewer daylight hours, many people develop deep depression as a consequence of
the decreased light intensity. In Sweden, where there is six months of total darkness in the more northerly parts of the country, the suicide rate

is the highest in the world.

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that appears in autumn and may continue until March or April. In the spring there is often a
mild state of euphoria, or hypomania. It is more common in women, and typically begins between the ages of 18 and 30. Some studies
suggest it is very common, with one in 50 people having mood disturbances in the winter months.
The severity is variable. In mild forms of the condition, there may just be a desire to hibernate, stay at home in the warm and avoid
socialising. In severe forms, there may be profound depression, with its concomitants. Sufferers may notice their sleep is disturbed, either
over-sleeping or finding sleep difficult. There is often lethargy and fatigue, a lack of motivation and enthusiasm. Tasks seem onerous and there
is often a lack of concentration. Anxiety may follow, especially associated with social events. Over-eating is common; the preferred foods are
usually carbohydrate-rich. A gain in weight is common and this compounds the feelings of negativity and poor self-image. The libido suffers, as
does the immune system. There is a greater susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. The depression may be so severe as to precipitate
suicidal feelings and deliberate self-harm may result.
Causes
There are several theories as to the cause of SAD, all of which relate to the effect of light on the brain: lack of sunlight leads to a higher level
of a chemical, melatonin, which slows the body down. Hibernating animals secrete high levels of melatonin in order to sleep through the winter
months. Another theory suggests the condition is caused by a disturbance of the dopamine and serotonin levels in a particular part of the
brain, known as the hypothalamus. This area controls mood and appetite for life, for food and for sex. Some researchers believe that
sufferers of SAD have lower eye sensitivity to light. All three theories may be true. The eye sensitivity to light will affect the hormone levels, as
the eye is essentially highly evolved nervous tissue.
Although these theories may serve to explain the mechanisms at play, there is still the unanswered question as to why some individuals are
more susceptible to depression than others. Since homeopathy looks at the whole person, rather than a list of their symptoms, it is uniquely
placed to help with depressions of all types, including those that exhibit periodicity. Such treatment must be undertaken by professional
homeopaths, with experience in the field of emotional health issues, often in conjunction with other appropriate forms of treatment.
Like truth, depression is rarely pure and never simple. Many factors are involved, both hereditary and environmental. Mental and emotional
problems are more common in certain families. Although twins may be separated at birth and therefore brought up in different circumstances,
they are more likely to suffer from the same type of emotional health problem, thus implying a hereditary basis. A dysfunctional upbringing
further compounds the situation.
Depression does not just suddenly appear out of the blue, although it may seem that way. People often describe it as descending like a dark
cloud over them. In reality depression has its roots in the past. It is a reaction to unresolved emotional issues that are often partly, if not totally,
forgotten or buried by the sub-conscious mind. The events that may cause depression in later life often occurred in childhood. In many cases
these issues have to be explored and the past truly laid to rest before there is total healing.
Poetry and myth
In To Autumn John Keats describes seasons of mist and mellow fruitfulness, but to many people the approaching winter is better paralleled
by his poem Ode on Melancholy. The opening verse depicts the strong suicidal desire that many sufferers of the condition experience and
interestingly names many favourite homeopathic remedies for the treatment of depression.
No, no, go not to Lethe, neither twist Wolfs-bane (Aconite), tight-rooted,
for its poisonous wine;
Nor suffer thy pale forehead to be
kissd
By nightshade (Belladonna), ruby
grape of Proserpine
The myth of Proserpine, or Persephone, is particularly appropriate in the understanding of seasonal affective disorder. In Greek mythology,
Persephone was the beautiful young daughter of Demeter, the corn goddess and Zeus, the king of the gods. She was devoted to her mother
and spent her time tending to the gardens of Earth. Her beauty and innocence enthralled the god of the underworld, Hades, and he decided to
make her his wife. He abducted her. Persephone was petrified and stood rooted to the spot as the nymphs fled for safety. She dropped her
girdle as Hades swept her up in his chariot. Her mother, Demeter, was beside herself with grief at the loss of her daughter. She scoured the
world looking for her, neglecting her duties. As a consequence the crops withered. Deprived of her attention, the eternal summer ceased.
Leaves fell off the trees and coldness and darkness fell.
Eventually Demeter found the girdle and discovered Hades had abducted her daughter. No one was allowed to pass into the underworld, so
she appealed to Zeus to intervene. Zeus took pity on the mothers plight, but he was also cautious of incurring the wrath of Hades. As
Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds of the twelve offered to her by Hades, he decided that Persephone had to spend six months of
the year with Hades and could rejoin her mother for the other six. In celebration of the reunion the earth blossomed and warm weather
returned, only to fade again when it was time for Persephone to return to Hades.
This charming explanation of the seasons has profound echoes with SAD sufferers. To them winter is a living hell and they feel responsible for
their plight. Instead of being a season of celebration, of religious festivities and the New Year, to them it is a time of reflection on their misery.
Existential fears surface as the body tries to adjust to the harsh climate and memories of happier times haunt them. The sense of isolation is

compounded by the myth propagated by commercialism that Christmas is the time for happy families. Actually Christmas is well recognised as
a major stress factor by psychologists.
Treatment
The use of light boxes, which recreate the summer light intensity, is a wellrecognised treatment and is highly effective in mild cases. It can
cause problems though as the light is rather harsh and sore eyes may result. It can also disturb sleep patterns further. Anti-depressants are
commonly prescribed, but these often cause side effects.
Counselling is recommended to ascertain the root causes of the depression and this is highly effective providing the patient is prepared to
explore their psyche. It is painful and challenging to confront ones past, to return to the underworld, yet this heros journey is often the only
way to find total freedom from the mental torture. It is imperative to find someone prepared to act as mentor or guide to the labyrinths of ones
mind, someone that one can trust fully. Often that person is oneself. I often recommend this path to patients that are motivated to help
themselves and provide them with the structure necessary to make this journey of transformation.
Despite the pervading quick fix culture, it is imperative to understand that true healing takes time and persistence. The use of appropriate
homeopathic remedies can bring about dramatic changes in mood and behaviour and this is my favoured starting point in the treatment of
SAD. But I firmly believe that following a stabilisation in the mood it is imperative to deal with any residual negative thought processes. As the
Dalai Lama so eloquently puts it, an undisciplined mind is like an elephant. If left to blunder out of control, it will create havoc. Negative
thought processes must be countered effectively, a process I liken to deadheading a plant. By regular removal of dead blooms and judicious
pruning a plant will display its full beauty and potential, and so the human psyche. In his inspiring book The Art of Happiness, the Dalai Lama
states that the very purpose of our lives is to seek happiness and clearly shows how this is attainable by training the thought processes. The
book is appropriate for everyone, whatever their religious beliefs.
It is important to create a healthy environment at home to counter depression. Beauty lifts the spirits, as do wonderful scents. Aromatherapy or
even a simple pot pouri will gladden the soul. This is not an invitation to a spending spree. Very simple and inexpensive measures can be
employed. Flowering plants, like the Christmas cactus will brighten a room. Hyacinths can be grown from bulbs and have a sensual smell.
Good music will also feed the soul. Creative pursuits any hobby that fills one with enthusiasm and recaptures the zest for life also
encourage healing. Consider an evening class the company will combat the sense of isolation. Go wild sign up for the belly dancing class!
Laugh at yourself think of all the happy hormones youll liberate. Watch the film Patch Adams if you need scientific proof of the value of
laughter.
Being alone usually compounds depression but the company need not be human. There are immense health benefits to having a pet. Who
cannot help laughing at the antics of a kitten with a ball of wool? If space is limited, brightly coloured fish encourage a calm, healing
environment, as generations of dentists will attest to.
We are what we eat, as the television series of the same name so clearly demonstrates. Carbohydrate rich and fatty foods lower the mood,
and lead to nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and trace elements, which also impede the immune system. Healthy fresh food will have a
dramatic effect on ones health, both physical and emotional.
SAD may feel like a life sentence, but there is an escape from Hades. It requires action, imagination and determination. The rewards are more
precious than imaginable a life of freedom and joy, a true awakening from the sleep of the dead soul.
Marysia Kratimenos MB BS FRCS(Ed) FFHom is on the staff of the RLHH where she is involved in stress clinics, general medicine,
paediatrics and neurolinguistic programming. She also teaches on the MFHom course and has a private practice.

Spotlight on Respiratory system by Russell Malcolm

Problems with the respiratory tract are the most common reason for patients visiting their GPs. This is because our system of airways is a very
vulnerable interface with our environment. Consequently it is a way in for viruses, bacteria, potential allergens, pollutants and irritants and it is
the primary location for the many illnesses associated with these triggers.
Mammals have evolved many defence mechanisms to address these airborne challenges. Our surface immunity is a very complex entity
which involves: agents that we secrete into the surface mucus; agents carried in the lymphatic ducts, and agents borne by the blood supply.
The various specialised cells, antibodies and enzymes involved in these processes also require a number of balancing mechanisms including
our ability to:
invoke a fever on demand;
generate a protective catarrh;
preserve the physical movement of air and secretions;
dynamically alter the balance between the regional perfusion of blood and the air flow into the alveolar sacs.

Fortunately, most respiratory problems throughout life resolve themselves. Most viral colds and coughs are best left untreated in the healthy
person, because there is simply very little that can be done to improve the systems intelligence that we have evolved.
Viral infections
Sometimes a viral respiratory illness can linger on uncomfortably. The symptoms are often a reflection of the virus itself, since different
respiratory viruses preferentially involve different tissues in the respiratory tract. For example, the rhinovirus causes symptoms mainly in the
nose and sinuses, while the respiratory syncytial virus causes symptoms in the nasopharynx and smallest branches of the airways,
penultimate to the alveoli in the lungs.
Patients who are overzealous with their symptomatic drugs, who suppress their fever, or who are otherwise compromised by a slow immune
response, can develop problems with their defence mechanisms. The more delayed or protracted the response is, the more they are likely to
get swollen lymph glands and persistent catarrh.
A distracted immune system will also fail to deal with changes in the bacterial flora. This can result in secondary growths of streptococcus,
pneumococcus, haemophillus influenzae and other organisms. These germs colonise the tonsils, middle ear and bronchi where they can
cause considerable local inflammation.
Those infections which provoke a tender swelling of the cervical neck glands, often require acute remedies like Phytolacca decandra. After a
well-chosen remedy, the lymph glands become much more efficient and the patient can usually then eradicate the primary infection without
further treatment.
Very few upper respiratory infections require antibiotics, even those that are bacterial in origin, if they are quickly and expertly prescribed for
homeopathically. The first task is to provide the remedy which most closely reflects the current physiological state and for this you will need to
consult a qualified practitioner. Depending on the response, the primary treatment will be followed by a secondary simillimum, or a potency of
the infecting organism itself (nosode) but only once the primary acute symptoms are subsiding. The timing of prescriptions is very important
and depends on the acuteness of the presentation, the reactiveness of the symptoms, the age of the patient and the type of remedy used.
Most acute illnesses require treatment with plant remedies.
The timing of the remedy sequence depends on the illness stage. Most viral illnesses progress through inflammatory, secretory, virus
shedding and resolution stages. Each stage may indicate a change of prescription, particularly if there is a hitch in the patients natural
process of adaptation. Your homeopathic doctor will select remedies on the basis of the prevailing symptoms, which tend to reflect
inefficiencies in the bodys efforts to compensate. The following is a simple example of sequenced acute prescribing in viral croup.
Viral croup is a common condition in infancy. The renowned nineteenth century homeopath, Clemens von Boenninghausen realised the
phasic nature of the condition and the prescribing implications of each stage in the natural disease process. Boenninghausens croup powders
comprising Aconitum napellus, Hepar sulph calc and Spongia tosta were given sequentially to effect the fastest recovery for each stage.
Influenza
There are several good studies available on the homeopathic treatment of influenza. Some of these are rather overdue for updating and really
should be distributed to the homeopathic community at large (in time for the next global pandemic).
Patients should be wary of taking paracetamol-based drugs for the symptoms of flu as suppressing a fever can sometimes lead to further
complications.
In Europe and the United States Oscillococcinum is a popular homeopathic medicine which can be bought over the counter for the prevention
and treatment of colds and flu. This product is not licensed in the UK, but might be obtained with a doctors prescription. Oscillococcinum is
derived from the hearts and livers of wild ducks and was employed in the treatment of influenza, long before it was known that wild fowl are
the main reservoir and carriers for influenza pandemics. There are good quality studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Oscillococcinum in
the treatment of flu. The identification of the acute homeopathic simillimum is, nevertheless, of paramount importance.
Avoiding formulaic treatments
There is a tendency for some people to prescribe Belladonna for every fever, when in fact the patient really needs Datura stramonium or
Duboisinum, or Solanum dulcamara, or Baptisia tinctora, or China officinalis, or Ferrum phosphoricum. Inadequate differentiation by the
prescriber, or the unfocused use of homeopathy simultaneously with symptomatic drugs and antibiotics, are common causes of failure in
homeopathy.
One of the most obvious abuses is the overuse of Bryonia alba for coughs. Bryonia is a highly complex remedy with very clear guiding
respiratory symptoms.
Only a very small number of patients with persistent cough actually respond properly to this remedy (ie those who reflect the Bryonia state).
Some manufacturers provide Bryonia in a cough linctus. The syrups and linctuses to which it is added can themselves offer some comfort, but
I find Bryonia tends actively to block the response to well prescribed remedies, so I would never use it at the same time as expertly chosen
remedies.
The issue of over-prescribing

It could be argued that over-prescribing is a modern-day problem for children, who are unable to make informed choices about their own
treatment. Many children have never worked through a viral respiratory infection without concurrent exposure to paracetamol, ephedrine or
antibiotics. We do not yet know whether drug-mediated alterations of acute physiology or immunology in our child population might be
implicated in the markedly increased incidence of childhood asthma and glue ear in recent years. Regardless of whether there are long-term
health consequences to pharmacological meddling during acute childhood illnesses, it is possible that millions of pounds are wasted on
symptomatic drugs which are needlessly administered for self-limiting conditions.
Respiratory microflora
One of the most important determinants of health in the respiratory tract is the state of our microflora. Our bodies are host to many millions of
microorganisms which are in symbiotic relationships with each other and with us. There has been a tendency in the past to regard our
microflora as an irrelevant or incidental group of passengers. Increasingly we are aware that the constituent nature of this microflora is
important to our health.
If our passenger organisms belong to groups that dont release toxins or evoke inflammation, their presence can significantly inhibit the growth
of those that can. The microflora of the respiratory tract changes during an infection, mainly because their physical and immune environment
changes as the sufferers body tries to inhibit the agent causing the disease. When left to itself the flora will usually revert back to a stable
healthy state after the infection has been resolved.
However, when an infection has been prolonged because the patient is debilitated or subjected to the overprescribing of symptomatic drugs,
the microflora can evolve to a less healthy state. Groups of less welcome organisms can overgrow and provoke persistent inflammation and
catarrh. Sometimes persistence of the primary pathogen is responsible, and homeopathically this might warrant potencies of whatever nosode
is relevant.
However, the residual disturbances in the respiratory microflora are usually made up of various aerobic bacteria. Many of these are generally
regarded as harmless by bacteriologists, since they are often isolated from healthy people. When certain subspecies over-colonise, however,
they cause problems which can persist long after the primary infection and antibiotic treatments are over. Your practitioner may feel they
require a more complex nosode. Sycotic co is one of the most useful homeopathic nosodes for persisting post-infective catarrh in the ears,
nose, sinuses or lower airways. Sometimes potencies of Morbillinum (measles) is indicated in children who develop glue ear after measles or
measles vaccination.
Chronic bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways, which is often characterised by having a relapsing or acute on chronic pattern. Although each
acute flare-up seemingly responds to antibiotics, there is often a progressive change in the microflora. This is often attended by excessive
secretions and persisting inflammatory change. Smoking and exposure to environmental irritants often compounds or perpetuates the
problem.
When the perpetuating causes are left untreated, patients tend to develop increasingly frequent infections, attended with low-grade relapsing
fevers. Longstanding inflammation can ultimately give rise to more serious cardio-respiratory complications. The cycles of infection can often
be broken by using Chininum sulph, Morgan pure, Bacillinum and those remedies which alter the secretory environment. Homeopathic
remedies can also be nebulised under medical guidance and this can be a particularly effective mode of remedy administration during acute
attacks.
In the medium term, patients should be treated between the acute episodes. This can involve a wide range of remedies depending on the
individual circumstances. In chronic cases, there is nothing in homeopathy that can fully redress the effects of smoking. Patients with chronic
relapsing respiratory problems must stop smoking completely. The psychological aspects of the tobacco addiction may be amenable to
homeopathic treatment early in the withdrawal process.
Asthma
There is a tendency to think of asthma as a definitive diagnosis, when in fact it is a spectrum of conditions, in which the principle symptom is
transient constriction of the small airways. The reason for this physiological phenomenon can be allergic, infective, physiological and/or
psycho-neuroendocrine. This essentially means that the systems which mediate these unstable reactions in the lungs have a network of
causes.
Genetic factors underlie the asthmatic tendency in many cases. An increased incidence of asthma has also been identified in children of
mothers who have used paracetamol frequently (most days or every day) in the last trimester of pregnancy. Children brought up in very clean
environments are also at increased risk. In particular, the early exposure of children to mycobacteria has been shown to lower the incidence of
asthma.
Good monitoring is vital in the treatment of asthma. A homeopathic doctor will establish whether the presentation is predominantly allergymediated, infective or systemic. Various blood tests and skin-prick allergy testing can be helpful in establishing this. Responses to heat, cold,
humidity, exercise, stress, menstrual cycles, drugs, inhalants, sleep/waking cycles and seasons all have significance, both in determining the
category of asthma and in terms of the treatment programme.
Homeopathic treatment can be highly successful for asthmatic patients. Nevertheless, no one should forget that a severe acute attack can be
fatal. There is no room for complacency. Both the monitoring and treatment process has to dovetail in a responsible and consistent way with

established orthodox guidelines for good practice.

Those asthmatics who are affected in September, as the weather gets colder, often have a demonstrable allergy to house dust mite. As
heating devices are turned up in the autumn, much morehouse dust is borne by the resulting convection, to be inhaled by the sufferer. This
allergic challenge can be compounded by viral challenges that prevail at this time of the year. Regular doses of homeopathic house dust mite
in August, in combination with household measures to reduce exposure, can help to prevent autumn aggravations.
Pneumonia
One of the most common misapprehensions concerning homeopathy relates to its potential in serious illness. Many people mistakenly
assume that this gentle therapy is only effective in mild conditions. Before the advent of antibiotics, the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital
received patients suffering from severe infections, on transfer from other hospitals in the city where there was no possibility for active
treatment.
Case records from the beginning of the 20th century make interesting reading. They contain details of patients who recovered, under
homeopathic treatment, from pneumonias and other severe infections. It is important to remember, however, that, among the successes, there
are also a number of patients treated at the beginning of the 20th century, who died and who would probably have survived with modern
intensive care.
The converse irony is that today, after years of over-prescribing, increasing numbers of our antibiotics are becoming ineffective, with the
emergence of resistant bacterial strains. We can onlyhope that prejudice will not prevent the medical community from tapping into a long
neglected homeopathic knowledge base, for the sake of these patients.
In severe acute cases a doctors primary responsibility is to the safety of the patient. Miss S presented acutely with a severe chest infection
and bronchospasm on a Friday afternoon. She was severely breathless at rest and virtually unable to speak. This patient did not want hospital
admission. We insisted, however, that she demonstrate an unequivocal remedy response within 30 minutes, or emergency hospital admission
would be arranged for her. Her air entry began to improve rapidly following homeopathic Squilla maritima and she returned home with a
remedy sequence and strict instructions to call for help if the improvement was not maintained. By the time of her review, on the following
Monday, she was markedly improved. She was completely free of respiratory signs and symptoms by the end of that week.
An integrated approach to respiratory medicine
Todays medical homeopaths have access to many investigative technologies that were unknown to their predecessors and these can
profoundly influence the homeopathic approach. These investigations allow the homeopathic physician to select the correct nosode, for
example, or a remedy with the best known affinities for the tissue or organ involved.
Mr S had aspergillus, a fungal mass in his right lung which caused chronic suppuration. In this condition there is both an infective component
and an allergic component, since the fungus produces spores which generate an allergic response resulting in asthmatic spasm of the
airways and the trapping of infected secretions. In Mr S the homeopathic treatment was completely dependant on the accuracy of his
diagnosis. Three doses of homeopathic Pneumonia air Aspergillus 30c, caused a very rapid dilatation of his bronchioles and the release of
enormous quantities of infected material, pus and dead tissue. The respiratory physicians, who shared his care, were astounded by the
changes in his X-ray appearance and lung-function tests.
There is a great potential for the increasing integration of homeopathy in the management of respiratory illness. Much of this potential is
gradually becoming realised in our educational programmes, where a pragmatic approach to the teaching of therapeutics will increasingly
enable doctors to treat acute cases responsibly and homeopathically and thus prevent a great deal of chronic illness.
Russell Malcolm MB ChB FFHom has been practising homeopathy for 20 years. He was Director of Education at the RLHH for six
years, leaving in 2000 to concentrate on teaching and writing and his busy private practice in Scotland. He continues to contribute
to homeopathic education, both in the UK and internationally.

Psoriasis
An overview of this inflammatory skin condition and its homeopathic treatment byAndrea Wiessner
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that affects two to three per cent of the population. It can appear at any age, but mostly between
the ages of 11 and 60. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, belonging to a group of conditions where the immune system is overactive and
attacks its own cells and tissues. Normally skin cells are formed at the bottom of the outer layer of our skin. The cells go through a cycle of
change, moving upwards through the layers to the surface of the skin where they die and are shed within a period of three to four weeks. In
psoriasis this process is speeded up and cells can go through this cycle within three to four days. This causes thickening of the skin and its
characteristic scaly appearance. Psoriasis affects mainly the skin and nails, but in six per cent of cases it is accompanied by inflammation of
joints, affecting mainly fingers, toes and the spine and is called psoriatic arthritis.
The word psoriasis is derived from the Greek word psora, meaning itch, although in most cases the affected skin is not particularly itchy. But
some patients do experience a lot of itching and sometimes the eruptions can be sore and painful, in particular when there are cracks present.
Psoriasis can affect the whole body, including the scalp, but the face is often spared. There are different types psoriasis vulgaris, plaque

psoriasis, appears in big patches of thickened skin usually with white/silvery scales on the elbows and knees, but also other parts of the body.
When one finds lots of small scaly spots and patches the condition is called psoriasis guttate. This form often affects children and is frequently
triggered by streptococcal throat infections and often disappears by itself within a few weeks or months. Psoriasis pustulosa, usually presents
with little yellow pustules and affects the palms of the hands and soles of feet.
In up to 50 per cent of psoriasis patients, nails can also be affected. One can see small indentures in the nails or circular discolorations under
the nails. In more severe cases the nails can thicken and separate from the underlying nail bed.
The causes of psoriasis are still not entirely clear, although in 30 per cent of patients there is a family history of the condition. Certain factors
can trigger the onset of the skin eruptions including streptococcal throat infections, particular medicines and injury to the skin, and emotional
factors, such as stress or situations of trauma, shock and bereavement. Those trigger factors can be important for the homeopathic
practitioner as it might indicate which remedy might be appropriate for that particular person.
Due to its appearance, psoriasis can profoundly affect an individual, as people unfamiliar with the condition might think it is contagious. The
sufferer may also have to endure adverse comments from others about their appearance, which can affect his or her quality of life immensely.
Conventional treatment
There is a selection of conventional treatments on offer, starting with topical treatments, then phototherapy (light treatment) and then stronger,
oral treatments. Topical treatments vary from simple emollients to moisturise the skin and alleviate itching, to salicylic acidbased creams,
topical steroid creams of varying strength and tar preparations. Treatment with various forms of ultraviolet light is also used, sometimes in
combination with a medicine called Psoralen.
Many patients themselves notice the beneficial effect on their skin of ultraviolet light when their psoriasis improves with exposure to sunlight in
the summer months. For severe psoriasis, oral medication can be used, often in addition to topical treatment. However, they can have sideeffects. Also, most oral treatments are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Homeopathic treatment
Many patients I see have already tried one or more forms of conventional treatment. Those have mostly been helpful and often cleared the
skin eruptions. However, the effect has usually been only temporary and at some stage the psoriasis has come back. Some patients are,
therefore, looking for a more permanent cure for their condition, while others would simply like to reduce their use of steroid creams or other
conventional treatments.
From the homeopathic point of view we can approach treatment in different ways. We can treat the person as a whole and try to find a
constitutional remedy with the aim of strengthening the organism generally. This means looking at not only the patients psoriasis symptoms,
but also his or her general health and way of reacting to the environment, as well as what drives him or her on an emotional level. But
homeopaths can also treat symptomatically, meaning treating the psoriasis symptoms specifically. I usually aim for constitutional treatment but
sometimes combine the two approaches, giving a more symptomatic skin remedy for flareups, while treating the person as a whole with a
constitutional remedy.
Overall we often have good results with the treatment of psoriasis. However, I have seen in some of my patients that their general health as
well as emotional wellbeing has improved but not the appearance of their psoriasis. Occasionally, I also see that the itch or soreness improves
considerably but not so much the appearance. Or that the appearance is only slightly better but that the psoriasis does not affect them as
much anymore, making it possible to get on with life. Although not the desired outcome, this obviously can have quite a positive impact on
ones life.
Choice of homeopathic medicine
In choosing which homeopathic remedy to use, we consider various factors. It can be extremely helpful to know if something might have
triggered the onset of symptoms. If the psoriasis has been triggered by bereavement, for instance, this might guide us to particular grief
remedies, although a variety of other factors or symptoms need to be present too to give such a remedy. It is also important for a homeopathic
practitioner to understand what was the exact reaction to such an event, as everyone has their own particular way of experiencing and dealing
with such traumas. If the patient still seems to be in deep grief and their reaction is to try to deal with their pain by themselves, withdrawing
from others, we might think of Natrum muriaticum. This could be confirmed if the psoriasis eruptions are located on the scalp at the margin of
the hair, and if the eruptions are worse in the sun, which is not typical for psoriasis and, therefore, is an individual symptom of the patient.
The location of the patches can be useful for the choice of medicine. As mentioned before if eruptions are at the margin of the hair one might
think of Natrum muriaticum. If the eruptions are behind the ears and in the folds of skin and possibly around the genitals, one might consider
Graphites. In pustular psoriasis, affecting the palms and soles of feet, Phosphorus can be a good remedy, or Arsenicum album or Arsenicum
iodatum. The latter two might also be useful if the eruptions cause a lot of itching, or a burning sensation.
Factors that aggravate or ameliorate a sufferers condition are important to know, especially if they are atypical for the condition, as this
indicates an individual mode of expression particular to the affected person.
Case study 1
Debbi, 55, was referred to me in July 2008 for treatment of her psoriasis. It was the third outbreak in her life. Initially it appeared in 1982 at the
age of 29 when she was in the middle of her divorce. She had tar treatment at the time as well as PUVA (light treatment). This settled things.
In 1985 her psoriasis came back after the death of her four yearold son. He was hit by a car and his death left Debbi in a state of shock. Her

psoriasis had never cleared up completely since.

This recent outbreak started in December 2007 after an argument with her 16 yearold daughter who had been diagnosed with a psychotic
episode and an eating disorder. She had been treated at a rehab clinic and had just been discharged. Debbi wanted to find out what her
daughters plans were, when her daughter became very angry. As Debbi felt she wanted to connect with her she tried to stand her ground. Her
daughter started to throw furniture and objects at her and Debbi backed down and left the room.
She was terrified and shocked. She felt astonished that her daughter was so violent. It left her feeling numb, confused and disempowered.
The following day her psoriasis broke out, mainly on her back and legs. She had some Chinese medicine which improved things temporarily.
But then it returned and when I saw her she had spots all over which were very itchy and, therefore, interrupting her sleep. Her inner thighs
felt very sore. She was using aqueous cream as an emollient and a herb, mahonia aquifolium.
In general Debbis health is good. She had an episode of depression after the death of her parents who died within a year of each other.
Otherwise she has been well and there was no family history of psoriasis. One of the main issues that came out during the consultation was
that she felt she had been cheated constantly in her life. She said that she allows people to cheat her then gets angry but turns it in on herself
and sits on it. She also couldnt understand that her daughter would run off, drink and take drugs when Debbis parents died when they could
have grieved together. Why would she do this after I had looked after her and supported her?
As there was a history of shock and deepseated grief in her story, I did consider homeopathic remedies for shock and grief. Debbis sense of
injustice about how her daughter behaved, her sense of indignation and her way of letting others cheat her and suppressing her anger made
me consider the remedy Staphysagria. Interestingly her daughter threw objects and furniture in her anger which is a typical Staphysagria
symptom. Staphysagria is also a good remedy when emotional suppression, or grief, result in a persistent psoriasis.
However, as the state of shock she was in after the death of her son preceded everything and there were still elements of shock tangible in
the way she experienced events, I started with Aconite. This is one of our big shock remedies and Debbi noticed that her psoriasis improved
after that. We soon started with Staphysagria in an LM potency on a daily base and when I saw her after three months her psoriasis was much
better. There had been a slow but gradual improvement, her skin was the best it had been since the first outbreak of her psoriasis. The itching
pretty much stopped although she noticed that it came back when she missed her daily dose of Staphysagria.
She told me that when she started the treatment a lot of emotions came up. She realised that she had often been a victim in the past. She
slept reasonably well but occasionally woke up at 6am in a rage. The theme of being a victim and having to make choices not to give away
power came up in her dreams, too. As things had been going well we continued with Staphysagria LM 6.
When I saw her again three months later things were still going well. Although she had been under a lot of stress not only with her daughter
but also having lost her job her psoriasis was 80 per cent better than the year before, even though it was winter time. She also told me at
that stage that she had been dreaming about people who had treated her badly in the past. They were lovely to her, offering her cups of tea.
She felt herself that this indicated a process of letting go and felt this might be healing.
When she came back three months later, she was having lots of problems with her daughter again. Her daughter had stopped her therapy,
was taking drugs again and had taken an overdose of paracetamol and was back in rehab. Debbi felt numb and in a state of shock again and
had developed panic attacks. Her skin had been variable but overall quite stable. As the shock was in the foreground again and because of
the panic attacks, I gave another dose of Aconite 200c followed, after three weeks, by Staphisagria LM 12 daily.
She has been doing extremely well since. Her skin has improved and the panic attacks have become less frequent. Even though there is still
a lot of stress with her daughter, she is able to deal with it and feels pleased with her overall progress. Speaking to her during the heat wave at
the beginning of June 2009, she was happy to be wearing dresses for the first time in years!
Interestingly, both Aconite and Staphisagria belong to the same botanic family, ranunculaceae. Common issues of this family are great
sensitivity, ailments from grief or shock, irritability as well as stitching and stabbing sensations. Aconite might be more appropriate where there
are acute reactions and symptoms and a state of shock or panic, and Staphisagria where suppression and control are the main coping
mechanisms.
Case study 2
Georgia, aged four, was referred to my childrens clinic in October 2004. She had developed small spots of psoriasis on her chest when she
was three years old. Later she developed crusty eruptions on her scalp and more spots on her arms, in particular the elbows, as well as her
knees and back. If she fell and broke the skin, new spots would develop. She had had a bad throat and ear infection a few months before the
onset and had also started nursery one month prior to the outbreak. However, she had settled in well at nursery. She also had a history of glue
ear and one nose bleed.
When I saw her Georgia had thick, yellow crusty patches of psoriasis on her scalp and disseminated small psoriasis spots on her chest,
abdomen, arms and the extensors of her knees. She was a bright and delightful little girl, easy to get in contact with. In view of her general
symptoms, such as her thirst for cold water, her love for fish and salty food, the history of a nose bleed and her imaginative, enthusiastic and
sociable nature as well as her fears, I prescribed Phosphorus 200c in a single dose. She developed a few more spots on her lower back
initially but then her psoriasis gradually cleared up.
She had one episode of tonsillitis and chest infection which required antibiotic treatment but was overall doing fine until September 2005 when

she had an outbreak with itchy eruptions on her body and also started grinding her teeth. She had had two episodes of head lice and an
episode of vaginal thrush and was a bit more stroppy. Phosphorus had no effect at that stage.
Over the next six months she had two doses of Medorrhinum which kept her psoriasis at bay. In April 2006 she had a tonsillectomy and had
grommets inserted as she had bad tonsillitis in March and her hearing was impaired. Her psoriasis flared up after the operation. One dose of
Tuberculinum 200c in May 2006 cleared everything. Tuberculinum is a remedy that is related to Phosphorus. Both remedies often complement
each other in their action.
When I saw Georgia in January 2007 she was still absolutely fine and her psoriasis had gone. She was in good health in general and her
lovely imaginative and enthusiastic self again. I discharged her from my clinic.
Georgia was rereferred to me in July 2008 at the age of eight, after her psoriasis came back on her scalp in May that year. She had had sore,
itchy and scaly patches since then. She also had molluscum contagiosum on her arms and legs and a few nose bleeds. Following another
dose of Tuberculinum her scalp cleared but the molluscum persisted until June 2009 when I saw her last. She had also had a few more nose
bleeds, so I prescribed Phosphorus again which I think is her constitutional remedy. I would expect that this will clear the molluscum and
would keep her well.
In my view homeopathy definitely has something to offer in the treatment of psoriasis. We can often help with the appearance as well as the
experience of psoriasis. And in some instances we can see healing and transformation on a deep level which comprises improvement of the
psoriasis as well as healing on an emotional and more general level. If this happens I never fail to marvel at natures ability to bring about
healing as well as our patients courage to embrace it.
Andrea Wiessner MD MFHom RCST trained as a GP but has been practising homeopathy fulltime for 11 years. She has been working at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and in private practice. She also practises Cranio Sacral Therapy.

Post viral fatigue syndrome

Julie Geraghty explains how a constitutional remedy is most effective
The incidence of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) has been increasing over recent years. It often affects young people, who fail to make a
full recovery after an illness like glandular fever or influenza. Patients with this condition often turn to homeopathy, as general medicine has
little to offer. Painkillers and antidepressants are often prescribed, as well as symptomatic treatment for associated irritable bowel syndrome
etc, but recovery is often slow and frustrating.
Over the last six years I have become particularly interested in treating young people with PVFS, and have seen many cases cured with a
good constitutional homeopathic remedy. There are no specific remedies for the condition as always in homeopathy, the prescription needs
to be individualised according to the patients story and symptoms. The situation that the person was in at the time they developed the viral
infection, as well as their specific symptoms are both taken into account. This allows the homeopath to build up an understanding of the whole
picture, and often helps the patient to realise the factors that contributed to their becoming ill. The viral infection itself is often the final straw
which tips the balance of health, when the patient is already under stress, and therefore more susceptible to picking up a virus.
Linda, a slender woman with long blond hair, big blue eyes, and wearing a soft pink jumper, was 22 when I first saw her in May 1999. At that
time, she was a midwifery student, with chronic fatigue since she had glandular fever. She came with her mother, who seemed very caring
and supportive.
The first sign of her health problems started in summer 1995, when she noticed that her hair was thinning, and she lost 5kg in weight. This
surprised her, as she had actually been eating more than usual. Then she broke up with her boyfriend, and was really upset.
By the following summer, I was getting tired really quickly, much more than my friends. I had to sleep during the day before going out. I had
blood tests for anaemia, my blood count was 12, and I took some iron. I got back together with my ex-boyfriend, but it only lasted five months,
and we split up finally in February 1997. He didnt treat me well, he said I was too thin, always criticised me, and was too domineering. My hair
still wasnt back to normal, and I took sea kelp and multi vitamins. I met another guy and we got engaged at the beginning of 1998, Im really
happy with him.
In July 1998, Linda had bad tonsillitis. I felt so tired, and my hair was really falling out. I was tested for glandular fever and was shocked when
it wasnt positive. In September, I had another bad bout. My tonsils were huge; I had an ulcer on my soft palate, my uvula was really swollen, it
was almost touching my tongue, my eyelids were puffy and my neck was thick with glands. The pain from the glands went up to my ears; it
was terribly sore to swallow. I was absolutely exhausted. Antibiotics did nothing, and then the test for glandular fever came up positive.
I dreaded drinking because of the pain, but my throat was very dry. I drank cold drinks with a straw. My nose was blocked so I slept with my
mouth open, so my tonsils got dry. I was afraid to go to sleep as my throat was so dry, I only slept for 20 minutes at a time. The pain made me
cry, Id just curl up and bury my head in the pillow.
I was doing my final year as a student midwife when I got the glandular fever, and I had to give up. I feel very frustrated, theres a lot of
uncertainty. Ive been making very slow progress this year, and I really want to start my final year again in September. I need 12 to 14 hours of

sleep a day, and since March Ive been managing to work three hours per day in a newsagent. Six weeks ago my doctor started me on an
antidepressant, Im taking half a tablet per day. My appetite is now a bit better.
When I asked her why she chose midwifery, Linda explained that shed always loved babies. Theyre so vulnerable, I love holding them. I had
lots of dolls as a child. I had to decide between nursing and midwifery, but I chose midwifery, as its a happy job, not dealing with death, like in
nursing. Im very happy with the course.
I asked Linda a few more questions about herself to which she replied, I love chocolate and chicken. I love dairy products, cereal with milk,
cheese, butter, and eggs. I love fruit, except grapefruit. I like yoghurt, custard and hot chocolate. I cant miss a meal, I feel sick, windy I have
to eat something at 5pm. I have low blood pressure, and feel light headed if I stand up too quickly. I love fresh air. My legs and arms get really
tired at 3.30 to 5.30pm, I have to rest. She was on the Pill, as her periods were irregular, every three to five weeks. She has breast
tenderness before her periods, she said she has very glandular breasts.
I gave her Acidum lacticum (Lactic acid), 200c, three doses.
Within a week of taking the remedy she felt more energetic. I dont have to sleep during the afternoon now. Im getting better all the time. In
August, we went on holiday; we did a lot of driving and I took another dose of the remedy then, but I feel I coped very well. I couldnt have
considered going away four months ago. I have been able to go out with my friends again, I even went to a summer ball, and stayed up till
3am! I feel I will be able to manage to finish my course now.
Linda did restart her course, and was able to keep up with the others. However in July the following year her mother phoned me as she has
been admitted to hospital with very bad diarrhoea and dehydration, which was later confirmed to be Salmonella. I advised her to repeat the
remedy.
A month later Linda told me, I took the remedy as soon as they stopped the drip in hospital. I am so much better now; I think it really helped
me to get my strength back. I was feeling a bit run down before I got the Salmonella, as I had just finished exams, and had worked really hard.
But I finished my course, and Im a midwife now!
She has remained absolutely well since then.
This case history shows how the viral illness is often superimposed on other symptoms that show that the persons health is already slipping
out of balance. Lindas symptoms all fit well with the remedy Lactic acid. The whole group of acid remedies, including Phosphoric acid, is
well known for weakness and exhaustion. All the Lacticum remedies have this characteristic tendency to low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia,
and the need to eat frequently. Also typical is the craving for dairy products and sweet foods. On the mental level, the Lacticum remedies suit
patients who are very feminine and girlish, even childish and dependent. Lindas attitude to dolls and babies is typical, and her chosen
profession is interesting! Lactic acid is also well known for the severe dryness of the throat and larynx.
Dr Julie Geraghty ChB DCH MFHom trained as a GP but now practises homeopathy full time in Edinburgh as well as teaching
homeopathy to doctors and other health care practitioners in Scotland and abroad.

Post Polio Syndrome

Ann Tomes tells her own story about how homeopathy has affected her life
My first encounter with homeopathy was in 1980, 23 years ago following an injury to my right knee. After being told by an orthopaedic surgeon
that he would not touch it, I felt desperate enough to try anything once. I had been in considerable pain for some two years and had been
walking with the aid of two sticks. This was hard enough but I was also bringing up a young daughter and both she and my husband, Norman,
have brittle bones (osteogenesis imperfecta).
At about this time I had watched a television programme about homeopathy in which Dr RAF Jack appeared. This sparked my interest and I
went to see a local homeopathic pharmacist to ask him if he could recommend a practitioner. He asked if I had seen the TV programme and
said he would recommend Dr RAF Jack of Bromsgrove, warning us that visiting a homeopathic doctor would be very different and there would
be lots of unusual questions.
The consultation was horrendous to start with. The first thing Dr Jack did was to ask me to sit on the floor. Placing a sandbag under my knee,
he bounced another on top of the knee Norman thought Id never walk again! Dr Jack was checking that there wasnt a trapped nerve. As
there wasnt he went on to the homeopathic consultation.
It took two or three visits, before he found the right remedy but once I had this, within a few days I was feeling much better. He found
something that helped my body heal the injury so that I could walk unaided again. It was really remarkable.
The injury sustained prior to my visiting Dr Jack was caused by trying to walk up a fairly steep hill. It appeared I had rubbed the soft tissue
from the back of the kneecap.

But Dr Jack wasnt only interested in the reason for this injury; he wanted to know my whole story, which goes back much further.
Childhood polio
It was during the 1947 epidemic that I contracted polio, at the age of seven years. After the initial paralysis it was obvious that my right leg was
useless, my right side slightly shortened and my left foot also slightly affected.
After nine months in hospital with physiotherapy, I learned to walk again with the use of a calliper, which was dispensed with as the strength in
my muscles improved. Seven years of weekly sessions of physiotherapy followed but did not restore the damage done when, while in
hospital, my leg was placed in a splint with the knee bent and the foot pointing down. Of course, it was set like cement with tightened tendons
and wasted muscles. Consequently, I have walked with a permanently bent knee and on the metatarsal joint ever since; being unable to lower
my heel to the ground.
In spite of this I had as near a normal childhood as possible. I was a very tomboyish girl and had lots of male cousins with whom I played. I
climbed trees and got stuck up them and rode a bike, which I was always falling off. My parents allowed me to do what I wanted to in terms of
play and didnt try to wrap me up in cotton wool. I went to school and was in the hockey and netball teams in positions where I didnt have to
run about too much as I fell very easily. I couldnt dance but most of my teen years were taken up with courting Norman. We went out together
for three years and got married when I was 18.
Homeopathic help
Dr Jack didnt only help my knee. On hearing my story he produced three small tablets which, he said, contained polio virus, one of which I
took there and then; the remaining two being taken within the day at prescribed intervals. The following morning I was amazed to find the allover stiffness, which had plagued me since having polio, was gone. I could move freely. This was a real bonus.
However by 1984 the large toe joint had begun to cause me considerable pain due to the strain of weight bearing and I underwent a series of
six reconstruction procedures under Dr John Polyzoides, an orthopaedic surgeon then practising in Solihull. It was so exciting when I first saw
him as he could see potential in what little movement I had in my foot. This was a painful time when patience, hope and faith in him had to be
maintained. Thankfully, his work, which involved lengthening all the tendons and realigning bones so that my foot was straight, was very
successful. I can now put the whole foot to the ground making walking more comfortable and normal, even up not-too-steep hills.
My new-found mobility meant I was able to pursue one of my real interests painting watercolours. Although I had had no lessons, Id always
had an artistic leaning and through the Townswomens Guild I developed my skill and was later invited to run a workshop for the local adult
education institution. After a few more workshops I was invited to join the staff as a tutor and this opened up a whole new world for me
meeting so many people and making so many new friends. I worked in adult education for about 12 years and then ran my own private
groups.
In 1994 pain began returning mainly in my back and right hip. A course of physiotherapy with ultrasound and exercise put me right. Since then
the pain has recurred at about 18 months to two yearly intervals so physiotherapy sessions were repeated; the last being over ten weeks in
early 2002 which, this time was ineffectual.
My physiotherapist and GP both thought arthritis was the cause so the right hip and knee were x-rayed; but no arthritis was reported. My GP
thought soft tissue should be treatable; but I was not responding. I had never associated my pain with the polio I had had as a child.
It was then I read an article somewhere about post polio syndrome and realised that this was probably my problem. As most of todays GPs
have never experienced dealing with polio, I didnt mention this to mine at this time.
Another consultation
It was about October 2002 that my husband and I, almost simultaneously, thought of Dr Jack. We discovered he had retired but were glad to
be given details of Dr Mollie Hunton. After a consultation she also presented me with nine Polio nosode 30c tablets, three tablets taken within
24 hours to be repeated at three monthly intervals. Within ten days I was noticeably better.
Dr Hunton also prescribed Carcinosin 30c, again three tablets taken within 24 hours, but at six-weekly intervals. I had difficulty in obtaining
these so didnt begin taking them until three weeks after the polio tablets. This confirmed that the Polio nosode was the reason for the
improvement. However, after taking the Carcinosin I noticed a burst in my energy levels.
At my follow-up consultation with Dr Hunton she was pleased that I was now in control of the pain and not the other way round. She
recommended I follow this regime with the remedies as long as I continue to feel well and saw no reason why I shouldnt do so for the rest of
my life; obtaining my own supplies.
It is now August 2003. I have never felt better. Most mornings I still do one and a half hours of exercises given to me by physiotherapists over
the past eight or nine years, and in addition can manage a two mile brisk walk two to three times a week. I walk on my own but Norman drives
me to where I begin then overtakes me every so often so that hes waiting for me at the end of my walk and would be nearby if I needed him.
Gardening is another hobby. I felt so strong following my initial physiotherapy sessions that I planned and reconstructed my garden singlehanded, digging a pond and bog garden, and breaking up a path of paving slabs and building a dry-stone wall with the resulting blocks.
Keeping all this tidy and trim helps with the exercise. On top of this I do all my own housework and enjoy cooking and baking. I am grateful for

the extra boost given me by homeopathy.

When I told my GP I wished to try homeopathy, he said, Well, if you want to you can, but I dont have any faith in it. I have since reported to
him the improvement: and his comment was Im impressed. It seems such a pity that with something like homeopathy being available, more
people dont give it a try.
Post Polio Syndrome Mollie Hunton writes
This condition has only recently been described and seems to be the long term after effects of having polio. It is not clear if the virus is still in
the body, but inactive, or if the problems arise from damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments by the virus when it first affected the person.
Also, over many years limbs become distorted and withered by the effects of the polio and this causes a lot of pain. Pain wears people down
and affects sleep and mood making them low and despondent when they see no solution to the situation. Despite all the modern pain killing
drugs and anti-inflammatories people are still in pain, mainly because these medicines do not deal with the underlying cause of the pain.
Mrs Tomes pain responded very promptly to Polio nosode 30c, three tablets in 24 hours, so presumably this remedy helped to heal up any
viral activity or residual damage. Once your pain is gone you improve mentally also and begin to get your joie-devivre back. However, in
homeopathy you need to give a constitutional remedy to maintain the improvement or it will not hold. It is as if the nosode and the remedy
work at different levels in the body, but together they are more effective than if only one of them is taken.
The remedy Carcinosin 30C was also taken to good effect as it produced a boost in her energy. This is a remedy, which is prescribed when
there is a history of severe illness previously (in her case, the polio), where there may have been a strict upbringing, and where the person
may be a perfectionist with anticipatory anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety means that the person worries about, thinks about or plans events that
are going to happen. It may stop a person getting to sleep or wake them up in the early hours. People who need Carcinosin are strong willed
with very, very good senses and like things to do with nature and water. They have a fastidious nature and a strong sense of duty. Children are
very sensitive to being told off.
Mollie Hunton MB BS DRCOG FFHom has been practising homeopathy for 25 years, until recently as a GP, and now in private
practice.

Post-natal depression Patient Story

Carol Bodza found homeopathy was just what she needed to recover from post-natal depression
No more antidepressants! I never thought for one moment that I could have lived without them. I was at an all time low when I visited my GP,
Dr Jenny Howard, with my daughter who suffers from eczema. She started explaining to me that she used homeopathy for a lot of children
and it worked well. Before she finished telling me about my daughter, I was almost begging her to help me.
Id had post-natal depression for the last two years but had not told anybody. I had found myself at a point where I wanted to die; I could no
longer cope with my feelings. My husband had found the job he was looking for and this meant that I had moved way from my family and
friends. I was getting to a point where I could not leave the house without having a panic attack. I really hated my life.
The first few months were a blur to me, and then I was given Ignatia. It had a real impact on me. My grandmother had died just ten months
before I gave birth to my daughter and I was so busy looking after my son and husband that I had not given myself a chance to grieve. About
ten days after taking the Ignatia I remember getting into bed and starting to cry; I kept crying for about two hours if not more. I was able to let
go. I felt fantastic. This was the first time I saw light at the end of the tunnel. It helped me let go of the guilt I felt in having rejected my daughter
from the day she was born although I had a great relationship with my son. It gave me the chance to start afresh with her.
The panic attacks have taken a bit more work. Gelsemium is great when I get into a situation where I feel the dreaded panic start and Aconite
helps with the hyperventilating. Both have given me a chance to build my confidence and learn to control the feelings which were rolling into
the next state of panic. I have to say it also took a little perseverance and a stubborn streak but it is worth it.
When I hit another low, I thought it was the end of the world. I went to see an emergency GP who offered me Valium, but I knew it was not
right for me so I made an appointment to see Dr Howard. Tears were rolling down my face before I had opened the door. I was scared, lonely
and afraid of everything. She smiled saying she knew I would need this one day and gave me Calc carb. She described it as the protection
that an oyster gets from its shell, and that is just what I needed: a cuddle in a bottle.
I enjoy my life again; I have two fantastic children, a great husband and a GP who deserves an award. The only thing that makes me sad is
the fact that these services are not available to everyone on the NHS.
We have had some difficult times over the last two years but homeopathy and a fantastic GP and the support of my family have brought me
through. Two years down the line no antidepressants and homeopathy for emergencies I feel fantastic and hope that I can inspire others
who suffer from depression. It is a horrible thing to go through. If you are reading this and thinking she cant have felt as bad as me, believe
me I have said exactly the same. I never in a million years thought I would be writing something like this. There is always hope and
homeopathy!

Post-natal depression
Jenifer Worden discusses how homeopathy can help women suffering from this distressing condition
The first thing that can be said about post-natal depression (PND) is that to the women who have suffered it and those women reading this
article, who may be suffering from it, the effects of PND are distressing, debilitating and are very real.
PND is not uncommon, with up to ten per cent of all mothers affected to a greater or lesser degree. The incidence of PND is higher in the
months immediately following childbirth but it is not unknown for a small number of women still to be suffering the effects a year after the birth
of their child.
PND and its symptoms
PND may be defined as a non-psychotic depression occurring during the first six months after the birth of a child. The term non-psychotic
depression for the lay person means that the mother does not suffer from hallucinations or delusions. These are the symptoms of a severe
mental illness and require urgent specialist medical attention from a consultant psychiatrist.
PND, on the other hand, can affect all women after childbirth but more often women who have a history of life events such as bereavements
or a poor marital relationship which includes lack of support, feelings of having to manage on ones own, coupled with a general perception
of being isolated.
Another factor that adds to the pressure of some women who suffer from PND is that the family do not know how to react to the mother who is
suffering, so through lack of knowledge and, in some cases, understanding, are dismissive of the problems faced by a woman after childbirth.
This then creates a further spiralling of the helplessness some women undoubtedly feel, leading to a sense of inadequacy and not being able
to cope, which inevitably leads to insomnia, anxiety and debility.
Additionally, other symptoms may be present including a difficulty in concentrating, a loss of confidence and self-esteem, not eating properly
due to a lack of interest in food and, in extreme cases, recurring thoughts of death, or even suicide itself. With regards to the latter, it must be
stressed that this is a very rare event and it may be that there are other underlying causes for such thoughts.
While the mother is the direct sufferer of PND, it must not be forgotten that the behaviour of the patient can impact on the family or close loved
ones, leading to tensions and stresses within the family group, which in turn re-impacts on the mother. This then becomes a self-perpetuating
downward spiral of tension, misunderstanding and depression. Because of the potential devastating effects on the family life overall, it is
important that the mother seeks help as soon as possible. It is also not uncommon for a new mother to be in self-denial about her problems
but realistically the feelings of inadequacy normally will tell her that all is not well and therefore she should seek professional help.
PND and the working woman
Whilst PND has been recognised for some time as a clinical condition, the effects on the family and society in general were not so pronounced
in the years leading up to the war. However, during that period, between1940 and 1945, women were conscripted in large numbers to work in
factories, munitions and to serve in the Armed Forces. This new role for women and the changes to society immediately following the war
meant that women went to work as matter of course and became de facto a joint, or second bread winner.
It is in this expanded role for women, in a working environment, that she may fear having a baby will in some way compromise her ability to
fulfil this role. As a consequence, this can produce serious problems with depression immediately following the birth of the child.
In this context, therefore, the underlying problems which cause PND are accentuated by economic concerns or the loss of position in a
company or a job, should the mother have to take time away from her employment to attend antenatal classes, hospital appointments and so
on. These pressures inevitably bring about a guilt complex whereby the mother is torn between the love and desire for her baby and fulfilling
her role as a partner in a marriage or relationship.
It must not be assumed that the depression suffered by non-working mothers is any less severe or debilitating than that for women who work.
It is only that in the latter case, where secondary considerations may be involved, the depression may be accentuated or intensified.
Seeking help
It is very important for women suffering from PND to understand that they are not alone and help is available in many ways: from counselling,
medication and complementary therapies. Firstly with respect to counselling, this can be done informally by the health visitor who can carry
out a brief questionnaire to assess a womans mental state and then offer appropriate support or non-directive counselling as active listening
visits. For many women, this will be sufficient to allow a full recovery in a matter of weeks.
Secondly, if the symptoms do not subside, medication prescribed by the GP can help but, for those women who are worried about the sideeffects of any drug prescribed for depression, there are homeopathic remedies which can be used.
This is very important because, to a large number of people, there is unfortunately a stigma about being diagnosed with depression and
seeking possible help. It is because of this and of the reported problems associated, rightly or wrongly, with the drugs prescribed to combat
depression, that homeopathy can be of such benefit.

Homeopathy and PND

I think it is important to state that when considering a homeopathic approach to the problems of PND, it should always be remembered that
homeopathy can do the patient no harm. Indeed, there is a large body of evidence to support the premise that it can make a substantial
difference to the sufferer. As a practising NHS GP and with over ten years experience in homeopathy, I am able to look at the problem from
both perspectives. Therefore, when I have a patient who is unwilling, unhappy or unable to tolerate conventional medication, I then
recommend the homeopathic approach. However, before recommending any complementary medicine, I try to determine if there are any
underlying social factors which will lead me to advise one treatment rather than another. Generally, I have a choice of four or five homeopathic
remedies which have helped to bring about a marked improvement in the well-being of the patient.
Sepia
This is my foremost remedy for PND. It is used essentially for the woman who comes to see me in floods of tears, completely resigned to the
fact that she is unable to care for or hold her baby. She thinks she hates the baby and her partner, can see no way out of her problems and
despairs of recovery. Sleeplessness is a major problem, which leads to fatigue and the vicious circle of sleep deprivation and feelings of
inadequacy.
We all know how much worse things seem when we are tired. Even though these women do not want to be with their families, they cannot
bear to be alone. They feel cast off from the world around them, a symptom which we refer to homeopathically as being forsaken; a word
which I feel describes succinctly the way a woman with PND feels about herself. In the midst of this depression, no matter how bad the
woman feels, if she can be encouraged to take some exercise or, even better, to go dancing, she is very likely to make a substantial and
noticeable improvement with Sepia.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium is not always the first remedy that I, as a homeopath, think of when considering post-natal depression but patients who exhibit the
symptoms of low self-esteem, weeping when sympathy is shown and feelings of hopelessness and despair are those who may benefit from
this remedy.
These women may also have a fear of failure, particularly in relation to the stress of their new role as a mother and the change in their
responsibilities. Like Sepia, patients who will recover with Lycopodium often feel better in the evening but they do not experience the
improvement which exercise and love of dancing usually bring. Women who are helped by this remedy may also have had a history of irritable
bowel type symptoms sometime in the past.
Ignatia
Like Lycopodium, Ignatia is a plant-based remedy and is recommended when the mother has a variety of emotional problems. Symptoms can
vary widely and may also be contrasting, with the woman sometimes feeling as if she is on an emotional roller-coaster. This can manifest itself
with mood swings and impulsiveness.
The woman may also have had unrealistic or romanticised ideas about childbirth and what caring for a small baby would entail. She then finds
herself falling below the high standards that she has set herself and then feelings of guilt arise, leading to depression.
Patients will often try to hide their symptoms, fearing that their child may be taken from them, should they show that they are not coping as
well as they think they should. They then endeavour to present a faade that all is well and usually only those who are very close to the
mother will be aware of the emotional turmoil she is experiencing.
However, sympathy and a recognition of the desperation felt in these circumstances and a recommendation that the mother seeks help can, in
itself, be a great therapy.
Pulsatilla
Widely used by homeopaths for a variety of female hormonal problems, Pulsatilla is sometimes overlooked when it comes to treating the
symptoms of PND. Like Sepia, patients who may be helped by taking Pulsatilla will be tearful and cry when relating how they feel. However,
sympathy makes them feel better and they often say how crying helps, whereas Sepia patients usually weep without the feeling of any relief
from their symptoms. Women who may benefit from Pulsatilla tend to be of a softer personality than those being helped by Sepia, and often
will seem to be of a more maternal inclination, which is why their feelings of depression are more difficult for them to understand after having
the baby they wanted so badly. Patients who respond to Pulsatilla may also have changeable moods but the swings tend to be less
pronounced in those women for whom I would recommend Ignatia. Overall, Pulsatilla is a remedy for a more gentle type of the patient than
the other remedies previously mentioned.
Recurrence
One question I frequently get asked by women who have suffered after the birth of their first child is can it happen again if they have further
children?
The short answer is yes; it can, but is far less likely, although the circumstances under which the second child is conceived will have a large
bearing on the mental health of the mother after birth. Factors such as home environment, relationships and lack of support will all have a
consequence on whether a woman will face the same, or similar, problems but mothers usually cope much better because they are aware of
the problems having faced them once already. However, they should not be frightened to seek help on the basis of you were like this last time
so you must know what it is.

Finally, what is vital for women suffering from post-natal depression to remember is that you are not alone. As a mother myself, I know how
easy it is to feel that somehow you are not worthy or adequate. Do not worry, help is available to you from many different sources including
counselling, conventional medicines and homeopathic remedies, so dont despair and dont be frightened to ask for help. It is there and
available for you.
Jenifer Worden MBChB MRCGP MFHom is a part-time NHS GP in Ringwood, Hampshire and has a private homeopathic practice in
Highcliffe, Dorset. She treats patients with a wide range of conditions and across the complete age range.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Mollie Hunton describes how she treats this condition homeopathically
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) used to be called Stein-Leventhal syndrome when I was at medical school, and was so rare that no
gynaecologist could find a case of it to demonstrate to us. Now, however, it is extremely common and I see about ten cases a year.
The symptoms in the syndrome are acne, irregular or absent periods, obesity, hirsutism (excessive growth of bodily hair) and infertility. Not all
patients have every symptom. In fact some people are not overweight. This can cause difficulty when doctors are not inclined to refer for
investigations if the patient does not fit all the categories.
An ultrasound scan shows that sufferers have changes in the ovaries which cause multiple small cysts to occur without ovulation. The cysts
are arranged around the outside of the ovary, just under the surface and have not been able to rupture as they should at ovulation.
As ovulation does not occur, hormone levels do not fall as they would normally do. Consequently menstruation, which occurs in response to
falling levels of hormones, may be delayed or absent. I feel that this situation should be able to be picked up early in teenagers who do not
menstruate regularly. At this point, some homeopathic remedies would help, but the patient and the doctor need to be aware that irregularity
may indicate pathology and some tests need to be done, even if no other symptoms are present. I call this early stage the tough ovary
situation. It is as if the covering (capsule) of the ovary is too tough to allow the follicle to burst when it has ripened. Some cyclical Folliculinum
and Ovarian gland in 30c potency usually helps at this early stage.
The elevated levels of testosterone and oestrogen eventually result in hirsutism, acne and long or absent menstrual cycles and obesity. A
primary cause is thought to be high levels of insulin due to insulin resistance, where the body tissues do not respond normally to insulin which
may be a genetic abnormality. Women with this syndrome (also called Syndrome X) are therefore at risk of premature heart attacks,
premature menopause and abnormal growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) which can lead to cancer.
Conventional treatment of the infertility, which is what takes most women to their doctor, is with clomiphene, which is said to induce ovulation
in 70 per cent of patients. Inducing ovulation is not the same as getting pregnant though. If people are overweight, a low carbohydrate load
diet is advised and also the medication metformin which people with type 2 diabetes take.
In order to understand this complex syndrome I analysed ten patients I had seen in the previous year. I was looking to see how each patient
presented, which homeopathic medicines were successful and what the outcome was.
The patients
The youngest was 18, two were in their 20s and seven in their 30s, the oldest being 39. This reflects the situation that people are waiting until
later to start their families and when they want to become pregnant find that they have a problem. The 18 year-old was a student, but
everyone else was in full-time work, often in busy, stressful jobs like teaching.
Symptoms experienced
Acne Seven patients had acne and two had had Roaccutane which can only be prescribed by a consultant dermatologist. At no time was
PCOS considered as a diagnosis. Dermatologists do not normally ask about periods.
Hirsutism Seven patients had abnormal body hair. One had had it since the age of 16 and was now 31.
Menstrual cycle All the patients had abnormally long menstrual cycles. Six had had the problem since they started menstruating. Usually if a
teenager goes to the doctor complaining of a long cycle, investigations for PCOS are not undertaken and the patient is reassured that things
will settle down. I dont know if anyone has done any research to see what proportion of young girls who complain of a long cycle do revert to
normal and how long it takes, but it seems to be a missed opportunity to diagnose the condition. The situation of a long cycle is not common
anyway in my experience, so I would take it seriously if it were presented to me at that age.
Weight Six patients were overweight, so four were not an important observation. None was diabetic. The Americans describe five different
types of PCOS according to the variations in the symptoms, but in three of the variations the weight is normal. This is one time when you can
blame your glands for your weight!
Infertility Only four patients complained of infertility and in fact another was actually pregnant. The other five were not contemplating
pregnancy. One patient had one child already but had been unable to conceive again and one patient had two children.
Concomitant problems One patient suffered depression and grief, one depression, alcohol problems, heavy smoking, Syndrome X and
bulimia, one had epilepsy and suicidal depression, one had recurrent cystitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and one had panic attacks and
had had repeated courses of antibiotics.
Investigations

Eight patients had had their hormone levels checked. One had not and one was not sure. Four were told that their testosterone levels were
not elevated and the rest were not told their results. Seven had had an ultrasound scan, in two of whom no cysts were seen. This does not
necessarily mean that cysts were not there, only that they were not seen. Sometimes the ovaries are not easy to see if the patient is very
overweight or the ovaries are positioned deep in the pelvis. One patient had not been offered a scan. This meant that only five patients had a
definite diagnosis of PCOS, which tells you that the GPs do not consider a diagnosis of PCOS or that they feel the expense of the
investigations is not warranted.
However, it is important to make a diagnosis because there may be treatment implications diabetes and Syndrome X must not be left
unchecked. I now check the blood sugar of everyone who is overweight. Although only five patients had had a definite diagnosis, the other five
had not had an explanation for their long menstrual cycles and other symptoms. Where there were classical symptoms of PCOS but no confirmatory test results, I explained my theory of the tough ovarian capsule situation. I did suggest to three patients that they ask their GPs for
tests and one person was refused.
Treatment
It is very important for people who are overweight to lose it and for diabetics and women who have Syndrome X to stick to a low carbohydrate
(glycemic) load way of eating. Glycemic load is simply the best measure of whether a food, a meal, or a diet will help create blood sugar
control, and help lose weight (see Patrick Holfords web site or his book Low GL Diet Made Easy). People who are overweight all have
emotional problems focussed on food, for example comfort eating. One patient in this study had bulimia, which always is emotional in origin
and has added emotional overtones. When you embark on treating PCOS you are treating a chronic condition that has often been present,
albeit unrecognised, for many years, which is why people become depressed. Homeopathy is the only system that looks at the whole person
and not just at their hormones and ovaries.
Case study
Mrs KJ, aged 31, came to see me because she had had PCOS for ten years and during her first pregnancy she had a large ovarian cyst
which could not be operated on and she had to have a caesarean section. She was now pregnant for the second time and wanted to try and
deliver normally.
Her PCOS was diagnosed at the age of 21 when she was experiencing irregular bleeding. At the time she was working on a ship which she
found very stressful. She developed severe acne which was treated by a dermatologist with Minocin, a strong antibiotic. After this she
developed irregular bleeding and a scan showed ovarian cysts. She was put onto oestrogen patches. She then conceived naturally, but
developed the large cyst. The cyst was dealt with during the caesarean.
Eventually she wanted to conceive again, but was unable to. She was referred back to the gynaecologist and was due to have a laparoscopy
when she became pregnant.
By nature she was a home person. On board ship she had been very homesick. She was very moody and often burst into tears. She hated
stuffy atmospheres and always slept with the window open. She hated to be cold. Despite what she thought about her acne scars, she was a
very attractive person with blond hair and blue eyes.
I prescribed Pulsatilla 200c, three tablets to be taken in one day once a month whilst pregnant. She did not develop any cysts and went on to
deliver normally.
Outcome
Out of the ten patients treated, two were lost to follow up. Three were unable to handle the diet, however one had an improvement in her cycle
despite having considerable emotional problems exposed which can be difficult to treat. Another felt she had had a therapeutic consultation.
There were lots of improvements recorded in patients cycles, in their diets and in their mental health.
This is a complex syndrome with a lot of symptoms in different systems and often of long standing. It would obviously take a long time for
changes and recovery to occur. Sometimes there is not enough time and patients find the conventional system with its quick fixes hard to
resist.
Mollie Hunton MB BS DRCOG FFHom teaches homeopathy to undergraduates at Birmingham Medical School. She is President of
the Midlands branch of the Faculty of Homeopathy and has a private practice.

Top 5 reasons we visit the podiatrist

With summer around the corner Dr Tariq Khan gives you advice on how to get your feet looking their best
An engineering miracle combining grace, durability and sensitivity its an apt description of the human foot. Perhaps one of the most
neglected parts of the body, generally hidden from site, the importance of feet is only fully appreciated when something goes wrong. Healthy
feet in good working order give us the joy of movement. Painful, unhealthy feet makes feel tired and irritable and take the pleasure out of life.
Consider the punishment the foot absorbs in a lifetime. As we move, at a comfortable 100 steps a minute pace, each heel strikes the
pavement with the equivalent of a 225lb jolt 50 times a minute. As we walk an average of 115,000 miles in a lifetime, that means tens of

millions of jolts for each foot.

The five most common problems that hobble into my clinic are: Athletes foot, Corns, Cracked heels, Sore soles (plantar fasciitis), and
Verrucae (plantar warts).
1. Athletes foot
This is a fungal infection. It can lead to intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of skin, redness and scaling. It can occur on moist,
waterlogged skin especially between the fourth and fifth toes, or on dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot. Its caused by a
number of fungal species which you can pick up from anywhere (typically communal areas such as pools, showers and changing rooms) or
anywhere where you may walk around barefooted.
The fungus on each bit of skin that falls away from someone elses feet can be picked up by you if youre prone. Once your feet have been
contaminated, the warm, dark and sweaty environment of feet cramped in shoes or trainers provides the ideal breeding ground for the fungus.
However, athletes foot also occurs in dry, flaky areas.
Its quite common in summer sandalwearers. The sun makes your skin dry out, so it loses its natural protective oils; this combined with the
constant trauma from sandals makes them more prone to infection.For prevention change your footwear on a regular basis.
Theres no point sorting your feet out if you constantly reinfect them by putting them into damp, fungally infected shoes. It takes 24-48 hours
for shoes to dry out properly, so alternate your shoes daily. To help shoes dry out more quickly, take any insoles out. Also, loosen any laces
and open your shoes out fully so that air can circulate. Go for trainers with ventilation holes.
First Aid medicines that can help:

Berberis vulgaris. When the skin has dry, scaly lesions with circumferential progression and healing from centre outwards.

Graphites. Skin oozes a thick, viscous, honeylike fluid. The itching is relieved by localised cold while the individual is sensitive to
cold.

Psorinum. Mycosis (fungal infection) found on unhealthy, dry, wrinkled, scaly, itchy skin on the sole of the foot.

Sepia. Itching not relieved by scratching, ringwormlike eruption every Spring, sweaty feet, worse on toes and intolerable odour.

Silica. Eruptions itch only in daytime and evening, Rosecoloured blotches and coppery spots.

Sulphur. Skin that is dry, scaly unhealthy, pimply eruptions and pustules. Itching especially from warmth, in the evening, often recurs
in springtime, in damp weather.

Medicines should be taken initially in 6c or 12c three times a day for the first two weeks.
If fungus presents for several months or years take 30c once daily up to three months.
2. Corns
Corns like calluses develop from an accumulation of dead skin cells on the foot, forming thick, hardened areas. They contain a cone-shaped
core with a point that can press on a nerve below, causing pain. Corns are a very common ailment that usually forms on the tops, sides and
tips of the toes. Corns can become inflamed due to constant friction and pressure from footwear. Corns that form between the toes are
sometimes referred to as soft corns.
There are very simple ways to prevent and treat the corns. You should wear properly fitted footwear with extra room in the toe box (toe area).
Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose. Use an orthotic or shoe insert made with materials that will absorb shock and shear forces. Also
avoid tight socks and stockings to provide a healthier environment for the foot.
Try to steer away from corn removing solutions and medicated pads. These solutions can sometimes increase irritation and discomfort.
Diabetics and all other individuals with poor circulation should never use any chemical agents to remove corns.
Topical agents like Marigold Tagetes cream or oil are found to be very effective for treatment of this condition.
First Aid medicines that can help:

Antimonium crudum. Skin that is hard, thickened (Hyperkeratotic) and yellow corns, often in multiple.

Ferrum picricum. Corn, which have a yellowish discolouration. The medicine acts best in darkhaired people.

Hypericum. Neurovascular corn (a corn on the end of a nerve and blood vessel), which is painful, inflamed with burning and
shooting pain.

Nitric acidum. Golden-yellow callus, local pathogenic action of nitric acid, painful fissures which bleed, giving impression of being
stuck by needles. Hyperkeratosis, where the adjacent skin has golden-yellow characteristic.

Rannuculus bulbosus. Corns that are sensitive, hard and thickened skin is present.

Homeopathic medicines should be taken at 6c/12c twice daily for up to two weeks for acute conditions and 30c taken daily for up to three
months for chronic conditions.
If a corn is present for sometime then seek help from a homeopathic podiatrist, who can remove it and use a topical phytotherapy based
treatment to prevent it returning.
3. Cracked heels
Many factors cause cracked heels such as dry skin due to wearing sandals and shoes without backs, this leads to the heel building up callus
due to friction and pressure bought on by walking and further leading to fissure formation with pain and bleeding.
There are others reasons such as skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and abnormalities of the heel structure, which lead to a
biomechanical instability with the bone and fascia around the heel. Patients with poor circulation and especially diabetics often do not have
enough blood supplying the skin to carry out the requirements to function normally.
To help prevent cracked heels stop wearing the shoes that caused the problem. At the end of the day soak feet in warm salt water for 10
minutes to ease them and help to take down the inflammation caused by the friction and pressure of being on your feet all day. Daily
application of cream or ointment, the uses of traditional plant-base preparations along with products with neem, coca butter, shea butter and
vitamin E also show promising results. Pumice cracks or dry skin, make sure the sole of the shoe is well cushioned and not rough or too hard,
you can put in an insole or heel cushion. Avoid shoes like flip flops and high heel shoes, if taking long walks or walking on hard surfaces.
First Aid medicines that can help:

Antimonium crudum. Dry fissures often found on heels or external borders of feet. Scaly and pustular eruptions are often burning
and itching, worse at night.

Petroleum. Skin dry, constricted, very sensitive, rough and cracked, leathery. Thick, greenish crusts, burning and itching; redness,
raw; cracks bleed easily.

Graphites. Rough, hard, persistent dryness of portions of the skin, Eruptions, oozing out a sticky exudation. Cracks in heels and in
between toes, burning and stinging pain.

Sulphur. Dry, scaly, unhealthy, itching, burning, worse scratching and washing.

Homeopathic medicines should be taken as 30c twice daily up to three six weeks.
4. Plantar Fasclitis
(Pain in the sole of my foot)
The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue located along the bottom surface of the foot that runs from the heel to the forefoot.
Excessive stretching of the plantar fascia, usually due to over-pronation(flat feet), causes plantar fasciitis. The inflammation caused by the
plantar fascia being stretched away from the heel often leads to pain in the heel and arch areas. The pain is often extreme in the morning
when an individual first gets out of bed or after a prolonged period of rest.
If this condition is left untreated and strain on the longitudinal arch continues, a bony protrusion may develop, known as a heel spur. It is
important to treat the condition promptly before it worsens.
Topical treatments that can help the following conditions:
Arnica cream Bruising / Arthritis
Bellis perennis cream Deep bruising
Hypericum cream Nerve pain
Ruta cream Bony inflammation
Rosemary tincture Pain
Symphytum gel Ligaments non-bony union
First Aid medicines that can help:

Apis meliflica. Affected joints are reddish/pink and swollen. There is stinging, burning pain improves with cold applications.

Arnica. Following physical effort or repeated trauma (eg badly fitting shoes). There is purplish oedema and intense pain, which
improves after hot application.

Bellis perennis. Damaged muscular fibres of blood vessels and muscular soreness. Deep bruising, due to mechanical causes. First
remedy in injuries to deeper tissues after major surgical work. Injured nerve endings, lead to intense soreness and intolerance to cold
weather.

Bryonia. Joints are red and hot, frequently swollen and sensitive to slightest touch. There is a sensation of throbbing, acute and
stinging pain, which is aggravated by the slightest movement.

Hypericum. Throbbing pain follows the course of the nerve from the foot to the lumbar region.

Kali bichromcium. Pain that is wondering along bones, soreness of heels when walking and tendo Achilles painful and sore.

Ledum. Joints are swollen, hot and pale. Pain is aggravated at night and by warmth of the bed and improved by cold applications.
Patient immerses foot in cold water if the big toe is affected.

Rhododendron. Generally erratic, searing pain is aggravated by stormy weather, particularly before storm, and improved as soon as
storm breaks out.

Rhus toxicodendron. Patient complains of painful, joint stiffness, which occurs at the start of a movement then disappears as the
movement continues. Pain aggravated by damp weather, cold and rest.

Ruta graveolens. Pain in the joint, which is aggravated by rest and improves immediately after movement. But, without the warming
up phase of Rhus tox. Ruta causes less stiffness than Rhus tox.

Staphysagria. Pain intense in soles of the feet and Achilles tendon.

In acute cases, low potency (6c) is more effective as a single remedy three times a day for three days and thereafter 30 potency once daily for
a week. In chronic cases 30c twice daily for up to four weeks.
5. Verrucae
(Plantar Warts)
A common viral infection of the skin, verrucae (warts on the foot or hand) are a problem for more and more people who use communal areas
such as swimming baths, sports and health clubs. Some stubborn verrucae do not respond well to conventional medication. Surgical
treatment can be painful and often causes scarring.
First Aid medicines that can help:

Antimonium crudum. Frequently seen in the 5-15 year age group. Verruca that, has a rough horny surface projecting slightly above
skin, and is surrounded by horny collar. Usually single, but can be multiple. Present on palms, soles, fingers, and toes, under nails.
Rarely on face, scalp or body.

Calcarea carbonica. Round, solitary, isolated, hard warts.

Causticum. Warts underneath the nails and located at the end of nose or lips on flat plane, which bleed easily. Whitish-yellow in
colour.

Dulcamara. Transparent plane warts, which are more visible in low-angled rather than direct light and are located on the backs of the
hands or on the face. Also seborrheic, wide and soft, brownish warts most often located on the back.

Ferrum picrum. Indicated in small, pointed warts occurring in large groups especially finger and toes.

Graphites. Orifices of the face & beard regions. Present as skin tags, and are found under the nail bed Greyish, brown, or
fleshcoloured.

Natrum mur. Seen on the soles of the feet. Superficial, slightly raised, hard, multiple, with a crazy paving pattern present. They are
painless, with only one plaque with several small warts. Notorious for longevity and resistance to treatment.

Natrum sulphuricum. Raised, smaller than common warts, flatter smoother surfaces & irregular outlines. A multiple number of

verrucae, ranging from two to several hundreds. Present at the tops of feet, red circular in shape and colour. Seem to be common in
children, young women and immuno-compromised patients.

Nitric acid. Small, punctuate lesions, horny wall surrounding central depression. Golden yellow in colour, Warts having painful
fissures which bleed, giving the impression of being stuck with a needle or splinter.

Thuja. Warts that are hardened lumps, Fig-warts, and warts that appear in the form of cauliflowershaped lesion. An excellent first line
remedy for all verrucae.

Take Thuja 30c twice daily for eight weeks. All other remedies 12c twice daily up to six weeks. Long-standing lesions Thuja 200c/1M stat dose
with 30c doses twice weekly one month.
General Footcare

Wash your feet every day in warm soapy water (dont soak them, as this might destroy the natural oils) and dry thoroughly,
especially between the toes.

If your skin is dry, apply moisturising (calendula) cream all over the foot, except for between the toes.

Lightly apply a foot powder.

Remove hard skin gently with a pumice stone, but not if it is over a bony area or joint. If this is the case, or if the hard skin is
painful, consult a registered chiropodist/podiatrist.

Trim your toe nails regularly, using proper nail clippers. Cut straight across, not too short, and not down at the corners as this can
lead to in-growing nails.

Keep feet warm, and exercise to improve circulation.

Always wear the right shoe for the job.

Seek prompt treatment for burns, cuts and breaks in the skin, and for any unusual changes in colour or temperature. This is
particularly important if you have diabetes. If your feet hurt, something is wrong!

You can also prevent foot problems before they occur by visiting a registered chiropodist/podiatrist for advice on how to keep your
feet healthy.

Finding a homeopathic podiatrist

For a list of homeopathic podiatrists please visithttp://www.britishhomeopathic.org/getting_treatment/find_practitioner/

For NHS treatment you will need a GP referral to Marigold Clinic, Department of Homeopathic Podiatry, The Royal London Hospital
for Integrated Medicine

Homeopathic podiatrists are health care professionals who specialise in the medical treatment of the feet and lower limbs. They were once
known as chiropodists but are now generally known as podiatrists. Homeopathic podiatrists are able to diagnose and treat most foot
pathologies. Homeopathic podiatry is a term used for a podiatrist who uses oral homeopathic medicines, topical phytotherapy (Marigold
Therapy) in podiatric management.
The Homeopathic podiatrist is someone who has carried out specialist training in homeopathy related to the treat ment of podiatric
conditions. They will normally have LFHom (Pod), DFHom (Pod) or MFHom (Pod) earned from the Faculty of Homeopathy after their
names. These denote their depth of homeopathic knowledge.Dr Tariq Khan, PhD (Lond), BSc (Hons), BSc (Pod Med), MChS,
FFHom(Pod), is a Consultant Podiatrist and Specialist in Homeopathic Podiatry and director of the Marigold Clinic at the Royal
London Hospital for Integrated Medicine.

Pain
Dr Ronald Livingston discusses the homeopathic approach
Pain is perhaps the most widespread and arresting symptom of which patients complain. This makes it particularly suitable to illustrate the
action of individual homeopathic medicines.

Defined in the Oxford Dictionary as suffering or distress, it could be described as awareness of disturbance of equilibrium, ranging from slight
discomfort or unpleasantness, soreness, tenderness and aching to agony.
Much attention is given nowadays in pain clinics to the underlying source and explanation of pain and its function. The central nervous system
contains nerve paths concerned predominantly either with muscular activity or sensation. It is the sensory part of the nervous system with
which we are concerned. Physiologists sub-divide the two types of pain into protopatic or crude pain and epicritic or more subtle forms of pain
which are conveyed through different pathways in the nervous system.
The ordinary approach to this is highly material, even when concerned with matters of the emotions and the mind. We are all accustomed to
describe everything in terms of weights, measures and calibrations, to fragment and analyse events and problems into ever smaller parts,
rather than consider them as different parts of a whole within which all aspects combine, building up into a harmonised totality.
It is in the latter manner that the homeopathic physician considers pain and other subjective, emotional and psychological states of
indisposition or illness.
Instinctive
Pain, we consider, is protective in character one of the ways in which nature expresses the patients needs. Without pain we would not
survive very long. Our vulnerability to all sorts of influences adverse to our wellbeing, especially physical dangers like burns, cuts and other
injuries would be vastly increased. Our instinctive reaction to anything unpleasant, whether physical or mental, is to withdraw from it.
In practice we describe pain emotional or physical under a variety of headings, each of which suggests to us the probable need for a
particular homeopathic remedy best suited to that particular kind of pain within the overall range of the patients temperament and character.
For instance, an aching pain is almost certain to respond to Arnica. A sharp cutting pain like that inflicted by a clean razor edge responds to
Staphisagria. The pain of a sting or stab with a small point of entry, as for instance from stepping on a rusty nail, responds to Ledum especially
if the pain is relieved by cold.
Pain resulting from a blow to the soft tissues of the eye is enormously relieved by Bellis perennis. Grazes and superficial wounds and those
injuries or conditions in which pain shoots along a limb respond to Hypericum. Cantharis relieves the pain of a burn or scald, Apis or Urtica
urens that of stings and allergic lumps and bumps which itch intolerably. Apis patients are made worse by heat.
The pain and aching in varicose veins respond very well to Hamamelis and Placenta. The pain of ulcers in the mouth and elsewhere in cases
where the patient is aware of discomfort only when food or some other object is passing over the area concerned reacts well to Nitric acid.
All these guides to the selection of a particular medicine with its own special relationship to a corresponding type of sensitivity should always
be considered within the overall mentality or character of the patient; although, in the acute type of pain encountered in the ordinary
circumstances of everyday life, these particular indications nearly always lead to the correct medicine.
Perhaps the most generally effective medicine useful in emergencies of all sorts is provided by Dr Edward Bachs rescue remedy. It is a
combination of five of the Bach remedies, all but one of which are prepared from spring water essence of certain wild flowers discovered by Dr
Bach to have a special affinity to certain moods.
Pain related to more chronic conditions is much more likely to respond to the constitutional medicine of the patient than is the case of most of
the acute states referred to earlier. Chronic cases involving pain must be handled by an experienced homeopathic physician who is competent
to probe into the deeper realms of the patients nature and condition. The medicines which fit the whole personality may be one of the
enormous materia medica available to us through the genius of Samuel Hahnemann and his disciples and successors in the remarkable art
and science of homeopathy.
Rhus tox is useful for the type of aching pain often associated with muscular stiffness (or myalgia), which is worse for first movement, better
for continued movement and much better for a hot bath. Ruta grav is not dissimilar in its action but is better suited to treatment of ligaments
and tendons.
Joint pains and aches are sometimes referred to as arthralgia; nerve pains as neuralgia. The number of parts of the body which may
experience pain is of course legion.
Headaches and toothaches are often encountered. Many subdivisions of these pains are described mainly according to their position or
character. A migraine, the one-sided headache classically associated with nausea or sickness, blindness and/or various visual disturbances
involving sparks, flashing lights or restricted fields of vision, is likely to respond to Sepia, Natrum mur, Phosphorus or other medicine
depending on the other characteristics linked to the medicine picture most similar to the patients personality.
Characteristics
Generalised toothache will very often respond to Plantago, muscular spasm of every sort to Mag phos. Abdominal pain due to dyspeptic
problems which doubles the patient up responds well to Mag phos or Colocynth and to Arsenicum album where the pain is of a burning
character and relieved by heat.
Cardiac pain, characterised by a feeling of constriction and/or pressure like a tight band round the chest or a heavy weight pressing on it

often accompanied by pain transmitted down the left arm or upward to the neck responds to Cactus grandiflorus and Latrodeatus mactans.
Dysmenorrhea (pain associated with the menstrual cycle) often responds well to a number of different medicines, particularly Sulphur, Lilium
tigrinum, Lachesis, Silica and Sepia, each with its own characteristic features associated with the overall nature of the medicine as it
compares with the symptoms of the patient. For instance, the first two of these remedies feel the heat, while the last two feel the cold.
Lilium tigrinum rushes about in furious haste believing herself unable to finish all her chores; Lachesis is very loquacious; Silica timid, gloomy
and withdrawn; Sepia morose, temperamentally unpredictable, sometimes joyous, sometimes miserable, feeling the cold and hating fat.
Opium
Causalgia, or the pain experienced at the site corresponding to that of an amputated limb, is often helped by Chamomilla. This remedy is, in
general, best suited to the type of pain found anywhere in the body which combines intolerable pain with annoyance, as for instance in the
teething of infants.
A discussion of pain should not omit reference to Opium which is used homeopathically for the absence of pain and reaction to stimuli where
these would not be expected a most peculiar and extraordinary aberration of the usual responses. Opium is also useful for the physical pain
we understand as fear as in nightmares when the terror returns again and again, night after night, often for years.
From the foregoing it will be seen that we can take virtually any symptom or any medicine as a launching pad and use it to illustrate the basic
principles of homeopathic therapy.
First published in Homeopathy Today, Winter 1985/86.

Spotlight on Nervous System

by Tom Whitmarsh
The nervous system can encompass so much. Neurology has to do with any dysfunction of the nervous system, but is generally not held to
include those conditions traditionally thought of as psychiatric, such as depression, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders which can all have
major effects on the proper functioning of the nervous system. Homeopathy, of course has a large role to play in that area, but this is beyond
the scope of this article. Ill content myself with a few remedies or groups of remedies I have found to be helpful in some of the better known
neurological conditions, many of which can lead to long term discomfort or disability. The role of homeopathy in many of these conditions is
not to cure but, on the whole, to help people cope better with their difficulties and a qualified physician should always be consulted.
Aetiology
Before enumerating specific symptoms, it is worth commenting on an aspect of how people perceive their illness. Many patients with a
chronic, unremitting medical condition, have the impression that their symptoms all stem from a specific event in their lives. In homeopathic
terms this possible aetiology is listed in the repertory in the rubric ailments from People might say for example Ive had the headache ever
since I fell off that bike and was knocked out, so the homeopathic practitioner might look up ailments from injury to the head to include in
their analysis and selection of the remedy in a particular case. The teasing out of perceived (and actual) aetiology is a very important part of
homeopathic case taking and can be used in just about any condition, but it does seem that there are a few situations in neurology where it is
particularly important, for example:
Ailments from grief or loss: perhaps the death of someone close, or a loved pet; children moving away from home; retirement from a long-held
occupation. Here, the remedy Ignatia is very useful. I usually use a high potency such as 10M. Remedies useful around retirement include
Aurum (gold) and Kali bromatum.
Ailments from fright or shock: here, people might say it all began when I saw that car accident or something similar. Whatever the symptoms
or the condition, Aconite (again in high potency) is the remedy.
Ailments from a stressful period of nursing someone: this covers the person whose sleep has been disturbed every night for months as they
looked after a sick relative. They now have a headache and the remedy might be Cocculus.
Ailments from injury: neurologically, we are usually thinking of head injury and many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or headache date the
onset of their symptoms from a car accident or other accident where they hit their head. It is hard not to give a high potency dose of Arnica
here, though other remedies such as Hypericum and Helleborus might be appropriate, always of course depending on the particularities of the
symptoms. Injuries of the spinal cord causing symptoms (for example post-whiplash headache) are often helped by Natrum sulphuricum.
Surgery has to be considered as an injury here and these remedies may be called upon when there is pain or other symptoms after spinal or
other neurosurgery.
Ailments since an infection: the nosodes come in especially here. Nosodes are homeopathic remedies made from products of disease, or in
the case of micro-organisms, sometimes from the bacterium or virus itself. It is entirely safe, as it is used in such high dilutions that no
organisms remain, just the healing power. Examples in neurology might be the pain and out of their bed or wheelchair. Simple cramps often
respond to a daily dose of Cuprum 30c or 200c. More severe symptoms might require Strychninum (strychnine is a poison that works by

inducing severe spasm in all muscles, including those of breathing) or the nosode made from the tetanus toxoid. I have a number of patients
who find their spasm much lessened by a regular dose of Plumbum (lead) or Nux vomica (a plant which contains a large amount of strychnine
and so acts homeopathically to spasms).
Fatigue
It is disappointing to have to report that although this is probably the symptom which is most felt in MS and other chronic neurological
conditions, there is no specific treatment. Experience suggests that finding the true constitutional similimum is the most helpful thing here.
Bladder symptoms
Frequency, getting up often at night to go to the toilet and more annoyingly having accidents where the sufferer couldnt get to the toilet in time
are common in many neurological conditions. In MS, for example, there is often loss of correct sensation in the bladder and the sufferer is not
aware of the need to go, so they hold on too long and then they become at risk of recurrent urine infections. The remedies Causticum and
Equisetum can help this.
Twitchings, jerkings and other involuntary movements
These may be a symptom of a deeper neurological disorder, such as MS or they may commonly be benign, with no chance of progression,
but are just annoying. Either way, frequent, uncontrollable twitches of muscles throughout the body (for example in the eyelid) sometimes
respond to Agaricus (the poisonous mushroom fly agaric). People who might respond to this remedy are very chilly, experience burning or
itching and might have a disturbed sense of perspective so that movements are awkward or exaggerated. The resemblance to what some
people experience with MS is clear. Another remedy with this exaggerated way of moving (takes a great big step to get over a small object
just in case) is Onosmodium (the false gromwell), which is a major remedy in cases of MS. It encompasses slowness of thinking and
comprehending too.
The remedies made from the spiders can be useful in neurological conditions with unusual movements. People who need spider remedies
seem to have an altered sense of the rhythm of life, they are basically speedier than other people. They fill up their life with activity, a fruitless
business. In trying to slow down to the general pace of other people, they have to over-control their natural speed which can result in bizarre
patterns of movement. Music is very helpful to them as when they tune in to a rhythm they move more easily and it needs to be loud music
with a beat. The best known of these spiders as a remedy is Tarantula Hispanica, but it is interesting that most spider poisons are neurotoxins
(they act on nerves) and so might be expected to have a role in homeopathically helping neurological conditions. Other spider remedies that
might be useful neurologically include Mygale and Theridion.
Restlessness
This is a very frequently reported symptom and often takes the form of just being unable to settle down for the night, especially because the
legs feel jumpy and want to keep moving, often forcing the sufferer to get up and pace around to calm things down. The general night-time
restlessness can be helped by Arsenicum album or sometimes by Rhus tox. Restless legs often do well with Zincum metallicum.
Headache
There is a myriad of remedies where headache can be part of the picture, probably because the occasional headache is a near universal
human experience. Some specific features are useful though and on the whole are more important in prescribing than knowing a diagnosis,
although, of course, there are some headaches indicative of rare underlying disorders and these always need to be ruled out. Features which
I have found to be particularly useful remedy-pointers include the following:

absolute need to stay completely still (not even moving the eyes during a headache attack) Bryonia;

one-sided migraine headache occurring especially at weekends, relieved by a walk outside (wanting to do anything but go to bed in
the dark is an odd feature in migraine) and often associated with nausea or vomiting Iris versicolor;

sudden onset bursting pain Belladonna;

right-sided pain which comes up from the back of the neck over the side of the head to lodge behind the eye Sanguinaria.

Other pains
The socalled Arnica of the nerves, Hypericum, is appropriate for reducing pain in injury were there is specifically nerve damage. It can even
be helpful in reducing the length of relapses in MS (for example in bouts of inflammation of the optic nerve optic neuritis). Ill mention two
other specific pains, which are always hard to treat conventionally and for which homeopathy sometimes has some answers.

Peripheral neuropathy: this is often a result of diabetes. The nerves which take sensation from the ends of the limbs (especially, at
first, the feet) lose their proper blood supply because of the sugar imbalances in diabetes and so sufferers cannot feel things
correctly. This ability to feel is replaced by a nasty pain which is constant and deeply debilitating. For example, patients often say that
it feels as if theyre walking on hot pebbles. I have had some success in this situation with the remedy Hydrophis (from the venom of
a sea snake) and also Nux vomica. Incidentally, Hydrophis (from another neurotoxic venom) is a great remedy for the after effects of
polio. Its major keynote is a split between a strong, normal upper part of the body and a weak abnormal lower half, often the
situation with people who are affected by polio.

Trigeminal neuralgia: this affects people as bouts of stabs of incredibly severe pain in the area supplied by one branch of the

trigeminal nerve on one side of the face. It can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, including touch, brushing the teeth, a cold draught
and talking or eating. Sufferers can have many, many stabs in one day and can get seriously depressed with the pain. Conventional
treatment relies on anti-convulsant medication taken regularly and sometimes surgery, which can be effective for a while, but the
symptoms often return. The remedies Aconite, Verbascum, Kalmia and Spigelia are among those which can help sufferers.
Seizures and epilepsy
These are very common whether present from birth or coming on for no obvious reason in childhood or presenting later in life as the result
of strokes or other brain injury. Most people with epilepsy will be controlled to some extent on a variety of anticonvulsant medications.
Homeopathy can add to the control but should not be used as the sole treatment. Remedies which can often improve control of childhood
epilepsy and sometimes allow reduction in medication, include Baryta carbonica, Cicuta, Belladonna, Stramonium and Hyoscyamus. Baryta
carbonica is particularly interesting if the epilepsy is part of a more global delay or impairment in the childs development. It can really kick
start them and bring them back to a more appropriate level of function. Interestingly, it also has a role at the other end of life, in older people
who are perhaps sliding back in their functioning. Taking a stroke to be a brain injury, then it is clear that a high potency of Arnica post-stroke
should be helpful. I have also seen homeopathic Opium be extremely beneficial in people who have bouts of somnolence and absence after
strokes, probably amounting to small seizures.
Speech disorders
Peoples speech can be affected in neurological conditions for a variety of reasons. The loss of normal fluency and content of speech may be
transitory, as in some people with migraine, or long-term and fixed, as in some following a stroke. It is common to have some form of speech
disturbance after a stroke and this is an area where homeopathy can help. A family of remedies which has a special relationship to speech
problems is that of the snakes. The best known snake remedy in homeopathy is Lachesis, but not all people who would benefit from a snake
remedy will benefit from this particular one. The remedies are usually made homeopathically from the venom, although we do use a number of
non-poisonous snakes (such as the Boa constrictor) where other parts have to be used.
The idea that there are families of remedies, usually related botanically or zoologically is very current in homeopathy and so we look to find
the themes of a family in a particular case and sort out which snake it should be for this individual. Snake themes might include a tendency
to bleeding and haemorrhages, disordered speech, a feeling of congestion, a dislike of constriction and a feeling you get that they are trying to
get your attention in a particular way seduce you (they often wear very alluring clothes snake skins are very beautiful). All of these themes
are issues you might recognise as belonging to Lachesis, but then we can go further and realise that we are actually seeing general snake
themes here. Trying to sort out which snake is most appropriate for an individual will then depend on particular characteristics and symptoms
of that person. For example, Naja (cobra) has stiffness of the neck, Elaps (coral snake) expresses himself artistically and creatively and
Crotalus cascavella is very superstitious and has a great interest in magic and the occult.
Narcolepsy and cataplexy
People with narcolepsy have an inherited predisposition to go to sleep at any time, day or night. The need is unstoppable and can happen at
the most awkward times, even in the middle of a conversation. Cataplexy sufferers have attacks in which they become unrousable and unable
to communicate, so it looks like sleep, but they are fully aware of what is happening and can remember all that is being said around them.
These attacks often happen at times of heightened emotion, so laughing or crying can be a trigger (or a medical consultation!). They quite
often sustain injuries in their sudden fall into an attack with no warning and frequently end up in ambulances against their will (they are unable
to resist). The conventional treatment of these conditions involves amphetamines. I have found that the remedy Nux moschata (nutmeg) can
give good relief and avoid the need for high doses of conventional drugs.
Tom Whitmarsh MA MBBS FRCP FFHom is Consultant Physician at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital.

Muscle and joint problems

Treating severe aches and pains conventionally may bring unwanted side effects. Homeopathy has much to offer, says Janet Gray
Some of the most common presentations in general practice are problems of pain in joints and muscles. Sometimes these problems are
acute, as in sports injuries, sometimes they are chronic, as in osteoarthritis, and sometimes they are intermittent, as in back pain. Whatever
the problem, they provide the GP with a challenge for management.
The GP must take a careful history, examine the affected part, and make a diagnosis, possibly with the help of blood tests and x-rays. Having
confirmed the diagnosis, the treatment option must then be decided, which may be the prescription of an anti-inflammatory drug, such as
ibuprofen, a local steroid injection, a referral for physiotherapy or a referral to a rheumatologist.
As a GP myself, I use all these options, and we are lucky enough in our practice to have a physiotherapist trained also in acupuncture.
However, I also have another therapeutic option up my sleeve the use of homeopathy. This method of treatment really comes into its own
when side-effects are experienced with the use of conventional medication, some of which can be very serious.
Homeopathy can offer help in many situations which otherwise might cause prolonged incapacity. For instance, the use of Arnica in acute
injury is well known, but often forgotten in the heat of the moment. The sooner it can be given, the more effective it is, but it is not too late to
start it even several days after an injury. I will quite often see a patient with a sprained ankle, done two to three days previously, and I will then
start not only Arnica, but also Rhus tox given concurrently. This combination is very useful in other situations, such as a bad back, caused by
gardening, or a knee injury done at football.

Back problems
Of course, we must always remember our homeopathic basics, so Rhus tox would only be appropriate if the modalities of stiffness after rest,
pain better for heat, and relief by gradual movement were present. So when Clive, aged 41, came to see me with a 10-year history of
backache, caused by jarring his spine in a diving accident, I needed to know the modalities of his pain. In his case, the pain was a lot worse
on moving, and pain-free at rest and was relieved by ice-packs, so I prescribed Bryonia 6c, twice daily for one month. When I next saw him,
he had achieved a 90 per cent improvement, and was delighted.
Knee problems
Similarly Bob, aged 53, had a four-year history of pain in his knees, which had started after a strenuous game of golf. His pain was also worse
for movement, and he had no early morning stiffness. As a person he was extremely thirsty, so despite the lack of a marked reaction to heat or
cold, I prescribed Bryonia 6c, twice daily, for him too. Again, after one month, he had improved enough to stop his painkillers.
Moving pains
It is always very satisfying to treat a patient successfully using homeopathy, who has puzzled the rheumatology specialists. Margaret, aged
65, was one such case, who came to see me privately with an acute arthritis of unknown origin. When she came to me, she had severe pain
in her right elbow, such that she could not even feed herself, and her left ankle and forefoot were very inflamed, making walking very painful.
The joints including her elbow were very painful, such that she could not even feed herself, and her left ankle and forefoot were very inflamed,
making walking very painful. The joints were swollen, but not red, very stiff in the mornings, and improved by both heat and ice-packs. The site
of the affected joint flitted around, such that a week previously it had been her left shoulder and left elbow.
She was on maximum doses of ibuprofen, and also some powerful second-line anti-arthritic drugs, to no avail. In her character, she was a
changeable person, describing herself as being either up or down. She was very weepy and loved consolation and cuddles. She admitted to
liking to be the centre of attention and, indeed, had been an actress. She craved fresh air, was not particularly thirsty, and was averse to fatty
food.
The local joint modalities were difficult to prescribe on, but her constitutional type was plainly Pulsatilla. To the amazement of her
rheumatologist, within a month of taking Pulsatilla, her joint pains all subsided and the swelling resolved in all but her right ankle, which had
completely resolved by the second follow-up consultation.
Prevention better than cure
Equally successful was the case of Emma, aged 28, who had developed flitting joint pains at the age of 15. Both her mother and grandmother
suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, and she was obviously worried that she was developing the same. So far, her blood tests for rheumatoid
had been negative.
When I saw her, the pains were worse for pressure and better for motion, with a lot of stiffness, and more comfortable in the warm weather.
As a person, she was chilly, and loved the sunshine. She described herself as an optimist, with a positive attitude to life. She was very
emotional and empathetic to others; very affectionate, with a need for physical touch.
On these symptoms, I prescribed Phosphorus on a constitutional level, and this settled her symptoms very quickly. Over the years that I have
been treating her, she has needed one or two doses of Phosphorus per year to keep her joint problems under control.
Although it cannot be proved, I have a strong feeling that had she not been treated homeopathically, she might well have gone on to develop
rheumatoid arthritis.
Severe rheumatoid arthritis
Obviously, prevention is better than cure, and the treatment of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis is often less dramatic. However,
some help can be given with symptom control, as was the case with Miss S.G., aged 67, who came to see me with very long-standing
rheumatoid arthritis, which had caused severe deformities of her hands and feet. She had had a knee replacement, and had had operations to
both feet.
She had had gold treatment 20 years ago, which had caused some kidney damage. By the time she came to me, her disease had more or
less burnt out, but she was suffering from extreme fatigue and some residual joint pains. I treated her constitutionally with Natrum muriaticum,
and gave her Bryonia as a local prescription for her joint pains. On this regime she managed very well over the several years that I looked
after her.
Tennis and golfers elbow
Tennis elbow is an incapacitating condition. It is pain on the outer side of the elbow, caused not only by tennis, but also any other repetitive
action that involves flexion of the forearm muscles, like cleaning windows. Golfers elbow is identical, but on the inner side of the elbow. It
often responds extremely well to Ruta graveolens, which is a remedy that affects the insertion of tendons into the periosteum of the bones.
Ruta has exactly the same modalities as Rhus tox, ie better for heat, stiffness after rest, better on gradual movement, but has different tissue
affinities tendons and periosteum rather than muscle.
Gout
Conditions such as gout can also be managed successfully using homeopathic remedies. Colchicum, the autumn crocus, has in its materia

medica an exact description of the symptoms of gout Inflammation of the great toe, cannot bear to have it touched or moved (Boericke).
Ledum (marsh tea) has the clinical picture of swollen, hot, pale joints, with the ball of the great toe swollen. Formica rufa (crushed live ants) is
excellent for chronic gout and stiffness in the joints. The skin on the gouty joint is red, itching and burning.
Conditions of muscles
Conditions of the muscles such as fibrositis, fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica are difficult to treat conventionally. Diagnosis is often
delayed and can be very difficult.
Fibrositis is thought to be caused by small adhesions between individual muscle fibres, causing stiffness and pain in isolated spots, trigger
points, mainly in the back, shoulders and buttocks. The remedy Kali bichromicum fits this description well, having pain in small spots.
Fibromyalgia is very similar but involves more diffuse tenderness and pains in the muscles. Remedies such as Rhus tox, if the modalities fit,
can be very useful.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a specific inflammation of the proximal muscles of the upper arms and thighs, which are very tender and weak.
Climbing stairs is particularly difficult, as is raising the arms above the head to open cupboards, etc. This condition responds very well to
steroids, but as the disease usually takes a couple of years to run its natural course, the steroids may have to be maintained for this length of
time. To avoid the side-effects of steroids, homeopathic treatment can be tried.
Mrs E.C., age 45, developed pains in her upper arms and thighs, and a blood test showed she was suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica.
She asked me to treat her homeopathically rather than go on steroids, so I gave her Rhus tox, which fitted her modalities well. However, after
some weeks of treatment, there was very little improvement, so I gave her Sycotic co, which is a bowel nosode, useful if the well-indicated
remedy fails to work. The improvement with this was dramatic, causing a rapid decrease in pain and increase in strength.
Homeopathy on a constitutional basis is the most successful way of treating all these conditions, but local prescribing can be very useful.
Frozen shoulder
Frozen shoulder is another condition that runs a very prolonged course. It often seems to be provoked by minimal trauma, or by painful
conditions of the chest wall causing lack of use of the shoulder, which then seizes up. The natural course is severe pain in the shoulder for a
year, and then complete freezing of the joint for another year. After that the whole thing resolves spontaneously. Of course most people do
not want to wait for natural resolution, and various homeopathic shoulder remedies can be useful. Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) is indicated
for right-sided shoulder pain and Ferrum metallicum for left-sided shoulder pain.
Repetitive strain injury
Repetitive strain injury should be treated by immobilisation of the painful part for two weeks, accompanied by an appropriate remedy, such as
Ruta grav. Obviously it is important to modify the behaviour that caused the problem in the first place, by paying attention to posture and hand
positioning at a keyboard, for example.
This article by no means comprehensively covers the whole field of joint and muscle problems but hopefully gives a flavour of what
homeopathy can do in this area. I do not want to give the impression that homeopathy is a miracle cure in all such cases, and indeed some
patients fail to respond to apparently well-indicated remedies. A lot of improvement can be achieved by homeopathic self-help, but more
complicated problems will need to be managed by a homeopathic practitioner.
Janet Gray MA MBBChir MRCOG MFHom DRCOG DFFP, a GP for over 20 years, has used homeopathy in her Bristol practice for the
last 15 years. She lectures in homeopathy at the Bristol Teaching Centre and has a small private practice near Chippenham.

The menopause
Hot flushes, irritability, tearfulness all problems that can be helped homeopathically, writes Anne Clover
Many patients speak enthusiastically of the help they have received from homeopathic treatment for menopausal symptoms as various as hot
flushes, profuse sweating, mood swings, irritability and sleep disturbance. These reports are now supported by careful follow-up studies from
NHS outpatient units in the UK of the benefits homeopathic treatment has afforded for such problems. A study conducted at the Tunbridge
Wells Homeopathic Hospital in 1997 showed that around 300 consultations that year were for patients whose main complaints were focused
on the menopause. The same study indicated that just over 70 per cent of the patients seeking this help reported an improvement.
A homeopathic pharmacy can offer a wide range of medicines that could be appropriate for patients with menopausal reactions. This is
because of the emphasis placed in homeopathic practice on selecting a medicine suited to the overall profile of the individual patient. This
means that we do not have a homeopathic HRT equivalent, or a single medicine that might apply for a lot of women with menopausal
symptoms. Instead a prescription is chosen that relates to the individual profile of the patient seeking help.
A consultation for homeopathic treatment of menopausal symptoms may refer first to details of relatively focal symptoms such as excess
sweating, flushes or sleep disturbance. The next stage of the review may then involve discussion of more generalised reactions such as mood
changes, thought patterns and energy levels. For further clarification of the patients profile, questions are often asked about any particular
circumstances that trigger the relatively focal or more generalised symptoms, and about her general health. All such data contribute to the

review of her personal profile.

For instance, a patient with hot flushes may be asked if these occur mainly at a specific time of day or night; are worse in company or solitude;
or seem to be made worse by particular food or drink.
Similarly for more generalised effects such as mood swings, information about factors that seem to make them better or worse can be very
helpful for homeopathic prescribing. Such questions help clarify what we might term the individual patients reaction pattern. They are part of
the individuals profile and are an important aid for the selection of a homeopathic prescription.
To illustrate how such ideals can be applied in practice here are four summaries of reports from patients with the sort of detail that would be
very useful for homeopathic prescribing. I admit there is a degree of poetic licence here as few patients would give their reports with as much
detail, but they are offered to indicate the range of information needed for homeopathic prescribing. After each of them I summarise some of
the further information that can assist the selection of a homeopathic medicine.
A 54 year-old woman
Sorry to bother you, but these hot sweats are such a nuisance and I am fed up with them. I hate being a nuisance and having to take an
appointment but I am near the end of my tether. These sweats have been bothering me for about eight years, they started just before my
periods stopped and seem to have got steadily worse. They are especially bad in the evening and night, it is as if they well up from my feet.
The sweat rolls off me. I feel so embarrassed. I just want to hide. Between these blasts of heat and sweat I get cold and shivery so I am
opening and closing the window like a yo-yo. The family try to help or humour me but that makes it worse. I really wish they would leave me
alone. They used to pacify me with a nice plate of cheese and pickle but even that annoys me now. I can still enjoy a good evening out
dancing that has always been my escape. But at other times I am just fed up and irritable hardly surprising since I sleep badly. I often
wake at 2 or 3am and cannot sleep again because I cannot stop thinking about everything. The family seem to avoid me in the mornings. That
suits me, I am tired and worn out.
Additional information

Despite tiredness, feels better for exercise, such as a session in the gym or a good long run. Often prone to restless fidgeting.

Other mood changes include, impatience; lack of enjoyment of most things, even the grandchildren are a drag.

Concerning sexual activity, definitely not enjoyed, can be averse to it.

Strong food or drink likes or dislikes averse to fats, loves vinegar and enjoys a cold glass of really dry wine.

Prescription: consider Sepia 30c

A 46 year-old woman
Thank you for seeing me. I especially like talking to a woman about these problems, I am a bit scared of the men. My problem now is hot
flushes. I so easily get hot and flustered. My periods are a bit irregular, and I still get PMT but I phone my mum and she listens and helps me.
It is the hot surges that bother me. Then I get shivery after it. It makes me feel really weepy. My female friends try and help, I like that. But
sometimes I upset them because I get a bit moody or sulky. I dont want to be like this, it really upsets me. I cant seem to make my mind up
about anything. I have never been confident, but now even the bit of confidence I had is gone. My friends say I cry easily, one of them called
me a leaky tap. I felt really hurt. My moods seem to change so quickly. I try and hide it because I want my friends to stay with me, but I cannot
help crying when I am really fed up. That makes some of them leave me and I really dont want to be alone. I get frightened, especially in the
dark evenings.
Additional information

Usually a conscientious, timid, yielding person but if pushed can be very angry.

Enjoys a stroll in a light breeze. Gentle exercise helps, not too vigorous.

Highly sensitive, easily hurt and inclined to show her feelings.

Concerning food and drink preferences, hates fats, loves sweet things and is well known for her lack of thirst. Has a particular
intolerance of pork.

Prescription: consider Pulsatilla 30c

A 58 year-old woman
Thank you for seeing me today. I apologise for bothering you with something so trivial but these menopausal effects are a nuisance. I tried to
keep it to myself, but I broke down in the Well Woman clinic last week when I was having the routine checks and the sister, who knows I am
not supposed to have HRT, suggested homeopathy might help. So here I am. Sorry, I really should be able to contain my feelings. The flushes

are a bit of a problem, but I am more bothered by the vaginal dryness and irritability. It has made it even more difficult for me to oblige my
husband.
Sorry, I dont find it easy to talk about this. It all got much worse when Mother died a year ago. I have tried to keep going, but just do not enjoy
life as I used to. The family said I coped well when Mum died, but I know I hid my feelings. It was, and still is, easier to cry alone. I cope okay
at home but it is getting more difficult. I know I am snappy, then I regret it and feel worse. Sometimes I feel so anxious, I have no idea why, it
just comes over me. One definite problem is noise, I really cant stand it, so the grandchildren leave me feeling quite exhausted. I am sorry to
have to admit all of this, it really is not me to talk about it, but it has all got too much for me.
Additional information

A particularly low patch occurs about mid-morning, needs elevenses.

Does not want sympathy and is prone to suppress emotions but if pushed can show anger.

Reacts strongly to sea air, usually feels better for it, occasionally worse.

Concerning food and drink preferences, again, a strong reaction to salt, usually craves it but occasionally averse. Hates fat or
slippery food, dislikes and feels worse for coffee, and usually shows a poor tolerance of alcohol

Prescription: consider Natrum mur 30c

A 54 year-old woman
I saw your partner last week. He said he had tried everything he could think of for my hot flushes and nothing has worked, so he suggested I
try homeopathy. So here I am. He looked a bit tired, I dont think he had enough patience to listen to me anymore. But then I suppose I can be
a chatterbox. My family have always told me so. Anyway, about these flushes. They are terrible. They are especially a problem whenever I
wake up. Even if I have a catnap, which is rare, I feel awful when I wake up. I have slept badly at night for ages, but this has been much worse
since these flushes got going in the last five years. So I feel exhausted and sleepy in the afternoon, but if I nod off I feel even worse.
Excuse me while I loosen this blouse collar. I always choose loose ones, but this is not quite loose enough for me. I hate tight things
anywhere, especially near my neck. I really envy people who can wear nice necklaces or scarves. Anyway, these flushes, they seem to surge
up from my feet and leave my head feeling as if it will burst. And they always seem worse on the left side of my head. I have no idea why.
Sometimes I feel a bit better if I have a really good sweat. It is as if I get something out of my system. But it does not last and these flushes
soon come back again. I cant even enjoy a nice sunny day, the sun soon makes me feel much worse. It really is not surprising that I easily get
down in the dumps about it all and feel quite envious of friends who sail through the menopause without these problems.
Additional information

Tends to be talkative, but ambivalent attitude to company.

Can be easily offended, critical or suspicious.

Generally feels better in the open air.

In earlier years, PMT cleared as soon as her period started.

A marked tendency to laterality in that any symptoms she experiences are likely to be worse on the left side of her body.

After sleep, prone to wake feeling unrefreshed and generally worse for it.

Food and drink preferences particularly enjoys oysters. Enjoys alcohol but is prone to feel worse after taking it. Likes sharp, acidic
drinks.

Prescription: consider Lachesis 30c.

Dose
Patients should take a single tablet of the appropriate prescription three times in the first day then watch for a response. If symptoms
improve, no repeat is needed while that improvement lasts. If similar symptoms recur later, the dose could be repeated. If there is no
benefit, it is wiser to seek further advice from a homeopathic practitioner.
Anne Clover MB BS LRCP DRCOG DPM FFHom was a consultant at the homeopathic hospitals in London and Tunbridge Wells until
her retirement from these posts in 1998 and 2001. She is now living in Cornwall and participates in homeopathic teaching based in
Bristol.

What can we learn from the recent HRT scare?

Asks Sara Eames
The recent publicity given to the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has left many women and their doctors unsure as to the best
course of action to deal with menopausal symptoms. It is certainly disconcerting when perceived medical wisdom changes so rapidly, for until
quite recently HRT was promoted as the answer to so many of the problems that we face, not only during the menopause, but as we age too.
First this year was the dramatic headline that HRT increased the risk of both breast cancer and heart attacks and then within a few weeks one
of the chief investigators in this trial claimed that many women had come off HRT unnecessarily and the risks were not as bad as first
reported. What are we to think and who should we believe?
History of HRT
The background to HRT is an interesting one. Initially only oestrogen replacement was given. However, after a while, there was fairly clear
evidence that the use of oestrogen alone, while reducing menopausal symptoms, gave an increased risk of uterine cancer and so combined
oestrogen and progesterone treatment became standard as this reduced the risk to the uterus. Unfortunately, it makes it far harder to study
the effects of HRT as oestrogen and progesterone have differing effects on various organs and the picture of risks and benefits become more
complicated.
Nonetheless there has been gradually increasing evidence that there are serious side effects from the combined treatment and there is little
doubt now that taking combined HRT leads to an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, strokes and deep vein thrombosis. In the past
there has been a lot of publicity related to the long-term health benefits of HRT, particularly to prevent osteoporosis (the thinning of the bones
which can lead to repeated bone fractures and deformities of the spine), protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of dementia. This
evidence is also thrown into question by recent studies which raise difficult questions both for doctors and concerned women.
How big is the risk?
Can we pick out people who are more at risk than others? Is the risk worth taking?
When can HRT still be recommended?
It seems to be a bit of a surprise to the medical profession, but not to homeopaths, that one treatment is not necessarily the best for
everybody with the same condition. In weighing up the pros and cons of HRT for an individual person, the most important factors to take into
consideration include the severity of the menopausal symptoms in the first place, the preferences of the patient and the medical history of both
the woman herself and her family.
Some people do suffer horrendously from hot flushes, sweats, low energy and mood problems during the menopause and do not always
respond completely to general lifestyle advice and homeopathic remedies. I have a few patients who have felt so ghastly that they would
happily run the increased risk of serious disease later on in life as they felt that life was not worth living anyhow the way they were.
If a woman already has risk factors for breast cancer or heart disease, such as a personal or strong family history of the disease, or is a heavy
smoker, then taking HRT would increase the risk further and should only be used as a last resort, for as short a time as possible. Indeed the
most recent medical advice is that HRT should only be used for short periods of time, when menopausal symptoms are severe, and that it
should not be used to prevent bone thinning or as a general anti-ageing treatment.
What can we learn from this recent confusion?
The first thing I thought about this recent publicity was that drug trials are not quite the scientific truth that we are lead to believe. Homeopathy
has suffered recently from the criticism that there is not enough scientific evidence of its effect and yet what sort of real truth can these trials
be producing if their findings and recommendations change every few weeks and leave us all confused?
It also seemed clear that statistics can be easily misunderstood. There were worrying headlines such as 30 per cent increased risk of breast
cancer. At first sight this could be thought to mean that an extra 30 per cent of women on HRT will develop the disease. In fact it means
nothing of the sort. Rather that 30 per cent more women will suffer from breast cancer than before. This is still quite a small number of women
as the initial risk was very low.
We know a certain amount about the way each person regulates their hormonal balance, with a complicated series of feedback mechanisms,
but there is, I am sure, even more that we do not know about the way this intricate system functions. It should therefore come as no surprise
that by crudely manipulating the system by adding artificial hormones that there are far reaching and inexplicable results. It is a great example
of the dangers of reductionist, allopathic medicine which tries to control and manipulate by prescribing substances, without understanding the
possible effect on all the different parts of the body. Any such treatment, when necessary, should be kept to a minimum.
HRT
Recently there has been even more discussion about various aspects of the recent trials and there have been some suggestions that the
group of women who took oestrogen alone did not have an increased risk of breast cancer. It is now being recommended that women who
wish to take HRT and have had a hysterectomy can safely be prescribed oestrogen. I find this intuitively highly worrying as the one thing that
we do know fairly surely is that many breast cancers are sensitive to oestrogen, and that Tamoxifen, which is an oestrogen blocker is effective
in helping to treat breast cancer. This is surely yet more evidence that we should not rely solely on the results of a clinical trial to change such

serious medical recommendations.

Homeopathic treatment of menopausal symptoms
If your symptoms are not too severe it is well worth trying a simple, over the counter homeopathic medicine. If you feel there are other health
issues as well, or you do not respond to the medicine, you should seek an appointment with a qualified homeopath.
Medicines which I have found to be very effective, taken as needed in a 12c potency, include:

Sulphur for burning flushes, associated with redness and skin eruptions and a craving for sweets.

Lachesis for frequent flushes with a bright red face, perspiration and a variable energy level, fluctuating from extreme exhaustion to
over activity and talkativeness. It is often associated with the inability to stand tight clothing, especially around the neck.

Sepia for exhausting flushes with a lot of perspiration, but less change of colour. Often helpful when there is also back ache and a
sense of the womb dropping down. A sepia person often feels worn out but picks up once they start doing things, such as exercise,
especially dancing, and seeing friends.

Amyl nitrate is the medicine I have found best for bursting, throbbing headaches associated with flushes. Usually the upper body is
very hot from the flushes but other body parts can be freezing at the same time.

After HRT
How homeopathy can help with menopausal symptoms by Jenifer Worden
It may seem strange to be mentioning a form of treatment, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), that is firmly planted in the field of
conventional medicine in a magazine for those interested in complementary therapies. However, although HRT has its detractors, it does still
have a part to play in restoring wellbeing to women suffering from menopausal symptoms. The menopause is that stage of a womans life
when her reproductive system starts to wind down, causing a wide range of symptoms, some of which can be very distressing and debilitating.
The vast majority of women will start to experience the so-called change of life in their late 40s but symptoms may persist after a woman has
passed her 60th birthday.
The main symptoms experienced are hot flushes, night sweats, bladder problems such as cystitis and infections, depressed mood, reduced
sex drive, forgetfulness and reduced concentration. For most women, symptoms will last two to three years, starting with an irregularity of
periods and ending with the periods completely stopping. After 12 months, a woman who has not experienced any periods is commonly said
to have gone through the menopause and to be post-menopausal. Any vaginal bleeding after this time should always be reported to a doctor
or practice nurse as it could be an early sign of endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb).
As a GP I am often asked by worried women to carry out blood tests to see whether or not they are going through the menopause but such
tests do have drawbacks. They only give a snapshot of the hormone levels a woman is experiencing at a certain point in time and are
notorious for being returned from the testing laboratory as being within the normal range when the patient is quite clearly experiencing some
or all of the symptoms of the menopause. Patients often feel let down by the results, which is why GPs tend to advise against these tests in
general. The exception to the rule is where a woman has a congenital lack of a womb or has had a hysterectomy with preservation of her
ovaries. Changes to the menstrual cycle are not apparent in these women and early subtle changes of the menopause can be confused with a
mild depression, perhaps leading to incorrect treatment of the underlying problem. In the end, the best way to judge whether a woman is going
through the menopause is to listen to her and to look at her as a whole which is the holistic approach.
Often all a woman will need at this point in her life is reassurance that her symptoms are normal and that she is not suffering from a mental
illness. The ups and downs of teenage girls at puberty are echoed in women at the menopause but without the ability to scream and shout
and to flounce out of the house, slamming the door. Instead, most women will either be looking after a family or working, which can lead them
to feeling trapped emotionally and physically by their symptoms. Why some women sail through the menopause with the minimum of
symptoms and others regard it as the worst time of their lives is not understood by the scientific community and exactly what causes hot
flushes is also somewhat of a mystery. Although we know that it is the reduction of levels of oestrogen (the principle female hormone) that
seems to be responsible for hot flushes and night sweats, the exact means by which this happens is not clear. What is clear is that for women
with debilitating symptoms and a markedly reduced quality of life, HRT can literally be a life-saver, increasing the hormone levels back up to
normal and often having a dramatic effect, reducing symptoms to a more manageable state within a week or so of starting treatment.
The problem with HRT
So if HRT is so wonderful, why has it fallen from grace recently? The main reason is research showing that HRT could increase the risks of

having a heart attack or stroke. The Womens Health Initiative (WHI) study (2002) was carried out in the United States on a population of
women ten years older than would commonly be prescribed HRT in the UK and who also had existing risk factors for heart disease. Although
the older and less fit women in the research could have biased the results against HRT as they were inherently more likely to suffer from heart
disease, the medical profession was concerned enough by the results to significantly reduce their prescribing of HRT.
This course of action was backed up by the Million Women Study, funded by Cancer Research UK, which looked at an increased risk of
cancers linked to taking HRT, principally cancer of the womb. It is estimated that at least 340,000 women stopped taking HRT after the WHI
research was published and that of the 300,000 women estimated each year to enter the menopause, many will now look at alternatives to
conventional treatment. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) currently recommends HRT for the relief of debilitating vasomotor
and urogenital symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats, cystitis, recurrent urinary infections, vaginal dryness) in women over 50 and for two to
three years only, with an annual review of symptoms. Women under fifty (the most common age for the menopause), particularly those having
hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries or undergoing an early (premature) menopause can still be prescribed HRT as they are only
receiving hormones that they would normally have.
All this has meant that a reasonable proportion of women over 50 in the UK have either stopped their HRT suddenly or have been persuaded
by their GPs to do so, and in so doing, have landed right back into the menopausal symptoms that they were trying to escape from. Some
women would have been started on HRT for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis (brittle bones) and may not have had any symptoms
when they started treatment but certainly have now. HRT is no longer a recommended treatment in the UK for prevention of this disease and
other non-hormonal treatments are widely available on prescription, in addition to the lifestyle advice of not smoking, maintaining a sensible
body weight, regular weight-bearing exercise like walking and a dietary intake rich in calcium and vitamin D. The time that a woman takes to
go through the menopause varies but is usually said to be between two to three years. I find that most menopausal symptoms peak about
three to six months after stopping HRT, and will often be manageable about 12 to 18 months after HRT was last taken.
Homeopathic treatment
So if you are one of the unfortunate women who have to wear sleeveless t-shirts on the coldest of days and who sleep on a beach towel to
save continually changing the bed sheets, what can you do to make life more comfortable for you and those around you? In my experience,
there is no single complementary therapy or medication that works for all women and this is borne out by conversations with other doctors and
therapists. There are, however, several homeopathic medicines which can be effective at relieving menopausal symptoms. It is especially
important, however, to try to see a medical homeopath as a prescription will work better if holistic and tailored to the individual. Also, there are
other problems that can affect a woman in her fifties, such as an underactive thyroid gland, which can mimic menopausal symptoms; thyroid
problems can respond well to treatment so it is important to have this particular problem excluded professionally by blood tests and medical
examination.
Feeling down
One of the commonest homeopathic medications that I prescribe is Sepia. This important gynaecological medicine is based on cuttlefish ink
and can be really helpful where the feelings of worthlessness and lack of self confidence can damage a woman emotionally. These symptoms
are all too common for some women in the menopause and may not be helped by a slightly dominant partner who may not understand or
have patience with their symptoms. There is often marked depression and tearfulness which the partner can be irritated by and the whole
relationship becomes strained. The woman often feels isolated and cuts herself off socially, withdrawing psychologically. Her family can find
her distant and taking less interest in her appearance which are typical symptoms of clinical depression. She feels worn out and sex is no
longer of interest to her. She may no longer find her partner attractive, a situation she may find difficult to come to terms with, and the partner
also. Tears are common in the GP surgery when telling of her problems and a feeling of desperation with the situation is apparent, sometimes
leading to irritability. Frequent attacks of sweating which lead her to feel clammy on waking at night predominate and often an unpleasant
vaginal discharge, brought on by the hormonal changes she is undergoing.
For severe symptoms, I recommend either a daily dose of Sepia 30c but occasionally I find a weekly dose of 200c necessary for symptom
relief. As well as using homeopathy in this situation, I also feel it is very important to encourage my patients to undertake an activity that
makes them feel good about themselves, even if it is as simple as having a manicure or taking the dog for a walk. One must always treat the
patient as a whole and helping her to feel better in a very general way will, in my experience, help the homeopathic medication act more
efficiently.
Night sweats
One of the most difficult symptoms to relieve is the profuse sweating at night and it is in this situation that I use Lachesis. This is a remedy
often associated with sexual jealousy and a passionate nature but even the mildest woman can be helped by this medicine, particularly if her
remaining menopausal symptoms have settled. Typically, a patient who can be helped by Lachesis wakes to her symptoms or suffers from
them in her sleep. There may also be an element of irritability. A dosage regime similar to that of Sepia can be used.
Black cohosh has been recommended by herbalists for the relief of menopausal hot flushes but worries about possible toxic effects on the
liver have led to some health concerns about this remedy, particularly when combined with conventional medication. However, taken in the
homeopathic form of Cimicifuga, this can be a useful remedy and without side-effects. Women who need this may tend to feel the cold rather
than being hot all the time and have a tendency to depressive symptoms.
Bladder problems
There are numerous medications for bladder problems, including Causticum, Staphisagria, Berberis and Sarsparilla but a recently-discovered
homeopathic medication called Adamas, based on diamond dust, can be used for frequency of urinating, associated with vaginal dryness.
Reduced elasticity of the vaginal wall and a change in the acidity of the vagina are both symptoms due to low oestrogen levels. This is the

reason for recurrent urine infections and difficulties with sexual intercourse at the menopause. Conventionally, these symptoms can be treated
with oestrogen creams or pessaries used vaginally without many of the risks of HRT per se, but not every woman wishes to do this. The
Adamas can be used alone, or in combination with Sepia.
Weight-gain
Many of the best-known homeopathic medications can be used during the menopause such as Pulsatilla and Nat mur but Graphites is often
overlooked. I have found it helpful where a woman perhaps has gained a few unwanted pounds over the period of the menopause, having
previously been perhaps slightly overweight. She is generally mild in temperament but puts a brave face on things, a little like the Nat mur
person. She has the weepiness of Pulsatilla but tends to be chilly where Pulsatilla is hot. Typically, Graphites like sweet foods, but
occasionally dislike such foodstuffs which can seem to be at variance with their body shape. They may, or may not, have skin problems, such
as a weeping eczema or psoriasis. A woman who does well with Graphites may well be very sensitive to music, weeping at her favourite
piece.
A stage of life
One thing that I would like to emphasise is the menopause is just a normal stage in every womans life, as difficult or as easy as it might be for
an individual. Regular exercise can help maintain brain function in older women, according to recent research and can also help with the
physical symptoms of the menopause as can homeopathy. The role of soya (isoflavones) in the diet is not fully recognised but in countries
such as Japan, where soya is a staple food, less than 25 per cent of women get hot flushes. It may be necessary to consume at least 25mg of
isoflavones a day compared to the 1mg most UK women obtain through their diet. Some women do experience allergy type symptoms, such
as swollen joints, with high levels of dietary soya so some caution is needed if making a drastic difference to ones intake. A daily dietary
allowance of 800iu of vitamin D and 1500mg of calcium is recommended to prevent osteoporosis. This can be obtained either through eating
oily fish two to three times a week and drinking at least half a pint of milk a day or through nutritional supplements. Alcohol and caffeinated
drinks can worsen flushing and irritate bladder function so a reduced intake is advised.
Although some women do undergo a fairly permanent change in their underlying body temperature (thermostatic dysfunction), most women
will experience only temporary changes with the menopause. There is help available for this time of upheaval and the fact that it often
coincides with children flying the nest or other life events does not always make it easier to manage. If you feel that your symptoms are
adversely affecting your life and wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact your GP or homeopathic doctor. Conventional web-sites such
as www.menopausematters.co.uk or www.the-bms.orghave more information about this inevitable, but not always welcome, change in our
lives.
Jenifer Worden MBChB MRCGP MFHom is a part-time NHS GP in Ringwood, Hampshire and has a private homeopathic practice in
Highcliffe, Dorset. She treats patients with a wide range of conditions and across the complete age range.

The male mid-life crisis

When men reach a certain age they sometimes behave out of character, writes Brian Kaplan
Have you ever heard of a happily married man who found himself and ran off with his secretary? Of course you have. Most probably he
was between 45 and 59 years old. Now, if hes lucky, his children still talk to him, but as for his ex-wife who used to be the love of his life Or
maybe you know a middle-aged man who just had to have an affair that apparently nobody knew about, until he got caught? Or the 50 yearold guy who feels a lot better since he was prescribed antidepressants for the first time in his life? Or the guy who suddenly lost it at work,
did something outrageous and got fired?Or the successful financial advisor who gave it all up and finally found happiness in landscape
gardening?
The so-called male mid-life crisis takes many forms but they are all merely variations of the same theme. Many men seem to wake up one
morning in their mid-forties to mid-fifties and start asking themselves some basic questions about their lives.
Practising classical homeopathy for over 20 years means that I have heard hundreds of these stories. In most cases they were not the reason
the patient consulted me. The man may have come to see me for just about anything. In classical homeopathy, in contrast to orthodox
medicine, the doctor must ask the patient not only about his illness, but about his whole life. This means talking about job satisfaction, his
marriage, relationships with his children, hobbies and hopes and dreams. When a patient senses the holistic approach of classical
homeopathy he knows intuitively that he should not hide these sorts of stories from you.
I think it entirely possible that homeopaths hear more of these life stories than both general practitioners and psychotherapists. General
practitioners are often too busy to ask about anything except the presenting problem. Psychotherapists do ask their clients about their life
story; however they hear far fewer life stories because by necessity they see far fewer patients than most homeopaths. Few psychotherapists
see more than 30 patients a week and then they see the same patients again and again for many weeks. Homeopaths however, see patients
monthly and seldom for more than five or six visits a year. We homeopaths may be the health professionals that hear the most life stories of all
and some of these are those of the man in a so-called mid-life crisis.
What is mid-life? What is middleaged? Is it an exact age or is it a state of mind? A friend of mine declared himself middle-aged at 36. He
said that he got on a bus and realised that half the people were older than him and half younger. He thus concluded that he was middle-aged.
I dont think there is an exact age. Ive seen some pretty old 15 year-olds and some sprightly, young 75 year-olds. Youth, middle and old age
are certainly chronologically age-dependent but they also have a lot to do with state of mind. And as we know, homeopaths pay a lot of

attention to the state of mind of their patients.

Obviously there is no best remedy for male mid-life crisis. In order to think of possible homeopathic remedies, it is necessary to look at some
of the main issues that can contribute to this syndrome. These are the five main areas of concern that often seem to come up: sense of
mortality, marriage, family, work and leisure.
Sense of mortality
At a certain point in every mans life, he realises that he is going to die. The moment may arrive with a deterioration of health or even
something as trivial as male-pattern baldness. For religious people, this sense of mortality may not be a problem. For many others however, it
can be frightening and lead to the question: Have I done what I needed to do with my life? If the answer to this is negative (as it almost
always is), then this can lead to a fear of death and consequent anxiety and depression. Remedies that have fear of death can then be
thought of:
Arsenicum album: fear of death, predicts early death, fastidious, tidy people who tend to be miserly.
Kali arsenicosum: especially if there is a fear of heart disease (much more prevalent these days with all the publicity on coronary heart
disease).
Phosphorus: for more open men who are interested in the arts and love physical and mental reassurance and sympathy.
Marriage
Men in fulfilling, happy marriages are less likely to suffer from this syndrome than men who feel trapped in loveless, sexless marriages or who
are half of a couple who only live together for the sake of the children. Sex may be far less frequent than before and his wife may be
struggling to come to terms with the changes in her physiology due to the menopause and the end of her reproductive years. His libido and
ability to perform sexually may also be ebbing a bit due to age, fatigue, pressure at work and loss of confidence. Remedies to consider are:
Nux vomica: successful, powerful men who like to burn the candle at both ends and may well see an affair or two as the solution to their
problems. May be critical of their wives and family.
Lycopodium: men who have a problem with commitment anyway, and now that life is going through a hard phase, start to wonder if they
married the right person in the first place. Also candidates for an affair. On the other hand they may be starting to experience some symptoms
of sexual dysfunction.
Family
It can be quite daunting for a man to see his children leave home. He might suddenly realise that the best opportunities for spending time with
them have now gone and start to regret not making more time for them. This makes us think of remedies for grief and loss:
Natrum muriaticum: silent grief. Everything bottled up inside. Aversion to sympathy and will seldom seek counselling or advice of his own
accord.
Aurum metallicum: grief that manifests as deep depression. May even think or talk of suicide. Usually suits successful, powerful men who
distract themselves from their grief by becoming workaholics.
Work
Few jobs are guaranteed these days and men feel far less secure in their place of employment. This lack of confidence gets worse as they get
older and new blood is brought into the company. They may feel they could lose their job at any time. They may also question what meaning
their job has in their life and start to wonder if they are doing the right job at all. Fear of poverty can be a useful rubric here:
Bryonia: fear of poverty, irritable and constantly and pessimistically talking about business.
Staphisagria: repressed anger, resentment, sudden outbursts of anger, high sex drive, tendency to masturbation. Useful when there is
resentment at not being promoted or doing the work they hoped to be doing.
Aurum metallicum: for men who avoid facing the many challenges of middle age by throwing themselves into their work and becoming
workaholics. These men tend to be successful (gold standard)people and often very wealthy. They may look quite contented to colleagues
and friends but inside they feel deeply depressed and may even entertain suicidal thoughts.
Leisure
Men who work too hard to have any hobbies or leisure time are more vulnerable to a mid-life crisis. As retirement looms they have every
reason to become fearful. Other men might look forward to playing more golf or spending time with the grandchildren but if a man never had
time for these in the first place, then its unlikely they have been nurtured enough to generate real enthusiasm. The word and symptom
apathy comes to mind:
Phosphoric acid: apathetic, listless, indifferent and settled despair. He has little enthusiasm for anything.

Time running out

Of course the remedies listed above only represent a small percentage of the many ways men with the male mid-life crisis may present to a
homeopath. There is, however, one symptom in the repertory that epitomises the struggle these men are engaged in. It is in the Mind section
of the repertory and is: Fear of being unable to reach his destination.
As life reaches its mid-point, it starts to dawn on some men that they may never realise the dreams of their youth. Time is simply running out
and this fills them with dread. The main remedy for this symptom is Lycopodium, and indeed I have found it an important treatment (but by no
means a panacea) for the male mid-life crisis. It is possible, however that men who always needed Lycopodium as a constitutional remedy
have a higher incidence of this syndrome. Lycopodium has a fear of the challenges that life throws at us and the mid-life and increasing sense
of mortality is a big challenge for anyone to have to face.
How useful is homeopathy in treating male mid-life crisis?
In my experience, homeopaths can be of great use to these men. Unlike orthodox medicine, homeopathy really encourages people to talk
about their whole lives. Just speaking to an empathic listener about the vicissitudes of this crisis can be of great therapeutic benefit. Many
men may turn up their noses at counselling and psychotherapy but may be prepared to reveal all to a doctor who is prepared to listen.
Homeopathic doctors tend to be listening doctors so the homeopathic consultation process itself can be very helpful for sufferers of this
syndrome. In addition, the prescription of the right homeopathic remedy can be just the tonic these men need.
This article was first published in the Spring 2003 issue of Health & Homeopathy.
Brian Kaplan MBBCh FFHom has practised as a homeopathic doctor for over 20 years. In 1987 he edited Dr Gibsons Studies of
Homeopathic Remedies with Marianne Harling and in 2001 he published the critically acclaimed The Homeopathic Conversation. In
2002 he was elected as a fellow of the Faculty of Homeopathy.

Lupus
Michael Curtin describes this debilitating disease and explains how homeopathy can be an effective treatment
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is multisystem autoimmune disease. This means that the symptoms are caused by the immune system
attacking the body, and almost every organ can be affected. Lupus (Latin for wolf) takes its name from the fact that it can cause rashes across
the cheeks and nose, said to resemble the face of a wolf.
Although this can be a very difficult condition to treat because so many different parts of the body are involved, a holistic approach such as
homeopathy may prove to be very effective.
Autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disease occurs when the body mounts an immune response against its own parts. Other examples of autoimmune diseases
include Crohns, diabetes, coelic disease, thyroditis, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The cause of these diseases is far from clear. Certain individuals may be predisposed to developing them and, with the exception of
ankylosing spondylitis, women are more susceptible. Environmental factors almost certainly play a role, and it is notable that in areas of the
world where infectious diseases are endemic, the incidence of autoimmune disease is significantly lower.
Common symptoms of lupus
Lupus usually starts with joint pains, especially in the small joints of the hands and feet, which may flit from one set of joints to another. Skin
rashes are also common and these are often made worse when exposed to strong sunlight. Patients will usually have fever, malaise, weight
loss and often feel completely exhausted and fatigue easily. Lymph glands in the neck and other parts of the body are often tender and
swollen, and muscles may ache and become tender to the touch. All of these symptoms may be caused by a number of different conditions,
and lupus is often difficult to diagnose on the symptoms alone.
Who gets lupus?
Lupus affects mainly young women and is in fact nine times more commonly found in women. It is rare to make the diagnosis after the age of
60 although it can affect both sexes at any age. In Europe and America, it is much more common in women of Afro-Caribbean origin than in
white women, although the condition is rarely found in Africa.
What causes lupus to develop?
The honest answer is that no one knows what causes an individual to develop lupus, and it is probable that this is a multifactorial disease.
There is a genetic predisposition, for example if an individual is diagnosed with the condition there is a one in twenty chance that a sibling will
develop lupus. This risk is increased to nearly one in three if identical twins are involved. Certain gene patterns have been identified which
may make an individual more susceptible. A number of drugs including certain antihypertensives, antifungal agents and antibiotics may act as
a trigger for developing lupus or a related condition. It is also possible that viruses may cause lupus to develop.
Which parts of the body can be affected?
Virtually any part of the body can be involved. Commonly affected organs are:

> Blood and lymphatic system

The bone marrow may be affected giving anaemia and a low platelet count which will cause tiredness and easy bruising. A specific antibody
called antiphospholipid antibody may be present in the blood stream which can predispose to blood clots and has been associated with an
increased rate of miscarriage in pregnancy.
> Joints
Pain and swelling in the joints is common. Although this can be distressing, it is unusual for joint damage or long-term deformity to occur.
> Skin
Apart from the facial rash described earlier, the skin may become hypersensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity) and rashes often occur in areas
which are more commonly exposed to the sun, such as the forearms and hands. Hair loss (alopecia) may occur although this is often mild and
patchy and the hair usually re-grows.
> Heart and lungs
Rarely these organs are affected. More commonly the linings of the heart or lungs, the pericardium or the pleura may become inflamed giving
pericarditis or pleurisy. Symptoms may include breathlessness or sharp pains on taking a deep breath.
> Brain and nervous system
Migraine may affect up to one in three people with lupus. Fatigue and depression are also frequently a problem.
> Kidneys
One in three patients with lupus may have some form of kidney disease. This is usually mild inflammation which rarely causes serious
problems or significant damage to the kidneys, but does need to be monitored.
> Other organs
The digestive system and the eyes are less commonly affected.
Diagnosis
Although a lot is now known about this condition there is still no single diagnostic test. Specific antibodies in the blood are usually present and
the detection of these antibodies in combination with the symptoms described earlier go towards confirming the diagnosis of lupus.
Conventional treatment
There is no known cure for this condition and conventional treatment is directed towards controlling the disease and its symptoms.
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac are used to control joint pains. These drugs can have sideeffects including irritating the stomach lining. Some of the newer NSAIDs, known as Cox-2 drugs, are less likely to irritate the stomach but may
slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Corticosteroids may be given to control pericarditis and inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis). These are very effective but in longer-term use
may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and diabetes. Steroids are therefore given in the lowest effective dose and ideally for short
periods. Other drugs may be given to suppress the immune system during a flare up of lupus.
Contraception
There is evidence that oestrogen may cause lupus to flare up, and the progesterone only pill is considered to be a better option than the
combined pill which contains both oestrogen and progesterone. Similarly the oestrogen found in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may
have the same adverse effects.
Pregnancy
The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the blood does give an increased risk of miscarriage and obstetricians will often recommend
taking 75mg aspirin daily during the pregnancy. Expert advice should always be sought regarding this.
A holistic approach
In conditions of this kind, where almost every organ and system may be affected, a holistic approach will always give the best results. The
homeopathic approach involves taking account of all symptoms, physical, emotional and mental, and thus is well suited to treating a multisystem disease such as lupus.
Self help
Simple measures can often dramatically improve symptoms of lupus flare-ups and these may include:
> Rest and relaxation
Lupus can be exacerbated by stress and it is very important to lead a balanced life with a protected time built into each day for rest and
relaxation.
> Sun protection
Many of the rashes and skin conditions which occur frequently with lupus are exacerbated by sunlight, and it is essential to limit sun exposure.

A good quality sunscreen with at least factor 25 protection should be worn.

> Avoidance of unnecessary exposure to infection
Lupus can have an adverse affect on the immune system, and the immune suppressing drugs that are often used during symptom flare-ups
can make the body even more susceptible to infection. Clearly we are continually exposed to viruses on the bus, train, in the workplace etc on
a daily basis, and short of spending 24 hours a day in a bubble it is impossible to live in an infection-free environment. It is important however
to take sensible precautions and avoid those family and friends with obvious known infectious diseases, especially chickenpox.
> Diet
A diet low in saturated animal fat may be helpful in reducing joint pains and inflammation and will certainly improve overall health and
wellbeing. There is some evidence to suggest that fish oil supplements may be useful.
Health and homeopathy
George Vithoulkas, the eminent Greek homeopath, describes levels of health. A person whose health is in the uppermost level will experience
no symptoms and enjoy perfect health and happiness. As we descend the levels, minor often self-limiting symptoms will develop. These are
caused by exposure to environmental influences like viruses or stress. The immune system is able to deal with this and the symptoms resolve
spontaneously. At this stage there is merely dysfunction of the organs and the body heals itself. Moving further down the levels, symptoms
develop which dont disappear and chronic disease takes hold. Good homeopathic prescribing on a constitutional level can prevent this
deterioration in health.
Constitutional treatment
Individuals can be classified according to the characteristic reaction patterns of body. For example, somebody who has a phosphoric
constitution will experience pain as a burning sensation. These individuals are very anxious and indeed may become overwhelmed and burnt
out by their anxieties.
Thus a Phosphorus patient who develops lupus will have a tremendous anxiety about her health, will be very fearful, especially when alone
and is particularly frightened of thunderstorms. The pains in her joints and muscles will be described as burning. Pain in other parts of the
body (eg migrainous headaches) will also have a burning quality.
A patient with a Nux vomica constitution will experience the same disease in a very different way. She is usually a very driven ambitious
person who may lie awake at night worrying about her business affairs, and will become very angry and frustrated with her illness. Typically,
relapses in the condition will follow periods of overworking and stress. Joint pains will be worse at night in bed, worse for cold and better for
warmth.
A Pulsatilla patient will again present a different picture. She will be a soft gentle person who weeps easily and may be particularly tearful
during flare-ups. She will require lots of comforting and consolation. One of the main characteristics of Pulsatilla is changeability and the
aches and pains of lupus may be experienced as throbbing one day and stabbing the next.
The constitutional approach is usually the most effective when treating a multisystem disease such as lupus.
Local remedies
Flare-ups of lupus may affect different parts and organs at different times, and homeopathic remedies may be very useful in alleviating
symptoms.
> Joint pains:
A large number of homeopathic remedies can help joint pains:
Aconite: sudden severe joint pains which may occur following exposure to a cold dry wind. Hot tender joints.
Apis: hot swollen red inflamed joints. Relieved by cold applications.
Bryonia: sharp stitching joint and muscle pain worse with even the slightest movement.
Dulcamara: joint pains occurring in cold damp weather, better with heat and motion.
Rhus tox: painful stiff joints, worse with initial movement (eg on rising from bed), better with continued motion.
Rhododendron: joint pain worse in wet weather, especially before a storm.
Ruta: stiff painful joints and tendons especially following overuse. Worse from cold and damp.
> Skin
Homeopathic medicines can be used to treat the cutaneous manifestations of lupus.

Apis: red burning rashes, often associated with fluid retention and swelling (oedema). Better from cold applications.
Fluoric acid: hair loss especially alopecia areata.
Sepia: yellow/brown saddle across the bridge of the nose.
Sulphur: red itchy rashes. Worse with heat, especially the heat of the bed at night. Worse at night. Worse for bathing.
> Lungs
Pleurisy may develop during flare-up of lupus. The following remedies may be useful in helping to control the pain.
Aconite: sudden onset of sharp pains, especially after fright or shock. Worse after exposure to cold dry wind.
Bryonia: stitching pains (such as found in pleurisy) worse from the slightest movement.
> Migraine
Many homeopathic remedies are helpful in the treatment of these headaches.
Belladonna: intense throbbing head pains beginning in the right occiput and extending forwards to the right eye. Worse at 3.00pm. Worse
with any jarring. Better lying still in a dark room.
Natrum muriaticum: bursting pain, sometimes described as a small hammer in one spot. Worse around 10.00am. Aggravated by sunlight.
Spigelia: stitching neuralgic pain on the left side in or above the left eye. Better with heat or hot bathing.
The cause of autoimmune disease remains unclear but the incidence and prevalence of these illnesses is clearly rising. This rise is mirrored
by the increasing occurence of atopic diseases such as asthma and eczema. Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics in the first twelve
months of a childs life can lead to a threefold increase in the risk of developing asthma. Is it possible that the drive to minimise our exposure
and risk from infectious diseases is actually leaving our immune systems with nothing to do other than attack our own organs?
Michael Curtin MB ChB DIP MED AC MFHom is a GP with a special interest in complementary medicine. He has a private practice in
homeopathy and acupuncture, with clinics in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Liver problems
Carmel Casserley discusses how homeopathy can help
The liver is the powerhouse of the body. Its primary role is the synthesis of fuel components for use by other organs. Its function is to control
carbohydrate metabolism, lipid (fatty acid) metabolism, protein metabolism and bile secretions. One of its most important roles is carbohydrate
storage/metabolism that is the monitoring and stabilising of blood glucose levels. The liver produces glucose both from its own (glycogen)
stores and from muscle lactate, as well as from fatty tissue. It also responds to a high blood glucose by increasing its uptake of glucose and
depositing it in its storage mechanism as glycogen. When you have eaten, the liver stores fuel derived from glucose. When you havent eaten
for a while, the liver senses this and increases the synthesis and export of glucose when blood glucose levels are low. (The pancreas also
senses the fed state adjusting its insulin output accordingly.)
An important regulatory function of the liver in respect of digestion is the formation and secretion of bile. Wrong dietary intake over a prolonged
period puts inordinate strain on liver function. The liver also regulates fatty acid synthesis, and contributes to steroid production. Alcoholic
cirrhosis and drug-induced damage are not uncommon ailments nowadays. Trauma causing rupture/haematoma can be helped with Arnica in
conjunction with orthodox treatment.
Reading the signs
Common portents of liver disorders are indigestion stomach wind, pain/discomfort under the right ribs and inability to digest fatty foods,
loose stools and pale stools. I have had so many cases of IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome) that have cleared up finally when the treatment was
directed at the liver and not just the bowel.
Morning nausea of pregnancy to me is not normal. So often as a young GP I reassured my patient that it was normal, only to find as they grew
up or grew older that they had gall bladder problems. I now treat morning sickness very seriously and follow these patients post-natally in
respect of liver digestion. One patient had toxaemia during pregnancy developing into jaundice, which was cured with Phosphorous 1m
alternating with Sepia 1m. This lady responded after three days.
The homeopathic cure

Orthodox medicine is very useful in giving an assessment of more advanced disease. Even here homeopathic prescribing can achieve
stunning, unexpected results. This was so in a patient who had chronic viral hepatitis and was taking large doses of cortisone (40mg a day
initially, lowered to 30mg a day ongoing), and was cured over a two-month period on Phosphorous 30c twice a day for three days initially.
The patient felt somewhat better less nauseous, less bloated. The Phosphorous was stopped for four days (allowing the body to respond).
My rule to the patient is when losing any good effect do it again but less often. I therefore gave one Phosphorous 30c in the evening,
morning and evening. Then I stopped and waited, this time for a further week.
This regimen was repeated over a month when I decided to prescribe Phosphorous 6c one a day for a month. The lower potency more often
seems to be indicated when the cause is due to a toxic drug. This patient was completely cured. He reduced his own cortisone himself and
finally came off it altogether. Many months later I gave him one Lycopodium 30c in the evening, morning and evening as a constitutional
medicine and never saw him after that. Another case like this requiring a similar pattern of prescribing, arose with a dental worker who was
cured using Aurum met 30c. He had specialised in gold fillings.
Liver damage
Damage to the liver can be due to inflammation due to infective agents causing, for example, hepatitis and liver abscess. This often responds
rapidly to homeopathic Phosphorous (30c/1m) as well as Hepar sulph (200c). Medorrhinum (1m) Hahnemanns miasm may be needed to
finish the treatment.
An orthodox diagnosis is useful and often essential. It gives an indication of how advanced the disease is and of other organs likely to be
affected. From the point of homeopathic prescribing, however, this is purely of academic interest as the homeopath relies on the signs and
symptoms especially related to the required medicine and also the constitutional make-up of the patient and more importantly the change in
that constitutional make-up. By constitution I mean, how his/her physiology works for him/her.
Homeopathy recognises the ailment and chooses the required medicine but always (or should always) ask what was it in the constitution,
which predisposed this person to get this ailment in the first place. Hahnemann stressed the predisposition (miasm) to illness as much as the
illness itself.
In practice I like to see where the person is coming from, where he is now and more importantly where he is going health-wise. Thus the
past history is very important. A good example of this is the gall bladder stone/colic of middle-aged women. It amazes me how many had
nausea/morning sickness during pregnancy. I have also had many patients with various digestive/bowel problems which cleared up when an
old hepatitis infection was treated (mostly with Phosphorous 30c).
In general practice the commonest liver ailments for me have been gall bladder ailments, for example stones, spasm of biliary duct and also
hormonal changes. Except in hepatitis, liver ailments are normally of slow onset. Even gall stones, which may seem of acute onset, may have
been developing over quite some time.
Dietary prevention
Much controversy has taken place over fat intake. High-density fats (polyunsaturates) help to emulsify our food. Low-density fats (animal fats)
have been blamed for arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and gall stones. The argument still continues, there being older people who
have broken all the rules and still have a healthy existence. This is where the constitutional make-up of the person becomes interesting. By
and large the Mediterranean diet of fruit, vegetables and olive oil is advised.
The commonest and probably earliest symptom of liver problem is indigestion. It can have many causes high stomach acid, hiatus hernia
but usually it can be the start of a gall bladder problem. The gall bladder is attached to the duodenum by a narrow duct, which has a valve at
the duodenal outlet. When the contents of the stomach enter the duodenum, the gall bladder contracts and releases bile (gall) into the
duodenum. Here it emulsifies the food, which is now in the correct condition to travel around the intestine and be absorbed. If there is spasm
of the bile duct there will be swelling of the gall bladder and bile cannot get out. It will swell and cause enormous discomfort and pain. The
food will not be emulsified and will travel on in lumpy uneven form, often pale in colour due to an absence of bile in the intestinal contents.
As stated earlier, if the role of the liver is the synthesis for fuel for other organs, then the whole body must be investigated for other organ
involvement especially kidneys. Hahnemann laid enormous emphasis on whole body involvement in disease. I think this is one area where the
homeopathic approach has so much to offer, especially in prevention.
The most common remedies used
In early disease:
Indigestion/right-sided

Chelidonium 6c one three times a day for up to three weeks. Stop treatment if bowels loosen. Stools should be dark and pass
easily pale stools show bile obstruction.

Mag phos 30c -one twice a day after using Chelidonium. If pain is subacute/acute use

Mag phos 30c one every 10 minutes for three to four doses. Stop. Wait. This can be repeated as required. Mag phos is specifically a
muscle relaxant. Quite often there are other signs of muscle tension (for example cramps) in other parts of the body.

Lycopodium 30c -being a right-sided remedy is almost specific for liver and kidney clearance. There is sometimes a raised diastolic
(lower level) blood pressure and patients are chilly tired windy constipated bloated after meals. They often keep going for a
long time and become chronic sufferers before doing anything about themselves.

Pain discomfort/ left-sided

Cardus marianus -one three times a day for up to two weeks.

Nux vomica 30c -urge to move bowels, which passes off chilly irritable leave me alone!

Phosphorous 30c -long narrow stools can be pale a highly-strung patient pale (hint of yellow) skin.

Sepia 30c/1m -patient grey and worn out hormonal hot flushes emotionally flat nauseous.

Lachesis 30c -although most often regarded as a left sided remedy, it is often indicated in portal congestion shown by a sensation
of feeling terrible on waking or after nodding off during the day. This is due to venous congestion that affects the liver circulation on
lying down for any length of time. Quite often it is needed if other remedies fail to work.

Sulphur -Sulphur persons are often big eaters and drinkers. Liver problems can be of alcoholic origin. They find dietary regimes next
to impossible. When treated with homeopathic Sulphur they can become less warm-bodied, less loose-bowelled and often
constipated. Here they need Nux vomica. After this they can do quite well on some herbal remedy.

Drug damage

Opium 1m and/or Nux vomica 30c can be used alongside orthodox medicine.

Other therapies

Herbal remedies need skilful prescribing by a qualified herbalist and some are now under observation for liver cancer.

Some Hatha yoga exercises are very useful in helping venous drainage of the liver.

Carmel Casserley MB BCh MFHom was a GP in Lancashire for 38 years, qualifying in homeopathy in 1981. Since retiring in 1990 she
has been in private practice and has worked in Romania on and off for four years, her special interest being autism/autistic
behaviour.

Spotlight on Joints by Janet Gray

In general practice, I was frequently consulted by people with problems with their joints. In any one surgery, I would quite likely see two or
three such patients, whose problems could vary from a simple joint sprain to severe deformity due to rheumatoid arthritis.
In between these extremes come the many patients who have developed pain in a particular joint, which does not resolve with simple
measures. It is important, first of all, to find out the agenda of the patient, or else one can find that the patient goes out dissatisfied, whatever
you do. One of the most frequent worries of patients with joint pains is that they are getting arthritis. I can remember several patients
consulting me over the years with fairly trivial joint problems, and I could not understand their apparent over-reaction until I discovered the
underlying worry. Often a parent or close relative would have suffered from severe, incapacitating arthritis, and the patient was terrified that
this was the first sign. They were envisaging ending up in a wheelchair in the near future. Very often it was possible to dispel these fears
completely by close examination of the joint or by x-ray. Once the patient was reassured that the symptoms were not those of arthritis, they no
longer worried about the slight discomfort.
So what is arthritis
The word comes from the Greek arthros, meaning joint, and itis, meaning inflammation. So arthritis simply means inflammation of the joint. It
is, therefore, an incomplete diagnosis, and this is where the problems arise. There are many different forms of arthritis, and each has a
different clinical course and prognosis. So when a patient says to me, Of course, my mother had arthritis. I have to try to find out what sort
she had, and whether it is likely to be hereditary.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
This is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones, where they
articulate with other bones. When the cartilage wears away, there is bone grating on bone, which is obviously very painful, and limits the

mobility of the joint. In addition, projections of bone, called osteophytes, grow out around the joint, causing swelling and sometimes trapping
nerves.
OA was not thought to be hereditary but recent research has changed the thinking about this, and it is now thought that OA can cluster in
families. It is not a generally progressive disease, so the patient can be reassured that it will not usually spread to involve other joints. It was
previously thought that it was only a mechanical degeneration of the joint due to wear-and-tear, because it is usually seen in joints that have
been over-used, or previously injured, but the recognition of genetic factors has introduced the idea that it is an active disease process.
Most elderly people suffer from OA of the knees as they get older, particularly if they are overweight, which is not surprising, because the
knees have transported all the bodys weight for many years. It is worse in people who have spent a long time on their knees, for example
carpenters, cleaners, and also in runners and footballers.
OA of the hip also occurs in athletes, especially gymnasts and dancers, who have over-stretched the joint. Before the days of hip replacement
it was a common cause of elderly people being bent over a zimmer frame, walking slowly in extreme pain. Nowadays, although we complain
about the waiting lists, OA of both hip and knee can be corrected by replacement surgery.
Other joints can also be affected by OA, for example the base of the thumb in hairdressers, because of continual use of scissors, the base of
the big toe in policeman and traffic wardens, who are on their feet all day long. OA of the shoulders is a particular problem, as it is not so
amenable to surgery, so is difficult to treat. It is very painful and so can cause big problems for those who have to do a lot of heavy lifting.
However it is now clear that OA only develops in people with a genetic predisposition despite years of over-straining of that joint.
The joints affected by OA become stiff and painful, often creaking or grinding when being moved. There may be some swelling, but the joint is
not usually hot or inflamed. The range of movement becomes less and less, restricting function, which is further restricted by the pain.
Diagnosis is by clinical examination and x-ray. There are no changes in blood tests.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
On the other hand, RA is a condition that definitely runs in families, and does have a progressive course, sufferers sometimes ending up with
crippling disease of many joints.
It is an auto-immune disease, which means that the body is attacking its own joints. The reason for this is uncertain, but some researchers
think the disease may be started by a viral infection.
The onset of RA is sometimes very acute, accompanied by an acute febrile illness, involving redness and swelling of one or more joints. When
the fever settles, the joint remains painful and swollen, and other joints often become affected. Sometimes the disease seems to jump from
joint to joint, with one clearing up and another being affected immediately (known as palindromic arthritis).
More frequently the onset is insidious, presenting with pain in the small joints of the fingers or toes. These joints swell and become deformed,
ending up with the typical rheumatoid picture of ulnar deviation. Other joints are also affected, commonly shoulders, knees, ankles and
elbows.
This is the form of arthritis that everyone dreads, but fortunately there are now more effective early drug interventions that can prevent the
crippling deformities. They can, however, cause major side-effects. The use of homeopathy can reduce the need for such drugs, or at least
reduce the dosage needed.
RA is diagnosed by blood tests and x-rays, and the progress of the disease can also be monitored with blood tests.
Psoriatic arthritis
This is very similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but is seen in patients who suffer from the skin disease, psoriasis. The blood tests for RA are
negative, so the diagnosis is clinical.
Ankylosing spondylitis
This is a most unpleasant form of arthritis which predominantly hits young men between the age of 20 and 40. It is hereditary, and can be
diagnosed by a blood test to detect a particular antigen called HLA-B27, and is again an autoimmune disease.
It mainly attacks the large sacro-iliac joints in the lower back, and if not treated can cause fusion of the joints, causing the patient to become
bent over and fixed.
The mainstay of treatment, apart from drugs, is physiotherapy to keep the back supple.
Gout
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, which deposits itself in the joints. This is not due to over-indulgence in wines and port,
as was previously thought! The uric acid crystals set up inflammatory reactions in the joints, causing extreme pain, tenderness, swelling,
redness and heat. It usually affects the big toe, but can affect other joints.
It is treated conventionally with drugs to lower the uric acid level in the blood, but homeopathic treatment can also be very successful.

Septic arthritis
Other joint problems can be caused by infections and these are very serious. They have to be treated promptly with intra-venous antibiotics or
else permanent damage will occur. The worst sort is tuberculous arthritis, not seen nearly so much these days but unfortunately showing a
resurgence.
Homeopathic treatment
Although it is absolutely necessary to make an accurate diagnosis of the type of arthritis for the general management of the patient, from a
homeopathic point of view it is the symptoms that are important.
So, if a patient is suffering from joint pains, worse on waking in the morning with great stiffness; better on limbering up after a while; better for
a hot bath or shower; generally better in the hot dry weather, and worse in the cold and damp; worse on over-activity, but stiffens quickly on
resting that patient will require Rhus toxicodendron whatever the pathology, especially if the patient is restless, and unable to stay in bed
because of the pain. Ruta graveolens has identical modalities to Rhus toxicodendron, but has more a predilection to tendons and ligaments,
rather than joints. However it can be useful for arthritis, particularly of the knees, where Rhus toxicodenron has been seemingly well indicated
but has failed to act.
If, however, the sufferer prefers the cold weather, and the joints are so painful that they dare not move them, even splinting them to keep them
still, they will require Bryonia.
The symptoms of gout are often characterised by an exquisite sensitivity to touch, such that the patient cannot bear even the bedclothes on
the affected limb. The joint is red, hot, shiny and swollen, and the pain is agony, stinging in nature and much worse for the heat. This fits the
remedy, Apis mellifica, but if the modalities were identical with the exception of being worse for cold, Colchicum would be the remedy.
Belladonna is appropriate when the onset is extremely sudden, the pain is throbbing or bursting in character, and the patient cannot bear
being jarred in the slightest.
Rhododendron is suitable for those people who are human barometers. They are very sensitive to the approach of a storm, and will be able
to tell from their joints that the weather is going to change. In particular they are worse from a change to cold, damp weather. Their joint pains
tend to improve immediately on moving, and are better from warmth. They tend to shift about.
Ledum is good for chilly people, but who prefer cold applications on their painful joints. Their pains often start in the small joints of the feet,
and then move upwards.
With Phytolacca, the pains are described as like electric shocks, shooting along the limbs. A strange symptom is that one foot is usually colder
than the other.
Dulcamara is for a person who is extremely sensitive to the damp. It is said that even watercress makes their joints ache! They are better for
walking, and are restless, with shooting, tearing pains, particularly of their hips.
Kalmia latifolia is very good for shoulders, when there are shooting, tearing pains, worse for movement, and worse at night. The odd
characteristic of this remedy is that the pains move from central to the periphery, and from the upper to the lower part of the body, whereas
Lac caninum has pains that move from side to side, and is particularly good for hips.
Guaiacum is a lesser-known medicine, but should not be forgotten for pain in the thumb joints, improved by cold applications.
Cause and effect
So far, we have concentrated on the joint symptoms in guiding us to the right medicine, and this is called local prescribing, whereby low
potencies are used frequently. I often use this method in general practice where there is not a lot of time to glean more information, and
achieve very good results. It is particularly useful when patients have been taking conventional medicines, such as anti-inflammatories, and
have been suffering from gastric side-effects, and are looking for an alternative approach.
However, there are other approaches which can give more deep-seated results. It is important when prescribing homeopathically for any
condition to consider the aetiology. For example, I had a patient in her late 50s who had been suffering from RA for about ten years, and
conventional medicine had failed to halt the progression of the disease. When I took her history she told me that her joints first flared up
immediately after her husband had died but her rheumatologist told her that it was nothing to do with it. I prescribed Natrum muriaticum with
this information, and her disease progression slowed right down.
Constitutional prescribing
Another approach is the constitutional or totality approach, whereby the whole of the patients make-up is taken into consideration. I remember
a woman, aged 65, who came to me privately who was in agony with joint pains. These pains would flit about sometimes in her elbow,
making it impossible to raise a fork to her mouth, sometimes in her ankles, making walking difficult, and then moving to her shoulders. She
had been diagnosed with palindromic arthritis, and when she came to me her blood tests showed a high level of inflammation. She was on
high doses of four different drugs, but she was still suffering. Her joints were very stiff in the mornings and gradually eased up with movement.
They were better for heat, and she was very restless, with the pain driving her out of bed. I gave her Rhus tox, which seemed to fit, but it
produced no improvement whatsoever. I then questioned her more closely and found that she was very changeable in mood, emotional and
weepy, and liked being the centre of attention (she was a professional singer). She craved fresh air and had to have the bedroom window
open. She was clearly a constitutional Pulsatilla, and when I prescribed this, the result was remarkable. Her pain and swelling subsided and,

to her rheumatologists amazement, her blood tests returned to normal. From time to time she would return to me for repeat doses of
Pulsatilla, which kept her well.
Causticum is another useful joint medicine that works best when used constitutionally. I had a patient, now aged 62, whose RA had started
after the birth of her second child. Her main problem was her hands, because her fingers were stiff, swollen and difficult to use. She noticed
that, unusually, her joints were much better when it was raining, but were worse in the cold, dry weather.
She was a rather irritable person, but very sympathetic and emotional. She tended to get very involved in causes, especially those to do with
the environment.
I gave her Causticum and the swelling and stiffness in her fingers resolved, enabling her to peel the potatoes again.
The future
More and more powerful drugs are being developed by pharmaceutical companies to modify the progress of arthritic disease, but
rheumatologists constantly have to juggle the dangers of the disease with the dangers of the drugs used to treat it. Homeopathic doctors are
lucky our medicines are gentle, have no side-effects, and treat the whole person. Our homeopathic hospitals see a high proportion of
musculo-skeletal problems, and a recent audit from the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital showed a 70 per cent rate of improvement.
I am not claiming that homeopathy can cure every case of rheumatoid arthritis, or stop the deterioration in an osteoarthritic joint, but I do feel
that we have a valuable complementary form of medicine that can certainly help to arrest the disease, or at least modify it so that lower doses
or less powerful drugs can be used to treat it.
Certainly, during my years working in general practice, I would not have been without my armamentarium of homeopathic medicines.
Janet Gray MA MB BCh FFHom MRCGP DRCOG was a GP for over 25 years and used homeopathy in her Bristol practice. She has
just given up lecturing in homeopathy at the Bristol Teaching Centre and has recently retired from both the NHS and her private
practice.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Doctors may be dismissive of it but, says Janet Gray, for the sufferer it is a condition causing untold suffering, worry and
inconvenience
One of the problems most commonly seen by GPs is tummy ache. It is the job of the GP to sort out those patients who may have a serious
disease, for example, stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, or, even worse, bowel cancer, from those who simply have irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS).
There is no test for IBS rather it is a diagnosis made by excluding other diseases, which probably explains why doctors may have a rather
dismissive attitude to it. The patient may be told, All your tests are normal its only IBS. In actual fact, from the sufferers point of view, it is a
condition causing untold suffering, worry and inconvenience.
Nature of the condition
IBS is a very common condition, affecting as many as 20 per cent of the population, with more females suffering than males. It is concentrated
in the 20 to 40 year age group, but can occur at all ages.
It is a cluster of symptoms, (see below) rather than a pathological disease, and is assumed to be due to disordered bowel motility, or possibly
increased sensitivity to gut sensation, which in turn may be due to a variety of factors. These may include stress, food intolerance or the aftereffects of a tummy bug. Sometimes the condition seems to be a consequence of simple constipation, or a sudden change in diet.
The bowel may also react to emotional states, such as anger or anxiety. Such gut reactions appear to be especially likely in those who find it
difficult to share their feelings with others, expressing mental distress through physical symptoms.
Food sensitivities or intolerances can cause IBS symptoms (as opposed to true food allergy which occurs rapidly after ingesting very small
quantities of the food concerned, for example peanuts or shellfish). Abnormal fermentation in the colon, following antibiotic usage and candidal
colonisation of the bowel, can also cause IBS symptoms.
Different types of IBS
IBS is classified according to which symptoms are the most frequent. Several classifications exist; the following one is used at the Central
Middlesex Hospital.
Spastic colon:
Characterised by constipation and abdominal pain, which is most often left-sided and relieved by opening the bowels. May be associated
instead with diarrhoea.

Functional diarrhoea:
Characterised by attacks of diarrhoea, mostly in the mornings. The first bowel movement is usually formed, followed by a rush of mushy or
watery motions. These may be explosive, and sufferers are often toilet-bound for long periods of time.
Foregut dysmotility:
Characterised by abdominal bloating and discomfort frequently after eating. Visible stomach enlargement is often a problem and any pain is
more often experienced on the right side.
Extra-bowel manifestations:
IBS sufferers often have other symptoms including lethargy, backache, urinary symptoms (irritable bladder), pelvic pain and migraine.
Symptoms of irritable bowel disease

Abdominal pain associated with defecation.

Irregular pattern of defecation for at least two days a week.

Three or more of the following:

altered stool frequency;
altered stool form (hard/loose);
altered stool passage (straining/urgency/ sense of incomplete evacuation);
mucus per rectum;
bloating or feeling of abdominal distension.

Warning symptoms that need investigation:

Change in bowel habit.

Passing blood per rectum.

Weight loss.

Constant abdominal pain.

Conventional management
This is a syndrome that is not managed well with conventional treatment.
Symptomatic relief can be obtained with smooth muscle relaxants such as peppermint oil or mebeverine hydrochloride.
Constipation can be managed with ispaghula bulking agents and diarrhoea with loperamide or codeine phosphate.
Dietary management is important with a trial of an exclusion diet to detect food intolerance, if indicated by the history.
However none of these conventional managements addresses the problem as a whole they just single out one symptom at a time to treat.
This is where homeopathy is so valuable as a therapy. It is truly a holistic form of treatment, addressing not only the bowel symptoms, but also
the psyche and the other extra-bowel symptoms that may be present.
Case histories
The following cases show how IBS can be treated with different homeopathic medicines according to the underlying problems.
Take John, for instance. He was a 40 year-old engineer, happily married with one daughter. However, his life was plagued by frequent attacks
of abdominal pain, with distension, wind and constipation. He also suffered from heartburn, which woke him in the night.
It all seemed to start after several courses of antibiotics given for severe pneumonia. He was now unable to eat bread (something he loved) or
fruit or curries or fatty food.
His own GP had investigated him thoroughly and ascertained that there was nothing wrong other than IBS. He was treating him with the
usual antispasmodics and antacids, which helped each attack, but did nothing to prevent a recurrence.
John was very upset that his GP appeared to be dismissive of him, and did not listen to him.

He was quite emotional while I was taking his history, and also told me with tears in his eyes about the death of his father. Because of this,
and because of his food intolerances, I gave him Pulsatilla 30c, and he was incredulous of the improvement. His heartburn stopped
completely, but he still had occasional attacks of left-sided abdominal pain, causing him to bend double, and which were relieved with a hot
water bottle. He was still quite angry with his GP, so this time I gave him Colocynth 30c, which resolved the problem.
Another man, Cyril, was a 60 year-old pipe fitter who had suffered from IBS for ten years. It started when his wife was very ill and he had had
to nurse her until she died.
All his investigations were normal, and he was on conventional medication, which was not really controlling his symptoms. He suffered from
lower abdominal pain, with a feeling he must rush to open his bowels.There was no wind, but copious diarrhoea, and he was always worried
he may have an accident.
He was a chilly person who loved the heat. Food-wise, he had a sweet tooth, and also desired cream, but was averse to fat, curries and
spices. He was a great worrier about little things, and was always restless and agitated. He described himself as a fuss-pot.
On these characteristics I prescribed Arsenicum 30c, with the result that he was gradually able to reduce his conventional medication, and
eventually come off it altogether.
Joan was incapacitated by diarrhoea, which drove her out of bed in the mornings. She was a 37 year-old teacher who had developed
problems after a tummy upset 18 months previously, after which she never seemed to settle completely.
She constantly felt the need to open her bowels and also suffered from wind, gurgling and bloating. She described herself as a hot, sweaty
person, although she loved the hot weather. Foodwise she loved cream and butter but was averse to salt. She adored her food and ate it very
quickly. Her personality projected itself as extrovert and bubbly and she admitted to being untidy and not minding mess.
I gave her Sulphur 30c and her diarrhoea became a thing of the past.
Bobs problems started when he had an attack of diarrhoea whilst on a flight to the USA. He was a 40 year-old successful business man, but
this problem made him very anxious whilst travelling and when he knew he was going to be involved in long meetings.
He was ambitious, with high standards, but his anxieties were holding him back. Especially problematic were situations when he would be
asked to do a public presentation. Although he always did them well, it was at tremendous personal cost.
He had a great desire for chocolate, which immediately disagreed with his tummy, and he could only eat small meals because he became full
very quickly. He had abdominal pain on the right side, which was better for opening his bowels and passing flatus. He always had a bad time
at 4pm.
All these characteristics led me to prescribe Lycopodium 30c, to which he responded very well.
General Practice
The vital point in the treatment of IBS is to prescribe on the totality of the patients symptoms, rather than just on the local abdominal
symptoms.
The cases described above were patients who consulted me privately, but in fact 80 per cent of my time is spent in General Practice. I am
therefore very well aware of the time constraints under which GPs work, but I am still upset at the number of patients who feel that their GP
hasnt time to listen to them. Our attitude to our patients is so important, and it actually does not take very long to listen to the patients story.
Those of us who use homeopathy in General Practice know that it is not always easy to spot the constitutional remedy quickly, but it is made
slightly easier by the fact that maybe as many as 30 per cent of patients who develop IBS do, in fact, have have a Lycopodium constitution. In
other words, the typical Lycopodium person, who is ambitious, sets high standards for him or herself, is highly anxious, but is determined not
to show it, is just the person who will develop IBS when under stress.
Others who may develop such symptoms with anger will require remedies such as Nux vomica or Colocynth, while others who develop
symptoms after grief may need Natrum mur or Ignatia.
In this way, homeopathy can be used to treat the root cause of the IBS, leaving very satisfied customers, and not simply paper over the
cracks.
Janet Gray MA MBBChir MRCOG MFHom DRCOG DFFP, a GP for over 20 years, has been using homeopathy in her Bristol practice
for the last 15 years. She lectures in homeopathy at the Bristol Teaching Centre and has a small private practice near Chippenham.

Insomnia
Homeopathy can help you achieve a good nights sleep, writes Keith Souter

Being unable to sleep can be one of the most frustrating conditions. People often complain that they feel alone, isolated by their wakefulness
when everyone around them is deep in the arms of Morpheus. Yet insomnia is very common. Sleep troubles affect 25 per cent of people at
some point, and over ten per cent of the adult population have a chronic problem with insomnia.
There have been many famous insomniacs. Vincent Van Gogh apparently used to douse his mattress and pillow regularly with a strong
concentration of camphor in an effort to deal with his sleeplessness. Marilyn Monroe was another regular insomniac who used hypnotics to get
off to sleep and whose sad death was thought to have resulted from an overdose of sleeping tablets. Judy Garlands problems with sleep
seemed to arise from an addiction to amphetamines, which kept her awake and which she countered by taking sleeping tablets. Finally,
Groucho Marx developed intractable insomnia after the 1929 Wall Street Crash in which he lost a fortune. Rather than turning to alcohol or
sleeping tablets he developed a unique method of easing his isolation during his sleepless nights. He randomly used to ring up total strangers
and insult them on the telephone. It did not help him to sleep, but it apparently mellowed his temper.
Normal sleep
Work in sleep laboratories extending back over the last four decades has advanced our knowledge of the physiology of sleep. During a normal
sleep time we seem to go through several cycles of sleep composed of four stages of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye
movement (REM) sleep, in an ebb and flow manner as depicted in the diagram in the PDF version of this article.
NREM sleep is divided into four progressively deeper stages. Stage I, light sleep, stage II, middle sleep, and stages III and IV, deep, deltawave sleep. REM sleep, when dreaming occurs, follows NREM sleep and occurs in four or five episodes during a sleep time of about eight or
nine hours. Generally, the first REM burst lasts about ten minutes, while the last may occur for over an hour or two. If you divide a sleep time
of nine hours into three periods of three hours, then the first third will be predominantly NREM sleep and the last third will be mainly REM
sleep. If one wakens from a full and good nights sleep then it is usually from REM sleep or a short episode of stage I NREM sleep, when you
have a recollection of your last dream, before it disappears as you grasp consciousness.
Stage I NREM sleep occurs at the start of sleep and at potentially wakeful times during the night. It makes up about five to ten per cent of total
sleep time. It is characterised by twitches and occasional jerking movements. Sometimes one may experience hypnagogic pseudohallucinations at this time, such as when one imagines falling off a gate and jerking awake. They are of no significance. Stage II, when one
becomes less aware of the external environment occurs throughout the sleep cycle and makes up about 40 to 50 per cent of sleep time.
Stages III and IV occur mainly in the first third of the night and account for about 20 per cent of the sleep time. Sleep-walking, night terrors and
bed-wetting all seem to occur in this part of the sleep cycle. Stage IV is the hardest sleep to be roused from. REM sleep makes up the
remaining 20 to 25 per cent of the sleep time.
Even now we are not sure about the functions of the individual stages of sleep, but it seems that the whole process is essential to brain
functioning and to general health of the body. It is thought that NREM sleep is associated with growth and repair of the brain and body, and
that REM is associated with mental functions, dreaming and processing of memory.
Changes in sleep patterns
Infants sleep for about 14 to 16 hours a day, in several episodes. REM sleep predominates at the expense of stages III and IV NREM. Older
children develop a pattern more akin to an adult, with the noted adolescence period being characterised by excessive somnolence. Then in
the elderly, there is a 10 to 15 per cent reduction in stages III and IV NREM sleep, less REM sleep, and an increase in stage II NREM by
about five per cent. Physiologically, this means that to have the complete restorative sleep, the total time in bed must increase. Unfortunately,
because more time is spent in the lighter stages of sleep there is more opportunity for various medical conditions to impinge on the sleeper
and waken them to cause a complaint of insomnia.
Insomnia
As with any human parameter, it is hard to lay down numbers about ideal durations of sleep. Some people may sleep efficiently for six hours
with no complaint, yet others need a full eight or nine hours of unbroken sleep. Insomnia is therefore a highly subjective complaint.
A reasonable working definition of insomnia could therefore be: a complaint of difficulty in initiating and/or maintaining satisfying sleep.
Insomnia is one of those conditions where there is immense variation in the sort of problem that it causes. There may be difficulty falling
asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking early, or just feeling unrefreshed. And of course, there can be secondary effects, such as daytime
fatigue, poor concentration and irritability.
There may be obvious causes of insomnia, such as prostate problems in men, bladder problems, heart failure, hormonal changes and various
arthritic or painful conditions. There may be underlying psychological causes such as simple worry, more marked anxiety or depression. Habit
problems, such as too much caffeine, tobacco or alcohol, or side-effects from medication may also play a part. And, of course, restless or
noisy bed-fellows may be keeping one awake. Finally, if the individual is a snorer then sleep apnoea needs to be considered. In this condition
the respiratory drive is low during sleep, causing periods when the individual stops breathing and either snores loudly or wakes up. If this is
suspected then a medical opinion should be sought.
Homeopathy and insomnia
Homeopathy can often make a big difference to insomniacs. The approach is to consider the sleep disturbance as part of the overall clinical
picture. There is no such thing as a homeopathic sleep-ing-tablet, just as there is no such thing as a homeopathic painkiller. The well-selected
remedy, if it includes the pattern of the sleep disturbance, may solve the problem.

Having an awareness of what happens during the sleep cycle can be helpful, in that it might indicate a remedy or group of remedies. For
example, dutiful types who tend to waken in the early hours with an aggravation of some symptom or another between two and four may well
need one of the Kali salts.
The following patterns may also help in the choice of a remedy.
Difficulty getting off
This is a common problem with anxiety states, so the remedies in which an anxiety component is prominent may help. Aconite may help the
person who panics on going to bed. They may fear sleep; feel that they might not wake up, so sleep could take on the spectre of death.
Arsenicum album may help the restless, meticulous type of person who cannot get off to sleep because they have to get everything ordered in
their mind.
Light sleepers
Wakefulness from the least background noise is suggestive of a need for Coffea with its heightened sensitivity and inability to get into the
deeper stages of sleep. Asarum also helps when any noise wakens the sleeper, especially if they have great sensitivity to any noise during the
day. Insomnia after over-indulgence in stimulants, food, drink or after overexerting oneself late in the day may indicate Nux vomica.
Frequent waking
In addition to those who are very light sleepers, the following remedies may help those people who seem to wake frequently, and who may
find that they lie awake for an hour or so before getting off again. Alumina might help, especially if in the morning the individual is slow, dull
and subject to awareness of symptoms or aggravations of other conditions on waking. Baryta carb may have this pattern, but also be prone to
waking from nightmares. And Hepar sulph, one of the most sensitive of remedies, might suit the person who wakes if a toe or foot somehow
gets exposed in the night.
Restlessness
Here we have to consider any physical condition that may be causing the restlessness. Treating that with the appropriate remedy may help,
but otherwise the following restless remedies may be useful. Ignatia is useful in people who experience insomnia after a loss of some sort.
They may sigh and yawn a lot, yet find sleep difficult to come, and find it fitful at best. They may twitch, toss and turn and be subject to
nightmares. Natrum muriaticum is also frequently indicated in insomnia after bereavement, slight or loss. The pattern of insomnia here may be
associated with feeling isolated, feeling aggrieved and finally crying themselves off to fitful sleep.
Zincum metallicum may help the nervous type of person prone to twitchy feet and restless legs. Arnica may help when the individual cannot
get comfortable, because the bed (whatever it is like) just feels too hard.
Early morning waking
By this I mean waking at 4 or 5am onwards and not being able to fall off again. This is very common in sadness and depression. Aurum
metallicum needs to be considered when the individual feels totally down, perhaps with thoughts of self-harm. Waking early and feeling angry
and down may be helped by Staphysagria, especially if there is a tendency to feel sleepy throughout the waking day. Whereas those needing
Staphysagria might not actually vent their anger, people who wake feeling down and cross, and who are decidedly prickly to those around
them may benefit from Nitric acid.
Too hot or too cold
When someone often wakes up suddenly, usually from an anxiety dream, feeling hot with a sweaty head, then Silica may help. Others who
also wake up with their head bathed in perspiration, especially if prone to be overweight, and who suffer from cold feet, may benefit from
Calcarea carbonica. By contrast, people who wake with hot feet, who feel that the bed has become too hot so that it makes them itchy and irritable, may be helped by Sulphur.
Too tired to sleep
The remedy that one immediately thinks of when someone has been deprived of sleep and wants to get back to sleep is Cocculus. We think of
this as the carers remedy. If a parent has to get up to see to a child, a carer to look after a loved one or patient, then this remedy will often
do the trick. It is also useful if jet lag has produced a short term problem with insomnia.
Bad dreams or no dreams
If bad dreams waken the sleeper and prevent further sleep, then Belladonna is a good choice, especially if the dreams have been of falling.
China may help those people who sleep lightly and who day dream a lot, even as they are trying to get to sleep, about performing acts of
heroism or daring-do.
Insomnia taking the form of poor, unrefreshing sleep associated with an inability to recall dreams (perhaps even feeling that they have never
dreamed) may suggest Lycopodium, especially if they get accompanying digestive troubles.
How to take the remedies
I would suggest using a low potency 6c remedy for self-treatment after working out the pattern of insomnia. Take a dose an hour before
bedtime and a dose before turning the lights out, having already worked out a bedtime routine. If necessary take another dose if you wake up
in the night.
It is entirely reasonable to try self-treatment for a couple of weeks, but if there has been no improvement then it would be sensible to have an

opinion from a homeopath to elucidate the best remedy.

Prepare for sleep
Adopting good sleep preparations is worthwhile. The following may help:
1. get into a bed-time routine;
2. make your bedroom a place for sleep or love-making, not a study, computer or TV room;
3. make your bedroom a quiet room without ticking clocks, etc;
4. make it a dark room when the lights go off;
5. avoid caffeine, tobacco or alcohol in the late evening;
6. have the room temperature just right;
7. if you cant sleep after half an hour get up and do something pleasurable until you feel sleepy.
Keith Souter MB ChB FRCGP MFHom MIPsiMed DipMedAc is a part-time GP in Yorkshire. He also has a private holistic medicine
practice and is a newspaper columnist as well as the author of Homeopathy for the Third Age and Homeopathy: Heart & Soul.

Influenza
Richard Robinson advises on the homeopathic treatment and prevention of this common winter illness
One of my first personal experiences of the effectiveness of homeopathy was shortly after I started the long course in homeopathy at the
Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital some years ago. I had been out for the day one Saturday, and on arriving home began to feel very
unwell. I was shivery, hot and cold, with teeth chattering and feeling very weak. I dragged myself to bed with an inward groan, knowing that I
would be unfit for anything for the next few days. I still had a clear enough head though, to think that since I was studying homeopathy, now
would be a good time to see if these homeopathic remedies actually worked. Since my symptoms appeared to fit the Gelsemium picture I took
a pilule of Gelsemium 30c followed by another one half an hour later, and then dozed off. I woke up after an hour and got out of bed all the
symptoms had completely disappeared! I was astounded! I had never had such an experience before any previous time that I had had flu
symptoms like this, they would have been sure to last several days, with or without conventional treatment. I was very impressed!
Influenza is caused by infection with the influenza virus. Uncomplicated influenza is characterised by the abrupt onset of fever, chills, nonproductive cough, muscle pains, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat and fatigue. It is usually diagnosed clinically. Not all people affected
with the virus become symptomatic the percentage of infections resulting in clinical illness can vary from 40 to 85 per cent, depending on
age and pre-existing immunity to virus.
In temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, influenza activity typically peaks between late December and early March. The usual
incidence of influenza virus varies yearly and depends partly on the underlying level of the populations immunity to the particular circulating
virus. One study in the USA found an infection rate with or without symptoms of 10 to 20 per cent a year, with the highest infection rates in
people under 20 years old. Attack rates are higher in institutions and in areas of overcrowding.
The influenza virus is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets disseminated during sneezing, coughing and talking. The
incubation period of influenza is one to four days and infected adults are usually contagious from the day before the onset of symptoms until
five days after the symptoms began. The signs and symptoms of uncomplicated influenza usually resolve within a week, although a cough
and fatigue may persist.
Complications include otitis media, bacterial sinusitis, secondary bacterial pneumonia, and, less commonly, viral pneumonia and respiratory
failure. Complications are also caused by escalation of underlying disease. In the USA each year, over 110,000 admissions to hospital and
about 20,000 deaths are related to influenza. The risk of hospitalisation is highest in people 65 years and older, in very young children and in
those with chronic medical conditions.
Homeopathy, however, has a lot to offer, both in the prevention and treatment of influenza. A homeopathic remedy which has been proven in
clinical trials to reduce both the duration and intensity of attacks of influenza is Oscillococcinum (also known as Anas barb), which has been
used in France for many years and can be bought at nearly any chemist in France. It is not licensed for sale over the counter in the UK but
can be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner for individual patients.
The suggested treatment regime is:

At the start of an attack of flu, take a dose as soon as possible. Repeat two or three times at six hourly intervals.

For a well established attack of flu, take one morning and evening for up to three days.

Tailor-made preparations
Tailor-made flu preparations are produced by many homeopathic pharmacies. For example, one preparation contains the homeopathic
dilution of the current influenza virus amongst other things, such as a combination of previous flu virus potencies. The recommended dosage
is 30c three times per day once a fortnight during the flu season. Another example provides a combination of Influenzinum 30c and Bacillinum
30c. The recommended dosage is one dose a week, increased to once a day if in contact with influenza.
Although there are quite a few specific remedies for influenza, the following are the ones I have found most helpful.
Gelsemium
This remedy covers a large percentage of the ordinary, typical flu cases familiar to us all. Where often someone feels a bit out of sorts the day
before, possibly a little headachy, a little feverish, a bit of vague pain: he goes to bed, does not sleep very well and next morning he feels
rotten.
Gelsemium flu is rather slow in onset, usually coming on over six to eight hours and produces primarily a feeling of intense weariness. The
patient is very dull and tired, looks bleary-eyed and sleepy, with heavy, drooping eyelids being a keynote of Gelsemium.
They feel hot and sticky, and yet have the sensation of little shivers of cold up and down their backs, as if someone had spilt a little cold water
down their back. The Gelsemium patient tends to feel shaky, with a tremor in their hands noticeable when they try and lift something and they
tend to get very shivery when exposed to cold draughts.
They tend to have an unpleasant headache that is usually throbbing, affecting the back of the head radiating into the neck and there is a
generalised aching soreness in the muscles. Despite their sensitiveness and dry mouth, patients with Gelsemium flu are not usually very
thirsty. This lack of thirst is another keynote of Gelsemium.
For potency and dosage I would suggest one 30c up to hourly in the acute stages, reducing the frequency as the symptoms improve, and
stopping the remedy when the symptoms clear. This regime would be suitable for the following remedies as well.
Baptisia
I remember taking a telephone call from a patient whom I had been treating for another complaint to say that she had come down with the flu,
and was there any homeopathic remedy that might help? On asking her to describe her symptoms she said that she felt very tired with her
face flushing hot and the rest of her cold. She had throbbing pains in her head which shifted about, her face was flushed and she felt all
puffed up with a pressure in her head, she found it very hard to concentrate, she said that she felt weird when she stood up, and felt drugged
and dopey. I suggested that she try Baptisia. She told me at her next appointment that her symptoms had cleared after a few hours, and that
she had been delighted at the response.
This is the classic picture of the Baptisia influenza generally a more toxic situation than in Gelsemium the symptoms are more intense with
mental confusion and feeling befuddled their faces often appear puffy and swollen, their eyes are heavy, but with a congested, besotted look
rather than the drooping eyelids of Gelsemium. Occasionally, one may even elicit the rather bizarre Baptisia keynote of Feels he (or she) is
scattered all over the bed and tries to bring all the pieces together again.
Byronia
Another telephone call was from a patient whose son had just had to take to his bed with flu, again enquiring if a remedy might help. Here the
picture was different again he had shut himself away in his bedroom and was lying still just facing the wall, was irritable and unresponsive,
and just wanted to be left alone (most unlike the usual junior invalid!). His thirst for large amounts of cold water confirmed the diagnosis of
Bryonia and again a few doses of the 30c potency brought about a hasty recovery.
Eupatorium perfoliatum
This is another remedy, which can be extremely useful in influenza. Here the most noticeable factor is the severity of the pains which are a
severe ache involving all the bones of the skeleton arms, legs, shoulders, back, hips and particularly the shin bones.
The pains develop very rapidly and the patient often says it feels as if the joints were being dislocated, or as if the bones were broken it is
that type of deep-seated severe pain. Associated with the pain, there is intense restlessness; the patients are always moving to try to ease the
aching pain in one or the other of their bones.
Eupatorium patients are always chilly, feeling cold and shivery but paradoxically tend to be very thirsty for ice-cold drinks.
Arsenicum album
Probably the best remedy for gastric flu influenza with gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhoea is Arsenicum album. Here, the patient tends to
feel worse between midnight and one oclock in the morning and tends to have a fever, followed by chills and rigors. The face is hot and
patients crave open air, yet the body feels chilled. They feel worse for eating and drinking, but are thirsty for small sips of water. There is a
marked restlessness punctuated by collapse or prostration, and the patient tends to have the classical Arsenicum anxiety often out of all
proportion to the severity of the symptoms. The sufferer wants company at all times.

Homeopathy, therefore, can be extremely effective in both the prevention and treatment of influenza and as always, is a cheap and safe
alternative to the allopathic approach. Perhaps homeopathy should be the approach promoted in the National Health Service for the treatment
of flu rather than the new and very expensive anti-viral drugs that are coming into vogue!
Richard Robinson MB BCh BaO DRCOG MFHom has been practising homeopathy for 11 years. He works at the Nature Cure Clinic in
Central London and in private practice at Amersham, Bucks and Boots in Milton Keynes.

Fertility problems
Mollie Hunton describes four cases where homeopathy has helped to produce a much-wanted baby
Problems with fertility seem to be becoming more common. Inability to become pregnant, recurrent miscarriage and babies born very
prematurely all occur frequently nowadays. The vets report similar problems with sheep and cows and soil analysis of the ground that they
graze shows severe deficiency or absence of vital minerals and trace elements like selenium, iodine and zinc. If crops are grown in similar
situations it is likely that humans may be suffering from the same deficiencies. If so it would also account for the vast increase in cancer and
heart problems, as selenium is an antioxidant. However, whatever the cause, homeopathy seems to be able to help women conceive and
have healthy babies. For me it is a very rewarding part of my practice.
Sara
At 38 Sara had been seeing an infertility specialist for seven years. She was told that there was no obvious reason why she could not become
pregnant. All her tests were normal and she was offered IVF. She decided to try homeopathy before embarking on that route. When I took her
history I could not find any symptoms on which to base my prescription. She had not had any previous illnesses and was well in herself.
I asked about her family history. Her mother was well, but she did not remember her father. What had happened to him? I asked. He died
just before I was born. What did he die of? TB. There was my only clue. I prescribed Tub bov 10M, three tablets in one day, and two months
later she missed her period. Sara had a normal pregnancy and birth and subsequently had two more children without the need for any more
remedies. This was a situation where the patient herself had no illness, but suffered from a problem passed on to her by her father which
stopped her becoming pregnant. As her father had TB at the time she was conceived the remedy was Tuberculinum bovinum.
Kate
I first met this 37 year-old woman in general practice one evening as an emergency. She had had a miscarriage and had not stopped bleeding
for seven weeks. A scan had shown that there were no remnants of the pregnancy left behind, but there may have been a fibroid developing.
Not good news for a future pregnancy. I gave her some Sepia 30 and she stopped bleeding overnight.
Kate had a dreadful history. She had taken the pill for ten years, then stopped to try to become pregnant. In 1994 she had severe abdominal
pain and was admitted to hospital, where an ovarian cyst was diagnosed after a scan. She had immediate surgery. A nurse told her she didnt
think she would be able to have children and this thought had stayed with her ever since and affected her deeply.
In 1998 Kate became pregnant for the first time. However she lost that baby at 14 weeks. She felt her world had fallen apart and she became
panicky and constantly anxious. She was put on beta-blockers for a while by her GP, but these did not seem to help much. The following year
she had a successful delivery but did not recover her usual happy mood and constantly lived in fear of something happening, either to the
baby or the rest of the family.
When the baby was a year old she felt she would like another. She became pregnant again, but had a miscarriage at eight weeks, after which
I first encountered her in the surgery. I followed the Sepia with a prescription for Ignatia 30c, which she found very helpful.
After this experience Kate developed severe anticipatory anxiety with a lot of physical symptoms. They were palpitations, feeling unable to
take a deep breath (hyperventilation) which meant she sighed a lot, nausea and retching in the mornings, a feeling of blockage behind the
sternum, panic attacks, fear of losing control, fear of dying, constant morbid thoughts, headaches, fear of a heart attack and fear of a brain
tumour. She suffered frequent minor ailments like throat and ear infections and catarrh.
Kate appeared calm on the outside, but hid her real feelings from everyone. She could laugh, but never felt happy. She needed the windows
open for fresh air. She was exhausted and always ready to cry. The Ignatia that I had given her on first meeting had helped, but this time I
prescribed Natrum muriaticum 10M, three tablets in one day with some advice on anxiety management and abdominal breathing.
The effect from the Nat mur was immediate. She felt better for two days (probably from the therapeutic consultation), then had an aggravation
for four days when she cried copiously. On the fifth day she woke and started to improve. Her physical symptoms went and she felt in control
of her emotions again. She became pregnant immediately after taking the Nat mur.
Whilst pregnant Kate was mostly well apart from some minor problems, which cleared up on their own. She took Aconite 30c when there was
some building work being done on the house, which was very stressful. I had also advised a change of diet before this pregnancy, which
involved no sugar, and she changed to soya instead of dairy, as soya is a natural source of female hormones. Rebecca was born at term
weighing 7lb 4oz. Her mum was 39 and had thought she would never have another successful pregnancy. She now treats the whole family
with homeopathy and has regained her confidence.

Julie
This 30 year-old woman had a complicated menstrual history having started her periods at the age of 13 but only menstruating once a year
since. At the age of 18 Julie had started the pill and taken it until the age of 26 after which she had not had any periods at all. The
gynaecologist thought she had had a premature menopause and put her on HRT.
One of the main reasons for her periods disappearing was that at 21 shed had a spell of anorexia and her weight dropped to seven stone.
Her husbands sperm count was also slightly low. After investigations, all of which were normal, she was told there was no chance of
pregnancy without the fertility drug Clomiphene. Three cycles of that made no difference.
Shed also had a chronic cough with ear infections and mild hearing loss on the left side since she was young and had had lots of antibiotics.
Julie was a fastidious lady who wept easily and liked to be appreciated. Her family meant everything to her and not to be able to have children
was devastating. She suffered from anticipatory anxiety, liked the company of individuals but was shy in a crowd.
Problems with cycle control and absent periods seem to becoming more common. I have therefore devised a method of maturing the follicle
with homeopathic remedies. The regime is easy: Oophorinum 30c (also called ovarian extract) one daily from day five to nine inclusive,
counting the first day of a bleed as day one, and Folliculinum 30c, one daily from day 10 to 14 inclusive. Day 14 is ovulation day in a 28-day
cycle. The Oophorinum matures the whole ovary and the Folliculinum matures the follicle. If there are no periods, a cycle is counted from any
date. If the ovary does not produce a ripe follicle the egg cell cannot be released from it and there is no possibility of pregnancy.
This woman took both remedies plus three tablets of Pulsatilla 10M. She came back to see me two months later having had two periods, one
after 35 days and the second after 18. Her temperature chart did not show an ovulation pattern. Her cough had cleared up for the first time
ever. As she had a strong family history of cancer I gave her Carcinosin 200, three tablets in 24 hours. Julie did not come back again but after
three months on this regime she became pregnant and delivered a healthy baby girl 14 months after her first consultation.
Lesley
At 32, Lesley had taken the pill for 12 years before trying to become pregnant for the last 18 months. During this time she had had a
miscarriage at 12 weeks and one at eight weeks. Since then she had had irregular periods. As a child and teenager, repeated ear, throat and
chest infections, had been treated with antibiotics as had her acne. She suffered from continuous thrush.
She was warm-blooded, intolerant of heat and sweated a lot. She slept well and her energy was good. There were two experiences of grief in
her life as a friend had died just before she became pregnant for the first time and her grandmother had also died during this pregnancy. With
such a history of antibiotics and her physical reactions I first prescribed Sulphur 6c three times a day for two weeks, then twice a day for two
weeks then once a day until she came back to see me a few weeks later. Lesley must have ovulated at the time of the first appointment and
she was already pregnant when I next saw her. In view of her previous history she was advised to have monthly scans by her gynaecologist.
The next time I saw her was when she was 16 weeks pregnant. Her recent scan was normal, but she had developed a cough. She was not
keen to take any more antibiotics, and a few days of Pulsatilla 30c four times a day was very helpful.
I next saw her when she was seven months pregnant. The doctor had found sugar in her urine. She was advised to stop taking any sugar in
her diet and prescribed Sulphur 6c three times a day as before. Four weeks later she told me that the urine sugar had gone, but she was
worried that the baby was too big. She was advised to try a low glycaemic diet: no glucose, sucrose, maltose, dextrose, lactose in milk and
fructose in fruit. I also advised Sulphur 30c twice a day for a week plus Caulophyllum 30c daily (which helps to prepare the cervix for labour)
and Arnica 200c to take every two hours during labour.
Lesley delivered a healthy, but large, baby girl after being induced at 39 weeks. She has kept off the sugar since and has subsequently had
another baby girl without any problems.
Mollie Hunton MB BS DRCOG FFHom has been practising homeopathy for 25 years, until recently as a GP, and now in private
practice. She is President of the Midlands branch of the Faculty of Homeopathy and teaches homeopathy to undergraduates at
Birmingham Medical School.

High blood pressure

Carmel Casserley advises on a holistic approach to treatment
Blood pressure refers to the measured pressure in the circulatory system. The latter consists of arterial blood pumped by the heart delivering
oxygen and other nutrients to the organs and tissues, and venous blood which returns used blood back to the lungs to release carbon
dioxide and receive oxygen. The kidneys filter materials and salts, mainly sodium. This heart-lungkidney mechanism must be kept in good
working order to maintain health. Diet and exercise are of utmost importance in the prevention of heart, lung and kidney disease. It does not
take our modern medicine to tell us this. Hahnemann, the founder of modern homeopathic medicine, wrote at length on the absolute
importance of diet in the prevention of chronic disease. His instructions were enlightened albeit severe no spices, salt, tea, coffee etc and
he advocated pure food grown as close to nature as possible. He laboured the importance of exercise, moderate where necessary. But most
of all his emphasis was on the removal of stressful factors and resting when necessary. We have added nothing to his directions.

Diet
Diet should be as near organic as possible. Organic foods are balanced foods absorbing nutrients in proportions and at a pace intended by
nature. When forced to behave in ways not intended, nature can hit back in relentless ways. For example food grown in soil containing too
much aluminium due to acid rain, nitrates from industrial waste, or artificial nitrogen to force growth, can have devastating effects on the
human body causing fine scratch marks in the arteries around which plaques can gather cholesterol and other material causing
atheromatous patches. These are weak areas, which can rupture and leak causing strokes. This is especially so where blood pressure is
raised.
Strong tea, coffee and nicotine, as well as causing emotional stress cause stimulation of the delicate arterial musculature. After a while this will
cause hardening of the structure. Pressure increases inside the soft pliable arteries and hardening of the arteries occurs. This shows up in
older people especially. It is a shame to speed up the process from youth and the middle years due to ignorance and/or neglect.
Now at last, we are recognising the importance of salt in our diet. Salt (sodium chloride) is hygroscopic it absorbs fluid into itself. If salt is put
into a dish in a damp atmosphere it will become damp and wet. (This is why anti-caking agents must be added to keep the salt dry and
running, therefore easier to pour.) Salt works the same way in the bodys system.
Salt retention
The kidneys and skin regulate salt secretion via the sweat. After a while, they can only handle so much and become overloaded. The salt
becomes retained in the system and pressure increases. Salt can move out of the blood stream into the tissues, some being excreted in the
sweat. Perspiration often tastes very salty. Tissues and organs which are salted up are not functioning to capacity. Some of the symptoms
which may occur are palpitations in the heart, pins and needles in the hands and feet, and fluid retention swelling up before periods. It is
marvellous how when homeopathic medicines are correctly prescribed and salt is balanced, PMT is cured. Salt with its attendant fluid
retention can pressure the magnesium and calcium out of the microscopic tissue cells leading to cramps/spasms (homeopathic Mag phos
rarely fails to cure the abdominal cramps of PMT).
We do not need to add salt to our diets. In Britain we are surrounded by high winds. Those winds lift the salt up out of the sea. We are
breathing salty air in this climate. The UK has the highest intake of salt in Europe. Mediterranean countries use a lot of spice and little salt. We
use very little spice at home and a lot of salt. Salt craves more salt. Salt is a commercial ploy. Nobody would eat a second helping of say,
baked beans, if there were not salt in it. It is not the baked beans we are craving but the salt in them. How many people can eat one crisp?
Most devour the whole packet.
Commercial interests know full well that extra amounts will be consumed if the food is salted. Salt damages the taste buds and a dry mouth
occurs. It is quite amazing to note that when homeopathic remedies are prescribed the body gives up its salt (and subsequently the blood
pressure comes down). Most foods then can taste too salty. There is salt in almost everything sausages, meat, chocolate, even some fizzy
drinks. Hahnemann would have his work cut out for him today. His directive, however, as in all homeopathic prescribing will always be a
constant unchanging truth. It is good to know that as medical fashion changes we have some eternal truths to help us follow a path to cure.
Emotional stress
This affects the production of chemical changes in the body leading to hypertension. The tension produced can lead to many varied emotions.
Homeopathic medicines needed are the ones corresponding to these individually:

Agitation may need Ars alb

Fear may need Aconite

Anxiety may need Arg nit

Anger may need Nux vomica

Resentment may need Staphysagria

Grief may need Ignatia

Black depression may need Aurum met

All of these medicines must carefully fit the patients picture.

Homeopathic medicine has always been with us. It was Hahnemanns specific contribution to show the importance of the mental and
emotional symptoms in treating the patient.
Exercise
This must be graded to the individual. Where blood pressure is raised, exercise must be carefully undertaken and supervised bearing in mind
the chronicity or otherwise of the blood pressure. Sometimes, it is safer to alter diet and prescribe homeopathically well before prescribing
exercise. Weight reduction causes less work for the system as a whole. Exercise especially in fresh air helps the intake of oxygen and opens

up sluggish arteries which helps venous blood return, improving oxygen intake and so on.
Blood pressure
This is the measurement of the pressure in the system, the upper level (systolic) caused by the pump or cardiac pressure. The lower figure
(diastolic) refers to the pressure left in the system (caused by hard versus soft arteries, and kidney competence) when this is relaxed. In
young healthy adults normal blood pressure is 120-130/80-85. The recent Health Survey of England defines high blood pressure rather
conservatively as a blood pressure of 160/95 (or being on anti-hypertensive drugs).
There are regional variations with a higher prevalence within the north of the country compared to the south. Some Indian tribes (for example
the Yamomamo living in Venezuela) eat fruit, vegetables, nuts and occasional animal food. These adult men have an average blood pressure
of 95/65. There is no rise with age as in those populations in Western cultures.
Treating blood pressure homeopathically
Having advised on diet and exercise (where appropriate) plus relaxation techniques, the homeopathic prescription is best found when tailored
to the individual constitutional make up of a person. The commonest medicine I have used is Sulphur. These are the warm-blooded people
often loving clubs, pubs and parties. They are very personable and make an entry socially. They have good appetites, often like alcohol, are
thirsty, liking long drinks eg cold beer. Despite being out late perhaps carousing, they waken bright and early and are often out again and on
the go. They can be very untidy and not always charming to live with.
In my experience, they commonly go on to develop a Lachesis make up. They become loquacious, alcoholic or are on the way to becoming
an alcoholic. They become very heavy-headed in the mornings on waking also after a nap. They are losing control and becoming jealous
and envious. Their systolic and diastolic blood pressures are normally very high. Thrombosis in the left leg is common and may have already
been treated. When Lachesis is indicated and prescribed it works very quickly. When kidneys are involved the diastolic is often raised more
than a systolic reading. Lycopodium is almost specific here. It may need repeating at weekly intervals initially then the distance between
needing it will begin to widen. When the diastolic figure settles, a truer constitutional picture may present itself eg Arsenicum alb or Causticum.
Most patients will need a potency of salt itself (Nat mur 30c) at some stage. As well as unlocking the salt from the tissues it seems to fit a lot of
cultural qualities of the people in these islands, for example the natural tendency to bottle up when under pressure especially in the middle
and older years.
Aurum met is a wonderful blood pressure medicine. Modalities, once again, must fit the medicine. The cardiac muscle is under strain
perhaps even murmurs are present. A heavy brooding black depression is common. Palpitations are often very upsetting (more so than in Nat
mur people). These are often extremely worthy people who have given too much mentally and physically. Lesser medicines which can be
useful are Convallaria 3x (one three times a day, ongoing), which keeps the arteries soft. Also Digitalis 30c if the heart has slowed
appreciatively or 3x if the heart is irregular with missed beats.
Perhaps the most interesting medicine in the treatment of blood pressure is Crataegus. This is hawthorn. In times past it was common to see
older men chewing hawthorn. They knew its cardio-protective qualities. Crataegus cleans up the arteries removing the crustaceous matter
stuck to their lining.
Many blood pressures are dangerously high and unresponsive to drugs or patients experience side effects. Drugs have come a long way
since the days when the only treatment was a diuretic. They can be effective if only the blood pressure is involved. However, side effects are
many and varied from dizzy spells to nausea, headaches and so on. I never take anyone off drugs but aim to reduce the blood pressure
while still on the drugs, to a level at which the patients GP has to reduce or stop the drug treatment. It can be a very rewarding exercise.
Blood pressure can be more difficult to treat if drugs are used as well. Homeopathy works but it can take longer. As Hahnemann pointed out,
we are now treating not just the person but a person plus a drug picture. He would indeed have his work cut out for him today.
A version of this article was previously published in Homoeopathy vol 49 no 5.
Carmel Casserley MB BCh FFHom has recently retired from her practice in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire.

A little bump or a major injury?

Cleve McIntosh discusses head injuries and their homeopathic treatment
When Rodney, a 29 year-old man who had sustained a severe head injury in a road traffic accident eight months previously, came for
homeopathic treatment, he had already seen numerous doctors and specialists. Before his head injury, Rodney had been working as a
security guard at a popular holiday resort. His head injury was severe and he spent a month in intensive care followed by a month in a
rehabilitation ward. Since then Rodney could no longer walk without assistance. He had the muscle strength to walk, but didnt seem to know
where his legs were or how to control them.
He became very possessive of his wife, insisting that she remained constantly at his side in case he needed help, which he often did. He
understood when spoken to but had great difficulty talking. He spoke very slowly and his words were so slurred it was difficult to understand
him. He sometimes became tearful and spoke of how much he would like to work as a security guard again, a job he had really enjoyed. He
also missed his independence, especially being able to drive himself around. His great passion in life had always been cars. When frustrated

or angry about his life, his functioning declined further and he couldnt feed, wash or dress himself.
I was deeply moved listening to Rodneys story with his mother and his wife sitting there. I realised just how easily it could be me with a head
injury, sitting in front of a doctor, my life turned upside down. Yet stories like Rodneys are told over and over again each and every day in
Britain.
Statistics
British head injury statistics make disturbing reading. Around one million people receive emergency care for head injuries annually. Although
many of these injuries will be minor, one in five will need to be admitted to hospital. Head injuries account for one per cent of all deaths, but for
15 to 20 per cent of deaths in five to 35 year olds. About 50 per cent of traumatic deaths are associated with head injury, and 60 per cent of
deaths in road traffic accidents are the result of head injury. It is the most common cause of death in abused children.
The most prevalent causes of head injuries are road traffic accidents. Other common causes are assaults, falls from windows in young
children and falls in the house in the elderly and toddlers. Sports injuries, particularly of contact sports such as boxing or rugby, also contribute.
There are fears that large numbers of British soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may be suffering from head injuries following a direct
blow to the head or being close to an explosion. In the United States, there are estimates that up to 20 per cent of returning soldiers may be
affected.
Types of head injuries
Head injuries are sometimes called concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and can range from mild to severe. Most mild head
injuries cause no harm, but sometimes even mild injuries can cause serious, long-term problems.

A concussion is a jarring to the brain. A person may pass out for a short while when concussed. They may even feel a bit dazed or
lose their vision or balance for a while.

A brain contusion is a bruise of the brain. There may be some bleeding in the brain, causing swelling.

A skull fracture is when the skull cracks. Sometimes the edges of the broken bones cut into the brain and cause bleeding or other
injury.

A haematoma is a bleed on the brain that clots. It may only develop as late as a few weeks after the injury and sometimes needs
urgent surgical treatment. It may cause a headaches, restlessness, vomiting, balancing difficulties and strange behaviour.

When to get help

Getting a bump on the head, particularly in children, is very common and it is often difficult to know whether it is serious or not. You should get
medical help if you notice any of the following:

any symptom that is getting worse, such as headaches, nausea or drowsiness;

difficulty waking someone from sleep;

unusual behaviour, particularly irritability and confusion;

not knowing ones name or where one is;

pupils of different sizes or pupil that are dilated (bigger than normal);

difficulties speaking or walking;

drainage of bloody or clear fluids from nose or ears;

vomiting more than two or three times;

seizures;

weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.

Recovery
Many patients after mild head injuries will describe a number of symptoms which are collectively known as post-concussional syndrome. The

symptoms are irritability, depression, anxiety, as well as headaches, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration and difficulty sleeping.
In most people, these symptoms will go away without any help. However, the intensity and length of time before the symptoms resolve varies
in different people. It is those sensations and symptoms which make one person distinct from another that are most important in selecting the
correct homeopathic medicine.
Long-term difficulties
Although most symptoms resolve within a few months of a head injury, a significant number of people are left with long-term problems
afterwards. Improvements in the emergency care of people with head injuries means more people surviving, sometimes with permanent and
often serious emotional or neurological problems. The severity of long-term symptoms is related to a number of factors, including which part of
the brain was damaged, how extensive the damage was and for how long after the injury the person had memory loss.
People with problems resulting from a head injury will sometimes be referred to psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, neurosurgeons,
physiotherapists, and occupational or speech therapists. Most of these patients will also benefit from a referral to a homeopathic physician.
Intellectual impairment
Problems with thinking activities may persist after head injuries. These include:

taking longer to process information;

difficulties focusing attention and being easily distracted;

forgetfulness and other memory problems;

difficulties following instructions,

organising and planning.

These may be so severe that such people may be severely learning disabled and unable to take care of themselves.
Emotional and personality changes
Less obvious and often more disabling than the intellectual impairment are the long-term personality and emotional changes after head
injuries. Emotional changes include depression, euphoria, fearfulness, anxiety and an increased risk of suicide. Emotional problems may
sometimes benefit from allopathic antidepressant medication.
Personality changes, especially when the frontal lobe (the part of the brain behind the forehead) is damaged, include apathy, obsessiveness,
irritability, loss of motivation and spontaneity and even aggressive behaviour. Impulsivity and disinhibition, including sexually inappropriate
behaviour, can also be a problem. Personality problems are extremely difficult and frustrating to treat with allopathic medication alone and
homeopathy can help a great deal.
Physical problems
Mild long-term physical problems are fatigue and generally doing things more slowly. Some people have serious physical disabilities of all
types, from blindness to an inability to walk.
Epilepsy is another common consequence of severe head injuries, and many will need long-term epileptic drugs. Unfortunately, despite the
best allopathic epileptic drugs, some people still have frequent seizures or disturbing side-effects. Such people will often benefit quite
dramatically from the addition of carefully selected homeopathic medication.
Prevention
The best way to protect yourself and your family from head injuries is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Wear a seatbelt and ensure that young children are in a child safety seat or booster. Never drive or undertake any other higher risk activities
under the influence of alcohol. Wear a helmet and ensure that children wear helmets when cycling, playing contact sports, skating, riding a
horse, skiing or snowboarding.
Minimise hazards in your home by removing tripping hazards such as electrical cords and rugs and fitting window guards to prevent children
falling out of open windows.
Treatment
Acute
Immediately after a severe head injury, the focus should be on life-saving emergency care. Even at this time homeopathic medicines are
important in stimulating recovery. The sooner these medicines are given the better. I always prescribe 200c daily for three days. Then,
depending on response I will change remedy or potency or frequency of repetition.

Aconite is indicated within the first few minutes or hours after injury, where the person is restless and terrified, even panic-stricken, by the fear
of imminent death.
Those needing Arnica often deny that they need any help, saying that they feel quite well. They may be severely bruised.
Opium is valuable for someone who is in a daze or even a coma after the head injury, with a flushed and bloated-looking face. They may have
severe injuries elsewhere, yet not complain of pain.
Chronic
The following remedies can be valuable in many of those suffering from the long-term consequences of head injuries.
Natrum sulphuricum (Nat sulph) will be in indicated in those with persistent emotional and personality changes, in particular irritability and
depression. These may be so severe that the person feels suicidal. There may be ringing in the ears, as well as vertigo. All the symptoms will
be worse in damp, wet weather.
Natrum muriaticum (Nat mur) may be valuable in those who after a head injury become sad and withdrawn. They may also have chronic
headaches that are worse in direct sunlight and develop a marked craving for or dislike of salt. When they are at the seaside the symptoms
may change, becoming dramatically worse or better.
Hyoscymus (Hyos) is helpful when there is a change in behaviour, with the person becoming more talkative and excitable. Signs of
disinhibition such as laughing inappropriately or handling their genitals may be present. Epilepsy, twitches, muscle spasms, hiccoughs, and
unusual repetitive gestures, such as picking at their clothes, may also be a problem.
Helleborus should be thought of when the person seems more dull or slowed since the head injury. The person almost seems shut off from the
world, with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear. They may seem almost indifferent to pain or pleasure.
Hypericum is indicated when the person has convulsions soon after the injury. There may also be spinal injury. Later on the person may
complain of nerve pain or pins and needles.
Conclusion
While in hospital for his head injury, Rodney had been started on an anti-epileptic drug, Phenytoin. It had been started routinely to prevent fits,
but in the eight months since his head injury, he had not had a single seizure. After discussions with Rodney, his family and his neurologist, it
was decided that the Phenytoin could be gradually stopped. Not wanting to make more than one change at a time, I did not give Rodney a
homeopathic medicine but waited to see what would happen after stopping the Phenytoin. Within four weeks, there was a dramatic
improvement Rodney became less possessive of his wife and had started trying to dress himself. He even succeeded in pulling his pants up
himself after visiting the toilet.
Rodney hadnt even started homeopathic medication and his family was already delighted with the results of a thorough, caring homeopathic
approach. I was excited by the potential of homeopathic medicines to help Rodney. Once he has settled after stopping his Phenytoin, a good
prescription for him will be Helleborus as, more striking than any of his other symptoms, was that he was so much more dull and slow when
compared to before the accident.
In my experience of homeopathy, one of the most valuable pointers to the correct remedy is the event that immediately preceded the onset of
symptoms. For some this will be a death in the family, a surgical procedure or an exhausting work schedule. For others this will be a head
injury. Recognising that a head injury was the precipitating event is invaluable, as a remedy chosen keeping this in mind can often result in a
dramatic and sustained improvement of previously severe and disabling symptoms.
The responses I have seen to homeopathic treatment constantly fill me with wonder. Now, when patients ask whether homeopathy can help
with a problem which they thought was hopeless, my answer can only be, With homeopathy anything is possible.
Cleve McIntosh MBChB (UCT ) DMH (SA) MCFP (SA) MFHom is a family physician working at isolated clinics in rural South Africa
where he integrates homeopathy and allopathic medicine. Since obtaining his MFHom, Cleve has enjoyed spending more time
improving his Xitsonga, the language spoken by most of his patients, and hopes to take a detailed homeopathic history soon
without an interpreter.

Is it just a headache?
Different headache-types are generally not well diagnosed, with patients often feeling dismissed with a recommendation to take
more painkillers. Tom Whitmarsh discusses how an approach informed by homeopathic method can help
Migraine is one of the most commonly encountered headache types in clinics. All headaches of course, are not migraine and, in fact, migraine
does not even necessarily involve a headache. The reason why diagnosis is important is that there are some serious questions which
sufferers need to have answered like, Have I got a brain tumour? Do I have inflammation of the arteries in my brain? Have I got high
blood pressure? Glaucoma is another worry.

Most people who present with a headache, even to a neurologist, do not have one of these problems but it is important to see a doctor if you
have a new headache. Generally headaches fall into two categories: acute, episodic headaches which occur every now and then, and
headaches which are there all the time.
What differentiates migraines from other headaches is the horrible throbbing pain, not necessarily one-sided (though it often is), usually
associated with dislike of light and sound and nausea and vomiting. The point is that it happens episodically, attacks varying in frequency from
once or twice a year, or even once in a lifetime, to up to ten times a month.
Acute headaches with serious causes are rare, but chronic headache, which goes on day in day out, is more usual. One of the commonest
causes of headache and in fact one of the commonest reasons for visiting the doctor at all, is as an effect of prescribed drugs. So before
anyone tries to give you any more pills, they should be made aware of what you are already taking.
My principle thought about headaches in general and migraine in particular is how to manage them simply. Some people only get migraine
when they do a certain thing or eat a particular food. Most people have worked it out for themselves. I knew one woman who was a wine
buyer and shed worked out that it was only when she drank wine which had been aged in wood that she had a migraine. As long as she
avoided these, she was fine. One mystery of migraine is how so many different things can provoke the same symptoms too much sleep, too
little sleep, laughing, crying, too much food, too little food, any number of apparent causes and yet they all seem to provoke the changes in the
brain which will produce these horrible symptoms in sufferers.
When managing migraine, you have symptomatic treatment as it happens and treatment that cuts down the likelihood of the attack occurring
in the first place. Sufferers often use both strategies. Homeopathy generally falls into the latter category. Belladonna or Bryonia are sometimes
very effective as acute treatments, but my best successes usually come with deep-acting constitutional therapy based on the individual
characteristics of the migraine and also taking account of other specific aspects of physiology and personality.
I feel happier prescribing when there is a specific time or event which triggered the onset of the migraine, for example, some grief or upset in
circumstances. Head injuries are a very good example, when Nat sulph or Arnica can be invaluable. Homeopathically then, there are some
specific remedies for different situations.
A major problem seen in headache clinics is the overuse of analgesics. An extreme example is a man referred to me in Glasgow, a 54 yearold driving instructor whose neurologist had written that he had suffered migraine for four years and thought him the type of personality who
would respond well to homeopathic treatment (whatever that means!). He had been fit and well until eight years ago, when the car in which
he was instructing was hit from behind by a bus going at 60mph. He remembers being shunted for 250 metres and the back of the car falling
off, the seatback snapping and him finding rain on his face in a reclined position. He managed to reach the dual controls, stop the car and
climb out of the back. After this he became anxious and developed pain in his shoulders and neck. He started off with non-steroidal antiinflammatory painkillers.
After a couple of years of pain, he developed dull pain in the head which was present in some form every day.
Acupuncture helped a little. He had been told that he had migraine, but I thought he actually had a chronic daily headache. The chronic
headache feels blurry I dont expect painkillers to ward it off and then an intense ache comes on at some point during the day, was how
he described things.
Hed been using eight to ten tablets of a strong over-thecounter painkiller every day for about six years. In addition to this he would take
Sumatriptan (Imigran), one dose every three days, which helped a little. Once a month, he would wake up with a bad head and get a dose of
pethidine, intramuscularly from his GP. He was still taking the anti-inflammatory, at twice the recommended maximum daily dose.
This is quite the most extreme case of analgesics overuse Ive ever seen. He was obviously taking many drugs which have lots of other side
effects beside the headache. If somebody with headaches takes painkillers every day, they will usually end up making the headache worse.
This is a fact.
Now with this man, I cut down the anti-inflammatory to almost nothing, stopped the painkillers completely and predicted that he would have a
hellish time for two months. He would be irritable, unable to sleep, his headache would be worse its going cold turkey basically. I have found
the situation can be helped by homeopathy. A remedy indicated for the overuse of drugs, drinking too much coffee or alcohol for example, is I
think, useful for a person coming off prescription painkillers. So in this case I gave Nux vomica 30c every day. And I told him to ring me any
time, because somebody in a situation like this needs support.
He came back a couple of months later, happy as Larry. The pain was finally going away, although he probably needed some corrective
treatment like osteopathy to realign the trunk and head.
Another man was referred to me with chronic headache. At 36 he was suffering from a persistent headache following exercise. He had long
term slightly high blood pressure and, as he has been taking beta-blockers for quite some time, he was attending whats known as the cardiovascular risk factor clinic at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow. His hypertension was under control, his headaches were not. So how did it
come about? I smoked 20 a day between the age of 18 and 30, then I decided to get fit. I used a multi-gym every day, quite aggressive
activity. After a year of this, I got a sore head!

A few hours after a game of badminton, hed get an aching, pulsating sore head associated with disturbed vision. As he walked, it would jar
with every step, a pain over the whole head. If he sat down in a dark room with some nice music and took two strong painkillers, it would go
away in 30 minutes. Eventually, any exercise would bring on the headache, even a brisk walk.
The consequence now was that he was putting weight on. It also really mattered to him that he could not play competitive sport. With the
headaches, he didnt like bright lights or loud noises. Then he said, My brother had a headache at the age of 13 and died of a brain tumour. I
said that I could assure him that he didnt have a brain tumour, however there is one particular kind of headache, rather similar to his, that is
associated with a developmental abnormality at the back of the brain (Arnold-Chiari syndrome). So I arranged for him to have a brain scan,
which was normal and another reassurance that he felt he needed. One remedy mentioned with headaches particularly after exertion is
Epiphegus and I gave him this.
When he came back again, the remedy had been ineffective and he had a definite headache after just rushing around. So hed take more of
the painkillers which made him feel better for a couple of hours, but alerted me to the dangers of analgesic overuse. He said, Im irritable, Im
aggressive, Im angry and I want to get things done. Many of you will recognise some features of Nux vomica here. I gave him three doses of
Nux vomica 30c, 200c and 1m, over three days, then 30c twice a week. This is a regime which Ive often used which works well in chronic
headache.
He came back two months later saying, I cant believe it. I took the remedy over three days and after the third day, the headache was no
longer lurking in the background. After three years of not being able to do what I want, I can now function normally.
Taking a good history is, of course, something that homeopathic doctors are very good at. Dr Jeremy Swayne, Dean of The Faculty, has
made the point that the homeopathic method has much to offer conventional medicine, with this concentration on detail, getting the patient to
tell their story fully and the doctor understanding it in the way they want you to. I think this is how medicine is going to develop. Conventional
medicine is going to be able to pull in all the advantages from many forms of complementary method. With a deep medicine like homeopathy,
I feel the influence has to come from trained physicians, who have already embraced a wider vision of the therapeutic horizon.
This article has been adapted from a talk given by Tom Whitmarsh at the Homeopathic Trust supporters event held in London in September
1999.
Tom Whitmarsh MRCP FFHom is full-time Consultant Physician at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital. His research emphasis has
been on the treatment of headache with homeopathy and other non-drug methods and this remains a special clinical interest. He
would like everyone to be able to have the benefits of care informed by homeopathic principles.

The preventive role of homeopathy and the treatment of headaches and migraine
Andrew Lockie, a gifted physician, generously shared his knowledge with the thousands of people who consult his books. As a
tribute to him, here are three extracts from The Family Guide to Homeopathy.
At the deepest level, homeopathy is preventive in intent. Homeopathic remedies do not wade in and zap offending organisms, leaving the
immune system less able to cope than before. Quite the opposite. They nudge the immune system not only the white cell populations of the
body but also the mental and emotional states which keep those populations healthy into greater responsiveness and readiness so that
disease is kept away or prevented from recurring. In fact, homeopaths are trained to look for diseases before they happen. When a
homeopath prescribes constitutionally, he or she is prescribing not only for the present ailment but for tendencies which have not yet
manifested themselves as medically recognised ailments.
The foetus in the womb can be treated homeopathically to minimise imbalances inherited from the mother and father. Homeopathic treatment
of childhood ailments lessens the risk of the latent weaknesses they cause being activated in later life infants and children, with their newly
minted immune systems, respond excellently to homeopathic treatment. Homeopathic immunisation against the graver diseases of childhood
is not usually offered unless a child is particularly at risk; most homeopaths prefer to take the route of boosting general resistance to disease.
In adults, prompt homeopathic treatment of minor illnesses can often prevent persistent, and sometimes serious, complaints developing in
later life. At all points in the cycle of development, birth, growth and maturity, subtle symptoms of constitutional weakness can be picked up by
careful homeopathic analysis and treated before they burgeon into chronic and entrenched disease. The following hypothetical case history
shows how a homeopathic physician might approach a case of late-onset asthma.
At nine months old, the future Mrs X develops eczema; the ointment used to treat it leaves her skin very dry. Apart from dry skin and
constipation, she is a generally healthy child. At the age of 14, she has a bad fall from a horse. A year later she develops hay fever, which
turns into allergic rhinitis (a runny nose all year round). Skin tests show that she is allergic to house dust mites, grasses and horses.
Desensitising injections clear up her runny nose but leave her feeling unwell for some time afterwards.
In the early 20s she is underweight and suffers from an almost continuous post nasal drip (catarrh dripping down the back of her throat). In her
late 20s she marries and has two children, both full-term, healthy babies. Apart from dry skin, constipation, occasional nosebleeds and
irregular periods, she feels reasonably well throughout her 30s. In her early 40s, she loses two people very close to her, her mother and eldest
son. Shortly afterwards, she develops asthma.

She consults a homeopathic physician for the first time. High potency Natrum mur is prescribed to help her through the grieving process, and
she is advised to cut down on salt and carbohydrates. A month later, the asthma has all but disappeared, but she continues to suffer from dry
skin, constipation, and catarrh at the back of her throat; if anything, she reports, her throat feels worse than before; and she feels chilly and
irritable, and has had several boils. Hepar sulph is prescribed. This clears up the boils and the catarrh, but the runny nose remains. Allium and
Arnica clear up the runny nose; Sulphur clears up the dry skin and the constipation. At this juncture the eczema she had as a very young child
reappears. Since there is a family history of tuberculosis and allergies, she is given Tuberculinum; this clears up the eczema. She is then
advised about her diet. She continues in good health, visiting the homeopath at infrequent intervals, until the age of 75 when she dies of
pneumonia.
The homeopathic treatment involves a peeling away of layers of illness, removing symptoms in the reverse order in which they appeared,
each time reaching further back into the chain of cause and effect. Unlike many other modes of health care which swing into action once
health has broken down, homeopathy is based upon helping the organism to resist breakdown.
Headache
Headache is a common pain and is not often an indication of anything serious. They can be a symptom of anxiety, stress, physical tension
(especially in the back and shoulders), lack of sleep, over consumption of caffeine in tea or coffee or suddenly cutting down caffeine intake,
food allergy, eyestrain, fever, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar, especially if you have not eaten for some time), migraine, drug side effects
(especially if you have started a new drug), sinusitis, cervical spondyosis (stiff neck, an ache which extends from spine to top of head,
headache made worse by lifting, driving, or turning head slowly) and other spinal problems, premenstrual tension, post-herpetic neuralgia
following shingles, malocclusion or sepsis after dental treatment (see your dentist), and high blood pressure. That very common form of
headache, the hangover, is mainly caused by dehydration. Temporal arteritis (dull, throbbing headache behind one or both temples) is caused
by inflammation of the arteries which supply the scalp.
Headaches may be caused by pain-killing drugs taken to relieve them: if you are constantly taking painkillers, stop them under advice from
your GP.
Headaches can also be a symptom of damage to the blood vessels in and around the brain itself, or of infection to the tissues surrounding the
brain and spinal cord. In such cases prompt action and close observation are required.
If a headache follows a head injury, and the person is drowsy, nauseous and vomiting, the cause may be an extradural brain haemorrhage; in
either case call your GP or 999 immediately and give Arnica 30c every 15 minutes until help arrives.
A bad headache, with a temperature of more than 38C and intolerance of light, may be meningitis; pain behind one eye, with blurred vision,
may be acute glaucoma or iritis; if any of these conditions is suspected, consult your doctor if no improvement within two hours.
Where a headache has lasted for several days, seems worse in the mornings, and is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, consult your
doctor; high blood pressure, stress, or a brain tumour might be the cause.
Constitutional treatment is recommended for recurrent headaches caused by stress, anxiety, or tension. However, if you know or suspect that
a headache is a symptom of another condition, which does not require prompt medical attention, look up the remedies for that condition, then
compare the symptoms listed with those given against the remedies below, to be taken every 10-15 minutes for up to 10 doses.

Headache comes on suddenly, feels worse in cold or draughty surroundings, person apprehensive, headache feels like a tight band
around head or as if brains are being forced out of head: Aconite 30c.

Head feels bruised and aching, pain occasionally sharp, made worse by stooping: Arnica 30c.

Stinging, stabbing or burning headache, rest of body feels bruised and tender, symptoms worse in hot, stuffy surroundings: Apis 30c.

Throbbing, drumming headache, flushed face, dilated pupils, distinctly worse in hot sun: Belladonna 30c.

Head feels bruised, sharp, stabbing pain made worse by slightest eye movement: Bryonia 30c.

Head feels full and swollen, face purple and congested-looking, expression dull and heavy, dilated pupils, limbs weak and shaky:
Gelsemium 6c.

Violent headache in which every heartbeat sets up an answering thump and throb in the head, made worse by stooping or shaking
head: Glonoinum 30c.

Bursting, aching headache, hypersensitive scalp, worse in damp, foggy weather: Hypericum 30c.

Headache described as tight band across forehead or as nail being driven out through side of head: Ignatia 6c.

Person often irritable, prone to dull, dizzy, bruising headaches which are rather like being beaten around the head, worse first thing in
the morning but better when person gets up: Nux 6c.

Pressing, bruising headache associated with fatigue, made worse by reading, alleviated by rest: Ruta 6c.

Migraine
Occasional severe headaches, usually confined to one side of the head, associated with nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, and other visual
disturbances, intolerance to light and occasionally numbness and tingling in the arms. In a severe attack, the only thing to do is lie down in a
darkened room until the symptoms wear off. Attacks are often heralded by abnormal tiredness, nausea, or flashing, shimmering or distortion of
objects towards edge of visual field; once the headache comes on, these symptoms tend to disappear.
The immediate cause of migraine headaches is constriction, then swelling of the arteries which supply the brain, but why the arteries suddenly
behave in this way is not known. Stress, hypoglycaemia, and certain foods are the most frequently cited trigger factors of this miserable
complaint. Incidence and frequency of attacks tends to tail off in middle age, though they may worsen during the menopause in women.
Homeopathic treatment of migraine is constitutional; however, the remedies listed below are recommended for use in emergencies, to be
taken quarter-hourly for up to 10 doses, if possible at the first signs of an attack.

Blurring of vision before headache comes on, tight feeling in scalp, headache right-sided but less insistent if person moves around,
vomit mostly bile: Iris 6c.

Headache worse on right side, feels as if temples are being screwed into each other, trying to concentrate makes pain worse,
dizziness: Lycopodium 6c.

Throbbing, blinding headache, warmth and moving around make headache worse, head feels overstuffed and congested, attack
preceded by numbness and tingling in lips, nose, and tongue: Nat mur 6c.

Headache worse in evening or during a period, aggravated by rich, fatty food, head feels as if it is about to burst, person easily bursts
into tears: Pulsatilla 6c.

Headache worse in the morning, bursting pain which is right-sided and seems to start at back of head, with pain extending into right
shoulder, some improvement later in day: Sanguinaria 6c.

Pain starts at back of head, then shifts and settles above one eye, aggravated by cold, alleviated by wrapping head up warmly and
tightly, person prone to head sweats: Silicea 6c.

Sharp, darting, severe pain over left eye, pain seems to pulse with every heartbeat, stooping or moving suddenly makes pain worse:
Spigelia 6c.

Left-sided headache, as if head is being pierced by a nail: Thuja 6c.

If you sense an attack coming on, splash your face with cold water for a few minutes, then lie down somewhere quiet for an hour or so; for
some sufferers this has the effect of fending off an attack altogether. Some people find that just working through the headache, or not giving in
to it, gets rid of it.
Extracted from The Family Guide to Homeopathy by Andrew Lockie, published by Penguin at 15.99 www.penguin.co.uk Andrew
Lockie 1989.

Spring is in the air and the sneezing begins

Angela Jones outlines the treatment of hay fever and rhinitis
Hay fever and rhinitis are complaints that may seem trivial to the observer. However, to the sufferer they are the source of considerable
annoyance and even distress, often detracting from a persons quality of life. A large range of over-the-counter and prescription medications
are available for the treatment of rhinitis and hay fever. They fall into two main groups: the antihistamines and the topical steroids. Both of
these types of drug work by suppressing the bodys immune response to allergens (substances that cause an allergic response, such as
pollen or house dust mite). They are generally only effective if taken on a once-or twice-daily basis. Although more refined than they used to
be, these conventional medications can still cause a number of side effects, the most worrying of which is sedation that can interfere with the
individuals ability to concentrate, drive and to operate machinery.
Using homeopathy to treat rhinitis and hay fever is attractive for several reasons. First, it offers a mode of therapy that is individualised to the

patient. Every allergy sufferer experiences his or her allergy in a different way. Nasal discharges may be bland, burning or itching. There may
be unbearable itching in the palate, the ears, the throat, the eyes or a combination of any of these. Rather than offering blanket suppression of
symptoms, the homeopath selects a medicine that is matched to the symptom or allergy picture of the patient.
Second, the treatment may not need to be taken continuously. Often, a short course at the beginning of the hay fever season or a few doses
of a constitutional medicine may give relief for weeks or even months at a time. Third, homeopathic medicines are free from the sedative side
effects of conventional antihistamine therapy. Finally, the homeopathic treatment of hay fever and rhinitis has been subjected to scientific
investigation by the team at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital. The results, published in several articles in The Lancet, have found
homeopathic treatment to be significantly superior to placebo in other words, it works!
Before discussing the medicines that can be used to treat hay fever and rhinitis, it will be useful to say a little bit about the medical definitions
of these conditions. Hay fever covers any allergic reaction due to the exposure of a susceptible person to pollens or fungal spores. The
season for any individual varies, depending on which substance they are allergic to, with the tree pollens, such as birch, arriving first in the
spring, followed by the grass pollens in the summer and ending with fungal spores in the autumn. The areas affected by hay fever may be
nose, ears, mucous membranes of mouth and throat and the eyes. In severe cases, the lungs may become affected, causing bronchospasm
and wheezing so-called hay asthma. Very severe cases may even develop a temperature, although I have never witnessed this myself.
This must be where the term hay fever originated.
Rhinitis means, simply, inflammation of the nasal passages leading to discharge, sneezing and/or nasal blockage. The inflammation can be
caused by infections, such as that caused by the common cold virus, or by allergy. The allergic version takes two forms: seasonal allergic
rhinitis which is part of the hay fever picture, and perennial rhinitis which goes on throughout the year and is most commonly related to allergy
to the house dust mite.
Isopathic medicines
Definition
It is important to ascertain which allergen is responsible for the hay fever/rhinitis symptoms if the isopathic approach is to be used. This
approach is similar to conventional immunisation, in that the substance to which the patient is allergic is administered in order to reduce the
allergic response. The difference is that the substance is administered in homeopathic potency, usually 30c, orally rather than injected, and for
a short course of a few days only. This often results in relief of symptoms and the course can be repeated when relief is waning.
All the common allergens are available in potentised form from the specialist homeopathic pharmacies: mixed tree pollens, mixed grass
pollens, specific tree pollens, fungal, such as Alternaria, cat/dog/rabbit/ horse hair, house dust mite, and so on.
It is also possible to have customised medicines made up if an unusual allergen is thought to be the culprit (see case history 1).
Case history 1
A 60-year old carpenter began to develop allergic rhinitis for the first time in his life after using an unusual tropical wood. Conventional antihistamines did not control his symptoms very well so dust was swept from his workshop and made up to a homeopathic potency of 30c.
Administration of the tailor-made medicine cured his symptoms.
How to use isopathy
A frequently employed regime for the treatment of perennial rhinitis due to house dust mite allergy is as follows: give one dose of house dust
mite 30c twice daily for five days in the first instance. Wait at least three weeks to assess response. There may be a temporary worsening of
symptoms. Repeat the course if required. Occasionally patients need a daily dose, especially at times of intense exposure, such as moving
house or decorating. A similar regime could be used for any of the pollens or other allergens. Despite the risk of temporary exacerbation of
symptoms the phenomenon is known as aggravation there is no risk of anaphylactic shock.
Homeopathic medicines
As in most homeopathic treatment, there are a number of therapeutic strategies that can be used in the treatment of hay fever and rhinitis.
One option is to choose the medicine purely on the actual symptoms of the problem, the so-called local medicine. A medicine is chosen whose
symptom picture, or materia medica, most closely resembles that of the sufferer. If you are having difficulty in choosing one, it may be wise to
try one medicine for a week, following it with an alternative only if the first has not been effective. Some practitioners suggest that two
medicines can be given in alternating doses. I would not recommend this approach as it can cause confusion in interpreting the results of
treatment.
Local medicines
The following are the symptom pictures of some of the local medicines which are commonly used in managing hay fever and rhinitis. They
may be given in the 6c potency, initially two to four times daily and reducing the frequency with improvement.
Allium cepa:

Bouts of sneezing

Burning nasal discharge causing sore nostrils and upper lip

Eyes itch and water profusely but do not burn

Better in cold room or open air

Worse in evening

Tickly cough

Ambrosia:

Intolerable itching of eyelids

Profuse tears due to smarting and burning of eyes

Runny nose, may have stuffed-up feeling

Asthmatic attacks

Ammonium muriaticum:

Hot acrid nasal discharge corrodes lip

Obstructed stuffy feeling and loss of sense of smell

Unable to clear nose by blowing

Aralia racemosa:

Frequent sneezing

Marked wheezing, especially when lying down

Feeling as if something in throat

Worse for least current of air

Arsenicum iodatum:

Irritation and tingling in nose with constant desire to sneeze

Nasal discharge burning

Burning watering of eyes

May have dry wheezy cough

Arundo:

Everything itches

Burning and itching in ears and eyes

Annoying itch in roof of mouth, throat and nose

Euphrasia:

Eyes severely affected with profuse burning watering

Burning and swelling of eyelids

Nasal discharge and sneezing but not burning

Headache and aversion to bright light

Worse for warmth

Sanguinaria:

Chronic rhinitis or hay fever complicated by nasal polyps

Dryness and burning of ears, throat and nasal passages

Wyethia:

Particularly for symptoms confined to back of nose and throat

Dry and intensely itchy

Dry wheezy cough

Constitutional medicines
The constitutional approach to prescribing for hay fever/rhinitis arises from the fact that many constitutional types are particularly prone to hay
fever or rhinitis as part of their make-up. Thus, if a constitutional medicine is given, as well as raising the general level of health, the tendency
to troublesome symptoms is reduced.
Case history 2
Mr X was a 34 year-old accountant who visited me for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. He was troubled by bouts of burning diarrhoea
which occurred especially in the morning, causing him to be driven out of bed and sometimes persisting so that he was late for work. He was
a generally fit and energetic type but had a slight tendency towards eczema, hay fever and asthma for which he took conventional medication.
In general, he was a warm-blooded individual, often throwing the bedcovers off at night and sticking his feet out of bed. He admitted to being
quite thirsty and to liking fatty rich foods and sweet things. He was fairly untidy in the house but careful with his work. He enjoyed current
affairs and documentary programmes and tended to read factual books rather than fiction.
I felt that his overall constitution fitted that of the medicine Sulphur and therefore gave him three doses of Sulphur 30c at 12hourly intervals.
He made a good recovery from his IBS and needed a further course of Sulphur after about 12 weeks. When reviewed the following autumn he
remarked that he had had virtually no hay fever symptoms that year. Indeed, he had not needed to buy any antihistamines at all.
Case history 3
Miss Y was a 28 year-old bar manager who consulted me specifically for allergic rhinitis. She was extremely sensitive to any smell and had
severe bouts of sneezing several times every day which she found disruptive and debilitating.
She was in good general health and loved to travel. Indeed, she really lived from one holiday to the next and had already visited all the
continents. Slightly plump, she admitted cheese and bacon were her favourite foods. She was moderately thirsty.
In view of her food preferences and her marked desire for travel, I thought that the medicine Calcarea phosphorica would be helpful as it
seemed to match her constitutional type. It had an effect from day two and she has only needed one repeat dose in the past 12 months!
These cases illustrate the use of two constitutional medicines. Two others that are commonly seen are:
Pulsatilla:

Changeable

Profuse discharges, often yellowish

Markedly better for open air and gently moving about; and

Silica:

Chilly persons

Often constipated

Thin despite good appetite

Sweaty feet

Nasal obstruction and marked tendency to sinusitis.

Beginners reading this guide should feel reasonably confident in using the local medicines and possibly also the isopathic method of
desensitisation with potentised allergens. However if a constitutional approach is needed, it is always advisable to consult a qualified
homeopathic practitioner.
Angela Jones MA BM BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DFFP MFHom is a member of the Faculty of Homeopathy and an NHS GP who uses
homeopathy in her practice.

Hay fever: a homeopathic view

by Jacqueline M Mardon
Far from bringing happiness, the innocuous-sounding hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) may cause many to dread the
cheery spring and summer months. Never experiencing the joys of lying outdoors on a bed of grass, senses alert to the beauties of a
summers day, the individual may mope wanly indoors and take elaborate and isolating precautions to remove themselves from as many
potential triggers in the environment as possible.
The homeopathic practitioner seeks to render that unhappy and unwell person once more in connection with their greater surroundings. I have
been thrilled when a patient tells me that after homeopathic treatment they were able to cycle a favourite country route once more. About 20
per cent of the population may suffer the condition, severity tending to peak in the 20s. There can be varying patterns though and, perhaps
more commonly than classic hay fever, symptoms can be seen in people that are year-round, which would be known as perennial rhinitis. The
homeopathic approach can be similar.
The sufferer
Early in the year, in January and February by preference, I like to see the return of patients to the allergy clinic who have recurrent symptoms
of rhinitis which they link to the spring or summer months. The miseries of hay fever can be very troublesome as any sufferer knows! The
individual can experience itchy, swollen and red eyes, sneezing bouts, running and itchy nose, even an itchiness inside the ears or throat.
There can also be a great sense of heaviness and malaise associated with hay fever and a stuffiness or cotton wool sensation of the head. It
can be really difficult to concentrate and it is little wonder that students who experience these symptoms have more to dread than some of
their peers at exam times, as they wonder how this will affect their revision and performance.
Other problems
There can be associated health problems which are provoked by the hay fever such as sore throat or sinusitis. There may also be other
allergic conditions in the same person such as eczema, asthma or known food intolerances or allergies. This could point to atopy which is
another way of expressing that someone has possibly a family tendency to be sensitive to allergens. These may be common things in their
surroundings such as dusts or pollens, and this can cause problems for them. There could be a kind of allergic spectrum in the same person,
such as they had some patches of dry and itchy skin as a child and they may have had hay fever in their teens, possibly with an increased
chance of asthma at a later stage in their life.
Hay fever may just occur on its own, but I think the reasons it comes on at different times for different people is interesting and not really easily
explained. For example, some women start to experience it at the menopause. It is not always possible to dismiss such phenomena as due to
environmental changes or variations in pollen count. I think the condition is probably a lot more complex in the way it waxes and wanes and
certainly lends scope to a look at the whole complexity of the person, as with a full homeopathic consultation. It is not always necessary to do
this, though, and it can be possible to self-treat too.
Conventional treatment
Conventional treatment of the condition, which of course is very varied in the way the individual experiences it, in terms of particular focus of
symptoms and in how severe it is, tends to be on the lines of antihistamine tablets or sprays to the nose or eyes, or by the use of cortico-

steroid sprays. In the past few years it has become as normal to many people to buy these over the counter as buying paracetamol, and this
social acceptance of potentially harmful drugs does concern me. I really hope and expect to be able to offer a different approach, and certainly
would aim to help minimise reliance on these drugs using a variety of methods. As this condition can affect all ages and last many, many
seasons and years of life, I think it is reasonable to use alternatives. Also, I have to point out that the conventional approach to treatment does
not necessarily bring relief to everyone and there are side-effects such as drowsiness with antihistamines which can curtail or limit their use. I
would not claim homeopathy helps everyone, but it certainly deserves a try!
Causes: the history
The person attending the clinic has their own particular story to tell and as always with homeopathy, it is the individual experience which
weighs the most. Some background knowledge about pollens and other triggers can be helpful in identifying what may be causing the
symptoms. Classically, those sensitive to grass pollens have symptoms any time from May to September and, depending on weather
conditions and early signs of spring that can burgeon in northern climes like Glasgow these days, the symptoms can start much earlier than
this, certainly in April. Trees which have wind-borne pollen, that is, those with the characteristic, rather lovely catkins, can cause symptoms at
varying times depending on their individual season for flowering, from February to June. Weed pollens or fungal spores can cause problems
later in the year in the autumn.
Where rhinitis is year-round, consideration may be made of the possible contributory factor of dusts or house dust mite. The person may live
beside a forest of birch or have particular triggers in their garden such as a shrub or flowers. There may be one picture superimposed on
another, such as when an animal lover has sensitivity to their pet cat (year-round symptoms) but there is worsening when cutting the grass. It
could be a very simple or complex story, but will reveal much to the attentive listener. As with other allergic complaints, the history offers the
clues.
Im as restless as a willow in a windstorm,
Im as jumpy as a puppet on a string
Id say that I had spring fever, but I know it isnt spring
I am starry-eyed and vaguely discontented,
like a nightingale without a song to sing
O why should I have spring fever, when it isnt even spring
(from It Might As Well Be Spring, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, in the film State Fair 1945)
Multiple sensitivity: a case for a nosode?
In people with multiple sensitivities who demonstrate allergic reactions on many levels, such that their skin and breathing is affected, and who
may have a history of family members affected by similar complaints, the practitioner may consider using a nosode and in fact this may be the
preferred first option. In such a person, the choked up catarrh may be the tip of the iceberg, with much allergic disease underlying, particularly
if there have been a lot of suppressing conventional treatments, such as steroid. I also sometimes regard the constantly running, inflamed
nose as a sign of a sort of pressure valve for the person.
Homeopathy can treat the underlying imbalance and have a more lasting benefit. For example, a child who has had many courses of
antibiotics for colds and chest infections and whose grandmother and uncle or cousins have poor chests, chronic bronchitis or asthma or
other allergies, could benefit from a short course of Tuberculinum 30c, or 200c, three doses. If the indications for this remedy are strong, such
as the child has a marked need to be outside, they may sweat easily at night or have unusual tastes for salami and smoked flavours, be real
grumps when it is time to wake them in the morning and generally live-wires, always running about, then this may be enough treatment in
itself.
In a young adult, who is rather restrained and fastidious, warm in their approach to others and extremely sensitive in their perceptions and
sensitivities, both to allergic stimuli and also to the environment in an artistic appreciation, there could be consideration of the nosode
Carcinosin. The person may feel drawn to the sea and particularly love chocolate. The history in the family of cancer, diabetes or tuberculosis
in a close relative could be significant. Also, some sense of not pleasing a parent and having unreasonable demands made during childhood.
They tend to be very conscientious and others rely on them. With their warm and sympathetic natures, they tend to do a lot for others,
sometimes with scant regard for themselves.
With such a person who may present to the practitioner with severe illness and multiple allergic sensitivities, the relationship may be longer for
therapeutic effect and a rewarding opening to the process can be with Carcinosin in a high potency such as 200c or 1M or perhaps LM as
these individuals may particularly risk aggravation, a legacy of suppression I suspect.
Other nosodes can be helpful such as Psorinum in an extremely chilly person who is rather bleak in their outlook. There could be dryness of
the nose rather than a discharge but unpleasant-smelling and sweaty feet or discharge from the ears. Probably this remedy would not be a
first approach but helps if there is no progress. There might have been suppressive treatment with steroids of asthma or bronchitis and skin
can appear unhealthy and somehow unwashed. Medorrhinum is worth considering in children who are a bit slow in their development, fearful
of the dark and with a tendency to bite their nails, with a snuffly nose or perhaps with the sensation of it being blocked. They may have asthma
and characteristically sleep on their tummies, maybe on their knees with face pushed into the pillow.
The option of Isopathy
The wide variety in the way the person can experience hay fever or allergic rhinitis ensures many diverse approaches to treatment. The
simplest may be with isopathic remedies, which are made from the potentisation of pollens, dusts or other substances that the person may be

sensitive to. The history alone may be the key here. The seasonal effects of grass pollens or trees may seem clear to the person by their own
observation. It can be very specific, such as for the patient I had who was a beautiful singer, called to do solos at church weddings and
funerals. Unfortunately, she was intolerant of the ebullient and heavily-scented lilies decorating these occasions. Another person from the east
coast of Scotland may be affected by the acres of violently-hued yellow oilseed rape which is commonly grown there.
Allergy testing
Testing with skin prick tests can help identify allergens and I do this commonly in my clinic, particularly where there are long-term symptoms
with no clear pattern or the picture is changing all the time. The person has to stop their antihistamine treatment for two weeks before this test
can be carried out. In allergic rhinitis, whether seasonal or perennial, I test with a wide range of house dust, house dust mite, pollens such as
mixed grasses, flowers, weeds and mixed trees with sometimes individual pollens like birch or timothy grass, moulds, and animal fur or hair
when appropriate. The results may sometimes be surprising and help to inform a treatment, which remains based on the history. There can
also be a contributory effect from foods and these might be included with the tests if there is a suspicion of this.
Isopathic treatment
This can be with a regime of three doses of a 200c or 30c preparation of mixed grass pollens, usually given in March in a preventative way for
the season that year. Mixed tree pollens would tend to be given in February. An alternative is to take a months course of 30c strength, twice a
day. The patient may get a feel for what kind of regime suits them best or which they prefer. Sometimes a boost of a further short course of
mixed grass pollens in early June will be of benefit if they have had a worsening at that time the previous year.
With treating this condition, there can be an improvement the first year, with a stronger improvement expected in subsequent years, working to
a progressive cure. If there are multiple sensitivities to allergens, confirmed on investigations, I would consider combining the nosode with a
constitutional approach and limit isopathy to the two or three strongest reactions on skin prick testing. I also prefer to space isopathy at least a
month apart. If isopathy works well for that individual, then they may only need to plan their remedies early in the year. Of course, those
fortunate to go abroad chasing the sun in winter may need their preventive treatment then.
Constitutional prescribing
This can be a mainstay of treatment for hay fever and rhinitis in general and I use it commonly with more complex cases of allergy. Remedy
pictures can come to mind and patients to illustrate this. Natrum muriaticum, for example, describes aggravation with heat and the sunshine,
with protecting of the eyes, perhaps with headache. The nose may run profusely and non-stop, with blisters around the nose and lips, often
cold sores. The person may seem rather guarded but very agreeable. They may crave salt. Someone for whom Arsenicum album may be
helpful could be extremely chilly, tidy and perhaps a bit anxious, with burning, watery discharge from the nose, the skin about it very raw,
including the top lip. With Lycopodium, there could be an unpleasant sensation of the nose blocking at night, possibly with catarrh dripping
down the throat, which may be sore. There could be abdominal bloating and a certain stiffness in demeanour, with underlying confidence
actually low.
Local prescribing
The use of low potency remedies to help with symptom relief, as an alternative to conventional antihistamine use, can be very supportive for
example as back-up or while waiting for prophylaxis to take effect, and may be how many try to self-treat their hay fever symptoms.
Proprietary mixes do seem beneficial to some. Similarly topical preparations of Euphrasia as eye drops can be soothing where the eyes are
stinging and running, the lids may be swollen and itchy. Euphrasia (6c, 12c) in sub-lingual form can be taken too, and the nasal discharge is
typically not burning or uncomfortable, although there can be lots of it. Where sneezing just doesnt seem to stop, Sabadilla can be an aid.
There may be nose bleeds too and watering of the nose, with itchiness inside, the smell of flowers or cut grass seeming to aggravate. The
eyes can be red and burning and there can be a strange improvement from being in a warm room, whilst being outside makes the person
worse. Allium cepa, a remedy from red onion, can have the opposite symptoms of being better in the open and worse in warm indoors. The
eyes run and the nose runs and burns. There can be a heaviness and dullness, with the person finding it difficult to concentrate.
Homeopathy, as the above shows, has much to offer the hay fever sufferer, but to lift the spirits as the season approaches, I would like to end
with a song:
I havent seen a crocus or a rosebud,
or a robin on the wing
But I feel so gay in a melancholy way,
that it might as well be spring
It might as well be spring.
(Oscar Hammerstein II as previous page)
Jacqueline M Mardon MB BS MRCGP MPhil MFHom works at Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital as a specialist in homeopathic
medicine. She also runs the allergy clinic and uses homeopathy for many people with multiple allergic-type problems.

Heading off hay fever this summer

Dr Jacqueline Mardon discusses homeopathic medicines that can help hay fever sufferers

Some swift preventive action may be called for at this time of year for sufferers of seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. Spring is
starting later after our prolonged, cold winter and it may not be too late to take a few doses of Mixed Grass pollens (30c or 200c), which are
best taken about a month before you expect your symptoms to come on. If you are someone who has a worsening of rhinitis towards the end
of June, then this may be due to Timothy Grass pollens and taking three separate doses at the end of May could be a helpful prevention.
I would recommend a consultation with a homeopathic practitioner to discuss your problem, in particular if it is severe or prolonged and really
affecting your life a lot. However, I believe there are different local homeopathic remedies, which could be of use depending on the kind of
symptoms you suffer from. It may be that more than one remedy seems to be right at different times and it can be hard to choose for oneself,
but I hope the following hints and pointers are useful.
Conventional medicine
With symptom-relief kind of treatment, I would really hope that you could largely avoid use of conventional antihistamine tablets or steroid
nasal sprays although these are very commonly available, they do have potential side effects and are not beneficial to everyone, and
unfortunately any benefits they do have may decline with longer-term use.
Homeopathic medicine choice
If the main focus of distress is itch, in the nostrils and strikingly the roof of the mouth, which makes you feel like rubbing your tongue up over it
a strange gymnastics! then the remedy Wyethia is an option (an alternative name for it is Poison Weed which confirms what a nasty and
unpleasant effect these symptoms have).
Another medicine to consider when there is an unusual itch is Arundo, which is made from an Italian grass. The nose runs and the person may
have lost their sense of smell and there may even be a cough and chestiness too. Itching is distressingly inside the ears and you may feel
burning.
Apis I have found particularly helpful in children with hayfever who have intense and dramatic swelling around their eyelids, which really puff
up and look baggy, giving a very distinct and disturbing, almost bug-like appearance. Apis is made from the honey bee, another association
with summer. The eyes in fact sting and the delicate tissues around the eye are very red, swollen and sensitive to touch although cold
compresses may be soothing. The swelling and redness can come on very rapidly, for example after a child has been playing in the grass,
and this is one of the fairly rare times when I would feel like tapping a stranger on the shoulder to suggest a homeopathic medicine! In my
experience it works effectively and quickly and I would suggest low potencies such as 6c repeated frequently as needed in the acute case.
A different eye complaint may be extreme itching of the eyelids, which can really seem intolerable. Ambrosia, a beautiful name, is also known
as ragweed, may be a help for this very distressing and otherwise hard-to-treat symptom. The eyes will typically be watering too, with the
other symptoms, such as running nose. There may be nose bleeds too and a stuffed-up feeling in the nose and head.
Anyone who has peeled an onion will recognise this next medicine, which is Allium cepa, the red onion. It is commonly tried as a self-help in
hay fever as it reflects a typical picture for many people of streaming eyes, which are usually however not stingy or irritated, and a running
nose which is irritating to the nostrils. There may be some relief to be out in the open air and generally worse for being cooped up in a warm
room.
Sabadilla is a remedy where by contrast, the person with hay fever prefers to be cosseted indoors in the warm and may feel worse in the open
air. Strong smells of flowers or garlic may make them worse. There can also be itching in the nose and at the back of the throat. Eyes can run
too. Sneezing is the strongest characteristic of this remedy and it can be in great noisy, violent and prolonged bouts, maybe 20 sneezes at a
time! I have seen Sabadilla be a great comfort and relief to sufferers from this affliction and their families!
The medicines I have mentioned so far are given orally in low potency usually such as 6C, but where there is usually a long season of
discomfort with the seasonal rhinitis, giving the remedy as 30C twice a week over this time could be tried. Euphrasia is a very useful and
effective remedy which can be taken orally but also is used quite commonly as eyedrops and this can be a good alternative to
other(conventional) eyedrops. Another name is Eye-bright and the hay fever focus is on the eyes with a lot of burning sensation, running of
the eyes, intolerance to bright light with sometimes a lot of blinking and screwing up of the eyes. Although the nose may also run, this does not
usually irritate the nostrils or around the nose and upper lip (in contrast to Allium cepa where the nose can really nip). I have found very helpful
orally but some people may prefer trying eye-drops instead or as a backup for really severe days.
Homeopathic consultation
For over-the-counter remedies like these and self-prescribing, some advice from a homeopathic pharmacist can be of great value and it is
certainly a condition which is very common and for which, I am glad to say, help is available. The further option of a full consultation with a
homeopathic practitioner should symptoms remain very difficult to shift, could be a next step on review at the end of the season. Support with
constitutional prescribing and isopathy, which I have described elsewhere, may then come into its own.
Jacqueline Mardon MBBS MPhil MRCGP MFHom is a specialist in homeopathic medicine at Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, where
she also runs the allergy clinic.

Grief

Coming to terms with loss the homeopathic way by Bob Leckridge

We all grieve. Its part of life. The fact that it is a universal experience raises the question of whether or not we should consider grieving to be
normal and, if not, when is it not normal? In other words, when would it require treatment? That question, in turn, raises fundamental questions
about the purpose of homeopathic treatment. After all, why would we want to treat normal life?
Lets begin by addressing that. The first principle of homeopathy is the treatment of like with like. Every remedy is described in the standard
materia medica which collate the information from sources such as provings and clinical experience. These remedy descriptions are like
stories or patterns. Homeopathic treatment involves selecting the remedy whose description best matches the stories or the life patterns of the
patient. In orthodox medical practice we treat pathology disturbances which we call diseases or illnesses.
However, the homeopathic approach is both deeper and more encompassing than the orthodox approach. It involves a full consideration of
the person who has the disease, the human being who is experiencing the illness. This means that pretty much anything and everything the
patient tells of their experience is potentially usable in the process of remedy selection. What this doesnt mean, however, is that every aspect
of a human being or their experience can be changed by a remedy. We need to make a judgement about exactly what were hoping to
change. Lets consider grief in the light of that perspective.
The grieving process
Grief is well recognised to be a condition, or a process even, with several different aspects. Its often described as having distinct phases. The
best-known description of phases came from Elisabeth Kbler-Ross in her 1969 book On Death and Dying: denial, anger, bargaining,
depression and acceptance. Most people now agree that this description helps us to understand that grief can have many different forms and
that as time passes these forms can change. However, its also now widely accepted that not everyone who experiences grief goes through all
of these stages, and that those who do experience all of these stages dont necessarily do so in that sequence.
Most of these phases can be distressing and uncomfortable and as healthcare is about the relief of suffering its no surprise that doctors get
involved in attempting to help people who are grieving. Orthodox drug approaches such as a sedatives, painkillers and antidepressants may
have a role to play in helping people who get stuck or overwhelmed in the process of grieving, but the main drawback in using that approach
is that it frequently simply numbs the patient, suppressing the whole process and carries with it the danger that the stage of acceptance, of
coming to terms with the now altered life, is either never reached or is unsuccessful.
The homeopathic approach to suffering is different. Homeopathic medicines dont suppress symptoms. Rather they stimulate the processes of
repair, of recovery and even of growth. From a purely theoretical viewpoint therefore homeopathic medicines can play a more useful role in
grief than drugs can. However, just let me add one word of caution here because although a remedy can facilitate the process of grieving, it
cannot replace it. In other words, homeopathic remedies cannot make grief go away. Nor can they enable someone to avoid grief. Coming to
terms with life without your loved one and coping with the impact of their death will still take time, care and attention. The best way to deal with
grief is to come to terms with this massive change in life consciously with the support of loved ones or professionals who can listen, advise
and care.
I personally dont find the Kbler-Ross stages of grief very helpful but as a GP I found that patients commonly asked for help when particularly
distressed or stuck in one of four common states. Initially, in the first few hours or days, there is often a state of shock. In the following weeks
two states frequently cause trouble a state of irritability, anger or even rage and a state of emotional upset (sadness and tears). Beyond the
first few weeks, its common to experience profound sadness, loneliness and a deep sense of loss, and at times this can develop into a real
depression.
Homeopathic teaching has two insights to offer. The first is the process of healing and recovery. We know from our homeopathic principles
that everybody is unique, so we accept that there is no right or wrong way to deal with grief. The second is that what Hahnemann referred
to as vital force has a kind of intelligence. What that means is that our healing system deals with whats most important first and attends to
more superficial, or minor problems later. We often experience this as an initial rise in energy or well-being before there is an improvement in
specific symptoms and we also commonly find that inner problems resolve before outer ones. This is important to understand because
some physical diseases, for example eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, can undergo flare-ups during grief, but might not improve until the underlying
mental distress settles.
A further insight from homeopathy can be gleaned from the materia medica. The descriptions of the remedies show us common patterns of
disorder as well as help us to understand what different people need to help them cope. Let me give some examples which I hope will make
this clear.
Immediate phase shock
When someone witnesses a death they might experience acute shock. This certainly occurs commonly in traumatic situations such as road
traffic accidents and other violent deaths, but can also occur when someone who is ill suddenly collapses and dies. The shock reaction is one
we all know. When shocked by something we feel a bit stunned, a strange combination of both numbness and feeling everything more
intensely every little noise startles us, lights seem too bright and so on. Shock has elements of fear, agitation and even panic. This is a state
well recognised as an indication for Aconite. Its that high adrenalin wide-eyed flight or fight response where the person feels shaky, afraid and
rather stunned. Shock is an acute, intense, sudden state. It usually occurs at the time of the traumatic event and the good news is that it
doesnt last long.
Acute instability

Whether or not shock is felt, what most people experience next is usually a period of great instability. This is a time of tremendous emotion
and mood changes can be dramatic, swinging wildly from deep depression to hysterical laughing within minutes. The picture of Ignatia is
typical of this period. It can show itself through rapidly changing, intensely mental states with outpourings of tears and distress one minute and
silent closing down the next. This instability can lead to what appear to be inappropriate behaviours: laughing when others are serious and
sad, or refusing to speak when spoken to.
The person in the Ignatia state has a strong tendency to sigh big, deep sighs and they will frequently complain of the sensation of a lump in
the throat which makes swallowing difficult a symptom relieved more by the swallowing of solids than by liquids (quite contrary to what youd
expect). Its no surprise that this intense and unstable state most commonly appears in the first few hours and days after the bereavement but
its also a very common pattern to appear during funerals.
The angry phase
Anger will emerge to a greater or lesser extent depending on both the character of the individual and their prior feelings towards the deceased
and the extent to which there is some sense of whether or not the person experienced a good death.
For example, the Magnesium salts, Magnesium carbonicum and Magnesium muriaticum both share the characteristic of rapidly flaring anger
which disappears as quickly as it appears flashes of anger. Both also share the characteristic of intense feelings of emotional sensitivity and
loneliness. Kent describes them as being the remedies for the orphans and Jan Scholten, the Dutch homeopath, describes how they are frequently indicated in children whose parents have separated or divorced. Jan also suggests that Magnesium carbonicum is more indicated
when the patient has strong feelings of anger towards their father and Magnesium muriaticum more indicated when the anger is felt towards
their mother. This anger might have been present before the death of the particular parent or it might emerge only afterwards.
If the persons dying has gone badly then often the relatives and loved ones have strong feelings of injustice, feelings that the deceased was
not well treated in their last illness or final days. That state of anger and indignation is commonly seen in the indications for Staphysagria
which is another intense and unstable state characterised by the expression its not fair! Colocynth, which we associate with abdominal colic,
is also indicated in these angry, indignant states.
Loss
It doesnt take long before the bereaved feel a profound sense of loss. In the old materia medica, the language used to describe this is
forsaken feeling. There are quite a number of remedies which include this feature but let me just highlight a couple of very different patterns
which share this common feeling. Pulsatilla is a remedy well indicated for people who have intense feelings of loss. In particular where people
have a sense of loss characterised by feelings of abandonment. They dont just feel alone, they feel as if theyve been left alone.
The response to this deep feeling in the Pulsatilla patient is to seek comfort and support. They feel emotional, weepy and distressed and they
need the company and sympathy of others. A person in such a state can come across as very needy and, its true, they do need a lot of care,
support, and attention. They want to be hugged and held. The Pulsatilla state also has the feature of instability which we considered in the
earlier phases of grief. Their moods may swing wildly and this, of course, makes the experience all the more unsettling, both for the person
experiencing the grief and for those around him or her.
A very different way of dealing with the sense of loss is seen in the typical Natrum muriaticum picture. In this case, the person really needs to
be left alone to deal with things. They absolutely hate fuss and feel much worse when people express their consolation towards them. To try to
help them the same way you try to help someone who is in a Pulsatilla state will not bring any success. In fact, it will make them feel worse.
The person who needs Natrum muriaticum really does need time alone and, whilst they dont want to be ignored or forgotten about, they do
need people to be aware of their need for personal time and space.
Getting stuck
When does grief ever need to be treated? Well, theres a judgement to be made at every point. To what extent is the persons distress not
bearable? If some distress can be eased, then shouldnt it be? And to what extent is the picture changing and evolving? In other words, is the
person stuck? Or are they still progressing? These are not easy questions to answer but in answer to the first I think it is helpful to consider
the question is the person coping? not is the person suffering? because suffering is an integral part of grief.
If the person is coping then there is little need to intervene. But if they arent coping, then the next question has to be what would help this
person to cope better? And the answer to that question is highly individualistic. I hope these simple examples Ive given here already show
how people may experience grief in different forms at various times. And how we all cope in our own ways. Its important not to judge, not to
assume that we know better than the bereaved but, instead, that we care about them and that we show that care through helping and
supporting in the ways which help them best.
Learning from the movies
Grief is a common theme in film. Let me just mention a couple of movies which you might find helpful. They show different ways of
experiencing grief and different ways of coping with it.
First of all, in Truly, Madly, Deeply with Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman, the scene where Nina (played by Juliet) attends her counselling
session is one of the most striking examples of the Ignatia state Ive ever seen in movies. Its hysterical, dramatic, swings wildly and ends
abruptly with a total shutting down, like closing a lid. The whole movie deals with the wide range of emotions experienced by someone who
has lost their loved one. Its a bit surreal of course because Alan Rickman plays Jamie who most of the time appears in the movie as a ghost.

However, that kind of experience, where someone experiences exchanges with their dead loved one, is really not at all uncommon.
Secondly, In America tells the story of an Irish family coming to terms with the loss of one of their children to leukaemia. Little Sarah Bolger
who plays Christy gives a stunning portrayal of Natrum muriaticum at its best. She keeps her feelings to herself, spends time alone with her
memories, resents consolation but ultimately is the one who heals the whole family.
And finally, take a look at The Mother for an amazing, realistic and ultimately heart-warming portrayal of a grieving widow. The fact that she
has an affair with her daughters lover (played by Daniel Craig, the current James Bond) gives the story quite a different edge from other such
tales. In homeopathic terms, I think she shows many of the features of the remedy Conium, which I havent mentioned so far, but which is a
common remedy in the medium to long term for those who have lost not just their loved one but their lover.
All of these movies are weepies. Youll need your tissues. But all three confront the hard realities of grief and portray a healing and a growth in
the bereaved.
Bob Leckridge MBChB FFHom is an ex-GP who currently works as a locum Consultant in Homeopathy at Glasgow Homeopathic
Hospital. President of the Faculty of Homeopathy from 1999 to 2005, he teaches homeopathy extensively and internationally and is
the author of Homeopathy in Primary Care published by Churchill Livingstone.

Coming to terms with loss

Anne Pettigrew discusses how homeopathy can be used to help people face up to the death of loved ones
Its like a window that will simply open of its own accord. The room goes cold, and we can do nothing but shiver. But it opens a little less each
time, and a little less and one day we wonder what has become of it. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Grief is among the most difficult of human sufferings that we all have to face. Before I discovered the joys of homeopathy I found grieving
patients the most difficult to treat. Now I am pleased to say I know of many homeopathic medicines which help alleviate the anguish of grief.
The pain of loss can be caused by missed opportunity or an unfaithful lover, but none can compare with the bereavement experienced after
the death of a close friend or relative. The following case illustrates that a heavy heart can last for many years, silently concealed, and can
cause physical illness as well.
Jean was 74. She came complaining of severe pain from the middle of her back to her thigh and knee. It could make her gasp at times and
was burning and excruciating. Heat helped to alleviate the pain as well as pressure and massage. She felt worse when moving and had been
treated by a physiotherapist to no avail.
Orthopaedic experts labelled the problem wear and tear, but offered no solution. She had also had investigations for upper tummy pain and
burping, particularly when anxious. All tests were negative. She had tried treating herself with Rhus tox and many conventional pain killers,
none of which had helped. She had had both backache and stomach pain in the past, though never simultaneously and she was on
medication for an under-active thyroid.
My first impression of her was how sad and thin she looked. Jeans general symptoms were as confusing as her specific ones. She was a bit
chilly but didnt like hot weather. She didnt enjoy her food apart from fruit and chocolate and she was always thirsty, preferring lemon juice and
cold water. She slept only on her left side but was waking hourly with the pain.
She seemed anxious to please with her answers to my questions but was also rather guarded. She rarely went out now, admitted no interest
in company and read books when she could be bothered. The trigger to her story of grief was the simple question, why did she not go out
now?
Her brother-in-law had died. He and his wife used to accompany Jean and her husband everywhere, holidays included. She had not thought
before about dying, but now she was discouraged and despondent. She was only living for her grandchildren. She kept her sadness from her
husband, felt she was bad company and so kept away from people.
Before her pains she had worked actively for charity and was very sensitive to the suffering of others. She had lived a full life. Now she had
trouble concentrating and being her usual responsible, organised self. She was anxious about trifles and had lost confidence.
This change in personality seemed a very extreme reaction to the death of someone who was not even a blood relative or spouse. I had never
seen such misery for so prolonged a time in a patient of her age, previously showing no tendency to depression.
She admitted no other physical symptoms apart from a tendency to a runny nose and an occasional bout of cystitis. However, when I asked
Jean about operations and pregnancies, she thought for a long time. With faltering voice she unfolded a story which moved me greatly and
made me realise the depth of her grief, submerged for 34 years. She had never discussed how she felt; she thought no one would be
interested and in those days she had felt chastised for her grief.
Jean had given birth to a child with incurable medical problems who had been taken to a hospital miles from her home. As she had a toddler
to care for, she could not visit. The baby had died, aged twelve weeks, and the staff of the hospital had seemed surprised that Jean had

wanted to see the child to say goodbye. She had been left alone in a sluice room with the baby in a metal tray. Since then, not a day had gone
past when she hadnt thought about this child and what might have been. She grieved in silence. When she had tried to speak of it once, a
friend had told her it was best not to talk about it.
The loss of a child she had never held was a wound which had never properly healed. The death of her brother-in-law had re-opened the scar.
The window in the Japanese metaphor had never closed. However, homeopathy edged it shut.
This lady had many features of that wonderful grief remedy, Natrum muriaticum. I even learned that craving lemon was attributed to it as well
as chocolate. Within days of taking the medicine she was sleeping soundly and noted that she felt more optimistic. Her pains eased and her
consumption of pain killers was dramatically reduced. She had cried and discussed the dead child with her husband instead of weeping alone
as she had done before. After a few months and some high potency doses of Natrum muriaticum she was going out for meals and had
arranged a holiday with her husband.
Jean suffered an extreme case of grief, but there are many homeopathic medicines which can be easily used in the early stages of grief.
Aconite is the remedy for shock, and Ignatia is unsurpassed to reduce the awful weeping and inappropriate laughter that afflicts some at this
difficult time. If patients have prolonged symptoms it can be a challenge to choose a remedy and professional advice should be sought.
Without specialist knowledge it can be difficult to decide amongst the many remedies listed under Grief in the repertory.
Examples include the exhausted, apathetic and forgetful picture of Phosphoric acid and the paralysing numbness after a traumatic loss of
those who may benefit from homeopathic Opium, one of the few homeopathic remedies only available on prescription.
Compassionate friends may recognise the stages of a grieving process by instinct: the numb shock, the denial, the guilt about something the
bereaved could have done to prevent the death. It seems a pity to me that so often we are all too busy to understand and support bereaved
friends and neighbours.
If people show signs of remaining stuck in one stage of grieving or repress their grief or do not re-awaken to the joys of life, we should be
ready to steer them towards medical help. We must also hope that medical help will include homeopathic remedies. They can be wonderfully
helpful in such situations as Jean would certainly agree.
Anne Pettigrew MFHom, a West of Scotland GP for 22 years, has found homeopathy invaluable in her practice especially in womens
health and psychiatry. Patients appreciate its low cost and lack of side effects. Anne is also GP representative on the Council of the
Faculty of Homeopathy and a regular columnist with Doctor magazine.

Fibromyalgia
Angela Jones describes this painful condition while Tom Whitmarsh reports on the treatment of two of his patients
Fibromyalgia is nothing new. A condition involving widespread pain in the muscles has been recognised for centuries and given various
names, including rheumatism and later muscular rheumatism. It was not until the early 20th century that Gowers described fibrositis. The
next step forward came in the 1970s when the term fibromyalgia was coined and recognition of the links between fibromyalgia and other
similar syndromes being described came during the 1980s.
However, its acceptance as a medical diagnosis did not come until much later, with the American College of Rheumatology publishing its
criteria for diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in 1990, thus establishing the problem as an official illness.
Nevertheless, as a recent exchange on the web site of the Wall Street Journal will testify, there is still a good deal of controversy about
fibromyalgia, more recently triggered by the licensing of an expensive medication also used in the treatment of epilepsy and other forms of
chronic pain, specifically for use in fibromyalgia, by the American Food and Drug Administration.
Fibromyalgia is one of the medical conditions in which there is duplicated positive research evidence for homeopathy, using placebocontrolled trials, of good or very good quality.
Definition and symptoms of FMS
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common rheumatological condition characterised by chronic widespread pain and tenderness at specifically
defined points. Painful stimuli are often felt very intensely(hyperalgesia) and non-painful stimuli, such as brushing, can also be felt as pain
(allodynia). People with FMS often have other problems, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, headache, migraine,
variable bowel habits and diffuse abdominal pain (irritable bowel syndrome) and urinary frequency. It is also said to be found more frequently
in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
The American College of Rheumatology has defined the criteria most commonly used for diagnostic purposes: presence of widespread pain
for at least three months, and all of the following (see diagram in PDF version of this article):

pain on the right and left sides of the body;

pain above and below the waist;

pain in the axial skeleton;

pain on palpation in at least 11 of 18 tender points.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause of FMS is not known. It is likely that different people diagnosed with FMS are actually suffering from the symptoms for different
reasons and some of the suggestions include hyper-excitability of the central nervous system and alterations in the mechanisms for the
perception of pain as well as interactions with the limbic system which governs sleep, and stress and immune regulating systems.
How common is fibromyalgia?
Estimates of how many people suffer from FMS vary. A US population study in 2006 based on health insurance data suggested one in 72
people was affected with a 62/38 split female to male. This is interesting as previous surveys suggested a much higher incidence in women
but it could be that men suffering from the disease are more likely to attract a diagnostic label and treatment within the US health system.
How is fibromyalgia treated?
To date there is no guidance available although an application has been made to the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
(NICE) for guidelines to be developed. Evidence-based and expert opinion-based recommendations were published by a European
multidisciplinary taskforce (EULAR) in 2007 and are summarised in the box overleaf.
Homeopathy and FMS
As we have seen, FMS is a condition which can present in many different ways. Every patient with FMS has their own story, their own
constellation of symptoms, their own trigger factors, their own way of coping with the illness. In this kind of situation, the homeopathic
approach comes into its own, allowing for the individualisation of a remedy or medicine to match the features displayed by the patient.
As with most homeopathic treatment, the medicine may be chosen on the basis of the symptoms of the illness, or on the characteristics of the
patient as a whole (constitutional prescribing), or both. Dr Tom Whitmarsh demonstrates a range of approaches in the case studies described
later. What is clear is that, as always with homeopathy, the medicine must be individualised to the patient and the case in order to be successful.
These are a few local remedies, which could be considered for people with FMS but be aware that they can only be expected to be helpful if
the symptoms match those of the patient well.
Rhus tox: this is the rheumatism remedy par excellence and was the remedy studied by Dr Peter Fisher in the 1980s and shown to be
effective in a double blind placebo-controlled trial of fibromyalgia. It is effective for pain and stiffness which is worse when having been still and
gets better for getting moving, particularly bad after overdoing things or in cold damp weather, eased by warmth and moderate exercise. It is
interesting to note how these match up with the conventional recommendations below!
Ruta grav: the remedy picture is similar to Rhus tox except that the stiffness is, if anything, more marked and less susceptible to improvement
with gentle movement. There is often involvement of the tendons or the places where tendons meet bone (heels, elbows etc). There is often a
bruised feeling. Pains are worse for cold damp weather but without the definite benefit from warmth which is seen in Rhus tox.
Rhododendron: the picture is very similar to Rhus tox except that the pains are very much worse for changes in the weather, especially if
there is an impending storm or thunderstorm.
Arnica: this medicine is best known for its action on injuries to reduce bruising and swelling. However, it is useful whenever the body feels
bruised and sore, especially if markedly worse after exertion. A characteristic feeling described is of the bed feeling too hard, in other words,
soreness and bruised feeling is worse if the part is lain upon. Arnica can be a good medicine to start treatment of fibromyalgia with, if there is
not a clear picture suggesting another medicine at the onset. Hopefully, after a period, a clearer picture will develop.
Causticum: again, soreness, weakness and stiffness, worse with exertion and cold, better for warm applications and being warm in bed. The
unusual thing that might suggest Causticum is that the symptoms are worse in dry weather and better when it rains!
Bryonia: for Bryonia to work, the pain must be very much worse for the slightest movement (the opposite of Rhus tox). Heat will aggravate
the pain and pressure on the relevant part alleviates, possibly by preventing movement. In my experience, this is a more unusual presentation
for fibromyalgia.
Kalmia latifolia: this medicine is especially helpful for severe shooting pains in muscles, and there is often an accompanying numbness or
cold sensation. Always make sure that there is no suggestion of nerve pressure or damage, if these symptoms are present.
Cimicifuga: this medicine is used where the pains, soreness and stiffness are mostly in the neck and upper back muscles. These may have
been preceded by an injury and are generally worse for cold or drafts. Symptoms are often accompanied by headaches, especially on the top
of the head or radiating up from the neck.

The European multidisciplinary taskforce evidence-based and expert opinion-based recommendations:

Full understanding of fibromyalgia requires comprehensive assessment of pain, function, and psychosocial context. Fibromyalgia
should be recognised as a complex and heterogeneous condition where there is abnormal pain processing and other secondary
features.

Optimal treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach with a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment
modalities tailored according to pain intensity, function, associated features such as depression, fatigue and sleep disturbance in
discussion with the patient.

Heated pool treatment with or without exercise is effective in fibromyalgia.

Individually tailored exercise programmes including aerobic exercise and strength training can be beneficial to some patients with
fibromyalgia.

Cognitive behavioural therapy may be of benefit to some patients with fibromyalgia.

Other therapies such as relaxation, rehabilitation, physiotherapy and psychological support may be used depending on the needs of
the individual patient.

Tramadol is recommended for the management of pain in fibromyalgia. Simple analgesics such as paracetamol and other weak
opioids can also be considered in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Corticosteroids and strong opioids are not recommended.

Antidepressants: amitriptyline, fluoxetine, duloxetine, milnacipran, moclobemide and pirlindole, reduce pain and often improve
function therefore they should be considered for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Tropisetron, pramipexole and pregabalin reduce pain and should be considered for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Case studies
Tom Whitmarsh describes two cases of fibromyalgia
In my experience at Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, it is unusual to find someone with symptoms of fibromyalgia just on its own. Most people
affected are struggling with multiple diagnoses and so many things feel wrong in addition to the pure symptoms attributable to fibromyalgia.
I quite often find myself giving more than one medicine, often addressing the constitution with one remedy and the pain with another, perhaps
in a lower potency.
Case one
Fay is 64. She has described herself as a career woman, working for and eventually running various companies and always active and
engaged fully with life. She first sought homeopathic help when she was 54. She had had pain in the chest fully investigated conventionally
and little was found, though she had had lifelong heartburn. She had had a lot of anti-acid medications for this and was eventually found to
have gallstones for which she had her gallbladder removed.
She suffered from recurrent attacks of bronchitis and to crown it all, fell down some steps on the way to her garden and sustained a crushing
of one of her spinal vertebrae at the age of 52. She was subsequently found to have general thinning of the bones (osteoporosis). Soon after
the fracture of the spine and the discovery of osteoporosis, she began to suffer from widespread aches and pain in her muscles. She saw a
rheumatologist, who did lots of tests (mostly negative) and confirmed a diagnosis of secondary fibromyalgia.
A highly communicative woman, Fay suffers a constant feeling of heat throughout the body and notices how easily she comes out in bruises at
the slightest knock. She described her experience of the pain it feels as if the body is on fire, or the pain can be sharp and stabbing. It is
particularly bad when she tries to use her arms. The example she gave was how uncomfortable it is to stand and chop vegetables. It is a pain
I cannot bear. If sitting down and the pain gets bad, then she can find herself sliding down the chair, which gives a small measure of relief.
She hates to be constricted with any tight clothing and very much prefers loose things to wear.
She had become miserable and depressed at her inability to cope with the pain brought on by the normal tasks of living she had been so fit
and active. She was helped with pain in her ankles, knees, lower back, shoulders and wrists initially by addressing the vertebral fracture with a
high potency (200c) of Arnica and also Arnica cream to rub into the back. The remedy which has been most helpful for her generally has been
Lachesis, in high potency, 200c three doses over 24 hours, and then LM1 five drops daily. This she says, lifts the mood and helps a lot to let
me cope. The particular muscle pain all over the body was helped with regular doses of Rhus tox 6c three times a day.
Case two
Patricia is 45. She was referred for inpatient care by her rheumatologist, who had performed many tests and made diagnoses of depression
and fibromyalgia. It was noted in the referral that she was undergoing some marital disharmony. Her husband had affairs while she was unwell
and suffering from panic attacks, as well as a very reduced libido. They went to Relate for counselling together, but she remained worried that
it might happen again and she had lost her trust in her husband. She is quite fastidious about the state of her home and one of her big upsets

is that because of the pain in the muscles, she is no longer able to be as tidy as she wants to be in her house.
She has two children who are well and a grandson whom she adores. She describes them all as being very much part of my life and she
gives the air of being a welcoming mother to them all. Every detail of their lives concerns her.
She has pain in all her muscles from the neck down, which she describes as like someone inside, twisting my muscles and joints. Theres
also an excruciating nerve pain, like a dentist hitting something with a drill, in the muscles most days. The pain is worse with any activity. It is
exhausting and she suffers horrible fatigue by the end of every day. She has frequent dreams of her childhood family home and her parents.
She was scared to leave her husband, although he continued to have affairs and was unsupportive of her illness as she was scared of
splitting the family up. She was admitted to Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital and given the remedy Calc carb 200c, three doses over 24 hours
and the LM1 five drops daily. The next time we saw her, three months later, she had made definite plans to leave her husband and was feeling
a lot calmer because of this decision. The pain was unchanged. The potency of the remedy was increased to LM2 and the pain has begun to
come under control. She still plans to leave as well.
Calc carb is often given to people who invest a lot of their energy in homemaking and making the home beautiful for their family. One can see
what a desperate betrayal the husbands serial infidelity is for such a person and why it might make them particularly unwell. So in this case,
the constitutional remedy was all that has been required.
Dr Angela Jones is an NHS GP who trained in homeopathy in London and Bristol in the early 1990s. She worked in a large practice
in South Wales for ten years and had a private homeopathic practice based in Cardiff. After returning to England in 1999, she ran a
BHA-funded clinic in Didcot, Oxfordshire with Dr Nick Salzman. She continues to use homeopathy in her current NHS role, which is
working mainly with people experiencing homelessness.
Tom Whitmarsh MA MBBS FRCP FFHom is Consultant Physician at Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital.

Switching off the pain

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition that causes severe muscle and joint pain and fatigue. Singer-songwriter Emily
Maguire speaks candidly to Health and Homeopathyabout her life as a sufferer of this chronic illness and how homeopathy has
helped her.
It was when I was in my early teens that I first began to be troubled by constant muscle pain and fatigue. I had constant pain from muscle
spasms that seemed to be moving around my body, burning sensations or aches that could last for seconds, minutes or hours. Sometimes I
would get a flare-up and my whole body would feel like it was on fire.
On bad days I had great difficulty walking and getting up and down stairs. My arms and legs would suddenly seem to lose all strength or Id
have what I would call a wipe-out, when I would be overcome by extreme fatigue and have to lie down wherever I happened to be, even if I
was in the street. Naturally, this made going out, even with walking sticks, very unnerving. Other symptoms included an extreme sensitivity to
temperature I felt better in warm weather and much worse when it was damp and cold bright lights and a feeling as if my skin was burned
or badly bruised.
Misdiagnosis
Originally I was misdiagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of chronic arthritis that affects parts of the spine, including the bones,
muscles and ligaments. I was prescribed a Line 1 arthritis drug for which I had to sign a consent form because apparently one of the sideeffects is death. Although it didnt kill me it made me vomit every day for the three months I was taking it.
There followed what I can only describe now as years of pharmaceutical experimentation as doctors and specialists struggled unsuccessfully
to find the right medication to alleviate my symptoms. This included being prescribed nearly every pain killer licensed in the UK. Although
these drugs had little effect on the pain I was suffering, my disturbed sleep was helped by taking amitryptiline.
I was admitted to the Royal Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath on three occasions, where I was treated with cortisone steroid injections,
but this only made the pain worse. Like many of the other patients in the hospital the only thing I found that would offer any relief from the pain
was certain types of cannabis.
It was in 2001, ten years after the pain first started, that fibromyalgia was finally diagnosed. This was during one of my stays at the Royal
Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases where most of the other fibromyalgia patients were in their 50s and 60s, as it is unusual for someone as
young as I was to have this condition. The consultants, nurses and physiotherapists treating me were all extremely kind and sympathetic, but
their attitude was that fibromyalgia pain syndrome is a chronic, incurable condition that I have to come to terms with and learn how to manage:
a distressing prognosis for someone in their early twenties.
Suffering from this illness inevitably has had serious consequences on my life and development. While my friends were at university or starting
careers, I was registered disabled with my mother as my carer. Over the years Ive had to resign from two fantastic jobs (one in publishing,
the other at an arts venue) due to the illness. Trying come to terms with having a painful and disabling condition that I would have to live with

for the rest of my life was very difficult for me, and resulted in my suffering from anxiety, depression and other cognitive problems.
An alternative approach
It was possibly this failure to come to terms with my illness that led me to explore complementary medicine, and I must have tried nearly every
alternative therapy under the sun in attempt to find a cure. I tried osteopathy, chiropractic, Chinese herbal medicine, aromatherapy,
hydrotherapy, magnetic therapy, a TENS machine, heat pads, yoga, the Alexander technique, Tai Chi, reiki and more, but none of them had
any effect.
Homeopathy, for some reason, was the last therapy I tried. This now appears strange to me because my godmother had been cured of severe
depression at the NHS Royal London Homeopathic Hospital (now the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine) many years before and
shed always said to me that I should go there as it is not like any other hospital. A friend was similarly full of praise having been successfully
treated there for chronic gynaecological problems.
I was referred by my GP to the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in Great Ormond Street and saw Dr Peter Fisher my fourth consultant
rheumatologist. First he carried out some tests and confirmed the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. He then started asking me extremely detailed and
varied questions about every aspect of my physical and emotional life. Some of the questions appeared to be totally irrelevant to my health
and I remember particularly being taken aback when he asked me if liked wearing roll-neck jumpers, which I didnt. What this indicated about
me I still dont know, but I do now recognise that he was taking an entirely holistic approach to my health and my condition.
The consultation lasted for over an hour, at the end of which Dr Fisher prescribed the homeopathic medicine Ignatia; two pills to be taken
twice a week. At the time the only conventional medication I was taking was amitryptiline to help me sleep and Dr Fisher was happy for me to
continue doing this, as he said homeopathic Ignatia wouldnt react with it.
When I had my first appointment with Dr Fisher I had been in constant pain for nearly ten years. Within one month of taking the homeopathic
medicine, the pain was completely gone.
Since then Ive only needed to use the homeopathic medicine occasionally when Ive felt that the symptoms could be flaring up again, but this
is rare. But I have turned to homeopathy for other problems. I use Argent nitricum (silver nitrate) regularly for anxiety, particularly performance
anxiety before I take to the stage. Occasionally I use Lycopodium to help me sleep and have used Ignatia to help with grief. Incidentally, my
Australian mother-in-law uses homeopathic medicines, with remarkable success, for treating the animals on her farm.
Last year my mother was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Initially, her doctor got her to attend an extremely depressing outpatient clinic
where they were instructing patients on how to live with the condition. She has since undergone homeopathic treatment and has been
restored to health.
Holistic healing
Although naturally Im delighted by the improvement in my health that homeopathy has helped to bring about, I dont want to give the
impression that it is a miracle cure, as I believe strongly that the lasting relief from the symptoms I suffered from for so many years was the
result of a combination of factors that brought about holistic healing. These include achieving lower stress levels (I practise meditation every
day), a daily gentle exercise routine, taking the amitryptiline to help me sleep, and living a more creative and thus fulfilling lifestyle that has
given me a sense of purpose. But the point is this: by the time I saw Dr Fisher for the first time I was already doing all these things and yet still
suffering constant pain. Homeopathy was like the switch that enabled all these other factors to combine and finally turn the pain off. And for
that, I am eternally grateful.
Emily has recorded three albums Stranger Place, Keep Walking and Believer which are available from Amazon, HMV, Play.com and
iTunes. For information about Emilys musical career visit www.emilymaguire.com
Ignatia
The homeopathic medicine Ignatia is derived from the seeds of Ignatia amara or Saint Ignatius bean, a seed pod from a tree found in the
Philippines and other parts of South East Asia.

Homeopathy and care of the feet

by Tariq Khan
An engineering miracle combining grace, durability and sensitivity its an apt description of the human foot. Perhaps one of the most
neglected parts of the body, generally hidden from sight, the importance of feet is only fully appreciated when something goes wrong. Healthy
feet, in good working order give us the joy of movement. Painful, unhealthy feet make us feel tired and irritable and take the pleasure out of
life.
Foot problems have plagued the human race since time immemorial. Chiropodists (or podiatrists as they are increasingly known) give two
reasons for this. First, the foot has not yet completed the evolutionary development made necessary when our ancestors straightened up from
the crouched position (in which they helped themselves along with their hands). The second factor is that our feet, made for walking on

yielding, uneven surfaces grass, sand, earth must now pound hard pavements.
The foot has two basic functions: to adapt to the surfaces on which we walk or run and absorb the shock of impact; to take the body weight
from above and move it forward.
Consider the punishment the foot absorbs in a lifetime. As we move, it goes through three forward motions; heel impact; a transitional balance
phase as the weight moves forward; the thrust of the toes as the sequence is repeated on the opposite foot. Walking at a comfortable 100
steps a minute pace, each heel strikes the pavement with the equivalent of a 225lb jolt 50 times a minute. As we walk an average of 115,000
miles in a lifetime, that means tens of millions of jolts for each foot. But the foot is built to withstand many kinds of stresses, so long as the
health of its complex structures is maintained. The arch of the foot counteracts much of the shock of pounding it gets with each step.
Marigold Therapy for foot problems
So important are our feet to our wellbeing that they need and deserve as much attention as we give to our face. Yet the reality is that most of
us tend to ignore their basic needs and generally treat them with disrespect. Small wonder that countless people hide away their feet because
they are ashamed of them.
With a little effort on a regular basis, self-treatment of the more common problems can restore ailing feet. Marigold Therapy is a proven way of
doing this. Painless, quick-acting and without allergy reactions, it consists of topical applications oil, tincture, mass, ointment and cream.
Many chiropodists currently use it in conjunction with chiropodial treatments.
The gentle, non-invasive action of Marigold Therapy makes it ideal for self-help. It is based on homeopathic principles, the products are
prepared homeopathically and used in combination with other homeopathic medicinal plants.
Caution
Do not attempt self-treatment if you have any of the following: diabetes, circulatory problems, infection, poor eyesight, unsteady hand.
Know your limitations. If self-treatment doesnt improve your condition, see a qualified chiropodist/podiatrist.
Common Foot Problems

Achillo-bursitis inflammation of the Achilles tendon in the heel as a result of shoe friction.

Athletes foot very common, highly infectious condition caused by a fungus which can be picked up in communal areas or by
wearing other peoples shoes. When between the toes, it is characterised by moist, broken skin, an unpleasant smell and itching.
When on the ball of the foot, it causes the skin to peel. On the heel it creates deep painful fissures which can sometimes bleed.

Bunion seen more in women than men, there can be a hereditary tendency but wrongly-shaped or badly fitting shoes are the usual
cause. Constant pressure on the big toe joint produces inflammation with consequent pain, stiffness and swelling of the soft tissues
and enlargement of the joint. The usual advice is for an operation, all too often with unsatisfactory results. Despite the prescribed
long rest, many people have complications, a painful scar and inflamed foot being common. There is also a long waiting list for
bunion surgery. The so-called tailors bunion appears on the side of the little toe.

Corns, callous and fissures can appear on any part of the foot as a result of constant, excessive pressure and friction. Corns can
be hard (usually on top of toes), soft (between toes), neuro-vascular, vascular and seed. The most common site for callous is on the
ball of the foot.

Fungal infection of nails a toe-nail (usually the big toe) may become thickened and/or discoloured due to trauma to the nail plate
from shoes, allowing fungus to enter.

Gout inflammation of the big toe joint which can appear overnight due to an excess of uric acid in the body.

Ingrown toe-nail occurs when the side of the nail cuts through surrounding skin. The area becomes very sensitive to pressure and
continued pressure may cause redness, swelling and eventually, infection. Removal of part or the whole of the nail and treatment of
infected tissues requires professional attention. Homeopathic podiatry can speed recovery and prevent recurrence.

Poor nail condition dry, brittle or thin, soft can be due to pressure and friction accompanied by a constitutional deficiency of mineral
salts or could arise from the side effects of drugs taken for a systemic problem.

Verucca a common viral infection of the skin, veruccae (warts on the foot or hand) are a problem for more and more people who
use communal areas such as swimming baths, sports and health clubs. Some stubborn veruccae do not respond well to
conventional medication. Surgical treatment can be painful and often causes scarring.

Treatment guide
Marigold Therapy consisting of topical applications only has been shown to be speedier in action and more successful than oral remedies for

many common foot problems. Some conditions, however, also require constitutional treatment. It is recommended that biochemic tissue salts
are tried first and then homeopathy if necessary, 6c or 30c.
Remedy selection should be in accordance with the patients symptomatology and the materia medica and prescribed in accordance with
usual homeopathic practice. If self-treatment doesnt improve your condition, see a professional. Please see the tables in the PDF version of
this article for suggestions of homeopathic medicines you can try.
Routine foot care

Wash feet at least once a day with mild soap and warm water, using soft brush for nails. Dry gently and thoroughly, especially
between toes.

As a preventative treatment against some common foot problems, apply all over feet and between toes Khans Tagetes (Marigold)
Tincture and Oil, first a few drops of tincture and then a few drops of oil massaged in for one minute. If skin is dry use oil only.

Three times a week give feet a salt bath (1 tablespoon of salt to a bowl of warm water) to relieve aching, tired feet and stiffness and
improve circulation.

Keep toe-nails clean. When trimming, dont cut too short. If toes are normal, cut nails straight across. If any toes are deformed, cut to
shape of toe.

Dont use razor blades or other sharp objects, or medicated corn pads.

Dont put cotton wool between toes. It will harden and increase pressure or irritation.

Go barefoot whenever possible while indoors but not elsewhere.

Dont wear shoes without hosiery.

Daily foot exercises

On getting up stand on tiptoe five times.

Place a strong rubber band over the two big toes and gently pull toes apart ten times.

Daily foot exercises

On getting up stand on tiptoe five times.

Place a strong rubber band over the two big toes and gently pull toes apart ten times.

Guidance on footwear
Shoes need to accommodate the shape of the foot and its function as it helps the body to move. Badly fitting or wrong shaped shoes can
cause painful foot problems.
Buy shoes, preferably when you have been on your feet for some time, to suit the shape and structure of your feet not fashion. This is
especially important for working shoes worn for long periods. Most people have a larger foot. Fit to allow this and allow 13mm space between
the tip of the shoe and your longest toe. The foot is squarish in shape not pointed. Pointed toe shoes dont give feet enough room. Square,
high toe-boxes are best for your feet. Your new shoes should bend easily at the ball of the foot and the heel should fit snugly. Buy leather. It
adapts to the shape of the foot, absorbs moisture and vaporises this into the air. Without this, feet get hot and perspire profusely. Athletes foot
fungus thrives in dark, damp, warm places.
High heels (over 39mm) are not good for the feet. They thrust too much body weight forward, often into very narrow-toed shoes. Foot
problems which may have been dormant, such as hammer-toes, bunions, corns and callouses, are aggravated by wearing high heels
regularly. Prolonged wearing can also lead to muscle imbalance in the lower limbs which in turn can cause lower back problems.
Rotate the shoes you wear. Never wear the same pair two days in a row. It takes 24 hours for your shoes to dry out and back into shape
after wearing. Keep shoes repaired. Worn-down heels upset foot balance.
Wear appropriate shoes for specific activities, for example when walking or standing a great deal, it is essential to have well-fitted, supportive
shoes with either a lace up or adjustable bar or fastening.
Trainers are comfortable but shouldnt be worn routinely. Check socks, stockings and tights for proper fit. They shouldnt be too tight. Change
daily. Whenever possible wear cotton or wool.

The Marigold Trust is a registered charity for homeopathic podiatric medicine. For further information tel: 020 8367 7434.
M. Tariq Khan PhD BSc BSc(PodMed) SRCh FLS DFHom(Pod) is Podiatry Tutor to the Faculty of Homeopathy and Consultant
Podiatrist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, in the Department of Epidermolysis Bullosa as well as Consultant and
Deputy Director of The Marigold Clinic, Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital UCLH NHS Trust.

A question of balance
Podiatrist Colin Perry examines the role of homeopathy in his work
Podiatrists treat a wide variety of foot and lower limb pathologies. As a practising homeopathic podiatrist, it is important to understand my
patients and all their individual differences. I no longer see the patient merely in terms of lesions and conditions, but in a more holistic light.
Their podiatric problems may have become compounded by factors such as grief from bereavement or work-related stress. If we feel overstretched and find life difficult to cope with, it is little wonder that we feel both physically and mentally drained. Conversely, if we are well and
full of confidence our whole system is liable to be more robust.
Homeopathy has allowed me to combine my knowledge of physical pathology gained as a podiatrist, with the psychology that I studied whilst
reading for a post-graduate university degree. It is an ideal philosophy for guiding the healer into a deeper and meaningful rapport with the
patient. In recent years I have encouraged patients to talk to me whilst they walked up and down in the surgery, either barefoot or with their
shoes on, depending on how they felt it was easier to tell their stories. Some people seem to find it easier to talk about problems they may be
experiencing in their lower limbs when given the opportunity of being able to demonstrate what they wish to communicate by acting it out the
whole story being somewhat different from the sum of its parts.
Orthoses
At this point, it may be informative if I give you a brief resum regarding the subject of podiatric biomechanics. Fundamentally, this is an
anatomical discipline. The practitioner is trained to look for problems in the patients skeletal structure. Gait analysis and pressure analysis
have been used in conventional podiatry during biomechanical assessment for many years. Taking notes, whilst observing the way people
walk, combined with evaluating the way their feet contact the ground, are important factors in podiatric biomechanics. It is possible to use
these results to assist in the prescription of suitable insoles called orthoses.
Functional foot orthoses aim to help correct the way people walk. The podiatrist is working with humans in not a dissimilar way that a farrier
adjusts horseshoes to align the legs of a horse so it can canter around in a more balanced fashion. Patients, who use their feet a lot while
working or playing sport, can develop pain in the shoulders, back and lower limb if they are not walking correctly. This can be because bones
in their feet are not aligned correctly. Podiatrists use terms such as overpronation and forefoot adduction to describe different conditions
that may need correction. Laymen tend to stick to more accessible terminology such as dropped arches.
Accommodative foot othoses are primarily designed for comfort: they seek to take the pressure away from uncomfortable lesions and to
provide soft agreeable shock absorption. People suffering from conditions such as diabetes and arthritis are often made more comfortable by
the gentle support that they can offer. Elderly patients may not respond favourably to correction using firmer functional orthoses, as they may
no longer have the strength in their bones to adapt to this more robust form of treatment.
Some podiatrists refer to semi-functional orthoses. These belong somewhere between functional and accommodative orthoses. I must admit,
however, I have always found the barriers between all three somewhat blurred. The good news is that if orthoses are correctly prescribed,
they can often provide a safe and comfortable treatment that is noninvasive and able to be modified and adapted if indicated.
Gait analysis
For some years now it has not only been possible to observe patients walking but also to take films as they do so. These can be played back
at normal speed and also in slow motion. It is possible to film the patient so the practitioner can see the whole body moving through the gait
cycle. Information can then be recorded and, with the patients consent, stored for future reference. This can be particularly useful in complex
cases or when you wish to refer back to it, to see if there has been a change in the way that someone is walking several years later. It is often
possible, however, for an experienced practitioner to make an accurate diagnosis and prescription without the need of visually recorded gait
and or pressure pad analysis. A good eye and a note pad, in conjunction with asking the patient the right questions at the right time, can be
faster and just as beneficial as relying on technology. There is nothing wrong with using technology, as long as it supplements rather than
replaces the relationship between practitioner and patient.
When I first started to use gait analysis to assist in homeopathic treatment is difficult to say. I suppose it was a little like a certain Medorrhinum
symptom, when a person imagines someone stalking them. It simply crept up on me, evolving rather than becoming a conscious decision on
my part.
Homeopathic treatment
One of the first times I remember using the technique of encouraging a patient to talk about their pathology whilst walking and standing was
about ten years ago. The patient was a male approaching late middle age. He had visited me on several occasions for minor foot problems
such as a few small corns and some flaky white dry skin on his feet. He always presented at the clinic in a very smart designer suit and tie, his
hair and appearance immaculate. Unfortunately, he appeared to be somewhat withdrawn and reluctant to say little more than was necessary
to enable me to treat the lesions on the skin of his feet.

After I had seen him a couple of times, he became noticeably more relaxed during his appointments. It was unlikely that he would ever be the
most loquacious of patients, but his body language was definitely less tense than when we first met. Near the end of a consultation I asked
him, as I had always done before, if there was anything else he would like to bring to my attention? I was surprised when he got up out of the
treatment chair suddenly animated and walked up and down saying that he thought his feet needed a little support, they ached more and
more as the day went on. He told me that he was worried about his business affairs and I noted that there was a general insecurity concerning
material possessions. He also mentioned that the ache in his feet that developed was strange, because it was hot and burning. Normally he
felt on the chilly side. He had recently been awoken by dreams concerning losing money or having property removed; death was often
featured. Quite often his feet were still burning when his dreams woke him an hour or two after midnight. This burning ache was bad enough
to prevent him going back to sleep again. I encouraged him to elaborate. He said he felt he needed support to lift up his arches. He was sure
this would assist. All this was explained to me as he stood and walked about as he pleased.
I booked him for a further appointment to decide what prescription would be best regarding orthoses. I noted that constitutionally Arsenicum
album would hopefully assist, so I gave him a single dose of 30c potency before he left. Also I told him to buy a bottle of witch hazel and use it
when indicated to cool any burning in his feet. Witch hazel really is marvellous stuff for cooling tired feet and also helps hot inflamed veins.
A week later he came back to see me with a smile on his face. Those pills you gave me really helped, also the witch hazel feels great. My
feet are not keeping me awake at night now. I prescribed some suitable orthoses and if the burning ache returned he agreed to take another
dose of Arsenicum album. The combination of conventional podiatry, homeopathy and rudimentary psychology proved to be beneficial in this
case. In fact a little mnemonic of mine now is: PHP (podiatry, homeopathy and psychology). If I succeed in getting them all balanced and
working together properly then it is probably good news for the patient.
The bean pole
Shortly after this, a well-spoken woman in her late 50s booked a consultation with me. Her main symptoms were leg cramps and tired, aching
arches. She was slim and tall. She had what can best be described as a serious demeanour and I guessed that she was introverted. The
introversion could be connected to an emotional barrier that she had built around herself. We agreed to book her for a gait analysis
consultation.
On the day when I was to film her walking she came in wearing a pair of shorts. This was so I could draw lines down her legs in felt tip. These
lines were to be used as reference points when playing the film back to make a diagnosis. The first thing I noticed as she walked up and down
was the stoop in her shoulders. When questioned, she said she had no history of shoulder problems. She told me that when she was 12, she
was the tallest girl in the class and was always being teased by her peers and called names such as bean pole. Dropping her shoulders
made her feel smaller and more proportionate to the others and it had become a habit that she had naturally adopted without thinking about it.
Ive always got my eyes on my feet, she said.
We talked about exercise. She told me that all she did nowadays was walk the dog and go shopping and it was at these times she noticed the
pains in her legs and feet. Whilst discussing this she said that a few months ago it had started on the right hand side. She then stopped and
demonstrated where the problem had begun by rubbing her right leg and foot. Now, she explained, both lower limbs ached after walking for
around 20 minutes. She recalled that as a schoolgirl she had taken part in many sports, she was good at them and it gave her more
confidence with the other children.
I checked her circulation, all the pulses in her feet were as they should be and there were only minor varicosities around the ankles. The film
indicated that due to the position of her feet customised orthoses might well help her. I also prescribed Lycopodium 30c twice daily for three
weeks. A month later she returned to the clinic full of the joys of spring. She had worn the devices and also taken the homeopathic medicine
and could now walk for almost an hour without discomfort. Her confidence had also improved. She had decided to go on a much-debated
holiday with a friend. Previously, she had used the dog as an excuse for not going but had found another friend who was only too pleased to
look after him while she went off on her trip.
The dancer
Another early case that comes to mind is that of a small, morose dark-haired girl who was literally dragged to see me by her excessively
worried mother. The poor thing obviously did not want to be there and gave me the type of look someone would give to the devil before he
tried to drag her away screaming! What appears to be the problem? I ventured.
The mother then explained at great length and in considerable detail that flat arches and bunions were an inherited family trait. This
unfortunate girl was almost certainly developing them and I really had to do something to correct matters as soon as possible. The girl said
she was in no pain at all, her feet felt and looked fine and she really did not want to take her shoes and socks off. The very idea of having her
feet examined was not at all welcome.
A little psychology was evidently called for. I explained that, unfortunately, very few people came to see me with good feet; as she had told me
that hers were perfect, the privilege of seeing them would give me great and lasting pleasure. Barefoot she stood before me and validated
herself completely. Everything was exactly as it should be, bones aligned and in correct position, strength and flexibility perfect for an eight
year-old girl. Standing and sitting she showed no abnormalities. I told the girl this and she was delighted.
The mother, however, was not yet ready to concede. It almost seemed that she was determined that her daughter should inherit a crippling
legacy. Much to the daughters annoyance, I suggested that if she submitted to a gait analysis this would clarify matters completely. To please
the mother we agreed to film the proceedings so we could play back at normal speed and also in slow motion. Well, my poor patient had had
enough. She got up out of the chair and stomped up and down. I said to the mother that we would have a better chance of seeing her walking

naturally if we left her on her own for a few minutes, so we withdrew to the waiting-room. When we returned some five minutes later she was
dressed in her shoes and socks again and with a grin on her face, like the cat who had got the cream. When we played the tape back, it was
obvious that there was nothing for the mother to worry about. As soon as we left the room the patient proceeded to dance her ballet steps for
the camera. The performance was worthy of the National Ballet and hopefully assured the mother that her daughter was not only sure-footed
but also extremely talented with it.
Homeopathy teaches us inter alia to always use the smallest possible dose of a remedy for the shortest possible time. In this last case it was
evident that no remedy was indicated.
Colin Perry is a homeopathic podiatrist at the Mount Row Foot Clinic in Guernsey. He is currently finishing his studies for the
DFHom(Pod) at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital.

Look after your feet winters coming

Jane E. Greenwood tells how training in homeopathy has helped improve her healthcare practice both at home with her family and
in her professional life as a podiatrist
If I may begin by painting a picture for you. Imagine, nestled in the steep-sided slope of a mountainous region in Switzerland, a chocolate box
image of a village. The roofs of the timbered homes are heavy with snow and the drip-drip sounds from the effect of the brilliant, warm spring
sun echo around. Brightlycoloured clothes capture your attention along with squeals of delight as the children, whose ruddy faces express
glee, speed down the gradients on sledges, skis, and boards.
Yes, its February half-term school holidays and it is the annual skiing trip. At this time of year Leysin becomes a small ski resort easily
accessible by public transport from Geneva airport, the final leg being a mountain railway that takes you from the valley bottom up through
vineyards and into deep snow-covered pastureland. The ski schools have English-speaking instructors who are extremely caring with their
charges, reassuring apprehensive parents who fear for their offsprings safety. Hang on a minute, what is all this to do with homeopathy I hear
you shout. Well are you sitting comfortably? Then I will explain
Frolics in the snow
Having qualified as a podiatrist in 1987 at Huddersfield University and then in 2002 with the Faculty of Homeopathy at the Academic
Departments of Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital under the main tutelage of Dr David Reilly MD, and Dr Tariq Khan, podiatrist, I was well
versed in the use of homeopathy in a limited way in acute conditions. Also, being the mother of three young children, I used remedies on a
regular basis to counteract the various bumps, scrapes and encounters with wildlife that they presented me with. So much so, I carried (and
still do) Aconite 30c around with me all the time.
Leysin was our ski resort of choice in February 2005, having introduced the children to the delights of the winter slopes the year previously. Off
we went aiming for the children to have a full week of expert tuition leaving some free ski time for my husband and me. Ski lessons were
booked for the eldest and youngest child. However, the middle child being very adventurous and having a no-fear outlook on life, wanted to
snowboard. By the fourth day, things were going well. We were feeling invigorated, having overcome remembered challenges like how not to
fall on your bottom when walking down a slope with skis in one hand and poles in the other; and the art of going to the toilet without dangling
glasses, hats, gloves and sleeves into the toilet basin. It is also surprising how you quickly gain a hearty appetite counteracting any thought of
arriving home a few pounds lighter following all the exercise.
The accident
The family was using Arnica 30c to ease the tired, aching muscles felt in the calves and upper body, along with the soothing effects of a warm
deep bath with a few drops of lavender oil added to aid relaxation and sleep.
On the fifth morning, time was forcing us to rush to the ski schools to make the lesson start times. This was when the accident happened. The
snowboarding hero fell with full weight on his arm. We knew something major had happened. First aid training came into action, out came the
Aconite 30c, one tablet administered. The distressed patient was made more comfortable by packing the painful limb with snow to reduce
swelling whilst husband hurried to ski shop next door for help. The shop offered a lift to local GP/trauma clinic, fortunately only a few doors
down.
The patient was assessed immediately by a nurse, then GP, conversing in English. Then the question, Has he been given anything? I
replied, One tablet of 30c Aconite. Good was the reply. We will give him Arnica 7CH and a dose of pain killer too. I was flabbergasted,
however wonderfully reassured, to receive an integrated service.
Our son was extremely brave. He underwent an x-ray to check the extent of the damage,which turned out to be, in the doctors words like
your name, Greenwood, a greenstick fracture. Continuing with the green theme, he chose this colour for the cast. Upon asking the medical
professionals about the availability of homeopathy in Switzerland, they replied, Some accept it, others do not, and it is not used widely.
Departing the surgery, the onlookers, namely the patients parents, self-administered Aconite 30c to help with the shock of the event.
All this occurred within the hour just in time to collect his brother and sister from their ski school what a wonderful service and all within a few
hundred metres of the accident. Rapid recovery from the event ensued with help from Arnica 30c four doses throughout the rest of the day

and then twice daily for the next two days and lots of tender loving care. The following day we relied on our feet alone for transport and visited
the peak of La Berneuse 2048m high above the village via the cable car to the Kuklos restaurant for a last lingering look at the view. Later in
the day, the ski schools presentation ceremony rewarded all three children with medals, a just reward.
Upon arrival back into the UK, the NHS followed up, reporting no complications, just replacing the larger cast with a smaller one. Symphytum
30c followed Arnica, twice daily for two days, to help accelerate bone union, accompanied by a high calcium diet and sunlight whenever
possible. Upon further investigation, the 7CH as used by the doctor in Switzerland is the same as 7c that is, it is on the centesimal scale as
we use in the UK. However, here the remedies are mostly available as 6c and not 7CH.
Daily footcare
You have heard the tale of a mum using homeopathy in a first aid situation in winter. Now, with my other hat on, as a podiatrist I will tell you
about how to take care of your feet in winter. No matter what time of year it is, we should all know and carry out the basics of foot care on a
daily basis.
The first thing is to wash the feet using warm water and a mild soap. Dry the feet well using a soft towel especially, but gently, in-between the
toes. This is the time to use your senses to check for anything out of the ordinary. Are there any lesions present that were not there yesterday?
Is the skin even in colour or are there areas of redness or other colours? Are the nails a healthy pink colour or are there striations of yellow,
white, or even blue?
I cannot stress this enough as being such an important procedure to carry out. You are with your feet every day, and you will be the one to
spot any problems. By doing this, it could stop you getting to the point where your body lets you know there is something wrong by causing
you pain. Of course, if you are a diabetic then the pain alert may not occur at this stage as in some cases the peripheral nerves are damaged
and cease relaying messages back to the brain hence no injuries are registered. Ultimately this may lead to more serious complications.
Other systemic health issues may increase the risk of damage to the feet, such as long-term steroid therapy or anti-rejection therapy, both
lowering the immunity producing an increased susceptibility to infection, and the former thinning the skin reducing an important defence
mechanism. At this point in the proceedings, I must emphasise that I would never suggest changing any conventional medication that you are
already taking, in pursuit of the homeopathic approach. In many cases these drugs are life-saving. Homeopathy can help to fill therapeutic
gaps and help with side-effects of conventional medication; however conventional medicine has its place. Having checked your feet if you find
anything untoward seek advice from your statutorily registered chiropodist or podiatrist.
Footcare maintenance
Make sure your nails are short. Using toenail clippers (not the kitchen scissors), follow the shape of the top of your toe. If there are any you
cannot cut, file instead, using an emery board. Moisturise the feet with a plant-based emollient (more easily absorbed than a mineral oil based
product). Generally, creams have high water content for use on the skin, as skin is water-loving so absorption takes place easily. The
converse is true with nails; oil is required to condition them as they repel water. Therefore, a spot of olive oil used daily will help keep them
healthy. If the clefts of the toes are excessively moist then use surgical spirits, applying with a cotton wool bud. Prevention of many foot
problems will occur if you follow this advice.
Winter footcare
In the northern hemisphere, the cold is probably the main thing to consider in addition to the daily footcare regime. Again, prevention is better
than cure. Be aware of exposing the feet to extremes of temperature as this can lead to the formation of chilblains. This condition is where the
tiny blood vessels in the toes shut down in response to cold and pressure. Upon toasting them in front of an open fire or on a hot water bottle,
they become red, itchy and painful. Therefore, to prevent them, pick hosiery and footwear with care. Wear one pair of well-fitting socks that
keep your feet dry and warm. Most high street stores stock these with the approach of the winter months.
Footwear needs to be foot-shaped to prevent impinging on the toes and constricting blood supply. Thermal and breathable linings to shoes
and boots will help. However, if you do succumb to getting a chilblain then a cream containing Tamus (Tamus communis Black Bryony, a
flowering plant) should help. If chilblains become a regular occurrence, consult your podiatrist for further investigations as an underlying
medical condition may be present.
Skiing
If you do decide to head off to the slopes then try to get more active before you go, your whole body will thank you for it. As with any sport,
warm up before launching off down the slope. Wear suitable warm, breathable clothing. Pick your boots with great care, avoidance of blisters,
bruising, sprains, and fractures will ensue with this correct choice. Boots need to be snug but not impinge on any structures of the foot. If after
the first few runs downhill, you experience numbness or tingling then they need adjusting until it stops. Socks must insulate and keep moisture
away from the foot. Only wear one pair, and do not tuck your trousers into the boot, as this will cause uneven pressure on the lower limb.
First aid kit for feet
After all the preventative work beforehand, things do invariably happen, as you have already read. So be prepared with a first aid kit for feet.
You have heard of some of the most important homeopathic remedies: Aconite 30c for shock and fright, Arnica 30c for bruising, both to be
used as soon as possible and repeated up to six doses the first day then reduced to twice daily until symptoms improve. At that stage stop
taking the remedy.
Symphytum 30c for fractures would follow on from Arnica for a couple of days, depending on how the fracture is healing and how serious the
break was initially.

The kit should contain a selection of creams: Arnica cream for application to unbroken, bruised skin, and Tamus cream for chilblains. In
addition, it would be wise to add plasters containing a gel to protect unbroken blisters, and some containing Calendula to heal broken ones.
If you have pre-existing foot problems, it would be wise to visit your podiatrist well in advance to check and treat them before jetting off to the
snow. They can recommend further footcare to enable you to keep your feet healthy.
My enthusiasm for homeopathy and my vocation in general, have gained momentum; I have experienced remarkable results when I have
integrated homeopathy into my private work as a podiatrist. The patients inspire me to keep trying to introduce it into my NHS practice. This is
a much bigger challenge than I anticipated; however, I am prepared, with like-minded colleagues, to continue with the cause.
Jane E Greenwood DPodM MChS LFHom (Pod) APM is the Podiatry Members Representative for the Faculty of Homeopathy. She
works part-time for the NHS and has a private referral practice based in West Yorkshire.

Give your feet a break this summer

M. Taufiq Khan advises on the treatment of common conditions which beset an often neglected area of our bodies
The touch of sun and air on the body are life-enhancing joys of summer but sadly for many people not so far as the feet are concerned. All too
often these passports to mobility and all this brings in life enrichment are kept hidden away because the owner is ashamed of them. Sick feet
tired, aching, infected, inflamed, swollen or otherwise distorted take the pleasure out of life, affecting health and well being to a greater or
lesser degree.
It is possible to predict that over 50 per cent of the population will suffer from at least one kind of foot problem or another during their lifetime.
Foot disorders affecting the skin, bones and nails come in many forms. Some are due to systemic causes; for example, circulatory problems
affect the feet and lower limbs just as other parts of the body, as sufferers from cold feet and chilblains are all too aware.
Homeopathic podiatry
More and more people who have had discouraging results from other treatments are turning to homeopathic podiatry, a complementary
specialty which includes, as first line treatment, Marigold Therapy phytomedicine applied topically in conjunction with podiatric techniques and,
when indicated according to the signs and symptoms, homeopathic oral medicine. As in dentistry, the use of homeopathy in podiatry is more
limited than in medicine.
It was experience of the limitations of homeopathy in treating numerous podiatric disorders, especially those on weight-bearing areas, which
led to the research and discovery of Marigold Therapy. Its extensive use in both NHS and private practice has shown Marigold Therapy to be
speedier in action and more effective than homeopathy alone for many common foot problems. Its unique formulations incorporate species of
the Marigold genus and other medicinal plants, according to the desired therapeutic action, eg keralytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antifungal or anti-bacterial. Suitable for people of all ages, its gentle, non-invasive nature makes it attractive to patients and helpful for people at
risk for whom invasive treatments are contra-indicated.
Beneficial long-term results can be achieved with homeopathic podiatry, which is used to treat a wide range of disorders affecting the skin,
bones and nails of the feet, including the following common disorders.
Bunion
The disfiguring bunion can be due to heredity but wrongly shaped footwear is the most frequent cause. Constant pressure on the big toe joint
produces inflammation with consequent pain and stiffness, swelling of the soft tissues and enlargement of the joint. The usual advice is for an
operation but, despite the prescribed long rest after surgery, many people experience complications, a painful scar and inflamed foot being
common.
In homeopathic podiatry the first line of treatment is Marigold Therapy medication for bunion applied within a cavity pad over the bunion joint
once weekly for three to four weeks according to the clinicians judgment. This is followed by some months of home treatment using the
prescribed tincture and oil, simple exercises and footbaths. Homeopathic medicines, prescribed according to the signs and symptoms in the
treatment of bunion, include Arnica, Rhus tox and Ruta.
Corns
Corns of one kind or another can develop on any part of the foot as a result of constant, excessive pressure and friction. Callosities usually
develop on the ball of the foot. Marigold Therapy medication for corn/callus is applied within a cavity pad over the corn/callus once weekly for
two to four weeks. This is followed by regular use of the prescribed tincture and oil. Homeopathic medicines, prescribed according to the signs
and symptoms, include Ant crud and Arnica.
Fungal infection of nails
Thickened, distorted and discoloured nails may be due to injury or fungal infection. As a preliminary to the application of Marigold Therapy
tincture and oil to the affected nails, they should be filed by a chiropodist/podiatrist to allow the medication to penetrate to the affected part.

Homeopathic remedies, prescribed according to the signs and symptoms (in addition to Marigold Therapy), are Silicea, Thuja and Ant crud.
Resolution may take some months.
Athletes foot
Skin infections find a very favourable environment in the footwear favoured by millions today trainers over-used, under-aired and never
disinfected. The highly infectious condition of athletes foot is characterised by moist, broken skin when between the toes and an unpleasant
smell and itching. When on the ball of the foot, it causes the skin to peel; on the heel it creates deep painful fissures that can sometimes
bleed.
Marigold Therapy tincture and oil for athletes foot is used and homeopathic remedies, prescribed according to the signs and symptoms,
include Silicea, Baryta carb and Sulphur.
Verruca
A verruca, caused by a viral infection, is a very common skin problem and a hazard for the growing number of people using communal areas
such as swimming baths, sports and health clubs.
Marigold Therapy for verruca is applied within a cavity pad once weekly, two to four times according to the clinicians judgment. This is
followed up using the prescribed tincture and oil. The speed of response to Marigold Therapy for verruca is affected by the state of the
persons immune system. Homeopathic medicines include Ant crud, Causticum and Nit ac.
Everyday basic foot care

Wash feet every day and dry thoroughly especially between the toes. Keep an eye open for the start of any possible problem as that
is the time to begin remedial action.

Gently massage the feet every day or, failing that, every other day, with a suitable natural oil or unmedicated cream. Marigold
(Tagetes) Cream, used in Marigold Therapy is a popular choice for many.

Every day wear clean socks or tights.

Once a week give your feet a warm salt bath for ten minutes, a tablespoon of salt to a bowl of water.

Footwear
Do not wear the same shoes day in, day out. Choose footwear that fits well and supports the foot. Alternate the shoes you wear as much as
possible, certainly every other day.
Care of the growing foot
Every day when the child is bathed, examine the feet carefully for any incipient problems and raise any concerns at the family health clinic. It
is important for abnormalities to be corrected at an early age if possible. When the child begins to walk the feet should also be examined by a
podiatrist who will advise on the best type of footwear for the growing foot. If in early teens the child is influenced by peer pressure to choose
unsuitable shoes either to increase height or for reasons of fashion, a tendency to depressed or high arches needs particular attention. It is at
this time that the seeds of serious problems can be sown.
How to obtain homeopathic podiatry
Under the NHS by GP referral at the Department of Homoeopathic Podiatry, The Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital.
By private appointment from podiatrists trained in the specialty; phone the BHA to find someone in your area.

Homeopathy and eye conditions

From styes to conjunctivitis, Carol Jackson advises on the most appropriate treatment
Maybe you have seen the television adverts for a new eye drop available over-the-counter for conjunctivitis. The active ingredient is
chloramphenicol, a bacteriostatic which means it prevents the growth, but does not kill, a number of the bacteria known to cause conjunctivitis.
Its a useful addition to the repertoire of conventional medicine available to a pharmacist, but of the patients Ive seen so far only a few would
have benefitted from the drops. The uses for homeopathic remedies are far more wide-spread.
Danger signs
Lets first note the signs that would indicate when self-treatment should not be attempted:

suspected or known presence of a foreign body (though, in this instance, a dose of Silica would aid the removal of said body by an
appropriate practitioner);

pain or swelling round the face not associated with obvious trauma to the area, eye movement is restricted (indicating cerebral
involvement);

vision affected or there is nausea and vomiting (as above);

the eye is damaged: the pupil is torn, irregular or not reactive to light; the cornea is cloudy;

patient has glaucoma or you suspect glaucoma;

patient has had recent eye surgery or laser treatment.

The conditions I will consider for self-treatment are mostly acute and therefore Ive limited myself to a few remedies reasonably easy to obtain
on the high street.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis comes in four varieties: viral, bacterial, allergic and as a result of a foreign body causing abrasions. Physically the signs are
often difficult to distinguish. Allergic conjunctivitis would be bilateral, produce watery discharge and be accompanied by itching. The other
conditions would probably start in one eye, the discharge would be thicker and more sticky and the pain would be more burning and stinging.
But we mustnt over-generalise and indeed the cause is not so important from a homeopathic point of view.
General measures
The eyes have a great ability to heal themselves and conjunctivitis is more often than not self-limiting. It helps to bathe the eyes as often as
possible with salt water ( a teaspoon to a pint of boiled and cooled water), or, if the eyes are especially sticky, a mixture of half milk to water,
sterilised as above. Contact lenses should be removed and discarded if possible or at least thoroughly cleaned to prevent re-infection.
Homeopathic treatment
Apis mel is useful for allergic conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva are bright red and very swollen, there seem to be water bags under the eyes
which leak excess hot fluid. There may be sudden piercing pains. Both eyes are normally affected.
With Arsenicum alb the conjunctiva is red, swollen and infected. There is purulent discharge and a burning sensation, but warm compresses
ease the pain. The lids may be crusty and eyelashes could fall out. The patient is often panicky and not easily reassured.
Argent nit presents a similar picture. The inner canthi of the eye are particularly affected, becoming red and swollen. The patient will be more
worried than panicky and will feel better for closing the eyes and pressing them.
Belladonna on the other hand presents with a very hot, red, swollen but essentially dry eye. The condition may have come on very suddenly
and any pain associated is throbbing. Characteristically the pupils are dilated, staring and brilliant. The patient will be more cross than panicky.
Euphrasia and Allium cepa are normally associated with hay fever or colds. They work almost as opposites. I remember which is which by
thinking of the affects of peeling strong onions. Burning nasal discharge, but bland copious tears (even though the eyes themselves will burn),
thats Allium or onion. Euphrasia is the other way round; bland nasal discharge but burning tears which leave a varnish on the face. In practice, if people arent sure of their symptoms I tell them to try one and if it doesnt work use the other. Not very scientific but effective in an
emergency!
The above remedies are the most common ones I recommend. But there are special occasions when others are more appropriate. Im
thinking of Nux vom for the hangover type of conjunctivitis; Rhus tox for conjunctivitis associated with a rheumaticy cold, or Pulsatilla when
there is a general cold with bland yellowy discharges and the patient feels better for rubbing the eyes, whether because of the pain or because
they are a mite weepy! Hepar sulp is indicated for severe purulent discharge and pain such that the patient cant even stand drafts to their
eyes; but very severe pain could also indicate a more severe condition which should be referred.
I usually recommend 30c potency to be taken every two hours, if necessary for up to two days. Some patients prefer to apply something
directly to the eyes, in which case the tablets or pills can be dissolved in a little suitably sterilised water and used as a wash. I dont think they
work any better this way but there may be a psychological advantage. If the condition is no better after two days the patient should seek
further advice from an appropriate practitioner.
Styes
General measures
Cleaning the eyelids helps to release the blocked duct. Obviously one must be careful, but my optician recommends gently wiping a cotton
bud soaked in a solution of baby shampoo. It sounds frightening and stingy, but it works a treat. Remember it must be baby shampoo (it is
alkaline as are the surfaces of your eyes).
Homeopathic treatment
The classic remedy would be Graphites. It is linked to in-growing eyelashes, blephritis (inflammation of the eyelids) and eczema; all common
causes of styes. But it is not a remedy you are sure to find in your chemist or health food store. If you are prone to styes it may be as well to
acquire some from a specialist homeopathic supplier. Having said that, Staphysagria is the remedy for recurrent styes.

Sulphur is indicated for styes which are swollen and red, causing burning and itching. The lids in this instance would be more oily than dry.
Pulsatilla styes are bland, pussy yellow affairs that cause little pain and are usually associated with colds and general un-wellness.
Trauma
General measures
Make sure that there are none of the danger signs as at the beginning of this article. A cold compress well help to prevent swelling, or better
still a compress of witch hazel lotion (Hamamelis).
Homeopathic treatment
Of course Arnica is the gold standard for trauma injuries, and certainly if thats what you have, give it; however eye injuries respond better to
Hamamelis for the bruising and Ledum if the skin has been cut. Again these are not that easily found, but if you are expecting to have eye
surgery they can be taken as prophylactics. This includes use for cosmetic surgery, as a colleague of mine will attest to!
Eye strain
General Measures
Dont do too much and whatever youre doing, do it in good light! If you suffer from eye strain regularly its important to have your eyes
checked by an optician in case you need glasses or are not wearing the correct prescription. The ones you can buy in many chemists etc are
for short term use only. They do not replace the need for proper optical assessment.
Homeopathic treatment
As for all muscular strains Ruta grav would be the remedy of choice. Twice daily dosing should be sufficient and it should not be used long
term.
Contact lenses
Just a brief note about contact lenses: they should be removed whilst treating any eye conditions, though the remedy itself will not damage
them.
I have contact lenses myself and dont like having to do without them, but there are some particularly nasty bacteria associated with long-term
wear. If you have an infection associated with contact lenses it should be treated with antibiotics.
Particles stuck under a lens and rubbing the cornea can quickly lead to corneal ulcers. The lens should be taken out as soon as possible.
Calendula can be used to soothe these minor irritations. The lens should be left out for at least a week to allow the corneal surface to repair.
Any major irritations, or where the lens was not removed quickly, need to examined by an optician.
And for those horrid occasions when a soft lens folds itself up and hides under the upper lid, causing jammed-shut eyes, sweating and panic
if you can see to find your remedies, use high potency Aconite. Failing that, in my experience, sitting on the side of the bath and singing to
yourself usually works!
Carol Jackson MRPharmS DFHom (Pharm) is a community pharmacist. One of the first group of pharmacists to pass the diploma
exam for the Faculty of Homeopathy, Carol advises her customers on homeopathy and promotes it to the other health care
professionals she works with.

Epilepsy and homeopathy a patients story

On 18th May this year, as part of National Epilepsy Week, Epilepsy Action held a radio day with news, music, interviews, a play and other
features broadcast on the charitys website throughout the day.
One of the features was called Whats the Alternative? which looked at possible alternative treatments including homeopathy that
patients can consider when conventional medicine fails to control the distressing symptoms of this severely debilitating condition. As well as
featuring a short interview with BHA trustee Dr Sara Eames, the programme also heard from a patient who had experienced a remarkable
improvement in her condition after having homeopathic treatment.
Through the charity, Health and Homeopathy contacted the patient who kindly agreed to tell her story. Respecting her wish to remain
anonymous we have called her M.
Living with epilepsy
Looking back over her life M believes that she first started to experience epileptic symptoms in her late teens, although she didnt recognise
them as such at the time and it would be years later before she suffered from the seizures that would lead to a definitive diagnosis. These
early symptoms ranged from feelings of dj vu to times when it felt like a switch had been thrown causing her to be transported to another
dimension.
I could see the normal world but didnt feel part of it, she says trying to describe this strange sensation. I could hear people around me
talking but couldnt retain the words long enough to understand what they were saying and I couldnt speak myself. The overwhelming feeling
was of terrible desolation and loneliness.

Over the years M has acquired greater knowledge of the condition and now knows these strange sensations were partial seizures and a
common characteristic of a certain type of epilepsy. It was while pregnant that M suffered her first tonic-clonic seizure the medical name for
the violent convulsions normally associated with the illness which, at the time, doctors attributed to her pregnancy. But in 1974 M had
another seizure when not pregnant and was referred to a neurologist. After having an electroencephalogram (EEG) examination, which
measures the pattern of electrical activity in the brain, M was diagnosed with idiopathic temporal lobe epilepsy.
I had a young family at the time and no relatives living nearby, so I was extremely anxious about the safety of my children. This in turn made
me very depressed, said M.
M was prescribed Phenobarbitone, an anti-epileptic drug (AED) which was the standard treatment for this type of epilepsy at that time.
However, this powerful barbiturate failed to stop the seizures and caused unpleasant side-effects including tiredness, depression, poor
memory and impaired cognitive ability. Some years later another doctor suggested she try a new drug, Carbamazepine. Sadly, the treatment
and care of patients suffering from epilepsy in the region where M lived was somewhat uncoordinated, and as a result of a lack of
communication between her doctors M was left taking both drugs for a number of years which, she now realises, was a mistake.
Seeking an alternative approach
To be diagnosed with such a serious chronic illness is devastating. Today there are a number of excellent support groups working to improve
the quality of life for sufferers and promote a greater understanding of epilepsy. More clinics, staffed by specially trained nurses, have also
been set up to help patients come to terms with their illness and provide the specialist medical and practical advice needed to assist them in
living normal lives. Sadly, in the mid-seventies this was not the case and M found her local clinic unsatisfactory, so much so she had to rely on
her GP for emotional support.
Although the seizures eventually ceased, the severe side-effects she was experiencing from the AEDs were having a negative impact on other
areas of her life, in particular her career prospects. While working part-time as a clerk for a firm of solicitors, she was given the opportunity to
qualify as a legal executive. But she found the side-effects from her medication were making studying impossible.
My memory was so poor that I could be working on a case file all afternoon, but the next day I wouldnt be able to remember the names of the
family concerned, she explains. It was obvious I couldnt hope to work at a professional level on the drugs I was taking.
M consulted another doctor whose only advice was to continue with the medication. Having lost all faith in conventional medicines ability to
help her, instead of seeking a referral to the neurology department of her local hospital she started to look for an alternative approach to
managing her condition. And this is how she came to try homeopathy.
This was twenty-seven years ago and although I cant remember why I decided to try homeopathy, I do recall that I knew I wanted to see a
medically qualified homeopath. So I contacted the Faculty of Homeopathy for advice and was given the details of two practitioners in my
town, says M.
The first consultation with the homeopathic physician I chose to see lasted for about an hour. The doctor asked me all sorts of questions that
covered every aspect of my life including what food I liked and disliked and whether I preferred hot temperatures or cold. I now realise this
was helping her to draw up a complete picture of the patient she had before her, but it also allowed me to feel that I could confide in her and I
eventually told her about an extremely upsetting episode from my past which was still haunting me.
At the end of the consultation M was asked whether she believed in cause and effect. I cant remember the exact question, but I did tell her
that Ive always had a strong notion of this philosophical concept, she says.
Finally, the doctor said she wanted to think about my case and would get back to me.
A little later the doctor contacted M saying she thought she might be able to help. At the next consultation M was prescribed the homeopathic
medicines Natrum mur and Nux vomica.
The doctor explained she wanted to reduce my conventional medication gradually, but was honest enough to tell me she didnt know if I
would be able to stop taking it completely, says M. I followed her instructions exactly and slowly, over a period of months, I began to notice
my mood lifting. I felt better! It was actually like being reborn; everything became more vivid.
At the time I was taking two AEDs three times a day, but gradually, following my doctors advice, I began to reduce this dosage by half a
tablet. I would take this slightly reduced dose for a number of days and then decrease the dose by another half a tablet. All the time my
condition was being closely monitored by the homeopathic doctor, whom I saw every two weeks. She had also instructed me to telephone her
should I have any problems or concerns between appointments.
Today, M is no longer taking AEDs and shes not had an epileptic seizure for over twenty-five years.
Advising others
While M attributes this remarkable transformation in her health to the care and treatment she received from her homeopathic doctor, she
believes people with epilepsy should adopt a cautious approach if considering homeopathy or any other form of alternative therapy.

Find out all you can about your condition, she says. Tell your doctors or epilepsy specialist nurse that youre looking into the possibility of
using homeopathy. Some people use homeopathy to ease the side-effects of the AEDs which is relatively straightforward. But if youre thinking
of reducing your AEDs you need to be aware that it might not be possible, as it depends on what is causing your condition. If the AEDs are
working for you, then think very carefully about what you might lose if you reduce them and have a seizure.
M is also eager to stress there is much better support for sufferers today than there was when she was first diagnosed with the condition. The
hospital clinic I attended twenty-five years ago no longer exists; its modern equivalent is very different! Although there is still a shortage in
some parts of the country there are now more neurologists with a special interest in epilepsy, and more epilepsy specialist nurses.
Excellent support and advice can also be obtained from Epilepsy Action which aims to improve the quality of life and promote the interests of
people living with epilepsy. After receiving training M started working for the charity as an accredited volunteer, delivering epilepsy awareness
sessions to any organisation that would like to learn more about the condition.
She also recognises the advances conventional medicine has made in the treatment of epilepsy.
Better drugs are now available to patients and there is far greater understanding of the non-seizure aspects of the condition. But although
conventional treatment has improved, life can still be very difficult for people with epilepsy. Even the new AEDs dont always control seizures
or ensure a comfortable existence; therefore I believe there is a role for homeopathy, but only if its used with care and professional advice.
Even though homeopathy produced astonishing results in relation to her own health, M recognises there has been little research into the use
of homeopathy as a treatment for epilepsy. Consequently, she believes its essential for anyone considering the possibility of using
homeopathy to reduce their dependence on conventional medication to remain under qualified medical supervision. On no account should
they stop taking their medication unless instructed by a specialist in controlled hospital conditions, which is occasionally done to allow specific
tests to be carried out.
Epilepsy is a very complicated condition and you need medical expertise, so be sure to choose a medically qualified homeopath from the
Faculty of Homeopathy. If anyone advises you to stop taking your drugs suddenly, dont listen to them, as this is potentially very dangerous.
Epilepsy facts and figures

Epilepsy is a neurological condition affecting around 456,000 people in the UK, or one in 131 people has epilepsy.

The condition is caused when there is a sudden excess of electrical activity in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in the normal
level of communication between brain cells.

If someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, it means they have a tendency to have seizures.

There are around 40 different types of seizure and a person may have more than one type.

Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age and from any walk of life.

Every day in the UK, 75 people are diagnosed with epilepsy.

Only 52 per cent of people with epilepsy in the UK are seizure-free. It is estimated that 70 per cent could be seizure free with the right
treatment.

Many people with epilepsy are still discriminated against due to ignorance about the condition.

Epilepsy is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act.

Many people with epilepsy can take part in the same activities as everyone else, with the help of simple safety measures where
appropriate.

People who have been seizure free for a year can re-apply for their driving licence.

For further information, please visit the Epilepsy Action website at www.epilepsy.org.uk
Members of the public and healthcare professionals looking for confidential advice and information on many aspects of epilepsy can contact
the Epilepsy Helpline on Freephone 0808 800 5050, or helpline@epilepsy.org.uk, or text info to 07797 805390.

Spotlight on ENT by Jenifer Worden

Problems of the ear, nose and throat are usually considered to be predominantly winter illnesses but this is not necessarily the case. Although
more common through the months of October to February, infections of the ENT system can occur at any time and a GP probably sees more
patients with these types of ailments than any other comparable illnesses over the course of a year. Also, children are particularly prone to
ENT problems and this last winter, owing to the extended mild weather, has been an unusually fertile period for these types of viruses.
Ears, noses and throats are incredibly complex and are designed to moisten air being inhaled and also to remove irritant particles such as
dust and pollen.
Ears
The ear is divided into three parts. The outer ear, pinna, is the portion of the ear that can be seen. At the innermost part of the pinna is the
tympanic membrane, eardrum, and behind that, the middle ear. The inner ear contains the balance mechanism, the cochlea, and connects
directly via the auditory nerve to the brain. If the middle ear becomes inflamed due to an infection, then the resulting illness is called acute
otitis media (AOM). Symptoms come on suddenly and AOM is diagnosed by the combination of earache, usually accompanied by a high
temperature and general malaise plus signs of fluid in the middle ear. The usual indication of AOM seen by a doctor when looking into the
external ear is that the eardrum, normally grey, dull and opaque like a piece of greaseproof paper, is red, shiny and bulging, because of
increased pressure. If the fluid stays in the middle ear, it may thicken and lead to the condition known as glue ear.
AOM is common and in the UK, about 30 per cent of children under three visit their GP with this each year. Until recently, the vast majority
were prescribed antibiotics. However, without antibiotics, AOM symptoms improve in 24 hours in about 60 per cent of children and in 80 per
cent within three days. If antibiotics are not given, about one in a thousand children will perforate their eardrum, a condition known as
supperative otitis media.
The evidence for the effectiveness of antibiotics in this condition is very limited despite their hitherto widespread use. The most effective
conventional treatment has shown to be painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol which relieve the discomfort of the earache. Nowadays,
GPs tend towards giving delayed prescriptions of antibiotics. This means the parent is given a suitable prescription with instructions about
how long to wait for the condition to settle spontaneously and what signs and symptoms would indicate a worsening of the problem and
necessitate giving the medication. This simple measure is reducing the number of unnecessary antibiotics given to children and so decreasing
the numbers of GP consultations for medication side-effects, such as diarrhoea and skin rashes.
In respect of AOM, there are familiar homeopathic remedies that can be used to treat it. Earache that comes on very suddenly, particularly
after exposure to a dry, cold wind which is worse at night and with a high temperature but without sweating does well with Aconite. Ear pain
with a less sudden onset but with hot, dry skin, as with the case with Aconite, but without restlessness and fear may need Belladonna. Both of
these remedies can be given in 30c strength every 30 minutes for three to four doses. However, if the child does not respond after two hours,
a change of remedy should be made. A word of caution; it is important that if the child becomes very hot or very drowsy, a medical opinion
must be sought urgently.
If the child suffering with AOM is miserable and whining, with ears which are hot to the touch, and they respond to cuddling and affection, then
Pulsatilla may help. A cross, irritable child would probably respond better to Chamomilla.
As previously mentioned, perforation of the eardrum can occur and if this happens, the discharge is usually thick, sticky yellow-green, not
offensive to smell and is often described as bland. Pulsatilla 6c given three times a day until improvement is a good first choice whilst if the
discharge is more watery and yellow in colour, it is worth trying Hepar sulph 6c at the same dose.
Nose
The passages of the nose are not simple tubes but consist of a complex arrangement of ridged turbinates. These have evolved to act as a
very effective mechanism for cleaning the air we breathe in but are not without their problems. The nose links into large air spaces in the skull
located above and below the eyes and behind the base of the nose. Normally these sinuses, as the spaces are known as, are filled with air
and lined with a thin layer of skin (mucosa). The latter produces a thin mucus, or slime, which keeps the inside of the sinuses moist and
healthy.
If the sinuses become inflamed as a result of infection or irritation, the mucosa swells and produces more mucus which can become very thick
and sticky. This viscous mucus tends to drain poorly from the sinuses which then become full; this causes an increase in pressure and results
in facial pain. The pain of sinusitis is typically worse on leaning forward, as the fluid in the sinuses acts like a spirit level, and tapping over the
inflamed sinuses with a finger increases the pain also. The discharge from the nose via the sinuses may be green if there is only inflammation,
but in the case of infection, usually with bacteria, blood or pus-stained nasal discharge may result.
Sinusitis can be very difficult to treat conventionally. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the gold standard of medical research, have failed
to show significant benefit or effectiveness in prescribing penicillin-based antibiotics to sufferers of acute sinusitis (symptoms lasting less than
four weeks). Neither are there any RCTs which show antihistamines, decongestants or steroid nose sprays to be particularly effective but
these are still prescribed regularly by doctors wishing to help their patients. Nearly six million working days are lost in the UK every year due to
sinusitis which gives an idea how extensive this problem is.
Simple measures like steam inhalations can help the symptoms of acute sinusitis but it is important to note that if used alongside homeopathy,
strong odours such as camphor or eucalyptus can antidote homeopathic remedies. As stated, acute sinusitis is defined as having symptoms
for less than four weeks but chronic sinusitis sufferers will have symptoms for more than that, and therefore, a more personalised remedy
based on the patient as a whole is usually more effective.

A remedy that historically has been used for sinusitis is Kali bich, and although recognised to be one of the most effective treatments, the
exact mechanism by which it works is unclear. It is prescribed where there are thick, sticky discharges, especially from mucous membranes,
such as those of the nose, throat and lungs, hence its application in acute sinusitis. The nasal discharge is green, yellow or bloodstained and
difficult to blow out and there may be sticky crusts in the nose or even ulceration.
Hydrastis is a remedy used where the sinus discharge tends to go down the back of the throat rather than down the nose. It is often felt as a
lump in the throat and this is technically known as post-nasal drip and together this combination is known as catarrh. Catarrh is a troublesome
discharge and, like sinusitis, difficult to treat conventionally. There is anecdotal evidence that avoiding dairy products in ones diet can reduce
the incidence of sinusitis and post-nasal drip but no firm evidence as yet.
Throat and tonsils
From the nose, we will now consider the throat and the tonsils. The latter consist of lymphoid tissue and play a part in the immune response to
infection in babies and children but are usually inactive by adulthood. The decision to remove tonsils surgically to prevent recurrent attacks of
tonsillitis has been a fiercely debated issue between ENT surgeons over the years. Currently tonsillectomy is avoided unless a patient is
suffering from at least four severe attacks of tonsillitis per year, requiring antibiotics to settle the symptoms each time and resulting in
significant time off school or work, which is a far cry from the fifties when tonsillectomy was a relatively common procedure.
Another distressing ailment of the throat is quinsy, which is an abscess on or around the tonsil. It is very painful and, if left, can be potentially
serious. Anne, an elegant, well-groomed 75 year old whose looks defy her years, came to see me as she had become unwell following an
earlier viral infection which she seemed unable to throw off. She developed a persistent cough and felt generally debilitated which resulted in
quinsy and, despite prompt action by her GP with antibiotics, had to be admitted to hospital for incision and drainage of the abscess.
Seemingly, she made a full recovery and so was distressed to develop a second quinsy two months later. Fortunately this one burst on its own
but it left her very apprehensive about it reoccurring again.
Anne is an anxious person who tends to worry about her health and she has had a series of serious illnesses over the years that have added
to her apprehension. Now, after two attacks of quinsy, she was frightened to go on holiday in case she became ill again. It seems that Anne
has always been of a nervous disposition although, paradoxically, she is able to perform on the stage, something she has done since
childhood. However, with regard to her throat, she had reached the stage where she felt she had to look at it every day to see if another
quinsy was developing and also needed to keep seeing her GP for reassurance. In addition, she was also troubled by asthma and irritable
bowel syndrome, both of which were made worse by anxiety and an impending sense of anticipation.
Other symptoms which led me to choose a remedy for this woman included her general activity described by her husband as always running
around, a particular thirst for cold drinks and the fact that she did not sleep well and frequently woke around 4am. Despite being such a
worrier, she still enjoyed a busy social life and had many friends. Occasionally, she would become tearful if one of her friends was upset.
On the basis of a cancer operation in the past and her general sensitivity and fastidiousness plus her physical throat, lung and bowel
symptoms, I prescribed Carcinosin as a single dose of 30c, followed by a twice daily dose of Phosphorus 12c. Phosphorus is a remedy with
an affinity for throat and other respiratory problems, especially tonsillitis, chest infections and asthma. Patients who do well with Phosphorus
are often described as being slim, pale-skinned and either dark or red-haired but this is very much a generalisation and should not be used as
an exclusion factor from treating with this remedy. They have a lively disposition but a tendency to catch colds and coughs, suffer from bowel
or liver complaints and to bleed easily. Chilliness is a feature of this remedy and a desire for cold drinks. They actively seek company and
reassurance but can be surprisingly confident when asked to perform. Phosphorus is a homeopathic medication which often helps actors and
musicians. Fears of thunderstorms and of being in the dark are two of the factors that make this remedy beneficial to patients who suffer from
these anxieties. One question that is useful to ask when deciding whether or not to use this remedy in a child, is to enquire if the child needs
to go to sleep with a light on. If the answer is a resounding yes, from either the child or the parent, then Phosphorus should be considered as
an effective medication, particularly if the other symptoms fit the remedy picture.
With Anne, I felt that her sympathetic nature combined with her sensitivity, social habits, nervousness and love of the stage, together with her
physical symptoms fitted well with the prescription of a low dose of Phosphorus. To her delight, within a few weeks, Anne was feeling much
more confident and had even managed to stop looking at her throat on a daily basis and was less aware of her asthma and had an increased
sense of wellbeing. She continued with the remedy for several months before tailing it off and has had no recurrence of her quinsy to this day
(almost seven years later) but takes the occasional short course of Phosphorus when she feels the anxiety is worsening or her throat feels a
little sore, usually through the winter months.
Hay fever
One ENT condition that can affect all three organs is hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis to give it its technical term. It can affect a wide
range of age groups from primary school-age children to middle-aged adults and appears to be increasing in prevalence, although the
reasons for this are still not clear. The most popular theory at present is that the infantile immune system is less challenged by severe
infections these days, due to immunisation and better health in general. This means that the body reacts more strongly against what should
be a minor trigger, such as pollen, resulting in hay fever symptoms. The condition is diagnosed by a combination of sneezing, itching in the
nose and throat, a blocked feeling in the nose and a profuse watery nasal discharge. Other symptoms may include itchy, watery eyes,
coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and a sensation of pressure in the head.
Hay fever can vary greatly, depending on local fauna, as these are the main triggers, but fungal spores in the autumn can also cause an
attack. The season is usually said to start in the early spring with the emergence of tree pollens such as that of silver birch and finish with
moulds in October. However, it most commonly affects sufferers between the months of May and August.

A family history of allergy increases the risk of developing hay fever. The peak age of onset is in adolescence but it is increasingly common to
find people developing symptoms in their 20s and 30s.
Hay fever can be treated successfully with antihistamines but side-effects, such as sleepiness, may make that particular treatment less than
perfect. Although there is a good selection of so-called non-sedating antihistamines, even these can cause drowsiness in susceptible patients.
Therefore, because of its lack of side-effects, homeopathy can really come into its own in treating this distressing condition.
One of the most successful pieces of homeopathic research examined the treatment of hay fever sufferers with a remedy based on a
combination of hay fever triggers called Mixed pollens and grasses 30c. Dr David Reilly of the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital looked at the
effect on hay fever symptoms of giving a daily dose of the above remedy and compared it to giving a placebo. The result of the study showed
that homeopathy was significantly better than placebo in relieving the symptoms of hay fever and is a very powerful piece of evidence for the
effectiveness of homeopathy in general. Mixed pollens and grasses 30c can be given on a daily basis at the first signs of hay fever and
continued throughout the season.
Jenifer Worden MBChB MRCGP MFHom is a part-time NHS GP in Ringwood, Hampshire and has a private homeopathic practice in
Highcliffe, Dorset. She treats patients with a wide range of conditions and across the complete age range.

Healing the interconnected anatomy of ENT

Keith Souter looks at homeopathic medicines suitable for common ear, nose and throat problems
Otorhinolaryngology is the branch of medicine and surgery that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ears,
nose and throat (ENT), as well as head and neck disorders. People are very susceptible to a wide range of ailments that can produce
symptoms affecting the ears, nose and throat separately or together.
Respiratory problems are extremely common in general practice, accounting for almost 30% of consultations. Of these about half are due to
upper respiratory and throat infections. Homeopathic medicines when judiciously selected to cover the patients pattern of symptoms will often
shorten the course of the problem or even nip it in the bud. In addition, more chronic problems affecting the ears and nose such as perennial
rhinitis, nasal polyps, and some cases of tinnitus will often respond very well to homeopathic intervention.
Interconnected anatomy
The ears, nose and throat are all interconnected. The nose has several functions. Lined with sense organs it is, as we all know, the organ of
smell and is capable of detecting smells produced from as little as one molecule in a million. It also warms air and filters out particles and
bacteria from inspired air. The nasal passages link up with the facial sinuses which are cavities within the bones around the eyes and within
the cheek bones. A small structure called the Eustachian tube links the middle ear to the naso-pharynx which is the area of the upper throat
that lies behind the nose. This has the job of equalising the pressure inside the middle ear with that outside the body and is the organ
responsible for the popping sound you hear in the ears when you experience a change in altitude during a flight.
We describe the ear as having three parts: outer, middle and inner. The outer ear consists of the pinna which funnels sounds into the ear
canal; while the middle ear is a closed chamber containing the three small ear bones or ossicles which transmit sound to the inner ear. The
inner ear consists of the bony labyrinth, which has two components; the cochlea, or organ of hearing, and the semi-circular canals which
control balance. With the ear, nose and throat being so physiologically linked, it is easy to see how a problem with one organ can affect the
others.
Colds
Regardless of how under the weather it makes you feel, a cold is more of a minor ailment than a serious illness, yet it is one which has a huge
economic impact in terms of lost days at work. In homeopathy it is appreciated that people do not get a common cold, but get instead an
illness that is fairly unique to them. Streaming eyes, a running nose and frequent bouts of sneezing will easily be recognised as cold
symptoms, but its the subtle differences between these types of symptoms that homeopaths use to identify the correct remedy. Matching up
the symptom profile with an appropriate remedy profile means relief is close at hand. To illustrate this Ive put together a list of medicines and
the symptom profiles to which they are best suited.

Allium cepa: Think of the symptoms that peeling an onion induce and you have the picture of the type of cold that Allium cepa, a
homeopathic preparation of red onion, will alleviate. The eyes will be producing a watery discharge, but the nasal discharge may be
quite acrid and cause the nose to become sore and raw around the nostrils. Generally, people with these symptoms feel better for
being in the open air.

Euphrasia: This remedy is for colds that are producing symptoms that are the antithesis of those treated by Allium cepa. The
discharge from the eyes tends to be acrid and they may be quite inflamed, whereas the nasal discharge is bland.

Arsenicum album: Derived from the metallic element arsenic, this remedy is good for people who are neat, tidy and slightly fussy with
a tendency to get quite restless. Although the nose may feel blocked, it will run at the same time causing excoriation and soreness of
the skin above the upper lip.

Natrum muriaticum: This great polychrest a remedy that has a broad range of uses may be thought of when the cold is
characterised by violent sneezing. Personal traits of the patient for whom this remedy is best suited include being partial to salt, along
with a dislike of having a fuss made of them.

Nasal polyps
A nasal polyp is a benign, fleshy swelling that grows from the lining tissues of the nose and sometimes from the sinuses. They result in a
profound feeling of nasal blockage and are common in people who suffer from allergic conditions like hay fever or asthma. Men are four-times
more likely to get nasal polyps than women.
The Materia medica offers a number of remedies for this unpleasant nasal condition.

Pulsatilla: Catarrhal problems often plague people who need Pulsatilla. They also tend to be peevish, are rarely thirsty and prefer
being outdoors.

Sanguinaria: This remedy can also bring relief to people who develop polyps. Dominant characteristics of the patient could be a
hyper-sensitivity to smells which causes a reaction to flowers, aerosols and odours. And they may be prone to having more problems
on their right side.

Teucrium: This is actually the main homeopathic remedy for polyps, particularly if the individual has a history of other polyps, such as
fibroids or colonic polyps.

Nose bleeds
Everyone suffers from a nose bleed at some time or other. But if youre having recurrent nose bleeds then a medical assessment is sensible,
because nasal cautery may be needed. It may also be a symptom of an underlying health problem, so a trip to your GP to get your blood
pressure checked would be advisable. Nonetheless, Phosphorus may be indicated in people who have nose bleeds when excited, if the blood
is always bright red, and they tend to enjoy being centre stage.
Allergic rhinitis
This is inflammation of the nose, which often manifests as itching, sneezing and a runny nose. If it is definitely seasonal, from May to August,
then the individual may be reacting to tree or grass pollens in the early and middle season, then to fungal spores towards autumn. For this
problem Arundo is indicated for an intensely itchy nose. But Wyethia will be more suitable for itching at the back of the nose and palate.
Sore throats
Sore throats are another common ailment causing sufferers to take time off school and work. But once again there are a number of different
remedies that can be matched to specific symptoms.

Belladonna: A great sore throat remedy indicated when the persons throat suddenly becomes hot and sore and their tongue looks
strawberry coated. And they may be flushed but with a pallor around the mouth.

Calcarea carbonica: This great polychrest may help if there are large, doughy glands in the neck.

Lac caninum: This is the remedy to think of when the pain moves from one side to the other.

Lachesis: The sore throat starts of the left and the person hates the throat being touched. It may appear purplish. By contrast,
Lycopodium is associated with right sided sore throats.

Mercurius solubilis: Think of this when the mouth feels unclean and the tongue is coated with imprints of the teeth visible.

Phytolacca: The throat feels dry, but swallowing sends a sensation of electric shocks up into the ears.

Sinusitis

This usually follows a cold and results in pain around the eyes and over the cheeks. It can be extremely painful and debilitating. Belladonna is
often effective for sinusitis above the eyes. Hepar sulph comes to mind when the whole face feels sore and there is yellow nasal catarrh. Kali
bich may help when there is profuse yellow discharge, crusting of the nose and pain in the face, which gets worse when the patient is bending
over. Silica is indicated when there is extreme soreness and the head feels sore, is worse for noise, and the person wants to be wrapped up.
Earache
Generally, earache is cause by an ear infection and is most common in young children. There are a number of remedies that may help
including Belladonna, Hepar sulph and Pulsatilla, all of which have already been mentioned. But there are others too:

Ferrum Phosphoricum: Widely used as a quick-acting remedy for short-term conditions and suitable for treating earache particularly if
the patient is not feverish.

Aconite: When the earache comes on suddenly and the patient appears flushed, feverish and restless, then this remedy is indicated.

Vertigo
Vertigo is a feeling of being dizzy and off balance. It may occur as part of a cold or following a viral illness that affects the organs of balance in
the ears. It is worth trying treatment for up to a couple of weeks. But if it persists it is definitely advisable to have this investigated to exclude
Menieres disease, which affects the inner ear, or the presence of a more serious pathology such as an acoustic neuroma, a type of brain
tumour that develops from the lining of the auditory nerve.

Belladonna: Think of this if the patient is feverish and the vertigo is worse for turning in bed.

Borax: This is indicated if there is a fear of downward movement, such as in a lift.

Cinchona officinalis: Made from Peruvian bark, this is one of the main remedies. If the patients vertigo is part of a general infection,
then it is likely that Cinchona officinalis is the medicine for them. Generally, though, this remedy is associated with tinnitus (noises in
the ears) and headaches.

Cocculus indica: Another very effective remedy. It is the classic travel sickness remedy.

Many of the homeopathic medicines highlighted above are available over the counter from your local homeopathic pharmacy. However, it is
important to remember that if the symptoms persist you should always make an appointment to see a doctor.
Keith Souter MB ChB FRCGP MFHom MIPsiMed DepMedAc has a private holistic medicine practice and is a newspaper columnist
as well as the author of Homeopathy for the Third Age and Homeopathy: Heart & Soul.

Endometriosis
Anne Coates talks to Sarah Bagnall about how homeopathy helped relieve her painful periods and Sara Eames describes the
treatment she gave her for the condition
Sarah had been suffering from endometriosis and had been warned that she might have trouble conceiving naturally. Ever since her periods
had started at 15, Sarah had had problems. The first one was agonising. We got the doctor out in the middle of the night because we thought
I had appendicitis. I was vomiting and I had diarrhoea. The doctor also thought it was appendicitis and it was only when the bleeding began
the next day that we realised it wasnt.
The menstrual difficulties continued into her 20s. My periods were investigated a lot. Eventually I had a laparoscopy in 1994 and was
diagnosed with endometriosis throughout the abdomen. They said it might cause me fertility problems, as it was quite severe.
Over a course of about four to five years I tried quite a few different hormone treatments that induce menopause and stop your periods. This
wasnt very nice the side-effects were obviously quite nasty with night sweats and general hot flushes, excessive thirst, no periods, enlarged
breasts and weight gain. My sleep was interrupted Id probably drink about two litres of water during the night and then have to get up for the
toilet all the time!
I had no periods for about eight months. This was followed by six months of periods that were bearable not pain free and then they
gradually got worse until they were very painful. Then I had pain in between, pain on ovulation and I always had diarrhoea and vomiting
never very pleasant! My husband had only ever known me on some kind of hormone treatment I was always a bit of a hormonal mess.
Eventually, I said to the doctor that I didnt want any more hormone treatment. The gynaecologist then talked about surgical intervention,
which I didnt particularly fancy and warned me that the quality of my eggs might be quite poor. He suggested that I should try for a child
immediately.

It was a bit of a shock to my husband Matthew and me because we didnt really want to be pushed into starting a family when the
gynaecologist told us we should. We wanted to do it in our own time. We actually made a decision then after a long hard talk about it that it
wasnt the right time for us.
It was at about this time in 1998, that Sarahs father, Ashley Reynolds, a BHA Trustee, suggested going to the Royal London Homoeopathic
Hospital. Sarahs GP was supportive and after some initial difficulties she was given an NHS referral. Sarah, a nurse in the oncology
department of a London hospital was very sceptical of homeopathy at first.
I didnt really think it was going to do anything but I was also quite desperate to control my symptoms without further hormone treatment. So I
thought Id give it a go and see. I certainly didnt think it could help relieve the pain. To startwith it actually got worse they say it often can
and for the first two or three months I thought I dont want to carry on with this. But I did persevere and it did start to help.
The first doctor at the RLHH suggested remedies to control the symptoms. At first they didnt do much for the pain and then I went back and
we tried to get on top of the bleeding, making it less heavy, and that seemed to help much more. The bleeding was a lot lighter and the pain
was better. It continued to improve gradually over a six to eight month period to a point when I now only needed to take paracetamol. Prior to
that Id been taking ponstan, codeine and paracetemol. It was the homeopathic remedies that enabled me to reduce the painkillers. And I also
wasnt suffering with the diarrhoea or vomiting.
Sarah was advised to start trying for a baby about a year later and this fell in with Matthew and Sarahs plans. We had made a decision to
start trying in 2000 because I wanted to be pregnant by the time I was 30 so that if we did need extra assistance there was still plenty of time. I
spoke to the homeopathic doctor about my problems with conception and she suggested monitoring ovulation which I did for about seven
months. It was then that I realised I was only ovulating once every three or four months which was naturally not helping the situation. So the
doctor then started me on something to stimulate ovulation and that seemed to do the trick. Within four months I was ovulating most months
and then I fell pregnant about two months after that.
Sarah had a normal pregnancy and although she had been told her baby was small for dates, Emily weighed in at 7lb 8oz on 6 August, 2001.
During her pregnancy Sarah had taken homeopathic iron with great success. When she went into labour she did not use homeopathy but had
gas and air and the use of a tens machine to control the pain.
So would she now consider homeopathy for Emily? Shes already had homeopathic granules for colic when she was really little and I shall be
trying the homeopathic teething granules. As I said I was sceptical about homeopathy but Im so very glad that I tried it and I tell everyone
about it. I know it doesnt help everybody but it certainly benefited me. Ive just had my first period after having Emily it was totally pain free
with no diarrhoea or vomiting. I couldnt believe I was actually menstruating.
I am delighted both with my new grand-daughter and with the general improvement in Sarahs well-being. Before I was appointed as a
trustee of the BHA, I had little personal experience of homeopathy. Now I have seen with my own eyes what an effective form of treatment it
can be. I am very pleased that my involvement and recommendation has helped Sarah and her husband Matthew achieve such spectacular
results. Ashley Reynolds
Sara Eames outlines Sarahs treatment
Sarah first attended the homeopathic hospital in 1999. She had already been diagnosed as suffering from endometriosis and had tried a
variety of painkillers and hormonal treatments. These had controlled some of the symptoms but had also produced unwanted side-effects.
When surgery was suggested Sarah decided it was time to consider other ways of treating her problems.
As a senior nurse in charge of a large chemotherapy unit in London, Sarah was fairly new to the ideas of homeopathy but was willing to have
a go. This is typical of many patients we see in the womens clinic at the RLHH. Most have been down the route of conventional treatments
first and then start to look for other forms of help when the therapies fail or have unacceptably large side-effects.
When Sarah first attended the hospital she met Dr Anne Bowden who took a full homeopathic history and prescribed an overall constitutional
remedy. On review this treatment had reduced the terrible pain that Sarah had suffered each month. I took over her care and recommended
an increased strength of the remedy, Lycopodium, which she had taken. This continued to be effective and I also prescribed a local remedy,
Colocynthus, which helped further with the pain and heavy bleeding.
Early last year, although not completely cured, Sarah was suffering far less each month but was concerned as she was beginning to think
that the time was right to start a family but knew that she was not ovulating regularly and had already been warned that conception could well
be difficult because of her endometriosis. Many women are aware from the physical changes in their body when they ovulate and it is also
easy to use home test kits for ovulation, which can be bought over the counter.
I suggested to Sarah a combination of Oophorinum and Folliculinum to be taken at specific times of the menstrual cycle in order to stimulate
the ovaries function and encourage ovulation. Sarah began to ovulate each month and was delighted when she came back to the hospital to
tell me that she was pregnant.
If a pregnancy goes well as Sarahs did, I usually suggest an appointment about a month before the baby is due in order to discuss plans for
the birth. Sarah had mild anaemia in her late pregnancy and I prescribed her Ferrum phos daily to help with this. I also suggested Bellis

perennis which I use routinely to help with healing after childbirth.

I have recently seen Sarah and her baby and they are both well. I was especially interested when Sarah told me that her haemoglobin level
had risen noticeably after she had taken Ferrum phos regularly. What is so fascinating about Sarahs story is not only that her periods are less
of a problem and that she was able to conceive naturally but also that we have an objective measure of some of the changes which occurred.
So often homeopathy is said to be only a placebo but here we have a patient who was not expecting miracles from homeopathy and in
whom we were able to measure that ovulation had been regularly established after the ovarian remedies and that the haemoglobin level in the
blood rose after taking Ferrum phos.
Endometriosis is a strange condition. It occurs when the cells, which normally only form the lining of the womb, spread to other parts of the
body, particularly the pelvis. These cells are hormonally sensitive and change each month with the natural variations in hormones. It is these
changes in the cells outside their usual position which give rise to the severe pain of endometriosis.
This condition is extremely common but it is not clear if the incidence is rising or if it is simply being diagnosed more often now. It can be
helped by homeopathy in many different ways. As in Sarahs case the best approach is to try to prescribe the constitutional remedy that is
the remedy which suits her best as an overall person rather than being a specific cure for endometriosis. There are also local remedies which
can be used for specific problems such as pain and heavy periods or to support a patient before and after the surgery which is so often
necessary. Endometriosis is a common but complicated condition and it is important that anyone seeking homeopathic help is treated by a
fully qualified homeopath.
Sara Eames BSc MB ChB DGM MFHom is the Director of Education and a physician in the womens and childrens department of
the RLHH. She also has a private practice in north west London.

Endometriosis
Mollie Hunton discusses the homeopathic treatment of a condition that affects so many women
Endometriosis is a gynaecological complaint that seems to be becoming more common. It is defined as the presence of endometrium (the
lining of the womb) outside the uterus. The main symptoms are painful periods, heavy periods, pelvic pain, pain on intercourse, ovarian cysts
and sometimes bowel symptoms. It currently affects two million girls and women in the UK.
So how does it occur? There are a number of theories to account for the condition which involves retrograde spillage of endometrium down
the fallopian tubes during menstruation. The normal situation is that spillage is absorbed by the body, but in endometriosis it is not and so it
sits around in the pelvis wherever it lands, often on the ovaries. That suggests that the immune system in the pelvis is not working well. As it
can lead to blockage of the tubes and interference with ovarian function, it can also cause fertility problems.
Diagnosis is made by the gynaecologist carrying out a laparoscopy and having a look inside the pelvic cavity. As this method of diagnosis is
available now, it is readily used and as a result more cases are identified than 30 years ago when it was not available. It is carried out on
teenagers who complain of severe painful periods and is often found at that age. The youngest patient in my first study of this condition was
13 when it was diagnosed in her.
Usually in conventional treatment, hormones are used to suppress menstruation no periods, no endometriosis. It seems to work well in
some people despite merely suppressing symptoms and for those people badly affected, laser surgery may be advised. However, a lot of
people have side-effects to one of the main treatments, Danol. Others are not helped and for some women the symptoms return after stopping
the conventional treatment. For these women and those with fertility problems (the treatment means they have no hope of pregnancy whilst on
the medication) homeopathy is particularly useful.
Patient audits
As I was seeing a number of patients with endometriosis I decided to study their histories closely to see what I could learn. In homeopathy we
are interested in everything about the patient so each person had provided a lot of information about themselves, including their past histories.
This proved to be the most helpful aspect because it led me to a much better insight into their condition.
My first study of eight patients was to investigate whether homeopathic treatment was effective. The patients were seen in both general and
private practice. I used the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital outcome score to assess the patients responses, where +4 is cure of symptoms,
0 is no change and -4 is death. From my results, all patients had considerable relief of symptoms, especially of heavy periods, painful periods
and pelvic pain. All felt very well in themselves. However, I followed them up afterwards and some had had relapses. I needed to find out why.
Homeopathic remedies prescribed were for pelvic pain of which Apis helped but Belladonna did not seem to. The most useful remedies were
Folliculinum and Oophorinum, both made from different parts of the ovary. These two remedies are given in a sequence that I worked out in
studying this group of patients. One tablet of Oophorinum 30c is given daily from days five to nine inclusive and Folliculinum 30c is given, one
daily, from days 10 to 14 of the menstrual cycle. The remedies are indicated where there is irregularity of the cycle, ovarian cysts or infertility.
This regime is also used to good effect by other doctors as previously reported by Dr Sara Eames. I also prescribed Candida 30c, Carcinosin
for one woman who had a strong family history of cancer, Lachesis, Pulsatilla, Sepia, Sulphur, Nux vom and Calc carb I prescribed for locals
and for the constitutional remedy.

I noticed that endometriosis can occur at any age between puberty and the menopause and there was often a history of multiple repeated
courses of antibiotics and recurrent attacks of thrush. Women experienced a lot of stress and often had poor diets high in sugar. I thought that
this could be related to poor immune system function, poor or uncoordinated tubal and uterine motility function which would cause pain and
what I came to call the tough ovary syndrome. This seemed to fit in with the observations of absent, poor or late ovulation. The ovum could
not escape, or found it difficult, from an ovary with a tough capsule. In this situation the regime of Oophorinum 30c and Folliculinum 30c were
indicated, and in fact produced two pregnancies in three women who were trying. Why did the condition relapse? Both the people who
became pregnant relapsed, one after stopping breastfeeding and both after relaxing their diets.
Second group
Encouraged by the information I discovered by auditing the patients I had already treated, I decided to do a second audit some years later. I
wanted to find out what I had learned from the first audit and how this knowledge would affect my approach to handling the situation in future.
Also, could I learn anything more?
From the first audit I had learned that:

All the patients consulted me because of the failure of their medical treatment or because of side-effects from their medication.

Endometriosis responds well to the homeopathic method.

Pregnancy could be achieved.

Remedies needed to be prescribed on all levels: locals, nosodes, isodes and constitution.

Diet and supplements are very important.

The second group of eight patients had once again all been diagnosed by laparoscopy and all had their own variation on the symptoms and
signs. At this point I took an in-depth look at the Repertories Synthesis and Cara to see if I could find more useful remedies. It is quite
complicated in that there are at least five rubrics (lists of remedies) that could be used for painful periods; for example in the female chapter
menses, painful and pain, uterus, menses before; and in the abdomen chapter pain, site, menses before, pain, menses before or during
and pain, cramping, menses before. It meant that case history-taking needed to be very exact.
It also made me look closely at the actual remedies needed to see how they related to the pelvic organs. I had not realised that the doctors
who compiled the repertories knew so much. We know very little about ovarian pain and its causes, but these are frequently mentioned in the
Repertory. We also think that pre-menstrual syndrome is a modern disease, but it is all there in the Repertory, which was first published in
1912. It helped to find unusual symptoms, like the more the flow, the greater the pain which has only one remedy for it Cimicifugia.
I had the feeling following up the first group of patients that this problem was more difficult than I had first envisaged. Over time women had
returned with relapses. I decided to take a more careful look at the second group to see what it was that brought them back. The problems
were likely to be that my prescribing had not been accurate enough, there were obstacles to cure or new problems had arisen which once
again had depleted the immune system.
This analysis showed that painful and heavy periods were easier to treat and all patients felt better after the first consultation. Pelvic pain
seemed more difficult to treat and was often the symptom that made people return for another consultation. The interesting thing which
seemed to emerge was how many people had a history of frequent antibiotic usage from childhood. I therefore compared this group of
patients with another group matched for age, but with different problems. Only one of the matched group had had antibiotics, whereas all the
endometriosis group had. Relapses occurred after dietary lapses with sugar intake and with stressful life events.
The remedies I used this time fell into three groups:
Constitutional: Sulphur and Nux vom seemed to be frequently needed in view of the problems with previous antibiotic usage. The question
is, does being a Sulphur type of patient make you more likely to have a condition that needs antibiotics, or does having a lot of antibiotics
cause a Sulphur state?
Nosodes and isodes: remedies made from diseased tissue or harmful medication for example Oophorinum (ovarian gland) Folliculinum
(ovarian follicle), Candida.
Locals: remedies for symptoms or signs Lachesis for left-sided ovarian cysts or pain, Palladium for right sided problems.
Conclusions
Relapses follow stressful events and dietary lapses. Pregnancy is difficult to achieve if the patient is older; has had endometriosis for some
time; has associated pelvic problems like fibroids; has a poor diet or has problems with alcohol or cigarettes.
Treatment with homeopathy is on all levels, locals, generals, nosodes and constitutional, and is well worth considering. No one became
worse. Patients should be able to reduce or stop their conventional medication.

Annes story
Aged 37, Anne had had a laparoscopy and D&C and had been told she had endometriosis stage III (I is mild and IV is severe). She
complained of severely painful, heavy periods with clots, pelvic pain and infertility. She had been prescribed Danazol which caused her periods to disappear. This was no help as she wanted to become pregnant and time was running out. She had joined the Endometriosis Society
and had read about homeopathy in their newsletter.
Previously she had been on the pill for seven years which would have masked the symptoms of endometriosis, so she only noticed the
symptoms when she stopped taking it 18 months previously. In her teens she had had recurrent throat infections and had had repeated
courses of antibiotics. She experienced recurrent attacks of thrush ever since. She also suffered from premenstrual migraine.
I advised Anne to follow a no-sugar diet to help the gut recover from Candida. (Thrush is yeast and only grows in the presence of sugar.) This
means reading packets and tins for glucose, sucrose, maltose and dextrose. Fructose, a fruit sugar, does not seem to affect the Candida.
Anne decided to stop taking the Danazol. I prescribed Candida 30c, one daily for 10 days and Sulphur 30c one three times in one day, every
two weeks. I also suggested she take Magnesium OK daily because a high dose of magnesium would help with uterine and tubal spasm and
therefore pain, and omega oils (fish and evening primrose oils) which provide the raw materials to make prostaglandins hormones which
govern the contractions of the uterine muscle.
After four months Anne returned not having had another attack of thrush. She now complained of pain and numbness in both groins, heavy
periods, bright red with clots. For the next cycle she took Oophorinum 30c daily on days 10 to 14, and Belladonna 30c as required for pelvic
pain or migraine. The following month she became pregnant; her pregnancy progressed normally and produced a baby girl. She was
delighted and breastfed the baby for a year. After stopping breastfeeding her symptoms returned and needed Oophorinum for three cycles to
bring relief. She also took Lachesis 30c for her migraine and pelvic symptoms. A year later she had an early miscarriage followed by another
normal pregnancy.
Julias story
Now aged 41, Julia remembers having recurrent thrush all her adult life. She had her first baby aged 25, who took a year to conceive. A
second child then took eight years to conceive. Whilst having infertility investigations she had a laparoscopy which showed the endometriosis.
Her left tube was blocked and her right scarred. She became pregnant after treatment with Clomiphene which is a conventional drug to aid
ovulation. She now complained of a left sided ovarian pain. She had a past history of taking antibiotics for acne and Chlamydia infection
(which scarred her tubes) and for recurrent cysts on the eyelids. She had, unfortunately, been a chocoholic. She was fastidious, chilly and a
worrier.
I prescribed Candida 30c one daily for 10 days then weekly, and Arsenicum album 10M one days dose of three tablets and Oophorinum 30c
days nine to 14 of the cycle. Six weeks later she felt considerably better. The ovarian pain had considerably improved, but she had had a
return of her old symptom of an infected eye cyst which had got better without the need for antibiotics. When next seen seven months later
she had reduced the Candida tablets to monthly and had no pain from the endometriosis. She consulted about another problem.
Mollie Hunton MB BS DRCOG FFHom teaches homeopathy to undergraduates at Birmingham Medical School. She is President of
the Midlands branch of the Faculty of Homeopathy and has a private practice.

Love, hate & jealousy

Keith Souter explores those unfathomable emotions that are often at the root of our distress
It is said that love makes the world go round. It has also been said that hate keeps it spinning. The sheer power of these emotions has been
recognised since the beginnings of time.
It is probably true to say that love is the most unfathomable of the emotions. The Ancient Greeks, those masters at encapsulating sentiments
and emotions into the form of deities, made the goddess Aphrodite the very essence of love. It is likely that she was derived from the earlier
Assyro-Babylonian goddess Ishtar, a voluptuous warrior deity, and the Syro-Phoenician goddess Astarte, patron deity of orgies. The spread of
the various cults and the amalgamation of one into another would have been inevitable in those dim and distant days when one maritime
power traded, fought and overcame another.
And so Aphrodite came to be venerated throughout the Aegean. But just as today we recognise different types of love, so too was Aphrodite
known by different names in different centres according to the character of the love which was being represented. Thus Aphrodite Urania, the
celestial Aphrodite, was the goddess of pure or ideal love. Aphrodite Genetrix or Nymphia, was the protector of marriages. Aphrodite Porne
was the goddess of lust, venal love and the patroness of prostitutes. Finally, Aphrodite Anosia (the impious) was the goddess of unfaithful
lovers. She was the goddess of gracious laughter, sweet deceits, the charms and delights of love.
Not only was Aphrodite worshipped, but she had a retinue of other deities who loved her, followed her or supposedly had played important
parts in her life. Among these was Eros, (Cupid to the Romans) a beautiful winged deity who fired arrows from a golden quiver at unsuspecting mortals. The effect was instant love and passion, as if the wounded party had been smitten in the heart.
Another was Psyche (meaning the soul). According to legend she was a maiden of such beauty that Aphrodite herself became jealous. In

order to teach the mortal a lesson she sent Eros to punish her. As it happened, Eros fell in love with her and visited her nightly, until her two
sisters urged her to discover his identity. Eros left her and she went through agonies as she tried to recapture her lost love. For Aphrodites
part, jealousy deepened to become the most bitter hatred.
This little aside into the realms of Ancient Greek mythology is fairly instructive. It shows that there are many different types of love, and that
pride, jealousy and bitterness can all be somehow related in the dynamics of relationships. Hate, the negative of love, can stem from any of
these. They are all deep and powerful emotions which may lie at the heart of our distress and be the roots of a myriad of ailments.
Love-sickness
By this term I refer to those conditions which come about through unrequited or disappointed love. They can vary from the loss of interest in
life of the proverbially heart-broken, to stress-induced asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, or even the development of degenerative diseases.
Nowadays we recognise the condition of Broken Heart Syndrome, whereby the sudden loss of a loved one can result in a state that mimics a
heart attack. Research has demonstrated that this is actually a stress cardiomyopathy. It comes about through the release of adrenaline and
other stress hormones, which effectively stun the heart. At its worst it can be fatal, but usually it is entirely reversible.
Broken relationships, marital breakdowns, family squabbles all of these can produce problems in the individual beyond the initial trauma,
sometimes for many years. Pinpointing this may lead to a means of easing distress. The following remedies may help.
Aurum metallicum for great depression and possible self-harming or suicidal thoughts in generally melancholic types.
Calcarea phosphorica for fretfulness, skin problems, vertigo, migraine and rheumatic problems, coming on after unrequited love. They are
often worse the more they think about the problem. They are better on their own, although they cannot settle and move from room to room.
Causticum for illness or ailments after disappointed or unrequited love in oversensitive types who are always sensitive to the plight of
others, despite their own cares and woes.
Cimicifuga for depression and the feeling of impending doom after an unsuccessful romance. They may develop painful conditions that feel
like electric shocks. Women may suffer gynaecological problems.
Hyoscyamus for severe restlessness, even amounting to fits after a disappointed love affair. May become jealous, suspicious or angry and
may tear up love letters or destroy all reminders of their former partner or lover.
Ignatia the great remedy of loss. Reactions may be quite hysterical. There is usually a tendency to the three Ss sitting, sighing and
sobbing.
Natrum muriaticum for the development of ailments like migraine with zig-zag vision, depression, palpitations and skin problems after
disappointment in a relationship, in melancholic types who are always worse for consolation. They may keep their tears for private moments.
Sepia for loss of interest in everything and indifference to everyone, even their loved ones. They may have a general tendency to be brown
and down, but some physical activity (classically dancing) may transiently lift them.
Staphysagria for disappointed love in extremely sensitive people, where there may be violent outbursts. Pride is characteristic and they
may feel indignant because of the personal slight. They may bottle things up and become quite ill.
Hate
Hate is one of the hardest emotions to live with. Whereas love is associated with the heart, hate has been associated with the soul. When it
persists for long enough it can almost literally seem to eat away at the soul. All positive emotions become forfeit to the unrelenting burning
heat of hate.
When hate rears its head it can never do the individual any good. All sorts of ailments may arise, yet not be linked up with this emotion. It is
one of the negative emotions that the individual needs help to release. Homeopathic remedies may help, along with other psychological or
counselling techniques.
Anacardium orientale is a very useful remedy in easily offended, hypochondriacal types. They become vindictive and malicious in their
hate, although they often seem to vacillate in their decision-making. They may be subject to mood swings; at times being vitriolic with a desire
to swear and rant, while at other times they seem on the point of forgiveness. This polarity is characteristic, as is a basic inferiority feeling.
They may secretly feel inferior to the object of their hatred.
Cuprum metallicum for hate in those people who get fixed ideas in their mind. They become suspicious and spiteful. If they can even a
score they most assuredly will. They tend to suffer spasms and cramps and may be aware of a metallic taste in their mouth.
Lachesis for hate in talkative or loquacious types. They can become extremely angry and will look for a means of verbally hurting the target
of their anger, and then when they have them at their mercy they go that bit further. It is as if they have a desire to put the knife in (figuratively
speaking) and then give it a twist for extra measure. They may feel bloated at times and generally hate having constrictive clothing about their

necks.
Natrum muriaticum for hate in melancholic types who are easily offended and who tend to hold grudges, often for years. They can actually
seem to nurture their hatred, which they find totally justifiable. They are worse for consolation and generally have a craving for salty foods.
Nitric acidum these people cannot and will not forget a slight, and may feel totally unable to forgive. They themselves find it difficult ever to
apologise. They cannot let matters drop and may be incessantly bringing the subject up with family and friends, to the point of losing
sympathy. They are generally prickly in nature and may pester people about their problems and their health.
Phosphorus for hate in creative, artistic types who are very sensitive. They generally like being the centre of attention and dislike being
shoved from that position, easily developing a hatred of the one who upstages them. They may hold grudges and their temper may erupt
swiftly like a newly-struck match.
Sulphur for those people with a strong sense of justice. They can develop hatred of institutions and organisations. They may be of a
philosophical nature, with a tendency to slouch, lean and fidget. They can be extremely good campaigners, because they are so passionate in
their hatred.
Jealousy
William Shakespeare was the first to describe jealousy as the green-eyed monster inThe Merchant of Venice and then Othello, which is a
masterful description of this awesome emotion. Those who are afflicted by it can find themselves perpetrating great acts of maliciousness or
smaller deeds of spite. It is a completely negative emotion which can cause harm to the individual, as well as to others through the actions of
the jealous person.
Defining jealousy is difficult, but I believe that Spinoza encapsulated it when he described it as a mixture of hate and love.
When there is a real conscious feeling of jealousy, then the following remedies might help.
Apis mellifica for those who tend to be as busy as bees. They can be workaholic, controlling types who can be very irritable when
crossed. They can be stung by jealousy and be very protective of family and loved ones. When anyone threatens their security, their home,
their relationship, they will be prepared to sting back. They have a highly suspicious nature. Physically they are subject to problems with
mucus membranes, skin and joints. They tend to be clumsy.
Arsenicum album for fussy, tidy, restless people. They may become jealous of anyone who possesses neater or more aesthetically refined
things than themselves.
Hyoscyamus for talkative, suspicious types who tend to be immodest. Their jealousy may be so intense that they may act rashly and make
a fool of themselves. They may go into fits of laughter about inconsequential matters. They may also develop a fear of being poisoned, so will
become suspicious of food, medicines and drinks.
Lachesis for talkative, suspicious people who often experience bloating. They are highly susceptible to jealousy and may be driven to fits of
temper which comes out as verbal abuse. This jealousy pattern may be apparent in females premenstrually, or around the time of the
menopause.
Lycopodium for worried, highly-strung individuals who anticipate events with fear, often for a disproportionately lengthy period of time
beforehand. They may envy people who can carry off any situation, while they agonise for days. They tend to be professionals and may
become acutely jealous of their colleagues attainments or popularity.
Nux vomica for fiery, irritable types who tend to use stimulants. They are constantly pressured and are often high-achievers. Their jealousy
smoulders on and they are liable to bouts of irritability. They are impatient, never satisfied with their lot and prone to jealousy. They are often
plagued with digestive problems.
Pulsatilla for timid, weepy types who are very changeable. They are easily influenced by others. They get peeved at people, become
jealous very swiftly, yet will tend to bottle their emotions up. They are rarely thirsty and have to be reminded to drink.
Stramonium for intense, talkative types. They tend to have rapid mood changes and although they may seem placid, they can flare up and
feel as if they could do violence. They can bite, scratch or strike out when in such a mood. They tend to be full of fears; of the dark, of animals,
and of being alone. Jealousy may seem totally out of context. They may be prone to stammering.
Dosage
These remedies can be extremely useful in people who have problems with these emotions, or in whom ailments have come about as a result
of these deep and powerful emotions. The right remedy in these states can be liberating.
As to the inevitable question of potency, when dealing with emotions and conditions arising from emotions, I find that the higher potencies
work best. For an individual using these remedies the 30c taken twice or three times a day for three days should, if appropriately selected, be
adequate to start the re-balancing process.

Keith Souter MB ChB FRCGP MFHom MIPsiMed DipMedAc is a part-time GP in Yorkshire. He also has a private holistic medicine
practice and is a newspaper columnist as well as the author of Homeopathy for the Third Age and Homeopathy: Heart & Soul.

Managing eczema
Sarah Buckingham discusses how homeopathy can have more to offer than conventional treatment and includes case studies
from Sara Eames and Jayashree Shah
It is no surprise that eczema is the most frequently referred condition to the homeopathic hospitals. If you have suffered with eczema you will
know that conventional medicine struggles to deal with this often very uncomfortable illness, and treatments are palliative rather than curative.
Antibiotics, antihistamines and steroids are on offer to manage symptoms and these may help in the short-term, but can become ineffective
over time or less well tolerated. Recently, new immunosuppressive drugs have been introduced to tackle severe eczema, including what are
known as topical calcineum inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus). But a report in the British Medical Journal in 2006 judged that the formal
evidence is lacking for the efficacy of these agents in patients who have failed to respond to topical steroids. Patients are also worried
about the long-term effects of using strong topical corticosteroid cream, which can cause atrophy or thinning of the top layer of the skin.
Eczema varies in severity from a few small patches of dry, itchy redness to an extreme skin condition which can cover most of the body. In
acute cases there may be weeping, crusting and bleeding. Atopic eczema is the most common form. The genetic pre-disposition to develop
allergic reactions to substances, or atopy, is known to run in families and atopic eczema sufferers will often have relatives who suffer with the
condition too, and perhaps also have asthma or hay fever. Other types of eczema include contact dermatitis which is caused by environmental
or occupational factors and seborrhoeic eczema, which occurs mainly on the scalp and face, often starting off in the form of dandruff which
progresses to redness, itching and scaling.
The National Eczema Society (NES) estimates that up to one in five children and one in 12 adults will experience the condition in one form or
another. Severe eczema in a child can have a massive effect on the whole family and parents are understandably worried about using large
amounts of steroid creams to keep it under control. A regime of applying emollients and steroid creams coupled with complicated bandaging is
time-consuming; children are often irritable and eat poorly as they feel so uncomfortable. Severe itching can interrupt sleep for everybody and
children can feel stigmatised at school if their rash is visible. For all these reasons people often seek homeopathic treatment.
Homeopathic treatment
There is evidence from both clinical trials and patient outcome studies to show that homeopathy can have great results in eczema. A recent
study of 118 eczema patients published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine journal reported that homeopathy was as effective as
standard conventional treatments in the short-term and more effective than them in the longer term. In addition, patients themselves have
reported improvements in their condition after homeopathic treatment: at Bristol Homeopathic Hospital a six-year study of patient outcomes
found that 82 per cent of eczema patients under 16 said they felt better or much better. Similar results have been reported at the other
homeopathic hospitals. There are many possible causative factors in a case of eczema which can affect the choice of homeopathic medicine,
so it is essential for the homeopathic doctor to collect as much information as possible during the consultation.
As already mentioned, eczema is frequently linked with other conditions and so it is valuable to spend plenty of time finding out about all the
medical problems in the family. The consultation might involve going into detail about the pregnancy, birth and early years of the patient and
finding out about significant events in their life.
A number of homeopathic medicines are known to have an affinity with the skin and there is a variety of approaches that can be used
specifically in eczema. One of the most successful methods is to find and prescribe the constitutional remedy, that is, the remedy that fits the
overall person their mental and emotional state, their likes and dislikes, and what makes their condition (and themselves) worse or better
as well as their local skin symptoms. Sulphur, Natrum muriaticum and Arsenicum album are examples of homeopathic medicines prescribed in
this way for the eczema patient.
Whilst finding the constitutional remedy for the patient is the optimum way to treat eczema, it is not always possible, especially in babies.
Fortunately there are other therapeutic models in homeopathy that have great usefulness in eczema cases. Parents have often already made
some link between an event in their childs life and the onset or worsening of their eczema. These can be significant events such as
separation from a parent or carer, the birth of a new baby in the family, the introduction of new foods into the diet, a seemingly unrelated
illness, or an accident. There is a range of homeopathic medicines known to be useful in these situations, so that when there is a clear link
with the onset or worsening of symptoms, this approach is particularly successful. Natrum muriaticum can be useful after a child has been
separated from the mother, and Pulsatilla is indicated if the onset of symptoms happens around puberty.
As well as using these approaches it is useful to add localised treatments, because eczema can be such a distressing condition. These can be
in the form of homeopathic medicines based on the presenting symptoms, rather than, or in addition to, the constitutional method. A remedy
such as Graphites is useful for a crusty, cracking eczema which oozes a sticky, honey-coloured fluid. Sulphur might be indicated for a red,
burning itchy rash, worse for heat and water. Localised treatments can also be applied directly to the skin, in the form of ointments, tinctures
and creams. A combination of Calendula and Urtica urens is a really helpful mixture to sooth the skin.
Trigger factors
It might also be useful to look at environmental factors that may be triggering or aggravating the eczema. House dust mites, pets, mould, heat
and humidity are all aspects of the home environment that can trigger a flare-up. There may be circumstances in the workplace that have an

effect too occupations at greatest risk of developing contact dermatitis for example are chefs, hairdressers, metal workers, nurses, cleaners
and construction workers.
According to the NES children under five are at greatest risk of having their symptoms worsened by food allergies and it is thought that in
around 30 per cent of children with eczema, food may be a contributing factor. It probably goes without saying that a healthy diet based on
fresh, additive-free foods is beneficial. In addition some people are allergic to specific foods a combination of homeopathic treatment,
improved nutrition and desensitisation should help to calm allergic reactions.
Ten helpful tips from the National Eczema Society

Bath in warm water, not hot. Heat increases the itch. Do not use bubble baths which contain detergents and will irritate the skin.

Avoid soap which is drying to the skin, use a soap substitute instead.

Apply emollients frequently and liberally.

Immediately after bathing apply emollient as this will help trap the water under it and thereby aid re-hydration.

Small children and the elderly should use a bath mat as emollients can make the bath slippery.

Wash clothes in the minimum effective quantity of non-biological, un-perfumed washing powder. Give clothes an extra rinse. Avoid
fabric conditioners.

Wear cotton or silk next to the skin. Wool and man-made fibres can irritate the skin. Use cotton sheets and duvet covers.

Keep bedrooms cool, overheating makes eczema worse. Warm, moist environments also encourage house dust mites.

Keep pets out of the bedroom, animal dander can make eczema worse.

Regular damp dusting and vacuuming will help to keep the dust levels down.

Eczema case study 1

Melody Baker decided to seek out homeopathic treatment for her son after little success down the conven-tional avenues. Drews eczema had
started around the age of one, at first in small patches on the insides of his elbows. These never went away and then gradually the eczema
spread down his forearms to his hands, which were very bad by the time he was two and a half.
Melody took Drew to the GP who prescribed steroid cream and wraps. These did not help his skin and Melody tried Chinese medicine to find a
cure. On the whole this was not effective, though one of the treatments did result in Drew being quite free of eczema for a few years.
However, Drews eczema came back with a vengeance when he started secondary school. It appeared on his hands, spread up his arms to
his chest, neck and face and also to his tummy and legs. He was covered in it. Melody asked their GP for help but he could only offer a
stronger steroid cream, which she did not want to use on her sons skin. She asked for a referral to the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital
(RLHH) and Drews homeo-pathic treatment started in January 2008.
Dr Sara Eames saw Drew, now 14, at the RLHH and after only three appointments there was a very significant improvement. The eczema
cleared from his face, chest, tummy, neck and arms. He still has some on his hands, but Melody feels the homeopathic medicine and cream
are really helping him.
Homeopathic treatment will often result in an all-round improvement and an increase in the sense of well-being, alongside improvements in
the main symptoms. This is certainly what Drew found. I like having the homeopathic medication because its natural and since taking it, it
has made me feel better on the inside as well as the out-side. I would describe it as feeling fresh inside.
Melody was grateful to get a referral for her son on the NHS. I feel so lucky. The treatment really does seem to be helping Drews eczema
and I feel reassured that there are no side-effects and there will be no long-term damage to his skin. Drew is much happier too: My skin is
not as dry and doesnt feel tight anymore. The eczema has totally cleared from my chest and stomach area and improved in other places.
Eczema case study 2
Waqas case was quite similar to Drews in that his eczema was much worse in the summer and it flared up badly when he was under pressure or was anxious. Waqas had suffered from eczema since the age of two and his condition was described as intractable by his doctors.
After many GP visits for creams, emollients and steroid treatment, followed by a full dermatology consultation and a stay in hospital, Waqas
skin was no better and his mother, Rubina, was at her wits end: Wed given up.

During a very bad flare-up at age 13, Rubina was approached by Dr Jayashree Shah, a GP at the same NHS practice who had just completed
her Faculty-accredited homeopathic training. When Dr Shah heard about Waqas case she suggested they might try using homeopathy.
Waqas and his mother had barely heard of homeopathy and Rubina admitted she and her husband were sceptical. To be honest, we thought
it was a bit of a gimmick and wouldnt have chosen the treatment ourselves! But after their first consultation, at which Waqas told his own
story to Dr Shah, Rubina noticed a difference in him. After three appointments spread over a period of four months, Waqas experienced a
gradual improvement, was able to stop using his creams and for an 18-month period was completely free of eczema. It was as if he had
never had it.
Since then there have been few flare-ups and Waqas has learned to observe the signs of a flare-up in his condition through the better
understanding of his emotional side that has come through his homeopathic encounter. Through GCSEs and A Levels, he has managed the
flare-ups himself with his individually prescribed homeopathic medicine.

Eczema in children
Sara Eames describes how she treats this relatively common problem
In the childrens clinic at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, eczema is one of the most frequent reasons for referral. It varies in
severity from a few small patches to a severe skin condition which can cover most of the body.
It appears to be an increasingly common condition and the allopathic treatments available are palliative rather than curative, and may be
associated with long-term side effects. Severe eczema in a child can have a massive effect on the whole family. Complicated creaming and
bandaging regimes are very time-consuming and children are often irritable and eat poorly as they feel so uncomfortable. Severe itching can
interrupt sleep for everybody and children can feel stigmatised at school if their rash is visible. For all these reasons people often seek
homeopathic help for their children.
History taking is a vital part of the art of homeopathy and, as there are many possible causative factors in a case of eczema, which can effect
the choice of a homeopathic remedy, it is essential to collect as much information as possible.
Eczema is often linked with other allergic conditions so I like to find out as much as possible about any other medical problems in the child or
his family and I also go into as much detail as possible about the pregnancy, birth and early life of the child.
The choice of homeopathic treatment is a wide one as there are many remedies, which affect the skin, and a variety of treatment models
which can be used. One of the most successful ways is to prescribe the constitutional remedy for the child, that is the remedy that fits the
overall person, not just the local skin symptoms. Examples of remedies commonly used in this way include many well known homeopathic
treatments such as Sulphur, Calc carb and Arsenicum album.
There is often a strong family history of allergic conditions, or other diseases in a case of eczema. When Hahnemann was developing his
principles of homeopathy he noted the strong predisposition to various disease types in different families and postulated an inherited
explanation for this in his theory of miasms. This approach is still extremely relevant today and in the treatment of eczema it is often essential
to consider this miasmatic approach and prescribe a relevant nosode. I find it very useful either when there is a clear family history of certain
diseases or when a constitutional remedy seems to suit a child very well but does not produce a complete cure.
There are many other treatment models which are useful for eczema. I find very commonly that parents have often already made some link
between an event in their childs life and the onset or worsening of their eczema. These can be a variety of things such as separation from a
parent or carer, the birth of a new baby in the family, the introduction of new foods into the diet, a seemingly unrelated illness or vaccinations.
The beauty of homeopathy is that there are remedies which are known to be useful in these situations and I find that when there is a clear
aetiological link with the symptoms, homeopathic treatment is particularly successful.
Thus Nat mur can be useful after a child has been separated from his mother, or a remedy made from the chickenpox virus can help if a child
has never been well since having had that illness. If a babys eczema has worsened soon after a specific vaccination then he can be treated
with a general remedy to help after vaccinations, such as Thuja, or with a specific remedy made from the vaccination itself.
Local treatments
As well as using a mixture of these overall approaches, eczema can be such a distressing condition that it can be really helpful to use local
treatments as well. These can be in the form of homeopathic remedies based on the local symptoms. Examples of these would be Sulphur for
a red, burning, itchy rash, worse for heat and water or Graphites for a crusty, cracking eczema which oozes sticky, honey coloured fluid. Local
treatments can also be applied topically in the form of creams, ointments and tinctures. I find Calendula and Urtica urens a particularly helpful
mixture.
Lifestyle changes
In combination with a homeopathic approach it is nearly always necessary to give nutritional and lifestyle advice. All children will benefit from a
healthy diet based on fresh, additive-free foods. In addition, some children have severe allergic reactions to specific foods which need to be
avoided in the short term and which can often be reduced by a combination of overall homeopathic treatment, improved nutrition and

desensitisation, in the longer term.

Case histories
Two children whom I have recently seen at the RLHH illustrate the combination of various homeopathic strategies in the treatment of eczema.
Steven age three was covered in eczema when I first met him. He had a very dry scaly skin, which bled profusely when he scratched it. He
slept poorly at night due to the itching and always wanted to be in his parents bed, so none of the family was getting proper sleep. He had
been treated extensively by his GP and local hospitals, mainly with steroid creams and repeated courses of antibiotics when the skin looked
infected. He also had a tendency to get recurrent coughs and colds. In spite of all this he was an extremely lively, sociable boy who was
popular at nursery, sensitive to others feelings and loved to be the centre of attention.
He seemed a fairly typical Phosphorus child and a course of Phosphorus improved both his skin and his tendency to catch colds by about 50
per cent. When the dose was repeated and the strength increased, however, there was not much further improvement. His mother was
applying Graphites ointment locally and was able to give up the steroid creams completely, but I still felt we could improve things further.
He had a history of one grandparent having suffered from TB and his mother remembered that his cradle cap had worsened as a baby after
his BCG vaccination. On the basis of this I prescribed Bacillinum, a mixed tubercular nosode, and the improvement continued. His skin is now
virtually free of eczema and his resistance to colds much better.
Jana, a six year-old twin girl, was behaving badly at home as well as suffering from eczema. She had skin problems virtually all her life and
was in hospital at the age of one for this. All of the family had been traumatised by this event as Jana was petrified by the whole experience.
The parents could still remember and visualise the fear on her face and vowed never to let her go into hospital again. Since that time her skin
and behaviour had deteriorated. At home she was dictatorial, always wanted her own way and fought constantly with her twin, while at school
she was well behaved even though her skin was itching a lot in the warm classroom.
Based on her overall behaviour, the skin symptoms and the fact that she had been worse since a severe fright I prescribed her Lycopodium,
which has been a tremendous help both to her and her family! Her behaviour at home started to improve within a few days of the first dose
and her skin is now gradually improving too. She has also been able to stop her steroid creams and now uses Calendula and Urtica cream
which suits her well.
Eczema may at first glance seem a superficial condition but as can be seen it is often connected with a more complicated history. In my
experience parents can be very good at deciding when to repeat a dose of a remedy or in the selection of a local remedy, but I would always
advise a full homeopathic consultation with a well qualified practitioner to help with the treatment for the eczema.
Sara Eames BSc ChB DGM MFHom is the Director of Education and a physician in the womens and childrens department of the
RLHH. She also has a private practice in north west London.

Faith and perserverance

Alice Stainer tells Anne Coates how homeopathy cured her eczema
For as long as she can remember, Alice Stainer suffered from eczema. As a small child she had patches behind her knees and in the folds of
her arms but it didnt really impinge much on her life until she was 14 when she suffered a severe flare-up. It was all over my face and was
very painful. It also affected my eyes so much that the GP thought I had conjunctivitis.
I think it was hormone-related. My GP referred me to a dermatologist who prescribed steroid creams and moisturisers but they didnt really
help at all. The doctors assumed that moisturising is a good thing but for me it made the eczema worse. It became hotter and more
uncomfortable and itchy so I have to use moisturising creams very carefully.
Alices eczema didnt respond to orthodox treatment and when she was 15 a friend of the family who believed in holistic treatments, suggested
she try homeopathy. The friend had been treated by Dr Roy Welford so Alice made an appointment to see him privately. Dr Welford found an
appropriate remedy straightaway.
He prescribed six powders of Nat mur in increasing potencies to be taken on consecutive days and my eczema got better within a matter of
weeks, Alice remembers. I was then given a booster dose every six months. Alices family paid for the first consultation then a GP referral
meant she received her treatment with Dr Welford on the NHS at the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital.
Back to square one
With her eczema firmly under control Alice was able to continue her studies through her teens and to university.
The PCT had stopped funding homeopathic treatment after the second year of my degree at Oxford. But I had a stock of boosters and wasnt
too worried; I didnt think I would need more treatment. How wrong I was! It seems ironic that during the stressful period of my degree, which
was very intense both personally and academically, my eczema was fine, even during Finals. That is why I dont believe it is entirely stressrelated, although it undoubtedly exacerbates it.

Then, at the age of 21, just after she had finished her degree, the homeopathic boosters she had been taking suddenly stopped working. The
eczema started to encroach a lot more on my life. This time it was on my back and I had random flare-ups over my legs that went away on
their own accord after several weeks. My condition was a lot more unstable and erratic and then the next bout was one of the worst the
eczema was all over my neck and looked like a red collar!
At that time, Alice was taking a gap year working in Oxford. She rang Dr Welford and he gave her advice on the phone.
Alice went to Leeds University to study for her MA and then began her PhD on Henry James. From the age of 21 to 24 her eczema was
getting worse and was not under control. I never had total body cover but it was localised in big patches which I just tried to manage as best I
could. Sometimes I had a bit of a cry. I wasnt very happy in Leeds and the eczema was impinging more and more on my life.
The following summer when Alice was 24, she had a pub meal of tuna in a sauce and had an anaphylactic reaction. Within ten minutes I was
throwing up. I had to have adrenaline. I discovered afterwards that scombroid fish poisoning (when fish is not kept at the right temperature and
huge levels of histamine build up) mimics an allergic reaction.
Ive had tuna since and Ive been fine. But after that my eczema got a lot worse and appeared on my forehead where I had never had it
before. My skin looked like roof tiles and I couldnt frown. It was really bizarre. I had to vacuum my bed and room daily it didnt make me feel
good about myself I felt disgusting. By this point Id been prescribed oral steroids but they made no difference.
During the autumn term of 2002 she started to lose a lot of weight, she was not sleeping and was trying to hold down two jobs, one in the
main university library and one in the English faculty office at the same time as studying. At one point I had to see an emergency doctor and
apologised, saying I probably shouldnt have come but he said, no this is bad! I felt really weird and spaced out because I wasnt sleeping. I
didnt feel I was me. Everything was an effort, even brushing my hair and putting on clothes.
When I went home for Christmas, I just wasnt well enough to go back. My parents thought if I was at home Id get better. My GPs at home
were just not good with eczema and recommended steroids, then moisturiser then clingfilm it was humiliating being wrapped up by my sister
or mother before going to bed and it made my eczema worse. The GP wasnt very sympathetic saying that as the skin is the largest organ I
was bound to feel ill! Eczema had taken over my life to such an extent that normal life was just impossible.
Alice rang Dr Welford again and asked that if he couldnt see her, could he recommend another doctor. In January 2003, she saw Dr Julie
Geraghty who suggested that Alices body had changed so that the Nat mur was no longer working for her. I had long consultations with Dr
Geraghty to get the most from my personal history. It took a while to find the medicine that would work for me. She tried Ignatia first then we
had two near successes with Scots pine (I love Scotland and Scottish dancing) and then Lac suilinum, pigs milk. Both worked for a while then
stopped.
Then in August 2004 there was a major breakthrough when Alice was prescribed Lac lupaninum, wolfs milk. Initially I had a horrendous
aggravation (thats why I defy anyone to say homeopathy is a placebo!). I felt bits of me were falling off. My skin felt like I was rotting, it was so
fluid and weeping and I felt I smelled putrid. This lasted about three weeks and I was ringing Dr Geraghty quite often. I think she was shocked
at how vicious it was. After that the eczema started to clear a bit. Although when I recently saw a photo of me at that time I looked horrendous!
Then the improvement was quite dramatic. Dr Geraghty says I have a dynamic system so I heal quickly as well as get worse quickly. The
flare-ups stabilised gradually, each one a little less severe than before. These stabilised from the top down, apparently a sign that homeopathy
is working. Suddenly I could see patches of normal skin including in my ears which were weeping so much I had to put cotton wool in them to
stop it running down my face.
Alice was able to continue her PhD studies which she is completing in Oxford. Life is so much better now. Ill finish my PhD at Christmas and
I have an active social life as well as my singing and Scottish dancing which I had been forced to give up.
Julie Geraghty comments:
It has been a pleasure to work with Alice over the last three years and I am delighted that homeopathy has helped to improve her eczema
significantly and her quality of life. Alices eczema was exceptionally bad when I first saw her and what has impressed me about her is her
loyalty to the homeopathic process even when improvements were slow. She had not had positive experiences with steroid creams or oral
steroid treatments, and was also at one point strongly advised by a dermatologist to start the drug Methotrexate, a chemotherapy agent used
in severe cases of eczema and other inflammatory conditions. But she managed to keep going until we started the Lac lupaninum, wolfs milk,
which helped her the most. She became expert in balancing her lifestyle in terms of diet, moisturising regime etc. during the difficult times.
However I should point out that I do advise patients with bad eczema that they can use steroid creams sparingly in severely affected areas if I
have not been able to control the rash successfully with homeopathy. There are, of course, many different remedies one can use; it depends
entirely on the particular patient and their experience not only of their eczema, but of their life in general. So it can be quite a process to understand how that particular person views and experiences the world around them, and then to analyse the information in homeopathic terms.
Sometimes one does get it right first time, though! Also one remedy can help over a certain time period and then stop working, as in Alices
case with the Nat mur. One then needs to find a deeper acting remedy that fits the whole picture.
I have seen Alice blossoming over the last three years as her eczema improved and she was able to resume work on her PhD. Wolfs milk is a
relatively new addition to our homeopathic remedy selection, and is proving itself invaluable in many cases, not only eczema. It has themes in
common with the other milk or mammal remedies, like horses milk (Lac equinum), lions milk (Lac leoninum), dolphins milk (Lac delphinum).

People who need these remedies all have issues to do with needing their identity to be recognised within the group or family that they are part
of. In Lac lupaninum there are more specific issues to do with feeling isolated from and shunned by the group, which causes despair and
anger.
Alice felt that her eczema was isolating her and she often used the word disgusting when describing her skin during the bad phases. This is
an understandable reaction, however not all people with eczema will feel this way, and so we have to note what is most characteristic about
the particular patients feelings about their illness. I was very interested to hear from Alice that she has had a fascination about wolves since
childhood!
Julie Geraghty MBChB MFHom DCH is a full time homeopathic physician. She works at Bristol Homeopathic Hospital one day a
week and has a private practice in Bristol. She also teaches homeopathy to doctors and other health professionals both in the UK
and abroad.

From heart-burn to wind

Janet Gray explains the vagaries of the human digestive system
We are what we eat so the old adage goes, so maybe it is not surprising that many people have problems with their digestive system.
These problems can vary from a bit of indigestion occasionally, to serious and incapacitating inflammatory bowel disease.
Perhaps to start with it is instructive to look at the sort of foods that man evolved to digest. Primitive men were hunters and gatherers, so this
meant meat, when the hunters were in luck; fish, depending on where they lived; and roots and fruit, depending on the season. Grains were
not cultivated until much later, so many doctors and nutritionalists feel that this so-called stone-age diet is the one that the human system
can best handle. Along with the cultivation of grain crops came the domestication of cows, with dairy products becoming incorporated into
mans staple diet, although these are certainly not natural foods for humans.
Now all this is not to say that only meat, fish, fruit and vegetables should be eaten, and not grains or dairy products, because there are many
people who have cast-iron stomachs, and these foods present no problems at all. I am simply pointing out a possible starting point for those
who do find they have trouble with their digestion and first we have to be clear what is meant by indigestion.
What one person means may be poles apart from another persons complaint. One patient may be meaning heart-burn, whilst another may be
embarrassed at describing an excess of wind from the back passage!
So the first task is to take a really good history and find out exactly what it is that is troubling the patient, along with the modalities (qualifying
factors) of the condition.
Jeffs story
Jeff came to see me very disenchanted with his own doctor. He had had indigestion for years and investigations had shown up a hiatus
hernia, for which he had had conventional treatment, but the symptoms had not been controlled. Immediately after a meal he would develop a
severe pain under his left ribs, with a lot of wind. The pain was relieved by passing the wind. He also had a separate complaint of heart-burn,
which developed some two hours after a meal, and he had noticed it was much worse if he ate bread (which he loved). After more direct
questioning it transpired that he was upset by fats and pickles, although he liked both. Sweet things did not cause problems, but he disliked
spicy foods and curries. He was an anxious man, and admitted to being a perfectionist, but he was very emotional and had not really ever got
over the death of his father.
So here was a very complicated picture, with two different pathological diagnoses hiatus hernia and irritable bowel syndrome but he just
regarded it all as indigestion. No wonder his own GP could not sort him out only a holistic approach, such as homeopathy, would be likely
to make any headway.
I treated him with a combination of diet (excluding wheat and dairy) and homeopathy, but even so, it took me a while to get him symptom free.
The bowel nosode, Dys co, did the trick in the end, so much so that he is now able to eat wheat without any problems!
Common complaints
Heart-burn
This is usually, but not always, associated with the presence of a hiatus hernia, causing acid to reflux up the oesophagus (gullet), causing a
burning sensation in the chest. A hiatus hernia is simply an anatomical variation, present from birth, possessed by about 30 per cent of the
population. The stomach should normally sit just below the diaphragm so that the muscles of the diaphragm act as a sphincter(the cardiac
sphincter) to close off the top of the stomach and prevent its contents refluxing back up the oesophagus. If a hiatus hernia is present, the
stomach in effect has no method of closure, and so acid and other stomach contents are easily regurgitated.
This is often the cause in a baby who regularly throws up its last meal, and is immediately hungry again. The baby is however perfectly
healthy, and the problem is not solved until the child gets on its feet and walks! Gravity then keeps the stomach contents in place. I have found
Aethusa helpful in such cases, especially if there seems to be an intolerance of milk.
In an adult, a hiatus hernia may not cause any problems unless the person becomes overweight. Then the increased intra-abdominal fat will

push up the stomach, worsening the propensity to reflux. This is obviously worse lying down and on stooping, because gravity is no longer
able to help the stomach contents to stay down. Acid is secreted by the stomach mucosa (lining of the stomach) to digest the food, so
stomach contents are always very acid it does not take long, therefore, before the walls of the oesophagus become burnt by the action of
the acid, causing the typical pain of heart-burn. The stomach is lined by cells, which are usually acid-resistant, but the oesophagus has no
such protection.
A classical situation is an over-weight person who is woken at two in the morning by a severe burning pain behind the sternum, who has to sit
up and take a dose of an antacid to neutralise the acid, and thus relieve the pain. The pain can be so severe as to mimic a heart attack.
Advice should always be given about weight loss, and raising the head of the bed to assist gravity in its work.
Treatment
Graphites for a person who is overweight and has a rather lazy temperament. They often have rather coarse skin, and indeed often suffer
from skin problems. They are rather greedy, which is a problem for weight loss, but are averse to meat. They get a constricted feeling soon
after a meal and have to loosen their clothes. Unusually, their pain is relieved by lying down, so this feature is useful in keynote prescribing.
Pulsatilla indicated for someone with the changeable, emotionally demanding attitude typical of the remedy. Their indigestion comes on
straight after a meal too, and they are upset by a lot of foods, especially rich sauces cooked with cream and butter, pastries and pork. They
are thirstless, which is a useful prescribing feature.
Dyspepsia
This describes the sort of pain one would experience if suffering from gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or actual peptic ulceration. The
pain is located centrally just below the sternum, known in medical jargon as the epigastrium.
When the integrity of the lining of the stomach has been breached, it becomes open to acid-damage; this can be due to infection by a
bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by an excess of acid secretion. Research is still progressing as to the cause and significance
of an infection by H. pylori, and to the best regime of treatment.
The pains of dyspepsia are often sharp in nature, and are due to acid coming into contact with either a raw surface in the stomach or an actual
ulcer. Gastritis is the stage before ulceration when the gastric mucosa is simply inflamed and raw because of the action of the acid, but not
actually ulcerated.
The pain is often at its worst when the patient is hungry, as there is no food in the stomach to absorb the acid, and then again a few hours
after eating. It is often relieved by food or by antacids. The conventional treatment is by H2 (histamine 2) antagonists, such as Cimetidine,
which stop the secretion of the acid. This often renders the patient pain-free very quickly, but unfortunately we need our acid to digest our
food, so the patient may run into other digestive problems in the long term. The patient may also be given H. pylori eradication therapy, if they
have tested positive to the bacteria, involving strong doses of antibiotics, which cause their own problems!
Treatment
Nux vomica is a remedy par excellence for this sort of problem. High-powered business executives, who do not have time for regular meals,
who may drink and smoke to excess (which encourages over-secretion of gastric acid) and who are highly stressed, and get irritable and
angry easily (encouraging more acid secretion) are prime candidates for gastric ulceration. They are often thin, active and on the go the whole
time and suffer also with constipation.
Arsenicum album particularly good for fastidious, rather up-tight people who get dyspepsia after pickles, acids and fruit, and also from very
cold foods, such as ice cream. They may wake in the early hours with their symptoms, which are nausea and vomiting, with burning pain in
the epigastrium. They are extremely anxious individuals, who worry about everything and cannot relax.
Wind
This causes of a lot of distress, although it is not associated per se with any serious disease. Patients are often very vague as to what they
mean by wind and, on pinning them down, it may vary from painful distension, without actually passing any wind, to the embarrassing
passage of wind either from the rectum or by belching. This may or may not be associated with abdominal pain. In fact, the production of gas
in the intestine is a normal accompaniment of digestion, because there are good bacteria living in the bowel whose job it is to ferment the
food, thus producing gas as a by-product. If these bacteria are killed as a result of antibiotic treatment (which kills all bacteria, good and bad),
the result is often diarrhoea and over-colonisation by other organisms, such as Candida. Thus it is always advisable when taking an antibiotic
to take some natural yoghurt or acidophilus capsules.
Excess wind production may be due to the dietary content, with foods such as onions and Brussel sprouts classically producing rather a foul
smelling gas. Too much refined sugar also increases gas production, as the bacteria are being given a perfect substrate for fermentation. It is
impossible to define what is normal gas production, so the patient often simply needs to be given some dietary advice, reassurance that all is
well.
However, if the distension is causing pain, then clearly some help is needed.
Treatment
Lycopodium is the other great indigestion medicine especially when there is abdominal pain, particularly in the right lower abdominal region,
with distension and an excess of wind passing per rectum. The sufferer is often highly stressed, but in a different way, and for different

reasons than the Nux vom patient. A Lycopodium type sets very high personal standards and must meet them. They lack self-confidence, but
cover it up very well, often appearing outwardly rather arrogant. However this is all a front, and their inward anxiety is often manifested as gut
problems.
Carbo vegetabilis is particularly good for the over-weight dyspeptic who suffers a great deal of distension with pain and wind, relieved
(temporarily) by belching. These are very sluggish people, with a slow digestion. They are intolerant to fatty food and also milk.
Digestive problems are often amenable to self-treatment. However it is important to bear in mind that these symptoms, especially if new to a
person or if associated with weight loss and change in bowel habit, may be markers of serious disease, so a medical opinion must always be
sought.
Janet Gray MA MBBCh FFHom DRCOG DFFP, a GP for over 20 years, has used homeopathy in her Bristol practice for some 15
years. She lectures in homeopathy at the Bristol Teaching Centre and has a small private practice near Chippenham.

Spotlight on Digestion
by Keith Souter
The digestive system is central to our whole being! When I say that I do not mean to be flippant, because it actually is a central feature of our
anatomy. In a sense, the digestive tract is a long tube, around which our various tissues and organs are arranged. The food we take in is
passed along that tube, being altered by grinding, chemical reaction and enzymatic breakdown. We absorb nutrients from it and dispel
unwanted products of digestion as it passes, finally getting rid of the waste matter with the passage of a bowel movement. And the amazing
thing is that it is, like most of our body workings, an automatic and well-nigh continuous process.
A long dynamic tube
If you look at an earthworm or even a snake, then you get a fairly clear impression of the tubular nature of their digestive tracts. They seem to
have very simple anatomies with literally straight digestive systems that run the length of their bodies. By contrast the nine metres of the
digestive tract of the human being is convoluted and compressed into a relatively short body. This curious anatomy that we have makes
diagnosis of problems extremely difficult at times. Abdominal pain, for example, can arise from several organs, or from different parts of the
digestive system, and the pain-sufferer may not be able to pinpoint where the pain is coming from. If we were simple long tubes, like the
earthworm or snake, then you would probably have a clearer idea of the source of a pain.
A knowledge of the anatomical positions of the various organs and of the position that the digestive tract takes up within the abdominal cavity
helps to identify where a problem may be coming from. Again taking pain as an example, acute discomfort in the right lower quadrant of the
abdomen could be indicative of appendicitis, whereas pain in the top of the abdomen, just below the breast bone suggests pain from the
stomach, while pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, just under the ribs is more suggestive of a problem with the gall bladder.
But to think of the digestive tract as a long pipe is obviously to oversimplify it. It is a dynamic tube, the different parts of which have specific
functions. Digestion begins the moment that food is taken into the system. The smooth muscles of the digestive tract move food along,
breaking it up, grinding and mixing it with a sequential outpouring of chemicals and enzymes in order to reduce it into absorbable nutrients.
Ultimately, waste products and indigestible residues are passed out of the body as faeces.
The contents of the bowel are also worth considering, because they do not just consist of a slurry of digested matter and waste products. Your
intestine is actually home to many millions of microorganisms. They are not being passed out with every bowel movement, but live within the
intestine and are part of the total body mass that comprises the individual. They are as much part of you as are the hairs on your head and the
nails on your fingers and toes. But, more importantly, you and they are living in harmonious co-existence. You need them as they need you.
They actually fulfil a valuable role in your digestive processes, and in maintaining your health. The average human body mass consists of 75
to 100 trillion cells. Up to 30 trillion of these are bacteria, the majority of which inhabit the digestive system. Considering those figures, you will
see that there is plenty of scope for things to go wrong.
The extent of the problem
Digestive problems are extremely common in general practice, accounting for between 15 and 20 per cent of GP consultations. The majority
of these problems are disorders of function, such as so-called functional dyspepsia, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Indeed, it is
estimated that these three disorders make up about 60 per cent of all referrals to specialist gastroenterology clinics.
There certainly seems to have been a change in the pattern of some gastrointestinal disorders over the years, partly because of
improvements in diagnostic tests and treatment advances. Surgery for peptic ulceration is now relatively rare, thanks to the development of
several generations of drugs and the discovery of the role of the micro-organism Helicobacter pylori in chronic dyspepsia.
Having said all that, conventional medicine has little to offer people with functional problems. Symptom control with anti-spasmodics, fibre
bulking agents and laxatives form the main emphasis of treatment. However, quite simply, they have only a limited usefulness for the sufferer.
Some tips to aid digestion
I make no claims for any type of diet. Yet the following are factors that I feel are worth considering. They alone may make a difference to ones
digestive system.

Drink a cup of boiled water in the morning before breakfast. This seems to cleanse the stomach and often works wonders.

Eat slowly. One of the main causes of indigestion is unchewed food.

Dont eat food piping hot. Our stomachs are not meant to have hot foods inside them. A useful thing to remember is that if it is hot in
the mouth it is hot in the stomach. This includes tea and coffee. Food and drinks that are too hot may disrupt enzymes and injure the
lining of the stomach. So, always wait for it to cool.

Do not eat on the hoof. Meals should be taken at a leisurely pace. If you eat on the move, there is more chance that digestion will not
begin. Instead foods in the stomach and intestine will start to ferment, producing gases that bloat you.

Avoid eating fruit with the meal. Tempting though it is, because it seems lighter on the stomach than puddings, it is not good at the
end of a meal. This is because fruit digests faster than dense proteins, so fermentation and gas accumulation may occur.

If bloating is a persistent problem, try simplifying your meals. Instead of having lots of food groups at one meal try separating them.
For example, proteins need acid enzyme digestive juices, whereas carbohydrates need alkaline enzyme digestive juices. When you
have to break down both types all at once you are not achieving optimal enzymatic action, so some fermentation and gas
accumulation may occur.

Try taking slightly smaller servings and think twice about second helpings. As a good rule of thumb, try to get into the habit of
estimating the quantity you allow yourself using natures food bowl. Cup your two hands together as if you were using them to make
a bowl. The quantity of food that would fill that bowl should be your maximum at any meal.

Make sure that you drink enough water. Ideally, hydrate your stomach with a glass of water half an hour before a meal.

Homeopathy and digestive symptoms

Homeopathy has great proven worth in dealing with many digestive complaints. And since homeopathy depends upon the individuals own
experience of a symptom, it has terrific scope for self-management of symptoms and minor complaints. For this reason I am not going to
discuss any actual pathology, but merely run through some common symptoms, starting at the top of the wonderful dynamic tube that is the
digestive tract and looking at the indications of some of the remedies which might help.
But first, be aware of certain warning symptoms which should not be ignored. An early medical opinion and diagnosis is important in the
following situations:

sudden severe abdominal pain;

vomiting, especially if accompanied by abdominal distension;

weight loss which is not from deliberate dieting;

alteration in the normal bowel habit, either with persistent looseness or constipation;

bleeding from the back passage.

The remedies that I have included in this brief look at the digestive system are by no means a definitive listing for each of these groups, but
they are ones that I use frequently.
Difficulty swallowing
We call this symptom dysphagia. It is a symptom that I would always advise someone to have checked out by a health professional. Once
that has been done, there are a handful of remedies that can ease the symptom and which may bring about a cure.
Asafoedida is a truly wonderful remedy when the individual actually feels reverse peristalsis, that is, waves of movement travelling up the
oesophagus and carrying food back to the mouth. Indeed, this reverse peristalsis (peristalsis being the name for the movement of food or
residues down the digestive tract) can occur anywhere along the length of the alimentary canal.
Globus hystericus is the name given to the sensation of having a lump in the throat. This is usually present all the time, but may seem so
acute when faced with food that it cannot be eaten. Ignatia is the remedy of choice here, especially when swallowing is so difficult that choking
occurs. It is a remedy that is often chosen in highly-strung, almost hysterical individuals. If such a problem occurs after a shock or
bereavement then this remedy may settle it completely.
When the difficulty in swallowing is associated with a bloated feeling in the throat, and if the individual dislikes tight clothes, scarves and high
necklines, then think of Lachesis.

Difficulty caused by a splinter-like sensation in the throat, in one prone to irritability may well indicate that Nitric acid is needed. This individual
is almost certainly going to fear the worst, since they tend to worry excessively about their health.
Heartburn
This symptom refers to the burning sensation that the individual experiences as acid is squirted into the oesophagus from the stomach. A
sensation is felt rising through the chest up to the back of the throat.
Calcarea carbonica is very good at relieving chronic heartburn in chubby people who get cramps in the stomach, really burning heartburn and
who belch noisily. Often they get a sour taste in their throats after belching. Milk often disagrees with them and produces heartburn and
indigestion, whereas for most people milk helps.
When heartburn and regurgitation occurs after only small snacks then Lycopodium will probably bring relief. Typically, the heartburn only
spreads up as far as the Adams apple, but it tends to last for hours at a time, despite antacids or milk. The stomach often feels bloated during
these episodes.
Pulsatilla is indicated when heartburn is associated with the taste of a food taken hours before. Fatty foods, butter and pork seem to cause
these bouts of heartburn, and it is more likely to occur when they are peeved about something or with someone. They rarely feel thirsty.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is a pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper part of the abdomen, usually related to food or meals. It is what most people refer
to as indigestion. The pain might come and go, but it is usually there most of the time. It can occur at any age and about a quarter of the
population will experience it at some time. There are many causes of dyspepsia, and if it is prolonged, then a medical opinion should be
sought.
A band-like pain in the upper abdomen which comes on when the person is hungry, and which is relieved for two or three hours after eating,
only to recur again, calls out for Anacardium. Indecisiveness is typical with someone in need of this remedy.
Dyspepsia associated with nausea, a gnawing pain in the upper abdomen and retching of mucus suggest the remedy Argentum nitricum.
These folk are often hurried, full of fears, especially as they anticipate a meeting or event, and prone to bouts of loose motions.
Nux vomica is well known to people as a remedy of excess, or overindulgence. The pains classically come on about two hours after food. Like
Argentum nitricum these people are hurried, but they are less likely to be fearful. Irritability and anger are more in keeping with their
temperament.
By contrast, sweet, gentle and self-sacrificing people who experience flatulence and dyspepsia after too many starchy or fatty foods may need
Natrum carbonicum. They cannot take milk and very often have multiple food allergies.
Phosphorus is extremely useful in people given to ready vomiting with their dyspepsia. They crave cold drinks, which seem to help for a short
time, only to be vomited ten minutes or so later.
Bloating
Bloating is a real problem with a lot of people and may arise from excess gas in the stomach, small intestines or the colon. The resting gas
level can vary from a few millilitres to several litres and people literally expand by several inches in the course of the day.
There are three remedies that I think are particularly good for this. The first is Carbo vegetabilis, which is made from wood charcoal. As you
will recall from your chemistry lessons, charcoal is a great absorber of gas. This is a useful remedy when the individual feels chilly, blown up
like a drum, and when passing wind both up and down produces ease. Next is China when the same feeling of bloating is not relieved by
passing wind. People who gain the most from this remedy are great fantasists with a rich fantasy life. Lastly is Lycopodium again. These
people are often quite serious types and they classically experience problems in the late afternoon and early evening.
Colic
This is a specific type of pain resulting from spasm in a hollow organ, usually the small or large intestine. Unlike dyspepsia, it is more likely to
be felt in the middle and lower abdomen.
Chamomilla is the remedy most used for teething and colic in infants. Typically it produces irritability, a desire to be carried and a flushed look.
In children, one cheek may be flushed.
Magnesia phosphorica is useful for colic in gentle types, who feel ease for the application of heat and gentle rubbing of the part. Passing wind
does not seem to help. By contrast, Colocynth is helpful in cases in which the colic comes on when the person has been angered or
frustrated. The pain is likely to be central, griping and greatly relieved by passing wind.
Cuprum metallicum is a useful remedy when colic comes on after a journey. The pains can be so bad that they make the individual shake and
tremble.
Constipation

This refers to infrequent, difficult and sometimes painful evacuation of the bowels. In many ways it is a subjective complaint, since normal
opening of the bowels varies from person to person, some people going normally only once or twice a week, and others going normally three
or four times a day. Sustained alteration of the bowel habit needs checking.
Alumina is an excellent remedy for very severe constipation in elderly people when the desire to open the bowels seems to have been lost.
The individual may sit and strain and even feel impelled to use fingers to try to expel hard, knotty motions.
Petite, shy individuals who produce large hard motions when they do open their bowels may be helped by Baryta carbonica. Bryonia is helpful
for people who get constipated when they travel and who experience a burning sensation when they open their bowels in this constipated
state.
Calcarea carbonica is useful in chubby people who paradoxically quite like the sensation of being constipated. They may lose the desire to
open their bowels, but suffer no ill effects from it.
For children who get quite distressed when they strain to open their bowels, only to feel as if the motion recedes back inside them in between
straining attempts to pass it, Silica is useful. Straining almost always produces a stinging sensation in the back passage.
Diarrhoea
Acute episodes of diarrhoea can leave the individual feeling quite drained and weak, as the result of electrolyte loss. Replacement of fluids
and electrolytes is the mainstay of treatment, but the following remedies can nip an attack in the bud.
Arsenicum album is extremely useful in very neat, anxious, restless people. The diarrhoea produces a burning sensation around the anus,
which may become quite red and inflamed. The motions are usually watery and offensive.
For cases which start in the early morning or just after midnight China is useful. The motions are watery with undigested residues present,
together with much mucus.
Sulphur is useful for people who are forced out of bed every morning, often at 5 or 6am, by a sudden desire to open the bowels. The motions
are loose and extremely offensive. Podophyllum also helps the sudden urge to open the bowels, especially when the diarrhoea is almost
explosive. There is much gas, much noise and the motions splatter the toilet bowl. There is usually a lot of gurgling in the abdomen before the
urge comes.
Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids or piles are actually varicose veins of the rectum. If you can match the right remedy to the symptoms then a dramatic change
can be produced.
Aesculus is made from horse chestnut, and the appearance of the horse chestnut in its prickly coat gives an indication of the pattern of
symptoms. It feels as if there are small sticks or a prickly chestnut shell in the back passage. The sufferer may experience shooting pains
which go right up the back.
When the haemorrhoids protrude like a bunch of grapes Aloe is useful. They are sore and there may be uncertainty as to whether gas or
motions will be passed when the urge comes.
Hamamelis is the commonest remedy used for soreness and bleeding haemorrhoids while Nitric acid is useful when the individual is generally
irritable and has a splinter-like sensation in the back passage. Finally, when itching, burning and swelling occur then Paeonia may work
wonders.
Keith Souter MB ChB FRCGP MFHom MIPsiMed DipMedAc is a part-time GP in Yorkshire. He also has a private holistic medicine
practice and is a newspaper columnist as well as the author of Homeopathy for the Third Age and Homeopathy: Heart & Soul.

Top tips for aiding digestion

Too much food and drink? Keep these useful hints and homeopathic medicines in mind
General tips

Drink a cup of boiled water in the morning before breakfast. This seems to cleanse the stomach and often works wonders.

Eat slowly. One of the main causes of indigestion is unchewed food.

Dont eat food piping hot. Our stomachs are not meant to have hot foods inside them. A useful thing to remember is that if it is hot in
the mouth it is hot in the stomach. This includes tea and coffee. Food and drinks that are too hot may disrupt enzymes and injure the

lining of the stomach. So, always wait for it to cool.

Dont eat on the hoof. Meals should be taken at a leisurely pace. If you eat on the move, there is more chance that digestion will not
begin. Instead foods in the stomach and intestine will start to ferment, producing gases that bloat you.

Avoid eating fruit with the meal. Tempting though it is, because it seems lighter on the stomach than puddings, it is not good at the
end of a meal. This is because fruit digests faster than dense proteins, so fermentation and gas accumulation may occur.

If bloating is a persistent problem, try simplifying your meals. Instead of having lots of food groups at one meal try separating them.
For example, proteins need acid enzyme digestive juices, whereas carbohydrates need alkaline enzyme digestive juices. When you
have to break down both types all at once you are not achieving optimal enzymatic action, so some fermentation and gas
accumulation may occur.

Try taking slightly smaller servings and think twice about second helpings. As a good rule of thumb, try to get into the habit of
estimating the quantity you allow yourself using natures food bowl. Cup your two hands together as if you were using them to make
a bowl. The quantity of food that would fill that bowl should be your maximum at any meal.

Make sure that you drink enough water. Ideally, hydrate your stomach with a glass of water half an hour before a meal.

Homeopathic medicines
Homeopathy has great proven worth in dealing with many digestive complaints. However, be aware of certain warning symptoms which
should not be ignored. An early medical opinion and diagnosis is important in the following situations:

sudden severe abdominal pain;

vomiting, especially if accompanied by abdominal distension;

weight loss which is not from deliberate dieting;

alteration in the normal bowel habit, either with persistent looseness or constipation;

bleeding from the back passage.

Heartburn
This symptom refers to the burning sensation that the individual experiences as acid is squirted into the oesophagus from the stomach. A
sensation is felt rising through the chest up to the back of the throat.
Calcarea carbonica is very good at relieving chronic heartburn in chubby people who get cramps in the stomach, really burning heartburn
and who belch noisily. Often they get a sour taste in their throats after belching. Milk often disagrees with them and produces heartburn and
indigestion, whereas for most people milk helps.
When heartburn and regurgitation occurs after only small snacks then Lycopodium will probably bring relief. Typically, the heartburn only
spreads up as far as the Adams apple, but it tends to last for hours at a time, despite antacids or milk. The stomach often feels bloated during
these episodes.
Pulsatilla is indicated when heartburn is associated with the taste of a food taken hours before. Fatty foods, butter and pork seem to cause
these bouts of heartburn, and it is more likely to occur when they are peeved about something or with someone. They rarely feel thirsty.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is a pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper part of the abdromen, usually related to food or meals. It is what most people
refer to as indigestion. It can occur at any age and about a quarter of the population will experience it at some time. There are many causes of
dyspepsia, and if it is prolonged, a medical opinion should be sought.
A band-like pain in the upper abdomen which comes on when the person is hungry, and which is relieved for two or three hours after eating,
only to recur again, calls out forAnacardium. Indecisiveness is typical with someone in need of this remedy.
Dyspepsia associated with nausea, a gnawing pain in the upper abdomen and retching of mucus suggest the remedy Argentum nitricum.
These folk are often hurried, full of fears, especially as they anticipate a meeting or event, and prone to bouts of loose motions.
Nux vomica is well known to people as a remedy of excess, or overindulgence. The pains classically come on about two hours after food.
Like Argentum nitricum these people are hurried, but they are less likely to be fearful. Irritability and anger are more in keeping with their
temperament.

By contrast, sweet, gentle and selfsacrificing people who experience flatulence and dyspepsia after too many starchy or fatty foods may
need Natrum carbonicum. They cannot take milk and very often have multiple food allergies.
Phosphorus is extremely useful in people given to ready vomiting with their dyspepsia. They crave cold drinks, which seem to help for a short
time, only to be vomited ten minutes or so later.
Bloating
Bloating may arise from excess gas in the stomach, small intestines or the colon.
Carbo vegetabilis is a useful remedy when the individual feels chilly, blown up like a drum, and when passing wind both up and down
produces ease.
Next is China when the same feeling of bloating is not relieved by passing wind. People who gain the most from this remedy are great
fantasists.
Lastly is Lycopodium.These people are often quite serious types and they classically experience problems in the late afternoon and early
evening.
Hangovers
Nux vomica has been mentioned already as a useful medicine for overindulgence and comes in handy for hangovers. It is particularly
indicated in a person if there is hypersensitivity, impatience, frustration over obstacles and when irritability is obvious to one and all.
Constipation
This refers to infrequent, difficult and sometimes painful evacuation of the bowels. In many ways it is a subjective complaint, since normal
opening of the bowels varies from person to person, some people going normally only once or twice a week, and others going normally three
or four times a day. Sustained alteration of the bowel habit needs a medical opinion.
Alumina is an excellent remedy for very severe constipation in elderly people when the desire to open the bowels seems to have been lost.
The individual may sit and strain and even feel impelled to use fingers to try to expel hard, knotty motions.
Petite, shy individuals who produce large hard motions when they do open their bowels may be helped by Baryta carbonica.
Bryonia is helpful for people who get constipated when they travel and who experience a burning sensation when they open their bowels in
this constipated state.
Calcarea carbonica is useful in chubby people who paradoxically quite like the sensation of being constipated. They may lose the desire to
open their bowels, but suffer no ill effects from it.
For children who get quite distressed when they strain to open their bowels, Silica is useful. Straining almost always produces a stinging
sensation in the back passage.
Diarrhoea
Acute episodes of diarrhoea can leave the individual feeling quite drained and weak, as the result of electrolyte loss. Replacement of fluids
and electrolytes is the mainstay of treatment, but the following remedies can nip an attack in the bud.
Arsenicum album is extremely useful in very neat, anxious, restless people. The diarrhoea produces a burning sensation around the anus,
which may become quite red and inflamed. The motions are usually watery and offensive.
For cases which start in the early morning or just after midnight China is useful. The motions are watery with undigested residues present.
Sulphur is useful for people who are forced out of bed every morning, often at 5 or 6am, by a sudden desire to open the bowels. The motions
are loose and extremely offensive.
Podophyllum also helps the sudden urge to open the bowels, especially when the diarrhoea is almost explosive. There is usually a lot of
gurgling in the abdomen before the urge comes.
Adapted from Spotlight on Digestion by Keith Souther, H&H Spring 2006.

Diabetes mellitus
Janet Gray explains how homeopathy can contribute to the management of this condition, improving quality of life and helping to
control complications
Diabetes mellitus* is a condition in which the normal mechanism of the body for controlling the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream has

gone awry. A hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, is responsible for controlling the movement of sugar, in the form of
glucose, across from the blood stream into the individual cells of the body. Intracellular glucose is the fuel of the cells, without which they
cannot work. In diabetes, either the pancreatic beta cells fail, and thus insulin is not produced; or the body become insensitive to the action of
insulin with the same end result. So diabetes is really a condition of starvation in the midst of plenty where the glucose piles up in the blood
stream and spills over into the urine, but the individual cells are starved of glucose.
In the case of pancreatic beta cell failure, insulin is the only possible treatment, and must be given regularly by injection. This type of diabetes
is known as type 1 diabetes or formerly insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Let me say at this point that there is no homeopathic alternative
to insulin, although some remedies may help to reduce the insulin requirements. People with type 1 diabetes are often quite young at the time
of diagnosis, and will often have lost a lot of weight before diagnosis is made.
In the case of the cells being resistant to insulin, management can often be achieved by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, drugs and
sometimes insulin this is type 2 diabetes and used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. These people are often in their
middle years at time of diagnosis, and are often overweight, and can thus be helped considerably by dieting and regular physical activity.
Management of diabetes
So where can homeopathy contribute to the management of diabetes? First of all, homeopathic treatment can help improve the general health
of a person with diabetes. If a person with diabetes is in good health, his or her insulin requirements will be steady and the blood glucose well
controlled. If the general health is poor, it can be very difficult to achieve good control.
This can be helped by administering a constitutional remedy, based on the totality of the patients symptoms and characteristics. The effect
will be to improve the general sense of well-being, to improve diabetes control, and maybe to lower the insulin or drug requirements.
The remedy Syzygium (Jambol seeds) has a reputation for a specific effect on diabetes, and can be given in mother tincture, three drops daily
in water. I cannot claim much success with this, but a veterinary colleague has reported excellent results in dogs.
Boerickes Materia Medica mentions several other remedies, which cause diabetic symptoms, such as an increased urinary output and the
presence of sugar in the urine (glycosuria), in their provings. Uranium nitricum is one of these, and it is associated with great emaciation and
fluid retention, thirst, nausea and vomiting. It can be tried in low potency, twice daily.
Phloridzin (obtained from the root of the apple and other fruit trees) is another remedy indicated.
Specific complications
Unfortunately, if the blood glucose level is not well controlled in diabetes, several serious complications can arise. It is important that people
with diabetes have regular checks to detect any complications early. However, homeopathy can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of
these complications.
Neuropathy
The peripheral nerves can be damaged giving rise to blunting of sensation in the feet and hands. This can be dangerous because minor
injuries, such as blisters, will not be felt and will thus be ignored. They can then progress to seriously infected ulcers which will take a long
time to heal. I must stress that although homeopathic remedies can help here, they must be used in a complementary and not alternative way,
because conventional medicines such as antibiotics may be vital to prevent gangrene from occurring.
The numbness may be helped by Conium (hemlock) especially if this is accompanied by weakness of body and mind, difficulty walking
because of trembling and weakness, and dizziness.
Plumbum (lead) may be useful if the numbness is accompanied by hypersensitivity with neuralgic pains. These pains are better for hard
pressure and rubbing, and worse at night.
The infected ulcers can be helped to heal by using Calendula (marigold) both externally as a lotion, and also internally, using a 6c potency
twice daily.
Nephropathy
The urine must be regularly checked for the presence of protein which would indicate that the kidneys have become affected. Good diabetes
control will minimise the risk of kidney damage.
Unless severe damage has occurred, homeopathic remedies can help renal function. Apis mellifica (the honey bee) can stimulate a good
urine flow and improve fluid retention. Natrum muriaticum (salt), Lycopodium (club moss) and Sulphur are all wonderful constitutional
medicines which can improve renal function if the patient fits the type.
Thrush
Although not a life-threatening complication, recurrent thrush can make life pretty miserable. Again good blood glucose control minimises the
problem, but there are several homeopathic remedies which can help with the symptoms.
The one I most commonly use is a potency of the fungal organism itself, Candida. I use Candida 30c three times a day until the symptoms

remit. This also tends to prevent recurrences.

Other useful remedies are:

Helonias (unicorn root): Profuse, thick, creamy discharge. Severe itching and soreness.

Kreosotum: Smelly, yellow-staining discharge. Rawness and itching.

Erectile dysfunction (impotence)

This is a problem that causes a lot of distress, and for which there is no easy conventional solution. Good diabetes control is of the essence,
but homeopathic treatment can also help. Again, I would use a constitutional remedy wherever possible, with the addition of the following
remedies in low potency:

Coca (divine plant of the Incas) especially where associated with exhaustion and palpitations. Irritable, prefers to be alone.

Phosphoric acid mental debility. Cannot maintain an erection. Testicles tender and swollen.

Moschus (musk) intense desire, but impotence. Fainting fits tends to be hysterical. Worse for cold. Desire for stimulants.

Arteriopathy
People with diabetes in the past were put on diets rich in fats to compensate for the sugar and carbohydrate that they could not eat. It is now
realised that this is not necessary and nowadays people with diabetes have much healthier diets, low in fats and with an average
carbohydrate content. It is possible therefore that the high rate of atherosclerosis (furring of the arteries) seen in people with diabetes is as a
result of their diet, and not of the disease itself. Atherosclerosis causes heart disease, stroke, poor circulation in the limbs and kidney damage.
Hopefully the incidence of these complications will now reduce.
I would like to illustrate this complication with a case history. Mr KS (aged 69) came to see me with an infected ulcer on his big toe. It had
failed to heal using conventional treatment, including an admission to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics. His other leg had been
amputated four years previously after a similar infection could not be controlled.
He was under the care of a vascular surgeon who was very gloomy about his chances of keeping his remaining leg. X-rays showed
osteomyelitis of the bone underlying the ulcer, and Doppler studies showed a very poor circulation in the leg. I treated him with a constitutional
remedy (Nux vomica 1M) for his general health, and he felt better in himself very quickly. I gave him Calendula both internally (6c twice daily)
and externally as a lotion to bathe the ulcer. He had Secale 6c twice daily to help the blood circulation.
After two months the ulcer was nearly healed, but the leg became swollen, so I changed him on to Apis 200c, one dose weekly.
The fluid retention resolved, but the leg became very painful and the veins became distended. He had Hamamelis 6c twice daily for this, which
helped considerably. Although the ulcer was by this time very much smaller, it would not completely close, and continued to ooze yellowish
pus. He first had Silica 6c twice daily for this, and then Hepar sulph 6c twice daily.
He was finally able to stop all medication after 15 months, with the ulcer fully healed, and the leg pain-free and a good colour.
People with diabetes should let their healthcare team know if they are using homeopathic treatments in conjunction with their conventional
medicine.
*There are other forms of diabetes other than diabetes mellitus, but for the purposes of this article, when diabetes is mentioned it can be
assumed that the reference is to diabetes mellitus.
Janet Gray MA MB BChir MRCGP FFHom DRCOG DFFP, a GP for over 25years, uses homeopathy in her NHS General Practice in
Bristol. She lectures in homeopathy at the Bristol Teaching Centre and has a small private practice near Chippenham.

Dental homeopathy an accidental introduction

Peter Darby explains how a tumble from his bike had dramatic repercussions in his professional life
It was a fine autumnal Sunday morning when we set off on our mountain bikes for an off-road sojourn on Cannock Chase. I could never have
visualised that this ride would change my dental practice and dental prescribing so dramatically and explosively. Explosive was how it felt
when I parted company from my trusted bike! I was admitted to hospital where it was found that I had a severely fractured right shoulder; two
hours later I was in emergency surgery. A week later, on anticoagulant treatment, I was sent home.
The acute care I received was second to none but it was after that phase that my aches and pains really started. I remember a patient saying
that the pain from a broken bone is like the throbbing pain of a dental abscess I think he was right. Pain killers had relatively little effect and

due to the prescribed anticoagulants the choice of analgesics was limited. I tried a tens machine to reduce my aches and pains but this had a
minimal effect.
It was during a session with my physio that the chance remark was made: why dont you try homeopathic Arnica and Ruta? I had nothing to
lose so I took his advice. The difference was marked. The sore, bruised feeling and the ache in the joints was less. Something was making a
big difference. Could it be the homeopathic medicine?
After this very personal experience I wanted to find out more and decided to pursue a course in homeopathy. There is a clear, concise career
pathway to learning dental homeopathy in the UK to a recognised high standard. The Faculty of Homeopathy in London found the venue and I
enrolled on a basic course in dental homeopathy at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, Great Ormond Street. This led to the Facultys
LFHom qualification.
I now had the basic understanding of homeopathy, treating my own patients who had simple problems using either conventional allopathic
medicine or taking a homeopathic approach. Patients were more than happy to try this homeopathic medicine much to my delight.
Patients acceptance and willingness to use homeopathic remedies outstripped my personal expectations. I used it only on well-defined
pathological conditions for example pericoronitis, ulceration, herpes, trauma where I was able to use a homeopathic prescription which is
specific in these particular cases.
There are some dental problems which cannot be treated by allopathic means, such as teething and dental anxiety. The ability to treat such
cases homeopathically can only be a positive step forward both for the profession and patient alike. Dentists must remember that patients are
actively seeking out more complementary treatments and that the media is rife with articles on all forms of complementary medicine dental
homeopathy being only one of many. In many dental cases homeopathy can be used alongside conventional allopathic medicines, as an
adjunct to or instead of conventional treatment.
Homeopathy in the UK is growing. The medical profession has had homeopathy in the NHS since its inception in 1948. In private practice it is
a bona fide treatment recognised by both BUPA and PPP. Dentists should not allow themselves to lag behind in promoting a growing
complementary therapy. Dental homeopathy is a viable therapeutic tool and should be recognised as such.
Homeopathy in dental practice
Both the general public and the profession are becoming increasingly sceptical about some forms of conventional treatments and drugs. They
are looking towards homeopathic treatment as an alternative or as an adjunct to conventional therapies. For example, with our awareness of
the misuse or use of antibiotics should we not look at other forms of potential therapeutics? Many infections and conditions can be treated
homeopathically when the correct medicine is selected.
When using homeopathy in the dental practice setting, many of the complex prescribing techniques are simplified by observing the pathology
of the problem. For example, if the patient has problems after an operation, be it pain, swelling or bruising, then it is due to direct tissue
trauma from the extraction. If pain occurs after 72 hours it is likely to be the beginnings of an infected socket. These two cases would, of
course, be treated differently. This is termed as treating with a pathological prescription. In both cases the symptoms are similar, but they
would indicate different homeopathic remedies because the origins of the pain are different in each case.
Dental problems and some simple remedies
Let us look at such examples found in everyday practice, and give a brief outline on the prescription that I would use for each individual
condition or pathology.
When post-operative complications are directly due to trauma, eg swelling and pain where medicines which were relevant to that specific
problem would be used. Most post-operative complications can be alleviated by the routine use of Arnica. Taken immediately after surgery
Arnica reduces pain, trauma, bleeding and swelling. Several clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects
of Arnica in the reduction of post-extraction complications.
Excessive post-extraction bleeding
In cases of post-traumatic haemorrhage I would use homeopathic Phosphorus if the bleeding is profuse and of a bright red colour. If the
bleeding is slow and venous the remedy Lachesis is called for.
Puncture wounds
Some patients complain about pain after local anaesthesia in the area of the needle puncture. In this case a homeopathic preparation called
Ledum is useful.
Wisdom tooth pain (pericoronitis)
Pericoronitis around partially erupted third molars is a relatively common condition seen in practice and is often relieved by antibiotic
prescription.
However, homeopathically, a medicine called Hepar sulphate promotes drainage and reduces swelling so reducing the size of the operculum.
If there is a marked trismus spasm in the jaw muscles which prevents the mouth opening properly I would use another remedy called
Cheiranthus. Once the acute phase is over the tooth can be treated accordingly.

Infection in a tooth socket after extraction (acute oestitis)

Patients often present with varying symptoms, some have a throbbing, pounding pain, a pain with every heartbeat, and the socket looks red
and angry indicating homeopathic Belladonna. If the patient complains of a low grade gnawing pain and yet the socket looks reasonably
healthy, I would consider Ruta. (Ruta is particularly good in patients who have damage to the ligament covering the bone, be it surgical or as a
consequence of any accidental trauma.) Again there is no real indication for antibiotics unless there is a very marked toxic state or swollen
lymph glands.
Apthous ulcers
Care has to be taken when treating any type of ulcer in that a positive diagnosis that it is neither pre-malignant nor malignant is essential.
When I am happy with the diagnosis, I consider which homeopathic remedies can be used. Ulceration can be complex to treat and the
question why the patient is getting recurrent aphthous ulcers needs to be considered.
The reason could be hormone imbalance, stress or dietary deficiency or an underlying pathology, for example diabetes. For simple relief of
aphthous ulceration I often useFeverfew. (It was noted that when the herbal form of Feverfew was used to treat migraine it often produced
ulcers in the mouth). A topical application of Propolis painted on the ulcer gives the patient immediate symptom relief.
The choice of homeopathic remedy for aphthous ulceration will depend on specific symptoms and their appearance. Do the ulcers tingle? Are
they sore? What colour is the base? For instance if the patient has a poorly kept mouth, increased salivation with a metallic taste, and a grey
base to the ulcer then I would consider homeopathic Mercury. Alternatively if the base of the ulcer looked greenyyellow a remedy called Kali
bichromium would be appropriate. Observation and noting symptoms is paramount in remedy selection.
Cold sores around the lips (Herpes labialis)
If treatment is started at the onset the results are generally good, as with most viral conditions. The patient symptoms and prescription are
very important in remedy selection. If the patient complains of a prickling, itchy sensation Id choose Rhus tox. (Rhus tox is poison ivy; when
the skin is rubbed against the plant the same prickly, itchy sensation is felt.) We use it homeopathically in the treatment of herpes in its initial
stages. Rhus tox cream can also be applied. If the sun aggravates the herpes then a remedy called Natrum mur should be used.
The more complex dental problem
The importance of listening to and assessing the patient is paramount as patients may present with the same problem but may need a
different remedy. This is where homeopathic dentists are looking for a totality of symptoms which paint a picture of the disease process. At this
point we are moving towards a more holistic approach to dental homeopathy.
At the basic level we are introduced to the more holistic approach in our treatment of dental anxiety. Patients with dental phobias have
different mental and physical ways of expressing their fears. Some are quiet when they enter the surgery, shaking at the knees, some are
argumentative, red faced, some are pale, quiet and fidgety all presenting with different symptoms for the same problem.
It is with these patients that great satisfaction as a practitioner can be attained. To be able to help a patient with such deep-seated problems is
very rewarding. This can be done with an accurate homeopathic history and the correct homeopathic medicine. Beyond this level, dentists
need to have undergone further training in homeopathy in order to gain a deeper understanding of both homeopathic principles and the
medicines used, and to enable them to treat more complex dental problems which have a limited success when treated conventionally, but will
respond to homeopathic treatment in many instances.
Homeopathy when used in the dental setting is a safe and effective form of treatment which is often requested and sought by the general
public. However it is worth questioning the individual practitioners background and homeopathic qualifications to ensure that the care given is
appropriate and to the highest possible standards, patients deserve and should expect no less.
To find a homeopathic dentist visit www.britishhomeopathic.org.
For 17 years Peter Darby BDS LDS RCS MFHom(Dent) has had a dental practice in Wolverhampton where he routinely prescribes
homeopathic remedies for his NHS patients. He teaches at the RLHH and lectures throughout the UK.

In the dentists chair

Phil Wander discusses how homeopathy can help make dental treatment more comfortable
I first became interested in homeopathy about 20 years ago when my wife gave me Arnica following a skiing accident and the healing was
spectacular. I felt I had to learn more about homeopathy just how could a couple of tablets placed under my tongue produce such
remarkable healing and what other homeopathic remedies would be useful in my dental practice?
I attended regular seminars at the Manchester Homeopathic Clinic, a charitable institution and teaching centre allied to the Faculty of
Homeopathy in London, under the tutelage of Dr George Burns and was inspired by his knowledge and humour (dentists are collectors of old
magazines who run a filling station) and also at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital. Together with a small group of like-minded
dentists, I began a tremendously exciting journey on the road to dental homeopathy.

The homeopathic dentist is concerned about the whole patient not just the hole in the tooth. No longer should dentists be regarded as
drillers, fillers and billers and thankfully our previous gruesome image is becoming confined to history.
Remedies in dentistry
Although Arnica is the major remedy in dentistry (I give it to my patients routinely before and after treatment), many other remedies are in fact
used: from Aconite for shock, panic and fear of dentists to Zingiber, an excellent remedy for nausea and gagging. If you have the collywobbles
at the thought of going to the dentist and have to keep running to the loo, try Gelsemium, one tablet under the tongue every hour or so
beforehand depending on the severity.
Homeopathic remedies are proving valuable in making treatments more comfortable. For instance, when local anaesthetics are used,
Chamomilla is an excellent antidote. Patients can begin taking it every fifteen minutes after dental treatment is completed to reduce the
numbness. Ledum is particularly important for people who have soreness from the local anaesthetic needle (puncture wound) in the area of
the injection.
Another problem is sensitivity. Since almost any preparation of the tooth can involve minute nerve tubules, these fibres rather than the main
nerve of the tooth are often sensitive after treatment. Bonding restoratives and other materials used in these techniques often cause some
post-operative sensitivity. Two homeopathic remedies are beneficial here: Hypericum because of its nerve injury healing properties is also very
useful after root canal therapy, and Magnesium phosphorus, which is often referred to as the homeopathic aspirin.
Plantago tincture is a remedy I have found most beneficial when rubbed onto or around a tooth or teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold, or
applied as a toothache tincture into a cavity.
Long appointments
Modern dentistry can accomplish much more in less time, and it is not unusual for a dentist to do in one appointment what he used to do in
half a dozen appointments years ago. The trend in modern high tech treatment is towards cosmetic dentistry: Hollywood smiles, porcelain
crowns, inlays, facings and tooth whitening. These procedures improve and enhance appearance and increase confidence and can have a
very positive effect on personality.
However keeping the mouth open for extended periods does cause problems for some patients. Magnesium phosphorus or Causticum may
be prescribed to relieve cramping of the jaw or inability to open the mouth. Arnica should also be given if there is soreness or bruising. For a
soothing mouthwash try a few drops of Hypercal (Hypericum and Calendula tincture) in a small glass of warm water to relieve dryness and
make the mouth feel much more comfortable after any dental procedures, particularly those involving surgery.
Gum disease
Dental decay is not the only cause of tooth pain. Periodontal (gum) disease can be painful and is a major cause of tooth loss. Treatment can
be complex and the remedies depend on your constitutional prescription and require the attention of an experienced homeopathic dentist.
Remedies for children
Chamomilla is a remedy most used for teething infants. Frustrated parents have discovered that a teething fractious baby very often falls
asleep after a dose of Chamomilla. However it is better to prevent the trouble by looking out for a rise in the babys temperature (reddened
cheeks) and not giving any milk to drink after mid-day. It is the combination of the growing tooth and the curdling of the milk in the stomach,
caused by the raised temperature, that really troubles the baby. The growing tooth by itself will not be a problem. Chamomilla also helps
soothe an irritable child and even children with painful abscesses respond to this remedy.
Nux vomica is indicated for children who vomit before going to the dentist. As a temporary measure to treat caries (decay) apply Plantago
tincture to the cavity. For allergic reactions I would suggest trying Anacardia.
After any adjustment of braces or wires use Ruta and if the wires have cut into the cheeks or lips use Staphysagria (a good remedy if there is
cutting and stitching). Calendula tincture is soothing and healing to all damaged tissue.
Oral surgery
After surgery Silica 6 twice daily is useful to help root fragments or splinters of bone exfoliate. Ruta is tremendously helpful in implant surgery,
particularly when the bone is surgically prepared for the implant. If you have had implants inserted do not take Silica as this may cause the
implant to be rejected.
Neuralgia
Tension, anxiety and anger can cause tooth clenching (bruxism) which may also bring on neuralgic pain of dental origin. A number of
homeopathic remedies are very useful but are best prescribed by a homeopath.
DIY emergency treatment
Fortunately, dental emergencies are not very common but the safest course is to call your regular dental surgery; they may be able to see
you. If this is not possible, because the trouble occurs outside of normal working hours, or you are far from home, here are a few tips, which
may help. Take one tablet, either potency 6c or 30c, if there is no improvement after ten minutes, repeat the dose. If there is still no relief
consult a homeopath.

Pain and/or swelling

This must be the most common emergency after dental treatment. Arnica is the remedy here. You can anticipate trouble by always taking an
Arnica tablet just before entering the surgery and taking another as soon as you leave, if there has been any treatment done under local
anaesthetic, or any deep scaling.
Toothache
Toothache has several remedies depending on the symptoms experienced. For example, throbbing pain will be relieved by Belladonna. If heat
brings on the pain, Pulsatilla will ease it. If cold eases the pain, Coffea will help. If clenching the teeth eases the pain, Staphisagria will help. If
rubbing the cheek over the tooth eases the pain, Merc sol will help.
Other remedies include:

Aconite for toothache which comes after being out in cold dry winds.

Arnica for where there is bruising, soreness and pain.

Magnesium phosphate for relief from heat, pain shoots like lightening.

Silica for toothache with swollen face and glands, abscess at root of teeth; sufferer wants the face to be warm.

Chamomilla very useful in tincture form for acute toothache of pulpal (nerve) origin.

Bleeding
If you have had a tooth extracted and later in the day the socket starts to bleed, apply pressure to the wound by biting on a damp, rolled-up
handkerchief and take a Phosphorus tablet. Phosphorus is indicated when the blood is bright red, which it is likely to be in this case. If the
blood is bluish, then Lachesis is the indicated remedy. This latter remedy is more often indicated when there is bleeding from the gums from
gum disease.
Infection
If, after tooth extraction, some infection gets into the socket and it becomes painful and a bit smelly, then Gunpowder is the remedy that will
stop the pain and infection. (Soldiers in the Crimea knew about this and used to take gunpowder from a bullet if they had a gunshot wound.)
Abcess
If you are ever unfortunate enough to have toothache with a gum boil which is red, swollen and throbbing, then Belladonna will bring relief. If,
in the acute stage, the swelling from the abscess runs down into the neck, Myristica is an absolutely magical remedy. When the abscess has
occurred before and the condition is more chronic, then Hepar sulph will quickly bring relief. It must be potency 6c. This is very important as
the higher potency will make the gum boil discharge through the skin. Potency 6c makes the bodys lymphatic system drain the abscess.
Mouth ulcers
These can be extremely painful. They are relieved very quickly with Feverfew. Some people have repeated attacks of mouth ulcers and they
should continue to take the Feverfew for a few days after the ulcers have gone. This will break the cycle of repeated attacks
Cold sores
A painful cold sore (herpes) on your lip can be cured very quickly with Rhus tox.
Amalgam fillings
Merc sol is a wonderful remedy for eliminating mercury from the body. Anyone who has anxieties about amalgam fillings can take this remedy:
three on day one and one a day for the rest of the week. Whenever an amalgam filling is removed by your dental surgeon, follow the same
regime.
Trauma injury
For a blow to a tooth take Arnica and if the tooth feels loose take Ruta hourly.
Cavities
To treat caries (decay) temporarily, apply Plantago tincture liberally on a cotton wool bud to the cavity.
Conclusion
Homeopathy definitely has a place in modern dental treatment. It is not a replacement for the skills of the dentist but is a vital adjunct in many
cases, particularly to help those of you who are apprehensive or suffer from gum problems that are not responding to conventional treatment.
A homeopathic remedy may be readily added to the dentists treatment procedures, resulting in less discomfort, shorter period of recovery and
will make the patient feel better without side effects. Homeopathic remedies increase your ability to heal and enable you to handle the dental
experience with confidence.

Further information
A growing number of dentists have trained in homeopathy look for the letters MFHom (Dent) or LFHom (Dent) after their other qualifications.
MFHom (Dent) is the highest level of homeopathic training currently available; LFHom (Dent) means that the dentist has passed the Facultys
Primary Healthcare exam and can use homeopathy in a limited way.
MFHom and LFHom dentists are included in the Facultys directory of practitioners available on the BHA
website at www.britishhomeopathic.org. The British Homeopathic Dental Association also provides information and a listing of dentists
interested in homeopathy: www.bhda.co.uk.
Philip Wander BDS MGDSRCS DFHom (Dent) is a founder member and chairman of the British Homeopathic Dental Association. He
has recently been awarded an honorary fellowship from the Faculty of Homeopathy in recognition of his pioneering work,
promotion, teaching and research in dental homeopathy. He practices in Manchester city centre.

Top 5 reasons we visitthe dentist

Phil Wander looks at common dental ailments
The scope for homeopathy in dental practice is broad. Help is at hand for a range of different ailments people commonly experience pain,
discomfort, inflammation, bleeding. It can have a role in calming dental anxieties, speeding recovery and making the experience in the
dentists chair generally a bit more comfortable. Nobody really likes going to the dentist and some positively fear it. But the days of gruesome
teeth-pulling are long gone and we are moving, thankfully, to a much more holistic way of approaching the patient. Homeopathically trained
dentists are much more than drillers, fillers and billers. We can even hope to improve the overall health of the patient and not just the dental
condition presented to us.
Homeopathic prescribing in dentistry may be either acute or constitutional, or a combination of these. Acute prescribing is a treatment
specifically for the disease or ailment. Constitutional prescribing involves analysing a persons temperament, disposition and behavioural
tendencies. It is possible to prescribe one medicine to suit the general temperament or psychological state of a patient and another for the
physical problem the patient is experiencing.
Below are the top five complaints I see in my surgery, and some of the homeopathic medicines I frequently use.
Regular checkups and good oral health will of course help you to avoid painful dental episodes. You should always go to a dentist if the pain is
severe and preferably one who can also prescribe or recommend homeopathy. Its worth checking with a surgery before you register to see if
the dentist has homeopathic training or has an interest in holistic health.
Dosage
Choice of potency
The 6c potency can be used and is readily available in shops; the 30c potency is also indicated below in particular medicines. When the
treatment is prescribed on the basis of a mixture of the physical and pyschological symptoms I use a higher potency (30c or above).
Frequency
Low potency (6c)
first aid: every five to 30 minutes
acute conditions: every 30 minutes to hourly, decreasing to three to four times a day
Medium potency (30c)
one to three times a day
High potency (30c 200c)
once a day
The frequency should be reduced as symptoms improve.
1. Toothache
Toothache can be one of the most distracting pains imaginable. It can occur for a whole host of reasons so its hardly surprising it tops the list
of ailments that people come to see me with. The underlying reasons for the pain should be investigated as soon as possible. Alongside this
there are a number of homeopathic medicines that can be helpful. Particularly useful if you cant get access to a dentist straight away:

Throbbing pain: Belladonna

Heat brings on the pain: Pulsatilla

Cold eases the pain: Coffea

Major decay, clenching teeth helps: Staphisagria

Where teeth sensitive and sore to touch, exposed roots, worse with cold air or fluids: Plantago

Toothache in pregnancy: Sepia

Other medicines Ive found useful are Aconite (toothache after being out in a cold wind), Arnica (pain with bruising/soreness), Magnesium
phosphate (pain shoots like lightning, worse with cold and better with warmth) and Silica (swollen face/glands, patient wants face to be warm).
And of course, Chamomilla, which is particularly indicated for teething babies. Plantago tincture, locally applied every 15 minutes, is an
excellent therapy for sensitivity, giving immediate and long-lasting relief after just a few applications. It can be rubbed onto or around a tooth
or teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold, or applied as a toothache tincture.
As you can see there are numerous medicines that can apply in toothache, depending on the symptoms, and the above is not an exhaustive
list. If in doubt about the correct one to take, think ABC: Arnica, Belladonna, Chamomilla.
2. Abcesses
If you have ever been unfortunate enough to suffer toothache with a gum boil which is red, swollen and throbbing, then Belladonna will bring
relief. It is best used for an abscess early on. Try 30c every half an hour. If the swelling from the abscess runs down into the neck, try
Myristica, which works exceptionally well I have known it to resolve the problem in cases where surgical incision seemed essential. Silica is
useful if the abscess has been lingering for a long time and hasnt come to a head, and to hasten discharge when the pus is draining. If you
have chronic (recurring) abscesses then Hepar sulph should help, in the 6c potency if the abscesses are pus-filled, although you should
always visit a dentist if the condition is severe.
Merc sol 6c is useful for bad breath as a result of sores, with excessive salivation. Pyrogenium can be used when there is pus present but
without drainage. And Bryonia is indicated when there is acute inflammation or if pricking pain is relieved by firm pressure. Pulsatilla can help,
as with toothache, where the pain is accentuated by heat and relieved by cold water. Consider using a homeopathic mouthwash
as well.
3. Gum disease
Gum disease can be very painful and is a major cause of tooth loss. Infected or bleeding gums are usually caused by a build-up of plaque on
the teeth because of poor dental hygiene or because the saliva is too acidic. In less common cases vitamin deficiency, blood disorders, or
drugs may be the cause. Treatment can be complex and a visit to a homeopathic dentist is recommended, so that he or she can find
the correct constitutional medicine for you. In addition to this you may find that using some of the medicines in this article is useful:

Unhealthy, bleeding gums: Arsenicum album

Gums that bleed after brushing: Ferrum phosphoricum

Bleeding gums with bad breath: Merc sol 6c once daily

Swollen, painful gums, tongue has whitish coating, patient consumes a lot of stimulants like coffee and tea: Nux vomica

Swollen gums that bleed easily, over-production of saliva: Phosphorus

Hypericum can be used for tender gum tissue, to promote healing. China is also useful for bleeding gums.
4. Broken teeth/extractions
Some people only end up at the dentist when their teeth cause them a major problem, either by falling out, breaking off or by being knocked in
an accident. Symptoms associated with the potential loss of a tooth or teeth can, understandably, include anxiety and shock. Probably the
most well-known of all homeopathic medicines, Arnica, is as effective in dentistry as it is in other fields of healthcare. I use it routinely in my
surgery, giving it to patients before and after treatment. As well as its affinity for the psychological state of the patient, it is brilliant for treating
soreness, swelling and bleeding. Luckily I rarely see patients who have had serious accidents, and spend much more of my time using Arnica
before and after extractions and more extensive dental procedures, to ameliorate the associated symptoms. Hypericum is also very useful if
there has been associated nerve damage and Phosphorus should be considered to control bleeding. If you have had a tooth extracted and
later in the day the socket starts to bleed, take Phosphorus 30c or use Phosphorus tincture on a cotton wool ball or hankie and apply pressure
to the socket to stem the flow. Ruta graveolens is indicated where the bone is injured in a dental procedure and for dry socket. Symphytum is
also a medicine to think of, as it encourages the growth of tissue following dental trauma.
5. Mouth ulcers
These can be very irritating and painful but can be alleviated with homeopathic Feverfew, which is also known to help migraine sufferers. A
homeopathic mouthwash is advised. Other homeopathic medicines which might help are:

Ulcers with a raw appearance that bleed easily: Nitricum acidum

Small red ulcers worse for salt or acid: Borax 30c, every fifteen minutes

Sticky saliva with a swollen tongue: Hydrastis

Propolis tincture is also beneficial, applied neat or taken as a mouth wash to relieve symptoms while healing occurs. It seems to reduce the
amount of time ulcers take to heal from seven to ten days to two or three days.
Oral health the homeopathic way
Mouthwashes
A range of homeopathic mouthwashes are available. The most important of these is Calendula. Hypericum and Calendula (Hypercal)
mouthwash will leave the mouth feeling comfortable and fresh after treatment. It is particularly indicated after surgery, as Calendula has
excellent healing properties and Hypericum has an affinity with the nerves. Take one or two drops of the tincture in a glass of warm water.
There are also other gargles available from natural health shops, with combinations of ingredients including tinctures of myrrh, propolis and
krameria (also known as rhatany, a perennial shrub found in North and South America) and essential oils of cloves, eucalyptus and
peppermint.
Toothpastes
Some people believe the peppermint in conventional toothpastes antidotes homeopathic medicines. There are a number of companies
providing alternative toothpastes, which also do not contain ingredients like fluoride, sweeteners, colourings or sodium lauryl sulphate. Salt
toothpaste is a favourite. Herbal toothpaste is available for those who dislike the taste of salt. Kramaria is very beneficial for gums and many
prefer its taste. Sanguinaria (bloodroot) is another favourite botanic ingredient. Other useful toothpastes contain aloe vera and propolis.
Medicines for dental anxiety
Anxiety associated with a visit to the dentist is not uncommon! Thankfully there are some homeopathic medicines which can help here. I use
Aconite where a state of fear and anxiety is present (there is mental and physical restlessness but fright is the predominating feature);
Gelsemium is indicated when the patient is feeling weak in the knees, fearful and lacking in energy. Both Aconite and Gelsemium can be used
the night before and the day of the surgery for a relaxing effect. Argenticum nitricum is also useful if there is a sense of trepidation, hurried
actions, incessant speech and diarrhoea as a result of the anxiety.
Propolis
Propolis is not homeopathic but can be used very effectively in a range of situations. Made up of a 50 to 70 per cent mixture of resins and
balsams, 30 to 50 per cent wax, 5 to 10 per cent pollen and 10 percent essential oils, it is a sticky filler substance used by bees to seal the
hive and provide them with an immune system. Propolis tincture is excellent in treating oral ulcers, sores, abcesses and inflammation. It can
be applied to areas where other preparations are not so effective at staying in place. A residue or film of resin appears over the ulcer, almost
immediately relieving pain and providing a healing barrier to further irritation. I apply propolis liquid immediately after extractions, to aid
healing.
It can also be used as a mouthwash, gargle and breath freshener. Recent research shows it may have a role in preventing tooth decay, due to
its antibacterial qualities. Allergy and sensitivity to propolis is uncommon but you should avoid it if you have ever experienced adverse
reactions to bee stings, bee products, honey or have an extreme sensitivity to pollen.
An innovation in dentistry
There are homeopathic medicines for every facet of dental prescribing, and some are specific to certain oral conditions. Homeopathy is not a
replacement for the skills used in everyday dental procedures, but it is a useful complement, particularly in helping apprehensive patients to
get through dental treatment. Patients can approach the visit to the dentist with a little more confidence and a bit less trepidation perhaps!
Even more than that, the use of homeopathy in dentistry is an innovation that opens up new vistas for the dental profession. Systemic illness
can often be observed first in the mouth, so we have the opportunity to do more than just filling the hole in a tooth. Dentists with knowledge of
homeopathy and its application can benefit the whole patient, not just treat the presenting problems in isolation.
Finding a homeopathic dentist
There are a number of dentists who incorporate homeopathy into their practices in the UK. The Faculty of Homeopathy accredits introductory
and advanced training for dentists and other dental professionals. Successful completion of the introductory training enables dentists and
hygienists to become Licensed Associates of the Faculty of Homeopathy and use the qualification LFHom(Dent).
Dentists who go on to complete the advanced training achieve the qualification MFHom(Dent). To find a homeopathic dentist near you with
Faculty of Homeopathy qualifications, go to the BHAs website at www.britishhomeopathic.org.
All members of the Faculty of Homeopathy are bound to practice within the competence of their profession and their level of training and
qualification in homeopathy.

Philip Wander BDS MGDS RCS FFHom(Dent)runs private and NHS dental practices in Manchester and Salford. He has 30years
experience in holistic dentistry,with a special interest in the use of Propolis and the replacement of mercury/amalgam fillings. In
2009 he was vote done of the top 10 most influential dentists in the UK by Dentistry magazine.

Nipping cystitis in the bud

Dr Marysia Kratimenos and Keren Sall outline how homeopathy can alleviate this infection
Imagine having the need to go to the bathroom 20 or 30 times a day.
This is what a sufferer of cystitis goes through along often with a burning sensation accompanying urination. Very few women will escape the
discomfort of this urinary tract infection. Around one in six women get cystitis each year. Women tend to suffer from it as they have a short
urethra (the tube that passes from the bladder out of the body) and its opening is located to very close to the anus making it easy for bacteria
from the anus to reach the bladder and cause an infection.
Symptoms can include one or more of the following:

Stinging or burning sensation when you pass urine

The need to urinate more frequently and urgently, even if you pass little or no urine

General feeling of being unwell

Occasional blood in urine

Pain or tenderness in lower back or abdomen

Urine that is cloudy or dark coloured, and may have a strong smell.

Why homeopathy?
Homeopathy can be used successfully in tandem with conventional treatment with antibiotics. Homeopathy is helpful in building up the
constitution and so reducing the risk of recurrent attacks of cystitis. A homeopath will take a detailed history to ensure that a suitable
homeopathic medicine is prescribed. A urine sample will be sent off for analysis in a laboratory and a preliminary inspection of urine carried
out. A strong smell, cloudiness or the presence of small amounts of blood suggests a bacterial infection. As GPs using conventional treatment
will usually wait for the results of the urine culture before prescribing antibiotics in cases of cystitis where there is no fever or obvious general
illness, it is well worth trying a homeopathic remedy in the meantime to alleviate discomfort.
If your temperature is very high and you find your pain extends to the loins, beware as this may indicate the infection has ascended to the
kidneys and medical intervention must be sought urgently. Prompt medical attention is also warranted if there is blood in urine. Kidney
infection can lead to the scarring of kidneys so immediate treatment with antibiotics is imperative.
A homeopathic consultation
Treatment with homeopathy comprises of a two-pronged attack. Firstly to treat the infection, and secondly to improve general health, so
averting further infections. The (deeper treatment) is best left to a professional homeopath. For an acute attack a relatively high potency, 30c
should be taken. It can be repeated every hour, decreasing the frequency of the remedy as the symptoms improve. If there is no improvement
after two or four doses, sufferers should seek professional homeopathic treatment.
The right homeopathic medicine
Aconite
This is prescribed if the symptoms come on very suddenly and without any warning, often after a fright or exposure to cold. Diving into icy
water may bring on cystitis. There is a lot of fear and this may lead to retention of urine. There is a sensation of pressure in the bladder and
burning before urination.
Arnica montana
Arnica is useful for treating cystitis that follows bruising injuries of the perineum. It is therefore suitable for urinary problems following childbirth.
There may be trouble emptying the bladder and some involuntary dribbling.
Cantharis
This will help if you suffer from agonising pain before, during and after urination. Each drop of urine will feel like scalding acid and there may
be blood in it. Beside yourself with pain you will avoid drinking so you wont have to pass urine. Cantharis was well known to the Marquis de
Sade and his followers.

Nux vomica
This medicine is given when there is intense chilliness and the person feels very irritable with the cystitis. There is a constant urge to urinate
and a sense that the bladder is full although tiny amounts of urine are passed. Nux vomica is ideal when frequency is the predominate
symptom. A constitutional Nux vomica is the typical Type A personality driven, ambitious and very competitive, with a short fuse.
Pulsatilla
This is often prescribed for highly emotional and changeable shy young females. As their fluid intake is small they are more prone to urinary
tract infections. This remedy is also prescribed for older women who are soft and yielding in character. They have a tendency to cry while
telling their tale and evoke sympathy in the listener. For them the pain is worse when urination is delayed, and after urination. The symptoms
are changeable and the urine tends to spurt out.
Sarsaparilla
This medicine is used for infection when the pain comes on after urination. There may be some blood in the urine and severe symptoms of
cystitis. Sufferers usually find it is easier to pass urine while standing up and there is tendency to urinary retention.
Sepia
Sepia is suitable for recurrent urinary tract infections, especially when there is a history of lots of antibiotic use and thrush. The woman often
loses her libido, because sex is painful and she fears cystitis may result. The patient is often worn out by the recurrent infections, so
exhausted by the struggle to keep going that she cries when expressing herself. Genital herpes may be also be present.
Staphysagria
Honeymoon cystitis responds well to this remedy, as do urinary tract infections that come on after pelvic examination, operation or labour. It is
prescribed where there is suppressed anger and grief. The anger is hidden, the person appears mild tempered and gentle, yet there is often a
history of abuse or deep sorrow. Cystitis occurs after sex and the pain is felt during and after urination.
Managing cystitis

Drink large amounts of water to flush out the infection.

Avoid tea and coffee as they can aggravate the symptoms.
Drink large amounts of cranberry juice or take tables of cranberry concentrate as they make the urine too acidic
for the bacteria to thrive.
Likewise sachets of powder available at pharmacies work on the same principle. Some make the urine less acidic
as they contain large amounts of bicarbonate.
Keep the bladder empty as holding on to urine will only make matters worse and encourage a more serious
infection.
It is advisable to empty the bladder after sex to avoid infection.
Bathing and hygiene products such as talcum powder and perfumed soap should all be avoided as they irritate
your urethra.
Dont wear thongs or tight trousers; pure cotton underwear is best, as are stockings rather than tights.
Marysia Kratimenos MB BS FRCS(ED) FFHOM is on the staff of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital where she is involved in
stress clinics, general medicine, paediatrics and neurolinguistic programming. She also teaches on the MFHom course and has a
private practice.

Crohns disease
Andrea Wiessner discusses the homeopathic treatment of one of her patients
Crohns disease is a chronic inflammatory gastro-intestinal disease that can affect the whole digestive tract from mouth to anus but favours the
lower part of the small bowels. It can cause symptoms of bowel inflammation, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and general malaise and it

can cause ulcerations in the mouth or anus and anal fissures. But it is also sometimes accompanied by manifestations outside of the digestive
tract, such as arthritis, inflammation of the eyes, inflammation of the sacroiliac joint and skin rashes. One of its complications is the stricture of
parts of the bowels due to long standing inflammation which then usually requires surgical intervention. Acute episodes are usually treated
with oral steroids and long-term maintenance treatment often consists of immuno-suppressive agents and medicines used in the treatment of
some forms of cancer.
Pauline
Referred to me by her GP in November 2003, Pauline had been diagnosed with Crohns disease in 2000 but her GP mentioned in his letter
that she probably had already suffered symptoms due to the disease in 1993.
Pauline was 39 when I met her first and she told me that she had severe backaches with shooting pains in her 20s. The slightest movement
would aggravate her pain. As she had injured her back as a child, she always thought the pain was due to this.
Ten years ago, she developed an anal fissure with severe pains passing stools. This was eventually operated on in 2000, but three weeks
after the operation she again started to have severe pain when passing stools and had ulcers in the back passage. She also had mouth ulcers
at the time with extreme pain and she could hardly eat or drink. She started to feel unwell generally, had a high temperature, plus diarrhoea
and stiff joints. Her ankles were swollen and she could hardly move or walk. Pauline had to stay off work for three months. At that stage she
was referred to a specialist and diagnosed with Crohns disease.
Since then she has had several flare-ups when she always has similar symptoms. The first sign is usually that she develops back pain and
stiffness. Her joints swell up and become stiff and painful, which makes it very difficult for her to move. She also develops loose and foul
smelling bowel motions, lately with blood and mucus. She has abdominal cramps and a permanent sense of a lump in her stomach. She
sometimes loses control over her bladder and bowels and has had some accidents and feels extremely tired and exhausted and generally
unwell.
Pauline feels that these episodes can be triggered by stress and her symptoms can be aggravated by dairy produce. She frequently has night
sweats and she also had episodes of iritis, inflammation of her eyes, in the past.
She has already excluded dairy produce which has been beneficial. Her consultant had put her on Mercaptopurin daily which is a medicine
also used in the treatment of leukaemia and Dexamethasone eye drops for episodes of iritis.
Pauline lives with her partner and eight year-old son and works in customer service for a company selling legal books. She loves her job and
loves speaking to the customers on the phone. She feels this is fantastic.
Having a very bubbly personality, Pauline describes herself as over-enthusiastic and excitable and quite a happy person who loves to talk a
lot. She says people sometimes find her too much. She is very impatient and can be short-tempered. She dislikes to be told things and
dislikes change. She is a kind person and feels anxious if she has to speak in public.
Of her general symptoms, she says that she is a chilly person, disliking the cold and that she perspires easily. She craves cheese and sweets
and does not tolerate dairy produce. She needs a lot of sleep, often waking up at 2am but sleeps quite deeply on her right side. She talks
during her sleep and her eyes are often half-open. She dreams a lot, recurrently of houses and rooms but also about teeth.
Treatment
When considering her case, I was mainly thinking of remedies such as Phosphorus and Sepia, but Nux vomica, Causticum and Thuja were
also ones I considered for her constitutionally. The last as her son, whom I treated for asthma, had a good response to Thuja and sometimes
children and their parents, in particular mother and child, can respond to the same remedy.
Nevertheless, I eventually decided to give her Sepia. What swayed me was the strong focus on her back pain, which is very typical for Sepia,
and symptoms such as the lump sensation in her stomach. I gave her Sepia 200c, three single doses within 24 hours. However, as
Phosphorus is a good remedy for inflammatory bowel disease, I prescribed Phosphorus 30c twice weekly in four weeks time, more on a
symptomatic level.
When I saw her again two months later, she was already much better. Her energy levels had improved, her joints werent aching and the night
sweats were better too. She could sleep through the night and had been able to stop Mercaptopurin one month before without any negative
effects. This had not been possible in the past. She had noticed the improvement after the Sepia, but the night sweats improved when taking
Phosphorus and did come back when she omitted a dose. Over the next six months she required two more doses of Sepia 200c and I advised
her to continue with the Phosphorus regularly.
Recurrence
She then came back with a flare-up of her Crohns disease, experiencing burning pain in her abdomen, pain and stiffness in her back and
hips, iritis and low energy levels. When I asked what had happened, she told me that she had applied for a better paid job in her company but
that she didnt get it. She was very angry, feeling it was terribly unfair and that people were conspiring against her. She just couldnt
understand why they hadnt given her the job but did not talk to anyone about it.
I told her to increase Phosphorus to once daily doses until her symptoms had settled and to repeat Sepia in the next higher potency, 1M at

that stage. However, I told her to use her conventional medication if symptoms did not settle quickly. I also prescribed Mercurius sol 6c three
times per day, when required, for her iritis.
When I saw her next, two months later, she had much improved. The pain had settled, her joints and back were fine and her energy levels
better. She had taken Mercaptopurin for ten days but stopped it again and had been well.
Over the following two years, she had been really well apart from one chest and throat infection. She continued with Phosphorus 30c once
weekly and Sepia 1M every few months.
A year ago she came to see me with severe back pain again, associated with stiffness and pain in her hip. She had been run down and felt
this might be a precursor for the Crohns again. She had already tried Sepia, but this time it did not seem to affect her symptoms. I prescribed
Rhus tox 30c once daily until the back pain had settled and told her to then take Phosphorus 200c, three single doses within 24 hours. She
has been fine since with one more minor episode of back pain, which responded well again to Rhus tox. She now takes Phosphorus 200c
every few months if her general well-being deteriorates.
The remedies
The remedies that helped Pauline most were Sepia, the ink of the cuttle fish, and Phosphorus, a remedy from the mineral kingdom and an
element from the periodic table. On first glance, this seems strange as they come from completely different sources. However, patients who
require Sepia sometimes appear quite phosphoric and this might be due to the fact that the cuttle fish itself contains a lot of Phosphorus.
In retrospect, I would say that Pauline is probably more of a Phosphorus type constitutionally. However, she had good responses to Sepia
initially, possibly due to the overlapping symptoms of both remedies. The question why she responded and which one is her constitutional
remedy is probably quite academic though, as the main thing is that Paulines symptoms improved and that she is on her path to health.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus means the light-bringer (the Greek word phos means light and phoros means bringing or bearing). Phosphorus is a
poisonous substance and reacts violently. It is used in the manufacture of safety matches. On a physical level, Phosphoruss destructive
processes dominate the homeopathic picture, such as irritation and inflammation of the lining of organs, inflammation of nerves and the spinal
cord and destruction of bones. Its picture also contains haemorrhages and general weakness. But just like the fire, destructive as it can be, it
also brings warmth, light and sustains life.
As Phosphorus brings light in the physical sense, the Phosphorus type of person is a light-bringer in other ways. He or she is a very open and
extrovert person who makes you feel good in their presence. Often, when they enter the room you have a sense that the light has been
switched on. No wonder that during homeopathic training, when everyone is usually eager to find his or her own constitutional remedy,
everyone wants to be a Phosphorus! These individuals are very warm, sociable and sympathetic and very sensitive to all impressions. They
are often quite artistic and imaginative but can also be full of fears and anxieties.
I always find it fascinating how the richness of nature, contained within our remedies, if matched to the richness of life within our patients, can
stimulate growth, health and wellbeing!
Andrea Wiessner T(GP) MD MFHom RCST trained as a GP but has been practising homeopathy full-time for nine years. She has
been working at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital and in private practice. She also practises Cranio Sacral Therapy.

When orthodox medicine has nothing more to offer.

Elizabeth Thompson discusses the role of homeopathic treatment for female cancer patients
At the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital (GHH) we are seeing an increasing number of people referred with a diagnosis of cancer. This reflects
an increased interest in how complementary approaches to cancer care can support people at different stages of the cancer diagnosis. In the
past four and a half years of working at the GHH, I have learned that the people coming to the hospital want different things from
complementary medicine.
Some people come when conventional treatments can no longer offer them anything to save their lives. This is a frightening time for them and
although the homeopathic approach may not offer a cure at this late stage of their illness, it can often offer hope of a different kind. Sometimes
it helps people to outlive the prognosis given to them by months or even years. Sometimes it helps them need less in the way of conventional
medicine including pain killers and offers them continuing support despite progressive disease.
As a doctor working in both conventional and complementary cancer care I have learned the importance of integrating these two perspectives.
Ideally the doctor practising homeopathy would work as an integral part of a much wider team which would include family members, nurses,
general practitioners, oncologists, surgeons, palliative physicians and other complementary therapists. It is disappointing sometimes to see
that other healthcare professionals can be unsupportive of a persons desire to use complementary therapies and for some people the
knowledge that the team is not working together can cause doubt and insecurity.

Some patients come at the beginning of their diagnosis wanting to support their bodies with gentler approaches and help themselves recover
from some difficult and powerful treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As well as using homeopathic medicines, the GHH also
has experience in using Mistletoe which is given by injection and has been shown to stimulate the group of white cells whose numbers can be
depleted during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Other patients come when they have finished most of their treatments but may still not be feeling well despite being given the all clear by their
doctors.
In the past few months a team of us at the GHH have been carrying out a research study with women who have survived breast cancer but
are having difficult menopausal symptoms. These women can not use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and many of them are on a drug
called Tamoxifen which can make symptoms such as hot flushes a lot worse.
In a pilot study we looked at 45 women all of whom had difficult menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, mood disturbance, fatigue and
joint pains. All of the women had had a diagnosis of breast cancer. The medical profession is realising that these symptoms can really affect
quality of life but conventional approaches are limited. In particular HRT is not advised (because the hormones in HRT may stimulate breast
cancer cells). About three quarters of the women in the study said they had found the homeopathic approach useful for their symptoms and
satisfaction with the approach was high. In terms of persuading colleagues within medicine that the homeopathic approach is worth
recommending, we can reassure them through research that people gain a benefit which makes a difference to them.
Following on from this pilot study, further research at the GHH, funded by the Trusts Homeopathic Research Committee, is looking at 80
women all of whom have hot flushes and have had a diagnosis of, and conventional treatment for, breast cancer within the last five years. Half
of the women will have a consultation plus a placebo (dummy) medicine and half will have a consultation plus a homeopathic remedy to treat
the hot flushes. We know that people can get well again under the influence of a placebo and we are expecting quite a lot of the women on
placebo to improve.
Knowing how many women get well with placebo helps us to know how many people we need to see if we wanted to show a difference
between placebo medicines and homeopathic medicines and this could be a lot of women. We are grateful to all the women who are taking
part and still need another 40 women to join the study.
Research of this sort is very important in helping us to clarify the roles of different complementary medicines in cancer care. The journey of
dealing with a serious disease and the consequences of treatment can be a difficult one. I believe that complementary therapies can rise up to
meet the person along this road and help restore wellbeing and confidence in their own bodies.
One wonderful aspect of the homeopathic approach is that it can be a very important opportunity to help someone re-evaluate their life and
their health.
Sometimes hurts in the past have never been healed and sitting with someone as they describe difficult experiences can be itself therapeutic.
Combining this therapeutic listening time with substances from nature that gently stimulate the bodys own healing potential can be an
approach that through patient demand and research we can demonstrate is really worth offering to many more people.
Case Study
A 62 year-old woman was referred to outpatients with a diagnosis of hot flushes. She had undergone a left mastectomy for breast cancer in
November 1998. She had always had a fear that she might get cancer as her mum had died of it.
She went on to describe the flushes: They really drain me and take every bit of energy from me. They start in the tummy and come up and
then I feel the heat in my face. I also feel depressed and I think a lot about dying. I fear death and I fear getting older. I have lost confidence
and I dont like to go into town. I feel everybody is walking into me. I dont go out in the dark and I worry about how I am going to get to my
work when its dark in the morning.
I asked if anything in her life besides the diagnosis might make her fear death. She then told me that as a young girl she had developed
diphtheria and other people on her ward had died. In her past medical history she had had problems with her thyroid gland.
She goes back to the flushes. They waken me at night and I remember my dreams. I dream of a cemetery its horrific with skeletons
running towards me. She has this dream recurrently.
I remember a remedy which has this connection with skeletons and I go to my computer which confirms that there is a remedy called Crotalus
cascavella which might be helpful. This is a snake remedy and homeopaths have used a similar snake remedy called Lachesis to help with
menopausal symptoms.
We are beginning to recognise the connections between different remedies in the same family and although Crotalus cascavella is not as well
known as Lachesis I decide to prescribe Crotalus cascavella, the Brazilian Rattlesnake. Preparing the venom of the snake homeopathically
makes it very safe to administer.
Within days of taking the remedy, this woman felt her flushes subsiding. She also began to gain more confidence and was able to report that
she no longer felt so frightened in the dark and had managed to go back to work. A year later she is feeling very well and in some respects

better than she did before her diagnosis of cancer.

Dr Elizabeth Thompson MRCP MFHom trained in homeopathy with the Homeopathic Physicians Teaching Group in 1992 and began
working at the GHH in 1995 seeing patients with cancer in a research clinic. She and her husband, also a Member of the Faculty of
Homeopathy, have three young children who thrive on love and homeopathy when necessary!

Adjustment and empowerment

Elizabeth Thompson discusses how integrated care can make all the difference to cancer patients
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be a very frightening experience and many people remember the exact moment of hearing this difficult
news. The experience can cause shock and anxiety and the feeling that ones life is spiralling out of control. The person can often feel like
their body has let them down by developing such a serious illness and they can lose confidence in themselves and their future. There is often
a desire to look more deeply into their health in general and to find meaning in their lives as a whole.
Many supportive approaches such as psychological procedures exist to help people during this difficult time of adjusting to a life-threatening
illness. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) can also offer an important avenue of support with an underlying philosophy that the
individual experience is important and connections that a person may make in their life and health are important. CAM also honours the idea
that the body has its own innate healing potential which can be strengthened in various ways. A preparation of Mistletoe would be an example
of a complementary medicine which has been shown to stimulate the immune system and when given alongside chemotherapy and
radiotherapy can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.
We are very fortunate here in Bristol to run a complementary cancer care service that is integrated into the rest of the acute Healthcare Trust
where the hospital is sited, University Hospitals Bristol Foundation Trust. We see about 250 patients a year with many referrals coming directly
from healthcare professionals within related cancer services and research suggests patients want their treatment choices valued and
approved by their oncologists. We have a close relationship with the breast care nurses working with the surgical team in the north of Bristol
and the team at the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.
Supportive role
Sometimes it is the simple things that seem to help and one of the things that we offer at the hospital is continuity of care. If a patient comes to
us they stay with us throughout their five-visit package of care which involves one hour-long consultation and four 20-minute follow-ups. A
common reason for referral is for women with breast cancer who are suffering side-effects of their treatments such as hot flushes with
Tamoxifen or joint pains with Arimidex. Other problem symptoms might include anxiety, mood and sleep disturbance. This constellation of
symptoms associated with oestrogen withdrawal has few in the way of conventional treatments and HRT is now contra-indicated in women
with breast cancer as it could increase their risk of recurrence. Sometimes women do not want to go on conventional medication such as
antidepressants, which is another orthodox treatment for these symptoms, because they feel they have had enough drugs and they want to
approach it with gentler, non-pharmaceutical approaches. We also see men with prostate cancer, who have similar symptoms of hot flushes,
sleep disturbance, anxiety and loss of confidence associated with their hormonal cancer treatment.
We see people coming at different points in their diagnosis. Some patients are often coming after all their cancer treatments have been carried
out, but they are suffering from the ongoing side-effects of their treatments. Sometimes we see people who from the moment of diagnosis
want to use homeopathy to support them through their surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Often they can be people who have used
homeopathy regularly for themselves and their families and it is a natural choice to continue to do so alongside conventional treatments.
Sometimes it is the point of being told one has recurrent or advancing disease that might encourage someone to come and have homeopathy
and engaging hopefully with someone can be very important at this time of crisis.
Alisons story
In September 2005, Alison was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, one year after the birth of her baby boy, Owen, and the news was
totally shocking. Suddenly she was a disease and not a person and she became very, very frightened and incapable of managing her life.
Only one year before, she had had extensive tests on a breast lump that didnt feel normal to her, but as she was breastfeeding and had
experienced a degree of mastitis, specialists at Weston Super Mare PCT first diagnosed a permanently blocked milk-duct. The lump was rechecked by biopsy when Owen was one and out of the blue, Grade III cancer was diagnosed which had by then spread to nearby lymph
nodes. She was immediately told to stop breastfeeding and urged to take a course of counselling. In the space of a couple of days she was
told she would have a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy and months of chemotherapy. She was also told that the treatment would mean
that is was very unlikely she would ever have any more children.
Alison comments: I think I went to pieces. I just couldnt cope with the news. I became very irrational about everything. My husband and
family basically took over and managed all my appointments and took care of my son. Of course, I had to give up teaching.
Alison was concerned about aspects of the planned treatment. As a violinist, she wanted to reduce any chance of lymphodema as
permanently swollen arms would have made it difficult to play again. She transferred to Frenchay Hospital where Simon Cawthorn had an
excellent track record for avoiding lymphodema, as well as an excellent reputation as a breast care surgeon. She had surgery within weeks.

The counselling she received had proved necessary and effective. I was so angry and scared and I needed to find balance for my emotions
in order to function properly. She attended a three-day course at Penny Brohn Cancer Care, a wonderful holistic centre previously known as
the Bristol Cancer Help Centre. Going there saved me from a kind of madness as I had felt like an anomaly before. There were mothers of
young children, like me, and even a woman who was pregnant when diagnosed. I decided to book on to a five-day retreat at the centre during
my chemotherapy.
The chemotherapy treatment took nine months, during which she felt very sick, was crushingly tired and lost her hair. Her days on retreat had
helped her calm down and look at herself more objectively. Always an open-minded person, she was now determined to use everything and
anything to get better. So when her oncologist Dr Braybrook suggested homeopathy, she agreed to go to the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital.
Homeopathic care
Alison was referred to the Complementary Cancer Care Service via her oncologist and began a course of treatment to help with the sideeffects of chemotherapy, to help her come to terms with her condition and to try and ensure no relapse of the cancer.
If I had to single out one complementary treatment that I really felt helped me the most, comments Alison, it would be homeopathy. Dr
Thompson was fantastic; she spoke to me as a person, she really wanted to know how I ticked. She didnt focus on my symptoms but she
focused on me as a person, how I was emotionally coping and how she could help ease the emotional pain I felt.
I remember her asking in one session how I was and telling her that I did not think it was possible to feel more emotional pain than I felt I
said I feel like my heart is breaking. Much of this pain was associated with the devastating news about my fertility and coming to terms with
the fact that I would never have any more children. The remedy she prescribed changed me utterly and I turned a corner.
Alison also has regular acupuncture, takes Chinese herbs, osteopathy and massage to keep her arms mobile and has changed her diet in line
with advice from the Penny Brohn Centre, so that now she eats an almost vegan diet, avoiding meat and dairy products.
There are still difficult moments: Alison was put on a drug which brought about an early menopause, including all its symptoms. She said it
made me feel very tired and old! older than my years, dragged down and heavy but a repeat of her homeopathic remedy in a different
potency took those symptoms away. She has had scares too she was recalled after a mammogram, which turned out to be clear in the end.
She says she is lucky to have a loving and close family, a great GP, a group of excellent complementary therapists and a wonderful
homeopath.
Alison recognises how far she has travelled. When I was diagnosed I was one person. I know that I left that person behind when I started on
my journey to recovery. Homeopathy played a huge part in that. I was able to find out what really mattered in life.
Alison adds, I am really angry about the way some of the press ridicules homeopathy. Choosing your treatment is a personal thing and the
right kind of treatment is different for different sorts of people, so different treatments need to be on offer so that you can make that choice. All I
know is without my wonderful son, the love and support of my family and friends and the homeopathic treatment, I dont think I could have
done it.
My homeopathic remedy is like my crutch I seriously feel as if I cant live without it. I dont know what I would do without Dr Elizabeth
Thompson and the Bristol NHS Homeopathic Hospital.
Prescribing for Alison
There is always an uncertainty when prescribing homeopathic medicines particularly when we are trying to individualise remedies. Along with
Mistletoe injections, I also prescribed X-ray 30c on the morning of radiotherapy, along with Belladonna in the afternoon, both of which have
been shown in one placebo-controlled trial to reduce the inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues that is caused with radiotherapy.
The remedy that really seemed to create the turning point for Alison, was Stannum muriaticum. This is a remedy from the mineral kingdom
and is a salt of tin. We think of tin as rather a dull metal but it is part of the silver series which we associate with people who are musicians,
talented in performance and creative by nature. In order to gain accuracy with our prescribing we are learning to understand the mineral
kingdom in terms of the structure of the Periodic Table: which row does someone need a medicine from and which column is most suitable?
Stannum is found in the silver series or row 5 of the Periodic Table in column 14 and Stannum patients can feel a lot of anxiety around
performance as if they are somehow failing.
Someone who needs Stannum has an inner experience that their performance is no longer admired and they can feel discarded and on the
sidelines. Alison had said: I am a performer and I like to perform. I am a violinist but I did lose a lot of confidence. I was so anxious, I would
vomit prior to a performance.
My initial remedy Kali arsenicosum did help with the nausea but her anxiety over the coming months if anything got worse and when Alison
realised that she could not have any more children this was a huge grief to her. I asked her about this and she said, I feel crushed, I have
always managed to achieve, but I feel like God is a puppeteer. I feel I have lost out. This feeling, like a puppet, is also known in the inner
experience of Plumbum which again is in the same column as tin but Plumbum is found in the gold series.
There was also another element to Alisons story which would match the experience of the chloride muriaticum element, in row 3, column
17 of the Periodic Table and one of the halogen group. The chloride element has a relationship with mothering and being mothered and there

can be the experience to feel that one does not get the attention and reassurance one has needed and this leads to disappointment and
feelings of being let down. When the halogen state is felt strongly it can make one feel hot, restless and caged, with an anxious desire to
escape or get away. Both of these substances, Stannum and muriaticum relate to physical problems as well. Stannum has a relationship with
cancer and with voice problems, with a loss of voice or stammering or a sense of weakness with the voice and hollowness in the chest with a
hard, deep, painful cough, better for holding the chest. The stomach can feel weak and empty and there can be problems with the ovaries.
Alison had a knife-like pain in the ovary at ovulation and the silver series can relate to the testes and the ovaries. The chloride, muriatic,
element can often have a physical relationship with the sinuses and with nasal discharge and post-nasal drip andthere can be pain in the
sinuses or tenderness in the breasts which can sometimes be related to the menstrual cycle.
Great thinkers in homeopathic practice have helped us understand these medicines and be able to predict how an unknown remedy might
appear. Stannum muriaticum is not a well-known remedy and yet seemed to be a good match for Alison as an individual. Nothing replaces a
proving, as often the emergent properties of a substance in nature and the symptom picture that emerges through a proving, cannot be
predicated, but there are many remedies we would not be able to prescribe whilst waiting for provings to be carried out.
Cancer care
I have been offering homeopathy now for 12 years in the cancer setting and it has always brought me great joy to help people at any stage of
their journey through this difficult illness. The joy has been watching people get back in control, manage difficult situations for themselves and
sometimes transforming entirely as an individual. Many have described cancer as a wonderful opportunity to do things differently, to grow and
learn about oneself. There is always sadness as well as I have lost patients along the way who had become an inspiration to me in my busy
working day.
I have learned to be flexible within this challenging area of integration and allow people to make choices that feel right for them and always to
see homeopathy as just part of a wheel of healing approaches that people explore and connect with to support them. At the moment we are
developing a business plan to try and increase the number of complementary therapies delivered into the Oncology Centre, so they might be
seen as an integral part of someones care rather than the icing on top of the cake. I would like to see more integration in the future, a greater
awareness of the wisdom of the body, the part each individual plays in their own recovery plus the role CAM has to help empower people and
adjust to living with a cancer diagnosis.
Elizabeth Thompson BAOxon MBBS MRCP FFHom is Lead Clinician for a thriving outpatient service from the Bristol Homeopathic
Hospital with a team of twelve doctors. There is an active research and audit programme and Elizabeth is Academic Director for a
seven-year academic teaching programme.

Spotlight on Circulation
by Jenifer Worden
In order to understand what can go wrong in the circulatory system, it always helps to understand how it works. As a doctor, I have spent
many years getting to grips with how a heart works and what veins and arteries are, and what they do, but I appreciate that what has become
second nature to me might not be so to anyone else. I will, therefore, explain what circulation is, what can go wrong with it and, most
importantly, how homeopathy can help. I will discuss three problems of the venous system (veins) and three problems of the arterial system
(arteries). When discussing various problems and their homeopathic treatment, I most commonly would use a 6c or 12c strength remedy twice
daily for physical symptoms only, for example varicose veins, and a 30c strength for a severe problem having both physical and mental
symptoms like heart failure. This is, however, a rough guide only and for complex symptoms, I would always recommend that you seek advice
from a professional medical homeopath
What is circulation?
The heart is basically a powerful bag of muscle, which by alternatively relaxing and contracting, acts as a pump. Each cycle of relaxation and
contraction forms a single heartbeat, which we feel as our pulse. The blood circulating around the body and head comes through large nveins
(vena cava) in to the right side of the heart. The right side of the heart is divided into an upper and a lower chamber (space) divided by a oneway valve. As the heart squeezes (contracts), the blood is pushed through this valve and out into the lungs via a blood vessel known as the
pulmonary artery. The blood then passes through the lungs, where it absorbs oxygen from the air that we breathe in with every breath. The
blood, full of oxygen now, returns to the left side of the heart via the pulmonary vein, into the upper chamber first and then into the lower
chamber. It is finally squeezed out into the aorta, which is the large artery leading from the left side of the heart. The blood then passes around
the body and head, releasing its valuable oxygen load, before returning via the vena cava to start the whole process all over again.
The reason why blood is so important is that oxygen is needed by every living tissue and cell in order for it to grow, repair and reproduce.
Oxygen makes blood bright red. This is why blood taken in routine blood test at hospital or the GP surgery is a dark red colour as it comes
from the veins (unless the nurse or doctor has made a mistake!) and so has little oxygen.
Arteries and veins
The arteries are like the big brothers of the circulatory family. They are strong and have relatively thick, muscular walls, which are hard to
stretch but better at maintaining pressure. They are able to cope with fluctuations in pressure, caused by the alternate contraction and
relaxation of the heart but if put under too much pressure, they will start to build up their muscular walls, rather like an athlete or body-builder
does when muscles are asked to do extra work. This makes them harder to stretch and therefore increases the pressure within the arteries,
which we measure as blood pressure.

The veins are the little brothers; they are thinner-walled with less or little muscle. They cannot hold pressure in the same way as the arteries.
Linking the arteries to the veins are small arteries known as arterioles, which become smaller capillaries, which in turn join together to form the
larger venules, which then form larger veins. By the time the blood is back into the veins, most of the blood pressure has dwindled away so
the venous system is a low pressure one. In order to help the blood supply return to the heart from the lower half of our body, which means it
must work against gravity, there are small one way valves in the veins of our legs; more about those later!
Right, so we have a pump with a network of veins and arteries keeping us healthy and alive, what can go wrong?
Varicose veins
These are very common and can be either be inherited from our parents or acquired. They are often regarded as a bit of a joke but to anyone
who has them, they are not particularly funny. They give rise to troublesome symptoms such as tired, aching legs, swollen ankles and sore,
hardened areas in the legs. Remember those one-way valves in the legs that I mentioned earlier? It is the gradual failure of those veins due to
increased pressure on the venous system in the legs that leads to the blood not being pumped back to the heart so efficiently. This means that
extra pressure is put on those simple valves, which sometimes give up the ghost completely and fail. When they do, they lead to the veins
becoming stretched and contorted, which in turn gives rise to the familiar raised, knobbly varicose veins. Pregnancy, constipation and standing
for long periods of time all put extra pressure on the veins in the pelvis, which in turn affects the lower leg veins. They can be associated with
inflammation in the varicosities (phlebitis) or eczema around the lower calf and ankle (varicose eczema).
Conventional treatment relies on blocking the veins where the valve has failed and allowing undamaged veins in the area to take over. This
can be done by injection or by physically stripping out the damaged veins surgically. However, there are several homeopathic options to try
before the situation becomes too severe. Pulsatilla is a very commonly used remedy, due to its affinity for circulatory disorders; especially
those associated with pregnancy. This does not mean that male members of the population cannot use it! Reasons to choose Pulsatilla for the
treatment of varicose veins include the symptoms being all right one day but not the next. People who do well with Pulsatilla often tend to be
mild-mannered, avoiding arguments if they can, but these are generalisations and are only meant as a guide when treating very physical
symptoms, such as varicose veins.
My second choice of homeopathic remedy for varicose veins would be Calc carb. Whereas Pulsatilla tends to suit people who are generally
warm-blooded and prefer to have fresh air in their homes, those requiring Calc carb are definitely chilly, with markedly sweaty feet. They hate
damp conditions or damp weather but, like those needing Pulsatilla, tend to be mild in manner, perhaps verging more to the shy side or
slightly nervous.
Another useful remedy, related to Calc carb is Calc fluor. This is particularly useful where there are hardened, knotty varicosities of the veins,
especially after phlebitis. An almost specific remedy for varicose veins and piles is Hamamelis. Sulphur can be used when there is ulceration
and irritation of the varicosities, such as in phlebitis or varicose eczema. One of the key symptoms for choosing Sulphur is must scratch until
it bleeds.
Piles
The technical term is haemorrhoids. The term pile is often used for both true of the anus, and false piles, which are usually skin tags or polyps
of the anal and rectal tissue. (Doctors dont help as we also use the term interchangeably but the treatment is quite different.) Haemorrhoids
are caused by the same problems that cause varicose veins; pregnancy and constipation. However, if the circulation is sluggish, such as if the
heart is not working effectively, this can also result in haemorrhoids.
Haemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal haemorrhoids stay inside the rectum and cause discomfort and bleeding on having the
bowels open. External haemorrhoids drop down and cause pain, bleeding and difficulty in opening the bowels. Skin tags become inflamed
and itchy. Occasionally, external haemorrhoids can bleed into themselves and cause a small blood clot that is surprisingly painful, given the
size of the problem. A simple drainage operation by your GP or surgeon can sort this latter problem out and Arnica is very helpful when taken
afterwards.
Homeopathically, Hamamelis, Calc fluor and Arnica are excellent for haemorrhoids and some of the commercial homeopathic haemorrhoid
creams have a mixture of these remedies within them. If the skin of the anus has become cracked, giving rise to the symptoms of violent
cutting pains after opening the bowels lasting for hours, Nitric ac can be a real help. Such symptoms often are given the diagnosis of an anal
fissure. Haemorrhoids associated with marked constipation with the desire to open the bowels but with little effect when one tries, particularly
in a stressed person (typically the uptight executive) do well with Nux vomica.
Cold hands and feet
Being a sufferer myself, I know only too well how painful this can be. Sneaking in to bed with socks on may not be very glamorous but is
exceedingly practical. Cold hands and feet can be due to your particular metabolism (lack of vital heat in homeopathic terms) or can be due
to failings in the arteries, veins or lungs. A particular problem, known as Raynauds disease, affects predominantly women and has no known
cause. It usually affects both hands and is made worse by cold weather. Affected fingers go through a set pattern of colour change: white, blue
then red. This is due to changes in the small blood vessels in the fingers, constriction followed by slowing of the blood supply and then
dilation. If it is due to an illness such as sclerosis or diseases of the arteries that cause narrowing, the symptoms are known as Raynauds
phenomenon. This can also affect pneumatic drill users when it is known as vibration finger.
Remedies to help include Calc carb and this is also indicated when one suffers from cold feet at night. Cuprum can help when the soles are
burning but the rest of the foot feels cold. Sulphur is very useful when people suffer from the sensation of cold feet but the skin is warm to the
touch, Phosphorus when the hands feel cold but are actually warm. Blue hands and feet do well with Carbo veg and if the person is older,

then Baryta carb can be used for the same symptoms. Several of the homeopathic remedies deriving from snake venom are used for
circulatory problems. This relates to the fact that the effect of venom from the bushmaster snake (Lachesis), rattlesnake (Crotalus) and cobra
(Elaps) is to cause swelling and paralysis with pooling of the blood in affected areas. In homeopathy, use of a substance that causes
symptoms similar to those that one is trying to cure is the basis of the like cures like principle.
Hypertension
High blood pressure, hypertension, affects over 16 million people in the UK and is a major cause of strokes. Ninety per cent of cases are
idiopathic no known cause. Common risk factors, or things that put you at risk of developing high blood pressure include smoking, being
overweight and inactivity as well as other diseases such as heart disease (for example, blocked arteries due to cholesterol or arteriosclerosis)
or diabetes. By reducing your blood pressure, you can vastly reduce the risk of having a stroke. It is possible to make a full recovery from
circulatory problems such as a heart attack caused by a blood clot in the arteries supplying the heart itself but a stroke can often leave lifechanging residual disability. Eating healthily, taking regular exercise and not smoking can make a huge difference to your health. If your blood
pressure is raised, it is always wise to seek medical advice from your GP, practice nurse or hospital doctor.
Contrary to popular belief, high blood pressure has very few symptoms and is usually found by accident when seeing the doctor for an
unrelated problem or as part of a routine medical. Because of this, it can be difficult to treat homeopathically but a well-chosen constitutional
remedy selected on the basis of your personality, likes, dislikes and general symptoms such as temperature preferences can help, particularly
when taken alongside conventional medication. I am a firm believer in using conventional medication if symptoms cannot be controlled solely
using homeopathic remedies and often lower doses than expected of conventional medicines can be used alongside a well-chosen
homeopathic remedy.
Natrum mur is a good baseline remedy to try for hypertension, as it is based on sea salt and the link between excessive levels of salt in the
diet and raised blood pressure are well recognised. People doing well with this remedy often bottle things up, being good listeners but perhaps
not being so able to talk about themselves. They are sensitive but find it difficult to cry in front of people who are not close relatives.
A common side effect of the group of allopathic medications known as ACE inhibitors is that of a dry, irritating cough. These medications are
used to treat hypertension and other heart problems. Although the medication can be changed, the cough can take some time to settle. I
discovered by relative accident that Conium, with the prominent symptom of cough, with expectoration only after long coughing, can be an
excellent remedy for this problem, taken at 30c strength daily until the cough is relieved.
Angina
This is simply cramp in the heart muscle and can be due either to spasm of the coronary arteries (those supplying blood to the heart itself) or
to poor blood supply due to narrowing of the arteries due to arteriosclerosis. If there is a complete blockage of the blood supply, leading to
damaged heart muscle, then this is a step on from angina and is a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Prevention of raised cholesterol levels,
and therefore prevention of arteriosclerosis, is very important. The fitter the heart, the fitter the body. Diet can help but most of us make too
much cholesterol as well as taking it in our diet so it may be that conventional medication is needed in order for it to be lowered enough not to
be a danger to health.
The predominant symptom of angina is a feeling of pressure in the chest, like an elephant, and the homeopathic remedies for angina often
reflect this sensation of tightness in the chest. Angina is most commonly felt as constriction in the central chest area but can also give rise to
pain in the neck or jaw or an aching sensation in the left arm. Cactus is probably one of the best well-known angina remedies with its hallmark
symptom of constriction as if of an iron band when referring to chest pain. It also has the key symptoms of palpitation shooting down the
left arm. It is the remedy that I tend to start with first, usually alongside conventional medication. If Cactus leads to no improvement in
symptoms, then Glonoine can help. Glonoine is related to glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), which is used as a very effective orthodox treatment for
angina, being taken either as a spray in the mouth, or as a small tablet dissolved under the tongue.
Heart failure
This is a common condition with a somewhat frightening title. The medical profession has looked at many different names to give to the
collection of symptoms that result from the heart not working effectively but no real alternative has yet been found. It is the heart working
inefficiently as a pump which leads to poor oxygenation of the blood (causing breathlessness and tiredness) and sluggish circulation (leading
to fluid collecting in the lungs and/or legs). In old-fashioned terms, this is dropsy. Fortunately nowadays, there are many conventional
medications to reduce or remove these distressing symptoms. To minimise their use, or to help them work more effectively, there are a variety
of homeopathic remedies to take. Cactus has already been mentioned with the addition of the symptoms fear of death, heart weakness of
atherosclerosis and ice cold hands, all commonly found in people suffering from heart failure. Crataegus, hawthorn, has been used as a
remedy for hundreds of years, being noted in Culpeppers Herbal as an invaluable treatment for dropsy. It can be used homeopathically
either in tincture form or in potency.
Jenifer Worden MBChB MRCGP MFHom is a part-time NHS GP in a semi-rural general practice in Ringwood, Hampshire and also
has her own private practice in homeopathy and acupuncture in Highcliffe, Dorset.

Coughs and sneezes spread diseases.

but homeopathy can alleviate the symptoms, writes Jenifer Worden
I would like to consider several homeopathic remedies and how they can combat winter colds and ills. However, before I do, I would like to
state that, as a doctor, I support vaccination for influenza for the vulnerable and senior citizens.

In my experience, working as a GP in a practice with one of the highest populations of patients aged over 65 years in the UK, our annual flu
vaccination campaign has meant that I inevitably see far fewer cases of influenza than I did when I was doing my medical training in
Manchester where older patients were less numerous. There will always be individuals who have a naturally strong constitution and who have
no need for vaccination against flu, but being vaccinated does not prevent homeopathy helping alongside to ward off those winter ailments.
Whilst the object of this article is to discuss homeopathic remedies for colds and flu and general winter ailments, we should consider why we
catch these in the first place. Obviously, there are many opportunistic viruses that are contracted when we are suffering from something else.
As a doctor, I see this frequently and the reason we catch these secondary infections is because our immune system has been weakened in
combating the first and in this weakened state is not able to resist the onset of the second.
Low immunity and lifestyle
What causes the lowering of our immune system? The short answer is many things! Stress and tiredness not only caused by physical exertion
but also by simple lack of sleep and general worries of a material or personal nature. So, what can we do to improve our chances of not
catching these viruses in the first place? Well, by improving personal hygiene which I have covered at the end of this article, and by boosting
our immune system. Twenty years as a GP have shown me that glib statements to patients on lifestyle changes do not necessarily produce
results. If you are in debt or have personal relationship difficulties, it is impractical for a doctor, and indeed probably impossible, to try to
correct these but the inescapable fact is that stress weakens your immunity and can reduce your ability to fight off winter illnesses. Therefore
we should look at those factors which can be changed, or things we can take to help raise our resistance.
Most practitioners today believe that a lifestyle which includes a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads combined with regular
physical exercise is better than a diet high in fat and a sedentary lifestyle. Smoking and alcohol in excess not only reduce the ability of your
immune system to fight off infection but is foolhardy in the extreme. However, even with the best diet and a relatively stress-free life, we will, all
of us, inevitably catch a cold or influenza.
So, how can homeopathy help in this instance? I have chosen four remedies that I regularly prescribe for winter ailments.
Aconite
One of the remedies most frequently used in winter is Aconite and it is usually recommended when symptoms of a cold come on suddenly,
typically after exposure to a dry chilly wind. There may be a severe headache, which is often described in the terms of fullness, or heaviness
and may be centred on the left temple and is usually throbbing in nature. The face is typically flushed, hot and red with dry, sore and bloodshot
eyes. The throat is normally red and dry with a sensation as if something were stuck in the throat. From this, it may be understood that these
symptoms of heat and dryness, affecting the left side of the body, with an acute sensitivity to cold winds or draughts are those which may be
successfully treated with Aconite.
This remedy may also be used to treat a painful, dry, hacking cough which manifests itself with a feeling of tension and pressure in the left
side of the chest. Here a word of caution however: symptoms that persist for more than two to three weeks, or increase in severity, despite the
administration of a homeopathic remedy, must be investigated as a matter of urgency by a healthcare professional.
Nevertheless, homeopathy may be used alongside all conventional medication, will not interfere with antibiotics nor will antibiotics stop
homeopathic remedies from being effective.
Gelsemium
A remedy that is recognised and accepted for use in colds and similar ailments is Gelsemium, which is made from yellow jasmine. The
symptoms for which this remedy is ideally suited are feelings of weakness and a trembling sensation in the legs and an all over tiredness.
Also, it is very beneficial for people who feel apathetic, lethargic and who want nothing more than just to lie quietly, undisturbed. The tiredness
that lingers after influenza, or a similar viral infection, responds well to Gelsemium. Many sufferers of these types of illnesses describe a
headache as if a very tight elastic band has been put around their heads and again this common, but distressing symptom, may be helped by
this remedy. Whilst Aconite suits patients who feel hot and burning, other patients who experience shivers and chills, accompanied by
deprivation of sleep caused by the mind being unable to relax will do well with Gelsemium.
Allium cepa
This is a homeopathic remedy that has proved itself in the treatment of a simple cold which presents with a nose that issore and constantly
drips and with eyes that water. As this remedy is based on red onion, it should be no surprise that the symptoms which are induced by
exposure to it are those which the remedy can help to alleviate. The top lip of the mouth can become red and sore, and sneezing is a major
problem. A further symptom is an annoying tickle in the throat which is usually very sore and accompanied by a hoarseness of the voice. For
these symptoms and a hacking, tickling cough, Allium cepa will probably suit.
Euphrasia
By now, almost everyone will be aware from experience that with almost two hundred recognised rhinoviruses, the symptoms, although
generally similar, have subtle variations; a running nose may be the predominant feature of one, whereas a blocked nose may be the
symptom of another. One virus may produce a sore throat and another a mild but burning earache and it is because of these subtle variations
that the homeopathic remedies that are recommended also work in slightly different ways. An example of this is Euphrasia, eyebright, which in
many ways works like Allium cepa, with the difference that this is suggested for an infection that inflames and reddens the eyes, accompanied
by catarrh. Other annoying and distressing symptoms which are associated with flu and cold-like viral illnesses are painful joints and aching
muscles which can be debilitating. Whilst the remedies discussed so far will all help in some way to alleviate these, when they are severe,
Eupatorium perfoliatum is recommended.

Hygiene
Now at the risk of stating the obvious, I would like to conclude by making a few remarks on personal hygiene. To the best of our knowledge,
viruses are spread by airborne contamination and touch. Nevertheless, whatever the route, simple precautions can help to protect against
these irritating and sometimes unpleasant conditions.
Well, what do I mean by hygiene? I mean that to protect yourself from viruses that are spread by touch, avoid direct physical contact such as
kissing and shaking hands. However, if for any reason, contact is unavoidable, make sure you wash your hands as soon as possible and
resist touching your nose and face.
Avoiding air-borne viruses is much more difficult because of the close proximity of people to each other, particularly in the modern world. It is
hardly practicable to walk around wearing a surgical face mask so therefore we must ask ourselves how the sufferer can help prevent the
further spread of such a virus. One simple way is to ensure that rather than sneezing into the environment, whenever possible, you sneeze
into a handkerchief or disposable tissue.
You may well think these precautions are obvious. Yes of course, they are but it is amazing just how many people forget these simple steps
when trying to avoid catching a virus or indeed to prevent it spreading it further.
However, all of us catch colds and flu, more so when modern life crowds people together on trains, buses, planes and in offices where the air
conditioning system merely circulates the viruses. We cannot avoid them and whilst uncomfortable, annoying and sometimes distressing, they
should not, with care, develop into anything more sinister. Homeopathic remedies can and do help to alleviate some of the more irritating and
annoying side-effects of these viruses and help a patient to feel more comfortable and, in their own way, help to return the sufferer to full
health.
Jenifer Worden MBChB MRCGP MFHom is a part-time NHS GP in Ringwood, Hampshire and has a private homeopathic practice in
Highcliffe, Dorset. She treats patients with a wide range of conditions and across the complete age range.

Infantile colic
Colicky babies seem to be inconsolablebut homeopathy can help says Dr Tim Robinson
Infantile colic is a common problem in babies, especially up to around sixteen weeks of age. It is characterised by incessant crying, often
inconsolable, usually in the evenings and often through the night. Having excluded underlying pathology, the standard advice given by GPs
and health visitors is winding technique, Infacol or Gripe Water. These measures are often ineffective but fortunately there are a number of
homeopathic medicines that may be effective. In my experience Colocynth is the most successful; alternatives are Carbo Veg, Chamomilla
and Nux vomica.
Why colocynth?
Recently I have treated two cases of infantile colic in my surgery. By coincidence they attended within a few days of each other. They both
responded rapidly and spectacularly to Colocynth.
Ruby
Baby Ruby was presented to me at nine weeks old. She had been bottle fed from birth onwards. At four weeks she started to get colic;
between 6-9pm each evening she cried incessantly and inconsolably. She drew her legs up and was difficult to wind. She woke every 12
hours throughout the night, was difficult to feed and settle. At four weeks she was given Infacol which made no difference to her colic and
made her gag each time she had it. I saw Ruby for her eight week check; by this time she had been suffering with her colic for four weeks
continuously. I prescribed Colocynth 30c three times daily before feeds.
Sleep easy
I reviewed her one week later and was delighted to learn that Ruby had slept every night since starting the Colocynth. The first night she slept
eight hours and subsequent nights five hours each. She was now feeding and winding well. She was no longer drawing her legs up. I advised
her mother to slowly wean her off the Colocynth but restart it in the same way if the colic returned. Rubys mother was so impressed; she
looked so much happier and fresher. The nicest thing she told me was that she was now enjoying Ruby so much more.
Amelia
The second case of infantile colic was young Amelia, also nine weeks old. She was breast fed from birth. At two weeks of age, she started to
have colic. During the day she was unsettled, frequently crying, drawing her legs up to her chest. She would only settle if she was being held.
Each evening she would cry between 6pm and midnight. She needed frequent feeds to be pacified and didnt want to be put down. She woke
every night, at 1am, 3am and 5am. She would feed and fall off to sleep, but then wake as soon as her mother attempted to put her in her cot
and so the cycle would continue.
I deliberated between Colocynth and Chamomilla. I decide against the latter on the grounds that she did not have the angry, irritable features
characteristic of Chamomilla. As before I prescribed Colocynth 30c three times daily.
Dramatic change
I reviewed her one week later. Amelia was a completely different little girl according to Dad. Grandmother also noticed a dramatic change in

her, having seen her before and since the treatment. She was now settling after feeds, winding much more easily and having only brief bursts
of crying during the evening. According to Mum, during the day she seemed much happier and more contented in herself. She now lay
willingly on the floor, needed very little comforting or holding. Each evening she had fed frequently but was now able to be put down without
screaming. She was now sleeping for long stretches; on three nights she had slept from 11pm to 6.30am. The difference in Amelia had been
noticed the day following the start of Colocynth and had continued from then onwards. Having had six weeks of colic and crying on a daily
basis, Amelias mother had certainly noted the difference, as had all the family! She herself was familiar with homeopathic treatment (her
pregnancy nausea and heartburn was more effectively treated with Nux vomica than Gaviscon). She had already reduced the frequency of the
Colocynth to twice daily and had continued to enjoy its benefits.
Reply to critics
I wanted to share these cases for a number of reasons. They reminded me of how helpful homeopathy can be in the GP setting for conditions
in which there is no conventional treatment or when conventional treatment has been unsuccessful.
Homeopathy critics would undoubtedly say that infantile colic is a self limiting condition and the babies got better for that reason. I dont deny
that it is a self limiting but note that both of them, aged only eight weeks old, had suffered from colic every day and night over the previous 4-6
weeks and had got better immediately upon taking the medicine. Im sure even the staunchest critic would find this difficult to comprehend,
explain and dismiss.
No placebo
It is clear that the immediate improvement couldnt have been a placebo response. The babies did not know that they were receiving
treatment with homeopathic medicine. At that age they are only just distinguishing faces and making eye contact. They are not old enough to
visualise and comprehend the fact that they are having powdered remedies on a teaspoon twice daily.
Equally I dont believe that the mothers behaviour, willing the medicine to work was somehow being transmitted and received by the babies.
If our critics really wanted to be convinced that the response wasnt placebo or natural resolution perhaps they should interview the mothers to
hear their story, they couldnt help being convinced.
Dr Tim Robinson MBBS MRCGP DRCOG MFHom is a GP with a private homeopathic practice in Dorset

Coughs and sneezes spread diseases

Lee Kayne offers advice on complementary therapies for winter ailments
The common cold is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms typically appear one to two days after infection and
last around a week, varying in type and severity but generally including sneezing, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, cough, headache and
sometimes, especially in children, fever. The symptoms will generally resolve themselves and it is usually possible to continue with ones daily
business, especially with the help of allopathic or complementary therapies.
Influenza is also a viral infection and, although a vaccine has become available in recent years, the large number of different strains means
that flu is still widespread. It is characterised by sudden onset with fever, extreme fatigue, muscle soreness as well as some or all of the
symptoms of a cold. These symptoms can last up to two weeks and usually require the patient to rest completely for several days. Flu is
responsible for many deaths each year and can be dangerous in very young or elderly patients and in those with an existing chronic condition
such as diabetes or asthma. If flu is suspected in such cases or in any case where there is a prolonged high fever, the doctor should always
be consulted.
Colds and flu spread more easily in the winter months due to the cold weather we tend to spend less time outdoors and turn the heating up
indoors. This, together with close contact with others in the home, at school, at work or on public transport creates a perfect environment for
the spread of a virus. And the bad news is, there is no cure! So we must concentrate on alleviating the symptoms and strengthening the
bodys natural defences.
Conventional treatment
Allopathic treatments for cold and flu symptoms are widely available and include painkillers for relief of muscle aches and pains, sore throat,
fever and headaches; nasal sprays or decongestants for a blocked nose; antihistamines to dry up runny nose and eyes; and cough
suppressants.
Combination medications containing two or more of the above are also extremely popular due to both their convenience and economical
nature. Such treatments do however have limitations. Many over the counter medicines, including some painkillers and decongestants, are
not suitable for children or patients taking prescription medication a pharmacist will be able to assist you in the appropriate choice.
Additionally, these medicines treat a general group of symptoms, without considering the patients individual needs or specific type of
symptom.
Homeopathy

Remedies may be taken safely by any patient including babies and those taking prescription medication without concerns regarding sideeffects or interactions. Because homeopathy takes into account the overall picture a persons emotional makeup and general health, the
type of illness and specific modalities that make the symptoms better or worse two patients presenting with the same complaint, such as a
cold with fever, might very well be given different homeopathic remedies. For example, in treating a fever, Aconite or Belladonna might be
recommended in cases of sudden onset, although Ferrum phos or Bryonia may be more appropriate if onset is gradual and depending on the
modalities.
However, in a patient who is emotional, weepy and maintains that the symptoms improve outdoors, Pulsatilla may be more useful.
For flu, Gelsemium is often the remedy of choice, especially in symptoms characterised by shaking, chill and sore, aching muscles especially
in patients who dislike cold and damp.
The table below summarises the major remedies useful in the acute treatment of cold and flu symptoms.

General symptoms

Remedy

First signs especially after a chill, thirsty, possibly

anxious.

Aconite

Sudden onset, high fever; hot, red, throbbing

headache, sensitive to light, noise.

Belladonna

Streaming nose (possibly eyes too), sneezing, clear

discharge often thicker after 24-48 hours, prefers
to suffer alone and shuns sympathy.

Natrum mur

Headache, pains all over, irritable, nauseous, (also

good for a hangover!). Nose congested with little
discharge, chilly cannot get warm, even in bed.

Nux vomica

Established symptoms, headache, shivers, fatigue,

aches and pains, alternating hot and cold, sore
nose, very sleepy.

Gelsemium

Very thirsty, sore muscles/bones, headache, worse on

Eupatorium perf
movement.
Fever, catarrh, burning nasal discharge, sneezing.

Arsenicum iod

Slow onset, mild fever, worse at night, better for cold,

Ferrum phos
nosebleeds.
Catarrh in nose with thick discharge, ears feel
blocked, worse at night, better in fresh air and with
attention from loved ones.

Pulsatilla

Dry, painful cough, worse at night, thirsty often

most effective as a linctus.

Bryonia

A specialised combination remedy for the prevention

and treatment of colds and flu. Often prescribed by
Influenzinum/Bacillinum
homeopathic doctors for at risk patients.
However, self-prescribing is often difficult and the advice of a health professional trained in homeopathy will always provide the most
appropriate treatment and most effective outcome. This is especially important if receiving other homeopathic treatment from a qualified
practitioner.
In Europe and America, a very popular homeopathic product called Oscillococcinum can be bought over the counter for the prevention and
treatment of colds and flu. This product is not licensed for general retail sale in the UK, but might be obtained with a doctors prescription.
Other therapies
Aromatherapy oils can also be very good for relieving many of the symptoms of colds and flu, if used appropriately and after seeking
professional advice. Oils can be used in an inhalation or diluted in a carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed for use in massage. Peppermint
and eucalyptus oils can be used to clear the head, unblock the nose and ease muscular aches and pains. Peppermint oil can also be placed
in a hot footbath to help draw toxins from the body. Tea tree oil is used for its intrinsic anti-viral properties and to boost immunity and lavender
oil is good for easing headaches, muscle aches and pains and soothing chesty coughs. For adults, add a few drops of oil to a bath, vaporiser
or bowl of hot water and inhale. For children or babies, a few drops in a cup of warm water placed above the radiator in their bedroom at night
can work wonders.

Herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements also have much to offer. A number of studies have shown that taking zinc and vitamin C during a
cold can actually shorten its duration by as much as 50 percent. The herb echinacea can boost the immune system and help prevent infection
from taking hold if taken regularly.
Home remedies
Even so much as mention a runny nose or sore throat within earshot of my grandma and shell promptly whip up a batch (or seven) of her
famous chicken soup! If we consider some of the key ingredients, we begin to realise that the use of this traditional remedy actually has some
basis in fact. It has a high salt content and, as we know, gargling with salted water helps to destroy bacteria and ease symptoms of a sore
throat. Onions and garlic (theAllium remedies in homeopathy) are also excellent for colds.
While in the kitchen, ensure your cupboard is well stocked with honey to coat a dry, scratchy throat, lemon and other citrus fruits for their
vitamin C and antioxidant properties and cinnamon for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea prepared with these ingredients
(or a hot toddy containing one other important Scottish ingredient) is very soothing and helps to promote a good nights sleep. Perhaps
Grandma really does know best after all!
Lee Kayne PhD MRPharmS DFHom(Pharm) is a community pharmacist in Glasgow.

Tired all the time?

Jonathan Hardy discusses the role of homeopathy in helping to treat ME
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has received increasing attention in recent years. It is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and is
sometimes diagnosed as post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). It is thought that there are up to 240,000 people with ME in the UK. It can affect
men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds, although it is more common in females. Someone is most likely to develop the illness
between the early twenties and mid-forties.
As with most illnesses, ME affects people in different ways. The most common symptom is overwhelming and persistent fatigue or tiredness.
Fatigue after exertion may occur immediately, or it may begin a day or two later and this delayed reaction is a distinctive feature of ME and
should help in diagnosis. Pain is another common symptom. It can be felt as aching in the muscles or joints. Pins and needles, muscle
twitching and headaches or migraine are other common symptoms.
Patients often feel generally unwell, and this malaise is similar to flu. There may be a sore throat with or without swollen glands. Sleep is often
disturbed: there may be a need to sleep excessively, or insomnia. Sleep may be unrefreshing or broken. Sleep reversal is sometimes seen,
for example, not being able to sleep until 4.00 or 5.00am and then sleeping through till noon.
Mental functioning can be disturbed, with difficulty concentrating, poor memory and difficulty in organising thought and expressing oneself.
Some patients are often found to have abnormalities in the nervous system, including part of the brain called the hypothalamus which
regulates sleep, temperature control and appetite. There may be difficulties with balance and vertigo.
What causes ME?
Around two-thirds of cases of ME are triggered by an obvious viral infection, including influenza, glandular fever, viral meningitis, viral hepatitis
and less commonly infection with bacteria or other organisms. The problem is that the patient does not recover in the normal way. Physical
injury or trauma, such as an accident or operation, also occasionally appear to be triggers. Many people with ME report an increase in stress
in their lives around the time they first became ill.
Diagnosis
There is no medical test to confirm a diagnosis of ME. The condition is usually diagnosed when tests have ruled out other conditions. Some
individuals are concerned when they receive a diagnosis of ME. For others it can be a relief at least to be given a name to their complaint. It
can help them to come to terms with it and to have a measure of control over their illness.
The homeopathic approach
As with any case homeopathically, it is always essential to individualise. What we mean by this is finding the individual remedy in a specific
case. In the homeopathic repertory it is interesting that the symptom Weakness is the biggest section! There are many hundreds of remedies
in it. Also all the symptoms I have listed above are fairly common symptoms, and therefore not very helpful in pinpointing one particular
remedy out of many. So how do we do it?
Remedy families
One device for understanding cases which is gaining increasing attention at the moment is to look at remedies in groups and families. By
knowing the common themes in a particular group of remedies we can help to narrow down the field from the thousands of remedies to
choose from, to a much smaller group, before finally finding the individual remedy. One group of remedies which is especially useful in very
exhausted patients is the acids. Recent insights show that the main theme of acids is a struggle followed by collapse, in other words, exertion
followed by exhaustion. In patients needing these remedies one will see the theme of constant struggle and effort and then at some point the
person has become so exhausted that a small set-back or stress is enough to lead to a state of collapse. This theme of struggle and collapse

is clearly expressed in certain symptoms which are common to all the acids: Hurry, Industriousness, Fear of failure, Over-activity and then
on the other hand, Fatigue and Apathy and Exhaustion. The point is that this struggle and effort will be made in a particular direction in that
persons life and this specific direction depends on which acid the patient needs.
Phosphoric acid
Phosphoric acid is the acid formed from the element Phosphorous. One of the main issues in the life of a Phosphorous person is the desire for
love and care. Phosphorous people tend to be very affectionate, friendly and sympathetic and so the effort in a Phosphoric acid person is a
constant effort to be caring and to receive the reciprocation of that love and affection. It is well-known that Phosphoric acid patients very often
fall into a state of ill-health as a result of emotional traumas such as grief, disappointed love, home-sickness or receiving bad news.
A 13 year-old girl was brought to me with ME. She was a very good athlete, but was both physically tired and unable to attend school through
complete mental exhaustion. She had been ill for several years. On close enquiry I learned that her parents had divorced when she was
seven years old. She was a very sensitive, mild and reserved child all characteristics of the Phosphoric acid temperament. The mother said,
She really hasnt been affected by the divorce. She never talks about it, Im sure it has nothing to do with her illness. Looking into the childs
eyes, I sensed a deep but unexpressed grief. She was given doses of Phosphoric acid in a high potency every two to three weeks and has
made a complete recovery.
A 14 year-old boy was brought to me in a state of complete apathy and indolence. He was a sensitive young man who loved nothing more
than playing his guitar. Speaking to him alone, it transpired that he had been rejected by a girl with whom he had fallen in love. He said, If she
doesnt want me then life means nothing to me. Ill never love anyone else. Phosphoric acid patients can have a strongly sentimental and
nostalgic nature. With one course of this remedy he was back to his old cheerful and active self. He later told me that there was another girl
whom he was really interested in and he had forgotten his old passion!
A woman in her 40s came to me complaining of depression. On questioning she admitted to being completely exhausted and having no
energy or interest in life at all. It turned out that her best friend was dying of cancer and my patient was closely involved in caring for her. She
had few other friends, and this friendship was very deep and long-standing. The state of apathy or indifference is very fundamental to the
Phosphoric acid state and this remedy quickly restored her to her old self.
In these three cases you could say the effort is in the direction of loving and caring. The collapse is when the person feels the love is not
returned or the love will be lost through bereavement or separation. The collapse in Phosphoricum acidum therefore is on an emotional level.
Picric acid
This remedy shows a collapse on a mental level. The common causation is mental exertion and therefore it is a good medicine for students
who are exhausted from too much study I can imagine hordes of teenagers clamouring for this remedy! There is also muscular debility with
a tired, heavy feeling all over the body but the mental symptoms predominate with lack of will-power and disinclination to work. There is a
dread of failing the exam and little interest in surroundings.
Muriatic acid
This is the homeopathic name for the remedy prepared from hydrochloric acid. This is the acid formed by the combination of hydrogen and
chlorine. The theme in chlorine patients (Muriaticums in homeopathic terms) is of being disappointed and hurt and the effort which is made to
avoid that happening is caring and nurturing for others. In the collapsed state a Muriatic acid patient is especially exhausted on a physical
level. We read in Allens Encyclopaedia: Great debility: as soon as he sits down his eyes close, lower jaw hangs down, slides down in bed.
An interesting Muriatic acid case of mine was a young woman with an extremely dark complexion, black hair and dark eyes, which are
characteristic of the remedy. She suffered with chilblains and painful mouth ulcers, both of which are well-known symptoms of the remedy. The
pain in the ulcers was stinging and burning, which is a characteristic sensation in the acids. She did very well with the remedy the chilblains
and ulcers cleared up and she no longer felt the cold.
Sulphuric acid
Sulphuric acid is a very interesting remedy. The theme of hurry and effort is very apparent. The patient is fretful and impatient and must do
everything in a great hurry. They are hurried in eating, in moving, in occupation, while walking and while writing and can be very impatient
about trivial matters. They cannot bear to be stuck in a traffic jam! In the collapsed state there is extreme mental dejection. The patient feels
disheartened, morose and unable to work. On a physical level, strength can seem to sink rapidly and there is a desire for stimulants.
A Sulphuric acid patient of mine was a motor mechanic who ran a very successful business providing classic cars and other vehicles for the
film industry. The trouble was the fumes from the engines made him ill! After he had been working in the environment of the exhaust for a
while he would get terrible headaches and exhaustion. It is interesting that Sulphuric acid is one of the major constituents of car exhausts.
Homeopathic Sulphuric acid helped with his symptoms.
An exhausted world
Sulphuric acid is the cause of acid rain the acidity in the environment caused by the burning of fossil fuels. This really is a symptom of the
environment as a whole becoming exhausted through over-activity. We are burning up our resources on an environmental level too fast, and
as a result the natural systems in our environment are collapsing. We should learn from the homeopathic insights into the cycle of over-activity
followed by collapse in individuals that we cannot carry on like this on a global scale without producing dire consequences.
Homeopathy aims to produce balance and stability in the constitution of the individual. If we can regain balance in our activities in the world

then the environment will naturally restore itself to health.

Jonathan Hardy MA BM MFHom has been practising homeopathy full-time in Hampshire since 1985. He obtained a degree in
zoology before studying medicine and has a special interest in animal remedies.

An overpowering tiredness
With the theme of this years Homeopathy Awareness Week focussing on tiredness,Dr Charlotte Mendes Da Costa looks at how
homeopathy may be able to help patients suffering from a condition causing such intense mental and physical exhaustion their
lives are seriously affected.
Henry is 71 years old and has intermittent fatigue. It is cyclical, occurring every ten days and lasting for five days. It started a few years
previously following a flu immunisation (he has not had another one since). With the fatigue he has stiff joints, loss of appetite, poor balance
and is irritable. He also has episodes lasting about half an hour where he just feels ill, which he describes as a bit like having the flu. He
generally feels a bit feverish with the fatigue. Catnaps help a bit and gentle exercise also helps sometimes.
I learn Henry has diabetes and had a heart attack in 2006 after which he needed coronary artery bypass surgery. He takes various drugs for
these conditions (five in total).
For his general symptoms Henry hates hot weather, doesnt mind the rain but dislikes wind because of the noise. There are no particular food
desires or dislikes, but he likes strong tastes when he is fatigued as he feels his appetite is dulled. He sleeps excessively when fatigued but
sleep is good.
Henry is a retired bookseller. He says hes generally contented. Feeling he has done his duty by his family, he now wants to do the things he is
interested in like drawing and painting. He admits he can get angry over little things and can be selfish. His wife has complained to me
separately about this on occasion.
From the consultation it is clear to me Henry is suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but how can homeopathy help this man and
others with this condition.
CFS
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating illness with many sufferers in the UK. Over the years this condition has been called different names
including among other things neurasthenia, post-viral fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalitis (ME).
There are an estimated 250,000 people in Britain affected by this illness the cause of which is largely unknown. The main symptoms of CFS
are severe and debilitating fatigue, both physical and mental. The fatigue can be persistent or come and go but will have lasted at least four
months before a diagnosis can be made: it is not relieved by rest. The fatigue is accompanied by a myriad of physical and mental symptoms.
Physical symptoms include painful muscles, joint pains, sore throat, headache, dizziness, flu-like symptoms or difficulty regulating ones
temperature. Mental symptoms include poor short-term memory and concentration; depression is also common. Sufferers often complain of
disturbed sleep and that the fatigue is usually worse a day or two after increased mental or physical activity and can then be prolonged.
Infections or immunisations may also precipitate a worsening of the fatigue. Many people also become completely intolerant of alcohol.
While no single cause of CFS has been identified there are known triggers. These are often infections particularly glandular fever caused by
the Epstein Barr virus. A fatigue state may be brought on if a person has insufficient rest during an infection or sometimes if fever suppressant
drugs are used. Less common triggers include major trauma and operations, vaccinations and organophosphate pesticides. There is wide
debate as to the causes of CFS but as yet no laboratory tests exist to confirm the diagnosis. What is known is that it is commonly associated
with a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection and is related to a resulting abnormality in the immune system, which is seen by some as
being in a state of overactivity. There is some evidence that the mitochondria (parts of the cell which provide energy) in muscles of patients
with CFS are also abnormal.
CFS can have a huge impact on those suffering from the condition, as they are often severely limited in their ability to carry out normal
activities of daily living including work, household duties, social and sporting pastimes. The severity of CFS is defined by the degree to which
the condition affects a persons functioning and daily life. This is quite simply mild, moderate or severe. With mild CFS people are mobile, can
care for themselves and may be able to work, although they will often need a whole weekend to rest. At the severest end of the scale sufferers
are unable to do any activity for themselves, may spend most of their time in bed, have severe cognitive problems and are often wheelchair
dependent.
Difficult diagnosis
Diagnosis is not easy and should only be made by a healthcare professional or specialist (usually a neurologist). It is a diagnosis of exclusion,
so other possible diagnoses must first be excluded and the symptoms should persist for at least four months in an adult or three months in a
child, where a paediatrician should confirm the diagnosis. There are a multitude of illnesses causing severe and prolonged fatigue, and these
need to be excluded by a doctor. The doctor should have taken a clinical history, examined the patient which characteristically in cases of CFS
involves a thorough physical examination. Conditions that have symptoms very similar to CFS include: hormonal (diabetes, hypothyroidism),
infection (glandular fever, hepatitis B or C), neurological (multiple sclerosis), rheumatological (rheumatoid arthritis), cancer (any type),

gastrointestinal (coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease). The doctor of a patient presenting with CFS symptoms will request
investigations, which will be mainly blood tests. These include checking for anaemia, specific infections for example the Epstein Barr virus
liver and kidney function.
Treating chronic fatigue syndrome
There is no conventional drug treatment for CFS although antidepressants are sometimes used to treat the depression. The essence of
treatment is conventionally activity management and graded rehabilitation. There is evidence that cognitive behaviour therapy is helpful.
Other approaches that can be beneficial in the treatment of CFS are:

Rest periods are essential although they should not be too lengthy e.g. 30 minutes at a time.

A good and healthy diet

Homeopathy (A study in 2002 showed evidence that homeopathic medicines are superior to placebo for CFS)1

Returning to the case of Henry, I concentrated on his general symptoms and prescribed Lycopodium clavatum as a 12c potency to be taken
twice daily for five days out of every fortnight. At a follow-up appointment a couple of months later Henry reported that he had had no more
episodes of the fatigue and felt extremely fit. When I bumped into his wife outside the surgery not long after, she thanked me for her husbands
new personality as he was a much easier man to live with now!
The homeopathic approach
After this lengthy introduction to CFS, which is essential in understanding something about the illness and the impact it has on sufferers lives,
we can now look in more detail at how homeopathy can play a part in treating it. It should be pointed out, however, that CFS is not an easy
illness to treat, so it is important not to promise an instant cure while at the same time remaining positive, emphasising that even if cure is not
possible some alleviation of symptoms may well be hoped for. Under the symptom heading Weakness in our homeopathic repertory there
are at least 900 homeopathic medicines. So choosing the right one is not easy, especially as the main symptom is often fatigue that worsens
with any kind of exertion.
As always in homeopathy, once a definite diagnosis of CFS has been made it is vital to take a full homeopathic history. The emphasis should
be on what is individual and special about the patients symptoms, for example the particular feelings they have in their muscles e.g. twitching,
or the type of headaches they have. General symptoms are also important such as their reaction to the weather and temperature, the time of
day, along with food desires and aversions. Particular note should be taken of any cause of the CFS if it is known, for instance influenza, or
gastroenteritis, or glandular fever, and also if any conventional treatment was given at that time. Choosing the correct medicine will usually
take time and consideration with the homeopath and patient having to be prepared to try more than one homeopathic medicine if there is no
result with the first. The patient needs to be patient!
Here are examples of a few medicines that are more commonly indicated in CFS. However, in many cases a homeopathic medicine that does
help a patient could well be one in which fatigue is not necessarily the first symptom that springs to mind. From the following descriptions it
can be seen that different homeopathic medicines can have a lot of symptoms in common, so generally it would be advisable to seek help
from a professionally qualified homeopath before deciding on a particular medicine, and a doctor should always be consulted to exclude other
serious illnesses that CFS may mimic or vice versa.
Gelsemium: Indicated by weakness with drowsiness, dizziness, dullness and trembling. Muscle aches with heaviness and weakness.
Tremors and twitching of the muscles may also be a feature. The sufferer might have a dull heaviness in the head and have blurred vision,
feel worse in damp, cold weather and mentally be dull with a lot of anxiety. A strange symptom with Gelsemium is that symptoms are better for
profuse urination.
Kali phosphoricum: Possibly one of the most widely used remedies for CFS, especially if the illness follows a bout of influenza. The mental
symptoms of Kali phosphoricum are anxiety with depression, insomnia and nightmares. The anxiety may present as a fear of crowds and
agoraphobia. Loss of memory might be a problem. There is muscle weakness and aches and pains, all worse with exercise, the cold and
mental effort. The symptoms are better from sleep, eating and gentle movement. A suitable dose might be 6c twice daily, reducing with
improvement.
Mercurius solubilis: Also known in the abbreviated form Merc sol, this is often a good remedy for acute glandular fever (caused by the
Epstein-Barr virus). If those symptoms become more chronic and result in CFS, then Merc sol may still be a good medicine to give. The
patient may have a persistent sore throat with enlarged cervical lymph nodes (glands) and have a lot of salivation. They may also be sensitive
to both heat and cold. Insomnia with great restlessness at night and nightmares may also be a feature. The muscle pains will be deep with
tender bones. As with Kali phosphoricum there may be loss of memory and poor recall of names.
Phosphoric acid and other acid remedies: Weakness and exhaustion is a feature common to all the acid remedies. With Phosphoric
acid the nervous exhaustion comes first, followed by the physical. It may be the remedy to give when someone has CFS following an illness
such as prolonged diarrhoea. The patient may be listless, apathetic even sullen find it difficult to cope and suffering depression as well.
They may also be very sensitive, especially to music. The patients physical symptoms may include looking worn-out, pale and thin, and they
may have blue rings round the eyes. They will probably be very chilly with a poor appetite while being very thirsty.

The other acid remedies include Picric acid, Muriatic acid and Sulphuric acid. Exhaustion is the common feature of these acid remedies. The
exhaustion in these remedies may have been preceded by overactivity, and Vithoulkas has described the mental exhaustion of Picric acid, the
emotional exhaustion of Phosphoric acid and the physical exhaustion of Muriatic acid. Picric Acid has extreme muscular weakness with
trembling and twitching. The legs may feel tight or have pins and needles and the person will have to lie down, which does provide relief.
Scutellaria: Also known as Mad-dog skullcap, Scutellaria is a plant native to North America and has been used in folk medicine to treat many
nervous disorders like epilepsy, anxiety and headaches. Dr Margaret Tyler, author of Homeopathic Drug Pictures, described Scutellaria as her
sheet-anchor in treating post influenza neuroses. As such it can be used in the treatment of CFS especially following flu, where the patient is
nervous and forgetful, having frequent dull headaches accompanied by aching and weakness of the limbs and muscle twitching.
Zincum metallicum: The Zincum picture is one of weakness with restlessness and depression. The memory is poor and the patient is
lethargic, irritable and hypersensitive especially to noise; restless legs accompanied by muscular twitching are also common features.
Numbness and coldness and strange sensations in arms and legs are also common. All symptoms are worse from alcohol.
Nosodes: I have included the general term nosodes as the approach of using nosodes to treat CFS can be a useful one. A nosode is a
homeopathic medicine derived from diseased tissue including micro-organisms. They are useful when there has been a history of a particular
illness and the individual has reported being unwell ever since that time. So in relation to the homeopathic treatment of CFS, Influenzinum
may be used when CFS has developed following flu; or the Glandular fever nosode following glandular fever, and so forth.
While these homeopathic medicines are generally indicated in the treatment of CFS, they are by no means the only ones.
Sophies story
Sophie is 24 years old and has complained of feeling tired all the time. Her symptoms started five years before when shed had prolonged
diarrhoea while living in Singapore. The diarrhoea had lasted on and off for a few months. She feels lethargic on waking and by mid-afternoon
feels exhausted. She is able to work full-time and can take exercise, but this produces aching muscles especially in her legs. She feels
numbness in her fingers and toes as well as cramping. She has headaches, sometimes lasting for about five days.
Diagnosed as having a mildly underactive thyroid two years ago, Sophie was prescribed a low dose of thyroxine but this made her unwell and
she lost weight, so she was advised to stop the medication.
Sophie likes hot and sunny weather, dislikes the cold and always has cold hands. Thunder makes her feel on edge and she feels better when
near the sea. She desires potatoes and pasta, while milk, bread and cheese aggravate her causing diarrhoea. She is generally an easy-going
person, quite calm, with no real fears. She likes to be organised and tidy.
Mainly on the basis of the fatigue symptoms alone and the fact that her thyroid gland was underactive previously, Sophie was prescribed
Thyroidinum 6x three times daily. This is an isopathic medicine made from a sheeps thyroid gland. An isopathic medicine is derived from the
causative agent of the disease itself or from a product of the disease process. It was expected that this would be the first prescription and she
would need a more constitutional medicine based on her general symptoms and her personality such as Silicea or Phosphorus or China.
However when Sophie was reviewed about six weeks later she was much better, less fatigued and now felt energised by exercise, not
exhausted, so she was advised to continue the Thyroidinum for a few more weeks.
Summary
Although the two cases Ive highlighted show how effective homeopathic intervention can be in treating CFS, it is important to remember that
in most chronic fatigue cases it is highly likely that more than one remedy will be needed on different occasions. CFS is a serious and
disabling illness, causing varying degrees of disability. In the past it has not always been given much recognition as a severe illness mainly
by doctors, it must be said probably because the direct causes and pathology of CFS are not really known.
To help patients with this illness more than one approach will usually be needed, homeopathy being one, as well as physiotherapy and
psychological treatments. Support groups can be useful. The ME Association offers particularly good advice and support. For more
information visit www.meassociation.org.uk

1. Weatherley-Jones, Nicholl et al. A randomised, controlled, triple-blind trial of the efficacy of homeopathic treatment for chronic
fatigue syndrome (Journal of Psychosomatic Research Volume 56, Issue 2, pages 189-197

Case Study: Pathway to recovery

Elaine Hamilton charts one patients journey to health
In September 2003 Mary, 51, was referred to my clinic at the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This is
a diagnosis given to a series of symptoms, which can arise from a variety of underlying causes. The immune system is complex and in CFS it
is not working efficiently. This affects many systems in the body resulting in common symptoms of fatigue, digestive problems, glandular
swellings, muscle and joint pains, memory and concentration problems and mood swings, hormonal imbalance and decreased resistance to
fighting infections. This condition responds very well to homeopathic treatment which addresses the whole person and the possible individual

underlying reasons for developing CFS in a safe and gentle manner.

Just prior to her first consultation Mary had come off both the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) taken for ten years since an early
hysterectomy and the anti-depressants which had been prescribed for the previous eight years for her CFS. Stopping the HRT was a GP
practice policy decision but it was Marys choice to do without the antidepressants. I decided to try and prove that I could go it alone after all
this time of using this stuff as a crutch.
Mary had requested a referral for homeopathic treatment as she was concerned about the amount of antibiotics she had been prescribed due
to her susceptibility to infection. It seemed every time I came in contact with nieces and nephews I came down with something or other.
Initially I consulted a naturopath privately who suggested echinacea and ginko biloba, which did not make much of a difference. My GP knew I
was seeking alternative forms of treatment and suggested that I would be a prime candidate for homeopathy.
At her first appointment as I took her detailed history, Mary described herself as feeling highly emotional, irrational, anxious and depressed.
Her early marriage at 17 ended in divorce when she was 24. She regarded this as a relief and has had no contact with her ex-husband
since. However, she found it tough bringing up her young son on her own. When he became rebellious in his teens, they drifted apart and that
caused her great emotional pain. Her hysterectomy at 38 was a relief from the constant pain and discomfort of endometriosis. But
emotionally, she felt very sad that there was no chance now of ever having another baby and I felt grieved to some extent over the finality of
it. I also had difficulty in coping with some of the physical symptoms of vaginal dryness, facial hair, increased weight and reduced feeling of
femininity.
At the time Mary seemed only concerned with the physical menopausal symptoms especially the sweats. I had no prior experience of using
homeopathy. I assumed it was along the lines of the naturopaths remedies and I expected a specific tincture or pill to work like magic on my
sweats. It is only with hindsight that I realise that there was an immense emotional turmoil going on inside me, which was contributing to my
feelings of agitation.
I was desperate to appear normal and cope on my own but I was in a constant personal crisis of not being able to deal with various elements
of my life.
Mary attributed her CFS as being a consequence of never being well since having glandular fever in 1994. However she had been unwell in
her mid to late teens and as a child she said she was very tearful, scared of the dark and loud voices and any display of aggression made her
stomach ache.
The homeopathic consultation was unfamiliar to Mary but it was one that gave her hope of recovery. I was truly interested in someone looking
at the whole of me and at the initial consultation I found the physical surroundings very healing and tranquil and I felt safe. I also did not
expect to feel understood so easily. I had a great feeling of Ive landed in the right place and although I cried throughout the interview, I never
felt silly or pathetic. The sweats that I thought were important did not get too much attention as I realised that Elaine was more interested in
my emotional responses to things.
Mary told me that she had always been apologetic for responding emotionally to just about every situation in her life and considered it a
failing.
The treatment
I prescribed Pulsatilla for Mary as it suited the totality of the case plus constitutional indications. This means it suited Marys mental, emotional
and physical characteristics and her presenting symptoms. An attractive, sensual woman, fashionably dressed and young looking for her age,
Marys character was soft and gentle and during the initial consultation she was very tearful. The feeling of having been forsaken ran through
her life experiences; she lacked confidence and was dependent on support from various sources.
Relating to Marys past and present history Pulsatilla is very useful in gynaecological and hormonal related symptoms, mild depression, and
fatigue. I gave her Silicea termed the chronic remedy of Pulsatilla for her acne.
I chose the LM potency initially as Marys energy levels were low and I wanted to avoid the possible risk of aggravation occurring. As more
mental/ emotional symptoms were displayed in subsequent consultations the potency was increased to 200c and then 1M strength.
Marys road to recovery
The process from initial consultation until now has been as much about counselling as homeopathic treatment. It was a luxury to explore how
I felt about things and this was something I had never previously been allowed in all my life. I realised I had exposed the very core of me
throughout the sessions and felt a bit vulnerable but I can still remember how desperate I was at that time and if I had not thought I could trust
Elaine with what seemed my secrets then I hate to think where I would be today.
The counselling played an important part in my recovery. It was also a personal test after discussions to keep myself together until the next
meeting. It was interesting going back to previous events in my life and exploring them further. The homeopathic remedy took the anxiety out
of my stomach. Whether the positive effect was psychological or due to the remedy was not really important to me. I found it reassuring that
they were not harmful chemicals but totally safe.

Negative aspects in the healing process were that the consultations had to operate to time, which was more difficult in the initial stages.
Now I feel energised in comparison with what I felt like in the first couple of years of my post-viral state, particularly in the mornings when I
used to suffer from headaches, muscle and joint stiffness and constipation. I can perform morning tasks with speed and previously would have
put my head under the duvet and cried at the thought of having to do anything in a hurry. I am not affected now by night sweats but do suffer
occasionally during the day. Mood-wise I am more stable generally and no longer tearful and have now cultivated an attitude of only worrying
about something when it is a problem. I have worked out that it is not my job to fix everything nor am I responsible for anyone elses behaviour. I work with whatever energy levels I have on a given day and, ever mindful of my GPs advice in the early days to pace myself, I listen to
my body and rest if I must.
This experience has changed my life and moved me forward; calmed the storm and the confusion within. The homeopathic remedy has
healed me from within and allowed me to cope outwardly. I am more aware and able to cope with the reality of everyday living. My relationship
with my son has improved dramatically. I realise being over-sensitive can be a bit of a drawback but I have learned not to allow things to get
on top of me. The less I am trying to fix things the happier I become. Previously I let other people dictate what I should do. The support and
encouragement I have received helped me to believe in myself and I have been able to motivate myself into studying as a mature student with
the aim of eventually attaining a university qualification and new career. I view health in a different way now and realise that various stresses
in life can break down your immune system.
Elaine Hamilton RGN BSc MFHom (Nurse) was the first nurse to run a homeopathic clinic at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital. She
was appointed Nursing Dean of the Faculty of Homeopathy in October 2003 and is a steering committee member on the RCN
Complementary Therapies Nursing Forum.

Bladder problems
Cleve McIntosh discusses three common issues: infections, incontinence and bedwetting, and their homeopathic treatment
Bladder problems are common and can be a challenge to even the most competent GP or specialist. Many will not resolve completely using
conventional treatment alone. Homeopathy offers tremendous relief to those who have not found help elsewhere and should often be used
first because of the absence of side-effects.
Infections
Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or cystitis, are extremely common. At some time in their lives up to 20 per cent
of women will have a bladder infection. Most are uncomplicated causing mainly discomfort and inconvenience. Common symptoms include
burning urine, lower abdominal pain, needing to urinate more often than usual (frequency) and feeling as if you will leak if you dont get to the
toilet when the urge to urinate comes (urgency). To confirm the diagnosis, rapid analysis of urine can be performed using a urine dipstick test
or a sample can be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If a bladder infection is caused by bacteria, laboratory analysis will usually identify which
it might be. Some women have persistent symptoms of a bladder infection, but no sign of infection on urine analysis. This poorly understood
condition has various names, including spastic bladder or urethral syndrome, and responds very well to homeopathic treatment.
In young children below the age of two bladder infections can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms are non-specific and include fever, vomiting
and not gaining weight. Bladder infections in young children may need further investigations to exclude a structural abnormality predisposing
to bladder infections.
Homeopathic treatment
Bladder infections respond well to homeopathic treatment, which focuses on assisting the body to fight the infection and enabling it to get on
top of future infections. When antibiotics are used routinely to treat uncomplicated bladder infections, the person is more likely to develop
recurring or chronic bladder problems needing repeated courses or long term anti-biotics. Antibiotics should be reserved for complicated
infections such as those affecting the kidneys and in vulnerable patients, such as those with diabetes, abnormal kidneys or pregnant women.
Many bladder infections will improve after a few days just by drinking more water, taking vitamin C and garlic capsules. Cranberry juice,
stinging nettle and dandelion teas are also helpful.
Recurrent cystitis can be prevented by emptying the bladder as soon as the urge is felt. It is also important to empty the bladder before putting
pressure on it, such as during sex or cycling.
Staphysagria is very useful for treating honeymoon cystitis, a term used to describe bladder infections which develop after having sex. When
needing to urinate, the woman might feel she has to get to the toilet as fast as she can or else she might leak. At an emotional level, there
may be suppressed anger and resentment. However, this is often so deep that the person is unaware of it, and the only clue to the homeopath
might be, for example, an abusive relationship that they are trapped in.
Infections characterised by an intense, scalding pain when passing urine may be helped by Cantharis. There may be blood in the urine and
there is a sensation of not being able to fully empty the bladder or the rectum. Unexpectedly, the irritation of the bladder may increase sexual
desire in the person.
Bladder pain which comes on suddenly and intensely, with an extremely urgent need to pass urine, points to Pulsatilla. The person may crave

open air and moving about, and feel worse indoors. Generally, they dislike fatty or rich foods. Emotionally, they may be very affectionate and
crave physical closeness and become tearful or weepy.
Case study
Four year-old Sue had developed recurrent bladder infections eight months before, soon after her younger sister was born. Her mother had
taken her to numerous specialists and she had had various tests. For the previous five months she had been on antibiotics continuously and
there were no bladder or urinary symptoms. She was a very clingy and needy child who always wanted to be held. After four weeks of
Pulsatilla 30c once daily, there was little change. At her next consultation, it emerged that she was often bullied at her pre-school, so her
prescription was changed to Staphysagria 30c daily for four weeks. Her mother stopped her antibiotics and she has not had another bladder
infection in the last two years.
Incontinence
Incontinence is the leakage of urine when one does not mean to urinate. It affects about five per cent of women and can have an enormous
impact on the social life and emotional health of those who are affected by it. There are various types of incontinence, all of which can be
made worse by bladder infections, which should be considered before a diagnosis is made.
Stress incontinence
Leaking urine when one coughs, sneezes, runs, lifts something, laughs or does anything which increases the pressure on the bladder inside
the abdomen is the most common form of incontinence. Men who have had prostate surgery and women who have had many children or are
post-menopausal are more at risk. Effective non-drug treatment includes pelvic floor exercises and weight reduction in those who are
overweight. Hormonal therapy, medication which acts on the nerves controlling the bladder and surgery are also used.
Homeopathic treatment
Natrum muriaticum is good for stress incontinence. The person might also have vaginal dryness and pain on intercourse, with an aversion to
sex. Many of the symptoms might be worse from direct or bright sun and around 10am. There may also be a marked craving for or dislike of
salt. The symptoms may develop after grief, particularly where the person feels sad yet unable to weep or move on.
Apis is valuable for stress incontinence that is better in cooler weather. It may be associated with bladder infections with severe burning pain
when passing urine. People needing Apis may feel generally worse when hot. They enjoy exercise which makes them feel better. They are
active, vital people who may be jealous and controlling.
Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence leaking urine when one has a need to urinate but doesnt get to the toilet in time can be a symptom of overactive
bladder syndrome when one needs to urinate often and without much warning. It is a complex condition in which the bladder muscle
contracts before it is full.
Overactive bladder syndrome may improve by cutting down on foods and drinks containing caffeine, such as chocolate, tea, coffee and cola.
Bladder training trying to gradually increase the time between wanting to pass urine and actually urinating is also helpful.
Homeopathic treatment
Sepia is a very important remedy in older women in particular where urge incontinence is associated with a sensation of the uterus prolapsing,
of everything falling out below. There may also be an itchy, sore vagina with a white discharge. Chilliness, sensitivity to cold and feeling
better after aerobic exercise are also common.
Nux vomica patients have frequent urging yet are unable empty their bladder satisfyingly. Like Sepia, they are chilly and sensitive to cold.
Their symptoms may be worse for periods of overwork or indulgence in alcohol, overeating, tobacco or coffee. They can be impatient, irritable
and pedantic, yet very hard working.
Case study
At 23 Lindi had been having bladder problems for several years. She had an urgent need to pass urine every half-hour during the day, yet was
only able to pass very little urine each time. She wet her bed every night and woke up many times to pass urine. During sex, she would
always leak urine, despite having tried to empty her bladder beforehand. She was very emotionally closed and revealed little about herself. If
she was upset about something she would withdraw to cry alone. After three weekly doses of Natrum muriaticum 200c she only needed to
urinate every four hours and was able to pass a satisfying amount each time. She then took Natrum muriaticum 1M weekly for eight more
weeks. The frequent need to pass urine during the day completely resolved, she no longer wet her bed and she only woke up once each night
to urinate. She had no leaking during sex either.
Bedwetting
When discussing nocturnal enuresis, bedwetting, its important to remember that children learn to control their bladders at different ages. At
least 15 per cent of normal five year olds and seven per cent of normal seven year olds are still wetting their beds, and a smaller percentage
of these children continue to wet their beds well into adolescence. Unless they are severely learning disabled or have a neurological illness, all
children will eventually stop wetting their bed regularly. In young children, it may be appropriate to wait before starting treatment while using a
waterproof mattress protector. In older children it is better to actively treat the problem bedwetting can be very distressing to an older child
and may affect their self esteem and cause psychological problems later. In addition, parents have extra work washing sheets and getting up
at night, which may cause exhaustion and resentment.

In most children who are wetting their bed, no cause will be found. It is very rare to find a physical problem in a child who is growing normally
and doing well at school. For peace of mind, getting a medical opinion can be valuable in excluding the easily treatable, rare or serious causes
of bedwetting.
Pain when urinating, pain in the kidney (which is felt in the back on the side just above the waist), fever or blood in the urine are all symptoms
which may suggest a problem such as an infection of the urinary tract. Bedwetting accompanied by increased thirst may be caused by
diabetes. Bedwetting in a child who was previously dry needs to be carefully assessed, as there may be emotional stress (at home or at
school for example) which brought on the bedwetting.
Conventional treatment
Parents may be offered conventional drugs to treat bedwetting. However, it is important to be aware of their side-effects and limitations in
order to be able to weigh up the benefits and risks. Desmopressin, if used every night, is effective in reducing bedwetting. However, it does
have a long list of side-effects and as soon as it is stopped, the bed-wetting recurs. Tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes also used as one
of their side-effects is urinary retention. They are much cheaper than desmopressin, but can cause behaviour problems and rarely, but
tragically, fatal heart problems.
Bedwetting alarm
The most effective treatment is the bed-wetting alarm, sometimes called the enuresis alarm or the bell and pad alarm. Bedwetting alarms
provide a long-term and drug-free solution. Within six weeks most children will be completely dry and stay that way. It requires commitment
and careful supervision, but it has a higher success rate than conventional drugs and the child has the confidence of knowing they are unlikely
to wet their bed again and do not have to rely on drugs.
There are a variety of bedwetting alarms available, but the basic design is that of an alarm, which is linked to a tiny sensor in the underwear
that is triggered as soon as the child starts passing urine. It is best if the child and a parent share a room for a few weeks while using the
alarm as sometimes the child will be so deeply asleep, that they are not woken immediately by the alarm yet the parent will definitely wake up.
The parent then needs to wake the child straight away to take him or her to the toilet to finish passing urine. The childs brain soon learns to
wake the child automatically just before he starts to urinate.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medication is effective and safe although it should only be used in conjunction with or after a bedwetting alarm has been tried.
Causticum is a useful remedy for numerous bladder problems, including bedwetting. The child may describe dreaming of urinating when they
wet the bed. They may be sensitive to the cold and draughts and feel generally better in rainy, cloudy or damp weather. The child may be very
intense, sincere and sympathetic and have strong feelings about justice or ecological issues. As adolescents, they may become idealistic and
rebellious. They may have a stammer and show slightly obsessive tendencies of checking and rechecking tasks.
Mercurius symptoms are all worse at night. Children needing Mercurius are sensitive to minor changes in temperature, both hot and cold.
They perspire at night and salivate, even drooling onto the pillow. Bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth are also typical. The child may
be withdrawn and shy, but sometimes is also precocious.
Beside wetting their bed, children needing Baryta carbonica will sometimes have recurrent sore throats and tonsillitis. In between throat
infections, their tonsils may remain massively enlarged. They may also have swollen lymph glands in the neck. They may lack self confidence,
can be quite anxious and need constant reassurance. They may have been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, but without hyperactivity.
Case study
Margaret, at 16, had been wetting her bed almost every night since birth. She seemed intense and serious. She would wet her bed within a
few hours of retiring and she preferred overcast weather. Unfortunately the family was living in poverty and could not afford a bedwetting alarm
so she was managed purely homeopathically. She was given Causticum 6c every evening. Within a month she was only wetting her bed every
fifth night and she seemed more relaxed and friendly.
Cleve McIntosh MBChB(UCT) DMH(SA) MCFP(SA) MFHom is a specialist family physician and homeopath in private practice in
Acornhoek, South Africa. His practice reflects the exciting diversity of cultures in South Africa. He lives on a farm on the border of
the Kruger National Park with his wife Belinda, also a family physician studying towards her MFHom, and their toddler son Samuel.

A change of personality
Mabel Aghadiuno describes how persevering with a medicine had beneficial effects for her young patient
Sammy first came to see me with his mother last spring at his GPs request. His mum was quite desperate and did not know what else she
could do for her son. The problem centred on his outbursts of anger. During his fits of temper he would wreck his room and even break things
that were quite dear to him. His anger was spiced with spitting, striking and swearing. He would also call his mum a bitch and be very difficult
to handle. His mother would have to resort to restraining him physically if she could but this was becoming an increasing challenge. He was
doing what all boys of 13 do grow and he was thus becoming too strong for her. Sammys child psychiatrist prescribed him Ritalin but his
mother reported that this only seemed to make his behaviour worse. The angry outbursts could occur every day or sometimes several weeks
would pass before anything of any moment occurred. In between the outbursts Sammy was generous, helpful and good to his younger

brother.
Unfortunately Sammys behaviour was disruptive at school too. He was suspended and the special needs school was now speaking of
excluding him permanently. I looked at the two people who were in front of me: Sammy who was rather nonchalant and wore a set frown on
his forehead with a puzzled screwed up facial expression and his mum whose face was taut with concern to the point of real anguish. I asked
Sammy first what the problem was. He commented with a slow, slurred drawl that he did not have any. He sat on the chair quite quietly and I
found it hard to believe that he was capable of the violence which his mum had reported. His sad story then unfolded.
Sammys history
Sammy was knocked down five years before and he suffered severe brain damage. He was in coma for four months and while in coma his
eyes were wide open and he just stared. He showed no signs of recognition of his family and it was unclear whether or not he could hear. He
lost his memory and had to re-learn for example what a cup was. He could no longer control his bladder and he was unable to hold a
conversation because he simply no longer possessed any vocabulary in effect he had become like a baby.
Gradually he started to move his arms and legs and then the slow painful road to recovery began. He remained in a rehabilitation unit for eight
months and should actually have remained longer but homesickness made him ask to leave.
Conversation with Sammy consisted of only a few sentences in response to my questions. The vocabulary was simple and I was conscious of
trying to be as clear as possible in order not to emphasise even more that his speech was inappropriate for a boy of his age. In fact he tended
to get very frustrated because he could not express himself as quickly and as adequately as he wished.
The accident had left him with very bad weakness and spasticity of his arms and legs. His gait was slow and he tended to drag his feet along
the floor. There were also problems with his balance and he staggered. The GP had pointed out to me that Sammy had absence seizures.
As well as the angry outbursts since the accident Sammy had developed a predilection for play with younger boys and liked the toys of his
younger brother. He had periods when he expressed the desire to kill himself and he felt down because he did not have any friends. His
mother commented that he also seemed to have lost his inhibitions and looked at pictures of semi-dressed women without any
embarrassment or compunction. Prior to the accident there had been no history of developmental problems or of epilepsy and his health had
been good.
The history of head injury and of the childlike behaviour made me wonder about Cicuta virosa. The reversion in his behaviour seemed to me
the thing that was particularly characteristic of his case. Other features were the coma following head injury, the fact that he had ailments
since head injury, the angry outbursts and the absence seizures. I also had to consider his habit of swearing, spitting and striking.
I repertorised the case so that my bias towards Cicuta might not exclude remedies, which could be potentially more helpful. Arnica,
Helleborus, Nat sulph, Opium, Stramonium and Hyoscyamus were also suggested on repertorisation but it seemed to me that Cicuta best
fitted his case even though the florid epilepsy picture which it described in the materia medica was lacking in Sammy. He was supplied Cicuta
200c to take daily for three days to be followed by Cicuta 6c daily for as long as necessary.
Follow up
Sammy returned two months later and his mother commented that the school had noticed a big improvement in his behaviour. He was a lot
calmer. There was an incident where someone hit Sammy. Normally he would have responded with equal gusto but he accepted the
apology and did not react. His mother commented that the improvement coincided with his taking Cicuta.
At home his younger brother still wound him up and a tantrum would ensue but Sammy seemed to be coming out of the tantrums much
quicker. He would be in the middle of one and then come down becoming suddenly sweet. His mother was amazed as she and her
husband had been told that he wouldnt be able to control situations since the accident. I gave his mother a supply of Cicuta to take in case
there was any relapse. She ranked his improvement at 50 to 70 per cent.
Three weeks later Sammy returned with his mother and she reported deterioration in his behaviour following Cicuta 200c once he stopped
taking Cicuta 6c daily. He was a lot more defiant and could not control his tantrums, which were lasting for 20 minutes, at all. Other people had
noticed this deterioration in his behaviour. I instructed Sammy to recommence Cicuta 6c daily.
Two months later Sammys mum phoned to say that he had settled down and was doing quite well back at school. There had however been
some difficult moments over the school holidays but generally he was better. I suggested that Sammy continue on Cicuta 6c daily taking
Cicuta 200c if there was a general relapse in his behaviour.
Last October Sammy came to see me. His mother reported that he was excluded from school for a day. His behaviour was destructive and he
punched a pupil and one of his teachers. In the house he was constantly arguing with his brother. I had noticed a mischievous glint in his eyes
at different moments when he came to see me. He certainly had been mischievous! He got angry with his brother at the slightest remark he
made and relished getting him into trouble. Sammy seemed to take great pleasure in telling me that his brother was his natural enemy. He
was being obstinate and uncooperative at home. The intensity of Sammys violence and aggression came across from the history, which his
mother had given me. I wondered if I really had given Sammy the correct remedy and then opted to prescribe Stramonium.
Two months later his mother explained that Sammy had been hitting the other children at school. He was only slightly better since taking the

Stramonium. He seemed to go out of his way to wind his brother up and he was wilfully being a nuisance. He used the most colourful
assortment of scurrilous words with which to insult his brother and the other family members. He also took great pleasure in seeing his brother
cry and added that he hated his father and brother. Sammy said he was a great fan of Elvis Presley and that Elvis talked to him during the
night.
I thought that his mischievousness and obstinacy might have called for Tuberculinum. Five weeks later his mother reported that he was
quicker to calm down. He seemed to get worse initially but then he got better. He had not really been striking his mother and he was
playing better with his younger brother. He let his brother come into his room usually forbidden territory and they managed to watch a
video together amicably. He was also a wee bit more alert in that he was making jokes and being witty.
Unfortunately this improvement did not last long. His tantrums began to increase again and the school was threatening to exclude him. He lost
his temper frequently but was quick to apologise. His mother with hindsight thought he was a lot better on Cicuta.
At the beginning of last year I decided to repeat Cicuta at the slightly different potencies of 200c, 1M and 10M taken over three days whenever
he has a relapse and to continue with the daily dose of 6c daily. His mother reported a month later that he was much better and his behaviour
at school had improved. Four weeks after this he had not hurt anyone once. He was playing well with his brother at home, he was very
pally with him and was very good at school. The school holidays passed off without any incident and this was usually a difficult time for
everyone. I suggested he continue on Cicuta taking the high potencies if there was a relapse.
During the past year he has had some minor setbacks but in his behaviour generally he is much better. He is calmer and during the summer
holidays he made a good friend.
The remedy
Cicuta belongs to the Umbelliferae family and its common name is cow bane. It is also known as water hemlock. Clarke in his Dictionary of
Materia Medica has identified these as some of the characteristics of this remedy:
He confounds the present with the past.
Discontent and ill-humour.
Forgets his own name.
He thinks himself a young child.
According to homeopathic literature Cicuta has been used successfully in the past to cure cases of cerebrospinal meningitis and also
epilepsy. Violence is apparently a leading feature as are some of the classical features of epilepsy.
Sammys case taught me that you have to persevere with a remedy once it seems to stop working, using it in different potencies until you are
finally convinced that it is not working. Only then might you consider trying a different remedy.
Mabel Aghadiuno MBChB MSc MRCGP DGM MFHom practises at the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital as well as taking
homeopathic clinics for Lothian PCT. She also works in general practice for Glasgow PCT.

A childs periodic table

Bob Leckridge describes how homeopathic metals can help children with behavioural problems
When children start school they are thrown into quite another world from that of the family. Not only do they need to form multiple relationships
of different kinds with classmates and teachers but there are many new pressures for them to deal with managing to achieve certain
standards of mental and physical performance, pleasing the teachers, conforming to regulations and rules and so on. In addition to that not
only will the physical environment of the school be unfamiliar to them but the social and cultural environment will be completely new, and often
quite challenging, too. So its no surprise that problems start to appear in children who up till now had perhaps been quite healthy and welladjusted. This is because in life we are continually subjected to what has been termed stress. By stress we really mean anything which
challenges a person, a challenge to which the person has to react. We all adapt to everyday changes, but adaptation does not always run
smoothly! Under the pressure to react and change, we either grow or we get sick. Its important to understand this otherwise stress gets a
completely negative press. When we are provoked in positive ways we are stimulated to grow, to stretch beyond our existing limitations and to
mature. Too much provocation of course produces harm and there can be a fine line between the stress which encourages development and
that which precipitates illness. A well-chosen remedy, prescribed correctly by a healthcare professional who has learned homeopathy, can tip
the balance to stop a stress being harmful, but more than this, it can actually turn it into a stimulus to growth and development. A good
homeopathic prescription will not just relieve sickness, it will also stimulate the child to grow and mature.
The homeopathic approach really gives us the chance to take different, and hopefully better perspectives on people. We can see that
symptoms are just the manifestation of a failure to cope with whatever has challenged or injured a person, and we can also come to understand why a particular person develops a specific pattern of illness. From this point of view, the materia medica of homeopathic remedies is
like a book of wisdom which throws light on dark or confusing times. The majority of remedies we use are prepared from plants but the next
largest group are prepared from minerals. In particular there are a number of common metals which, as homeopathic remedies, are invaluable
in treating childrens behavioural problems and illnesses.
Alumina

The child who needs homeopathic aluminium is a confused child, who lashes out because of violent impulsiveness. These outbursts really
surprise people because normally the Alumina child is quiet and gentle. In fact they might seem extremely biddable because actually they
have had their natural character suppressed usually by a very dominant parent who has repeatedly told the child that whatever their wishes
are they are not going to get what they want. This erodes their self-confidence and they can be very scared of sharp things and of the sight of
blood. However, there remains a strong tenacity, almost obstinacy, in their character. This is most evident in the characteristic they have of not
being hurried. Its impossible to hurry them. This is not because they want to go slowly though, it is because they just cannot seem to go as
fast as even they themselves would want to. Inside they feel hurried but they cant make their actions go fast enough so they end up making
lots of mistakes. This shows in class especially with difficulties in reading and writing practice. Their inner hurried feeling also leads to physical
restlessness, with fidgety hands and feet, and even in some cases to sleepwalking. You might find them anxiously wandering from room to
room at night rubbing their tightly closed eyes.
Argentum nitricum
This remedy is made from silver nitrate and is most commonly used to treat anticipatory anxiety. There are many possible remedies for
anticipatory anxiety and Argentum nitricum will only work well when the features match and the circumstances are right. Key indications are
the physical symptoms of shaky hands and legs accompanied by a shaky tummy. These children will describe the typical butterflies-in-thetummy feeling and might have to run back and forward to the loo with diarrhoea. They are hot children who easily feel overheated and when
they get anxious their sweet tooth becomes quite excessive. They crave sugar and sweet things but when they eat too much of them it makes
them feel worse and upsets their tummy more. The most important thing for these children is their performance. These are children who can
be great performers, whether in music, drama or sport, but they tend to be so bound up in the importance of performing well that each event
becomes quite an ordeal for them. If they dont do well they really feel quite lost! By lost, I mean as if they are all alone in the world. They are
over-excitable and impulsive children which can mean they are great fun, or that they are hard to contain.
Aurum
Fortunately, gold is not a commonly indicated remedy for children, but sadly, in this day and age of increasing psychological pressures on
children, depression, even severe depression which drives a child to attempt suicide, has become more common.
The child who needs homeopathic gold is often a very industrious, hardworking and ambitious child. They might have an over-developed
sense of duty and responsibility and can easily feel guilty that they are not doing what they are supposed to be doing. They do have a strong
sense of their own uniqueness but this can lead to feelings of being alone and cut off from others. They are hugely over-sensitive to
contradiction which can result in explosive outbursts of anger and violence. Their tendency to over-sensitivity extends to almost all
environmental stimuli noise, music, smells and touch, all of which they can find overwhelming. When they cannot manage to progress, in
particular when they are contradicted or frustrated, they are likely to see everything as hopeless and black, a catastrophy. This is when they
tumble into deep depression.
Cuprum
Homeopathic copper is often indicated for children who have difficult behavioural problems. They tend to be fiercely independent children,
never asking for help. As you might imagine this makes them rather headstrong, or even obstinate. They have great abilities to be focussed
and hard-working, really sticking at tasks and always playing by the rules. However in situations where there are confrontations either with
other children in the class or with a teacher who antagonises them they tend to blow up both verbally and physically, lashing out with a
sarcastic tongue, mimicking people and playing tricks on them and even lashing out destructively, biting, or spitting. They are also breathholders when angry and can turn spectacularly blue in the face during these temper tantrums.
Ferrum
The Ferrum child has a will of iron. This can result in them being both bossy and intolerant to contradiction. They have a tendency to be
physically robust or a bit overweight and their bossiness means they always want to be in charge. These are often very self-confident children,
the leaders in the class, not the followers. They are typically hard workers who will really stick at things but they suffer from a certain lack of
flexibility or adaptability. They can be rather oversensitive, being easily provoked. When challenged they will either stand their ground or fight.
A common response to a challenging situation is either to flee or fight. In the case of Ferrum they will always fight. These kids dont run away
from things. However, if there is too much chaos around, and particularly if other children are being especially noisy, the Ferrum child will try to
find solitude away from the others. These children are often very anxious about family members, worrying that relatives they actually feel
responsible for might become seriously ill or die. The focus for this might be a younger sibling or, in cases where one or other of the parents is
suffering from a chronic, incapacitating illness to the extent that there is a degree of role reversal and the child has to be a carer, the focus is
on the parent.
Platina
Platinum is a very expensive metal and the indications for its use homeopathically are centred on this sense of being special. Actually it is
more than being special, these children are likely to feel both superior to others and cut off from others. They are difficult to make contact with
and might even have been diagnosed as autistic, or suffering from Aspergers Syndrome. One little girl I successfully treated with Platina was
known by her family as Little Princess and she ruled the household from her bedroom at the top of the house. Despite her slight physical
appearance, her strength of will really dominated the whole family and she would tell everyone else in the house what to wear each day. This
strange sense of superiority seen in these children can even lead, as it did in this particular childs case, to a refusal to play with any children
who are not smaller than them. The Platina child is easily bored and will shut herself in her room saying everything is boring and uninteresting.
This is a deep kind of dissatisfaction with things. They need to have routines and to feel that they are able to impose their will to the extent that
they can control their surroundings. One focus for this might be eating. Lots of children are fussy or picky eaters, but the child who needs
Platina takes this to quite another level. They may not only refuse to eat all but particular foods but they often have a strange insistence on the
position of food on the plate. For example it is common for them to insist that no two kinds of food on a plate touch each other.

Plumbum
The child who responds to homeopathic lead is equally insistent on routines and order. But their need for order is more compulsive than in the
child who needs Platina. In fact, they will describe feeling compelled to sort things out, get things done, and get them done in just the right
way (by which they mean their usual way). This can make them rather rigid and they are children who particularly dont like change or having
to do anything new. The other aspect of the child who needs Plumbum is a kind of contrariness. They actually love to do what theyve been
forbidden to do and if they are then permitted to do it they quickly find theyve lost interest. This means they are really susceptible to parents
tried and tested management technique of reverse psychology. In addition to this, these children often present with a combination of
restlessness, poor memory function and mood swings. This combination can, as you might imagine, result in considerable learning difficulties.
A physical problem which these children often have is colicky abdominal pains which make them double up and are relieved by applying firm
pressure and local heat.
Zincum
Homeopathic zinc is most commonly indicated for the constantly restless child. These are the greatest of fidgets. I can always spot them in the
waiting room (or even on the train!) because their feet just never stop moving. Its like watching perpetual motion! These are often awkward
kids, again of an Aspergers Syndrome type, who find it hard to make connections with the other children, often have a dominating father and
are harbouring a lot of frustration and anger. As is almost always the case with suppressed anger, it tends to come bursting out with great
vehemence and violence which, of course, makes it increasing difficult for them to fit in socially. They are also over-sensitive children,
particularly to noise and to voices. In most of the children who are very restless we also see an instability of mood and the Zincum child is no
exception. In fact their mood swings can be quite marked, oscillating between feeling down and feeling cheerful, anger and shyness, and
anxiety and contentment.
Bob Leckridge MBChB FFHom is a specialist in Homeopathic Medicine at Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital. He teaches homeopathy
internationally and is the author ofHomeopathy in Primary Care. He was President of the Faculty of Homeopathy from 1998 to 2005.

Asthma
Homeopathy has an important part to play, writes Mabel Aghadiuno
Asthma is a very common condition affecting five per cent of the population at one stage of life. In the Western world, up to ten per cent of
children have the disease. It is certainly not confined to our epoch Seneca the younger, a powerful Roman leader and historic figure of the
theatre, described his asthma as his last gasp. However, he was something of a celebrity during his age and his demise was certainly not
due to asthma!
In asthma the bronchial tubes narrow and this makes it more difficult to breathe. Symptoms that occur in asthma are chest tightness,
coughing, wheezy breathing and shortness of breath. These symptoms may simply occur when the body has to work harder such as on
walking quickly, going upstairs or running. House dust may provoke an asthma attack if there is a history of allergy as may exposure to cat,
dog or horse hair. People who suffer from hay fever may find that they get asthma-like symptoms too. It is helpful to find out if the asthma is
caused by an allergy as this can offer some direction that treatment with homeopathy may pursue. Asthma patients may have a personal or
family history of hay fever and/or eczema, as these conditions tend to exist together.
Conventional treatment
In terms of conventional treatment, the medication available can offer reasonable control of symptoms. Bronchodilator inhalers (available on
prescription) such as Salbutamol (Ventolin) and Bricanyl (Terbutaline) are designed to act on the muscles of the airways and help the air flow
through. You could think of the airways as tunnels, which narrow down when there is asthma. The bronchodilators are the workmen which
widen the tunnel allowing greater flow of air (the traffic). There are also steroid inhalers such as Becotide (Beclomethasone) and Pulmicort
(Budesonide) which you could imagine to be the workmen who do the maintenance work in the tunnel preventing the build up of debris or do
things which keep the tunnel nice and wide they act by reducing the inflammation. If used well and if the asthma is not severe, inhalers such
as Becotide can do a good job. If someone has asthma and they are already on conventional medicine I would strongly recommend that they
do not stop their medication or alter it without deciding this together with a doctor. Stopping medication can result in a flaring up of the asthma
and this may be confused with a homeopathic aggravation, or worse, it could be potentially very serious.
Nevertheless sometimes people do not like the thought of taking these drugs and of the side effects that can occur. The side effects of
Salbutamol are generally mild and steroids used short term rarely cause problems but the long term use of steroids even if inhaled may lead
to potential problems if large doses are used. Initially homeopathic treatment may be used alongside conventional treatment but eventually we
wish for a reduction in inhaler use and hopefully we can wean the patient off them provided that homeopathy gives a result as good or better
than that obtained with inhalers.
Homeopathic treatment
So what homeopathic medicines are available to treat asthma? Asthma like any other condition can be treated with homeopathy at various
levels. The ideal would be to find the treatment, which reflects the Similimum of the case (or as near to the Similimum as possible). By
Similimum, I mean the remedy that best matches the person not just in terms of his symptoms but also in terms of his psyche and the way that
he relates to other people and to life generally. This would offer a deeper prospect of healing. However finding the Similimum may not always
be possible and there are many remedies which may be given for the symptoms of asthma. There are also remedies that can be given for the
causes of allergic asthma (homeopathic preparations of house dust mite, grasses and pollens etc). Asthma is a condition for which I would
highly recommend professional treatment I would not advocate self-treatment. Here are the outlines of a few remedies, which may be

helpful in the treatment of asthma.

Blatta orientalis
This is the large dark Oriental cockroach. As a species, cockroaches are night-active insects and most live in damp places. Interestingly,
asthma sufferers who benefit from this remedy may complain that their condition is worse in mouldy, damp environments. There may also be
an allergy or sensitivity to moulds, mildew and rotting leaves. This group of people comment that exertion and ascending tend to aggravate
their symptoms although this can be a general finding in asthma. The combination of obesity and asthma indicates that Blatta orientalis is a
remedy worth considering.
Ipecacuanha
If asthma is associated with nausea and/or vomiting then Ipecacuanha could be indicated. This remedy is obtained from the dried roots of a
creeping shrub, Cephaelis (or Psychotria) ipecacuanha, which is native to Brazil but cultivated in other tropical climates. Emetine, the active
principle of Ipecac, is obtained from the bark or the root. It is a powerful poison that produces vomiting and is sometimes prescribed to relieve
the stomach of some other poison. Traditionally Ipecac is used as an expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis or croup, stimulating bronchial
secretions to make coughing easier. In terms of homeopathy Ipecac patients present with a constant cough with gagging and vomiting. The
chest may rattle and the patient complains that the symptoms are worse in warm humid weather and that heat generally makes her feel
worse. She therefore may prefer sitting up by an open window to get some air. The hands and feet are cold and perspire profusely. Ipecac is
recognised as a remedy for childhood asthmatic crisis. Prompt medical intervention is obviously indicated well before a child reaches this
stage of illness.
Lobelia inflata
Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) derives from a common American plant, which has small blue flowers and inflated capsules. The inflation of
the capsules could serve as a symbol of the type of asthma that this remedy helps. Asthma can be a frightening experience especially when
you feel that you are not getting enough air into your lungs. As with many other conditions, this can lead to hysteria and panic. Panic can lead
to working unnecessarily hard to breathe and this can result in over-inflation of the lungs. With this type of asthma, the shortness of breath is
far out of proportion to the wheeze and therefore the amount of narrowing of the airways that there actually is. The patients who need Lobelia
can feel a sensation of constriction or a lump in the chest. It can also be helpful when an asthma attack occurs during labour. Drafts and cold
or damp tend to make the asthma worse while slow deep breathing make it better. Strangely, rapid walking also improves things.
Antimonium tartaricum
This, like Ipecac, was used traditionally in medicine as an emetic. It was also used as an expectorant helping the production of catarrh from
the chest. It was used in the treatment of several diseases.
but because the side-effects were frequent and toxic this eventually limited its use. Fortunately, the doses that are used in homeopathy are
infinitesimally small so it can be administered with some benefit. This remedy can be useful in children and in the elderly, especially where the
asthma is associated with infection and a lot of mucus. The mucus causes a coarse, wet sounding rattling noise both on breathing in and out.
The patient may say that he feels generally better when he is fanned but he also might be rather irritable and wish to be left alone. There are
also some other symptoms such as breathlessness, which is worse from heat and lying, but these are not really very specific.
Sambucus nigra
This can be helpful particularly in childhood asthma. The elder is one of the most mysterious plants in British folk tradition. Traditionally
feelings about the elder were ambivalent some considered it the friend of witches and were extremely superstitious about even bringing the
wood into the house. However, the elder was also used for its protective and curative effects protection against witches, for warding off flies
and curing warts. The remedy Sambucus nigra is prepared from a tincture of the leaves and flowers. There was a legend that if you fell asleep
under elder flowers, the scent would poison you and you would never wake up. Perhaps there is some truth in this if homeopathy will cure
what it will cause. The patient who might benefit from Sambucus wakes up in the night with a frightening sensation of suffocation and may
even have cyanosis (blueness of the face). There can be severe spasms of the respiratory airways so it is very frightening. These patients are
worse at midnight or from midnight to 3am. The asthmatic attack may be associated with marked perspiration, especially on waking.
Natrum sulphuricum
This is a very useful remedy for asthma in both children and adults. The asthma may stop at puberty and reappear later from the 30s onwards.
The asthma may even appear in association with a period of grief. It tends to be worse at 4am or between 4 and 5am. Damp weather be it
cold or warm makes it worse, as does fog and storms. It may also be worse before menstruation. At times, there can be rattling and
greenish mucus.
Medorrhinum
This can be very valuable in the treatment of childhood asthma, particularly where asthma and eczema may also be combined. The shortness
of breath is reputed to be better when the child kneels on the bed curled up with the chest touching the knees (knee-chest position). Wet
weather makes the asthma worse but being at the seaside improves it.
Tuberculinum
This is a useful remedy for asthma sufferers as it helps build up the immune system to try to prevent recurrent colds and chest infections
which may precipitate asthma attacks.
One-liners, which may direct towards a particular remedy, are:

Wheezing improved by belching: Carbo vegetabilis

Cough improved by taking cold drinks: Cuprum metallicum

Asthma symptoms improved at night by lying: Euphrasia

Cough worse from eating: Kali bichromium

Marked sneezing that makes asthma attack worse or provokes an attack; coughing causes tears: Sabadilla.

Finally asthma sufferers include many famous people from the past and present day. Beethoven, Charles Dickens, Che Guevara, John F
Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Collins number in their ranks. Besides having asthma in common, they all led or lead active, full, varied
and energetic lives the ultimate aim for all asthma patients.
Mabel Aghadiuno MBChB MSc MRCGP DGM MFHom has been practising homeopathic medicine for some years, previously at the
Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital and also in Edinburgh. She currently works in the Bromley homeopathic clinic and also treats
patients privately.

Homeopathy for arthritis and rheumatism

Peter Fisher discusses his approach to this common, painful and potentially crippling group of conditions
Arthritis and rheumatism are among the commonest forms of chronic disease and, with an aging population, are set to become commoner
still. Strictly speaking, arthritis means disease of the joints, while rheumatism is disease of the soft connective tissues which support and move
the joints. In fact, the distinction is often artificial, since many of these conditions affect both the joints and connective tissues.
Osteoarthritis, the commonest of these conditions, is basically wear and tear of the joints. The root of the problem is wearing out of the
cartilage, the tough, slippery gristle, which allows the ends of the bone to slide smoothly over each other and absorbs shocks. The joint
becomes stiff and painful, and may creak as it is moved.
As the cartilage wears down, the bones on either side of the joint may react by forming small bony outgrowths called osteophytes. One of the
sites where bony nodes can easily be seen is the last joint of the fingers. Spondylosis is a similar problem affecting the spine; here the main
problem is degeneration of the disks which separate the vertebrae.
As one would expect with a degenerative condition the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age, it affects nine per cent of the total
population but around 70 per cent of the over-70s. It is the commonest of all rheumatological conditions, and indeed probably the commonest
of all chronic diseases, because many sufferers live with it for many years. Not surprisingly it tends to affect weight-bearing joints (eg low
back, hips and knees). Joint injuries or overuse (for instance heavy physical work or professional sport) predispose to osteoarthritis later in
life. Overweight is another important factor.
The other two main groups of arthritis and rheumatism are inflammatory arthritis, of which the commonest form is rheumatoid arthritis, and soft
tissue rheumatism. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about one person in a hundred; it is nearly three times commoner in women than men (for
unknown reasons). Its cause, too, remains frustratingly elusive. It tends to come on at an earlier age than osteoarthritis (typically in the 30s to
50s) and is more aggressive, running a more rapid course: about a third of sufferers are seriously disabled within ten years, although it is very
variable. It particularly affects the small joints, especially of the hands and feet, causing a typical hand deformity where the fingers slant
sideways. But it can affect almost any joint in the body, and also cause nodules under the skin and eye problems. There are many other forms
of inflammatory arthritis, some of them associated with infections.
The final group is true rheumatism, affecting the soft connective tissues rather then the joints themselves. There are many forms, some with
picturesque names. They include enthesopathies which affect the point at which tendons connect to the bones the best known of these are
tennis elbow, affecting the outer side of the elbow, and golfers elbow, which affects the inner side. Capsulitis inflammation of the capsule of
tissues that surround the joint most commonly affects the shoulder, and may lead to a stiff frozen shoulder. Some of the more amusing
names are reserved for bursitis inflammation of the bursae, cushioning pads which overlie many joints. These include Housemaids Knee
(also known as Clergymans Knee), from too much kneeling. But my favourite is Weavers Bottom so called because it used to affect
weavers who had to shuffle up and down long benches to tend their looms!
The most common form of soft tissue rheumatism, however, is fibromyalgia (which used to be known as fibrositis). It affects about two per cent
of people and is much commoner in women than men. It is a controversial condition; some believe that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
syndrome (ME) are varieties of the same condition, certainly there are similarities. The typical features are widespread musculoskeletal pain
and aching with tender points at several specific locations. It is frequently associated with poor sleep and fatigue as well as other problems
including migraine and irritable bowel syndrome.
There are many problems with current conventional treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. For instance, although osteoarthritis rarely, if ever,
killed anyone, a group of drugs often used in its treatment, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), including aspirin, Ibuprofen

and Voltarol among many others, certainly has. There are some 12,000 hospital admissions and 2,000 deaths from these drugs every year in
the UK alone. Although the new generation of NSAIDs is safer, they are only glorified painkillers, which do not affect the basic disease
process. Similarly for rheumatoid arthritis, a range of powerful drugs is available but all of these have long and alarming lists of side effects.
The homeopathic approach
In treating someone suffering from arthritis and rheumatism with homeopathy, just as with any other condition, I look at the person as a whole.
In practice this means starting by looking at what exactly the problem is: pain, stiffness, sleep disturbance, limitation of particular activities, or
what? Where is it? How long has it been a problem, and what has been the evolution? Evolution means where did it start and what has
happened since has it moved, if so, in any particular pattern? Does it come and go, any pattern to that? Did anything seem to trigger it off in
the first place?
Then the modalities simply any factor which makes the problem worse or better: for instance hot or cold applications, bandaging or support,
the weather etc. Here it is important to know what is normal: for instance it is usual for an acutely inflamed, swollen, tender joint to be relieved
by cold applications. But in homeopathy exceptions to the rule are of particular interest.
I then move on to the rest of homeopathic histories, I integrate the two. Sometimes the conventional part of the history can give a vital clue.
For instance, a woman came to consult me with extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. When I asked if anything seemed to
have triggered the problem, she said she couldnt think of anything. But when I enquired into the social background it turned out she had been
through a messy divorce, including a court battle for custody of the children, which she eventually won. The onset of her illness coincided
almost to the day with the end of the custody case. I was amazed that she did not make the connection. It was clear that this was a topic she
didnt want to discuss. Translated into the quaint 19th century language of some homeopathic books this is aggravated by consolation. It was
this that gave me the first clue to the homeopathic medicine, Sepia, to which she had an excellent response. This was an example of not
what they say, but how they say it.
Then to complete the history, the mentals and generals. The mentals include how the patient reacts to and copes (or fails to cope) with
their problems, and the so-called constitutional features: is this a strong-willed and assertive person, or the opposite? Tidy and organised or
untidy? And so forth. Then the generals, for instance does this person feel the cold excessively, prefer the morning or the evening? I then
examine the patient, again this not just a matter of good medical practice, but can give important clues to possible homeopathic treatment. For
instance warm, swollen joints may suggest the medicines Apis or Bryonia; stiff contracted joints Causticum or Formica.
Some cases of arthritis and rheumatism treated with homeopathy
Mrs KS is an Asian woman, aged 39 when she first consulted me in April 1993. She had been diagnosed as suffering from rheumatoid arthritis
about 18 months earlier. She worked in a supermarket, and although she had had some pain and swelling in her knuckle and finger joints for a
couple of years before the diagnosis was made, this had never really bothered her until she started to work on checkout. (This was in the days
before bar code scanners, so checkout involved a lot of keyboard work!) Within weeks of starting on checkout, she developed severe pain and
swelling in many of her finger and knuckle joints. She was taken off checkout, but this lead to only slight improvement. Her GP referred her to
the rheumatologist at the local hospital, and the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made, confirmed by blood tests. She had had several
conventional treatments, which either did not help, or caused side effects.
Her GP was sympathetic and referred her to me at the RLHH. The basic features were typical of rheumatoid arthritis, but on talking to her a
number of idiosyncratic characteristics came out. Although the problem had started in the hands, it had since involved a number of other
joints, but unusually, the arthritis moved unpredictably from joint to joint. A knee, say, would be painful and swollen for a couple of weeks, then
settle down by itself, only to flare up elsewhere. Her arthritis was definitely worse before her monthly period and it became clear she was quite
depressed about the situation: she became weepy, on discussing it. But unlike the patient mentioned earlier, was quite willing to talk about her
feelings, and seemed to feel better for doing so.
These features gave me a tripod, the traditional basis for a sound homeopathic prescription: one typical local, mental and general feature. I
prescribed Pulsatilla. I saw her again a couple of months later and was pleased to hear that she was feeling much better in herself, more
cheerful, and felt that her joints were better. She had reduced the painkillers (which upset her stomach) and was taking them on an as
required basis. There have been some ups and downs since, and I have prescribed some other medicines, but always come back to
Pulsatilla. The blood tests have steadily improved, and x-rays shown no further deterioration. She still works in the supermarket, but is now a
manager. I continue to see her once or twice a year, but she now has virtually no trouble from the arthritis and takes only homeopathic
treatment and nutritional supplements for it.
Miss AQ, 73, is a colourful and artistic character: a ballet dancer since her teens, she had risen to prima ballerina in a major company, and
later taught ballet for many years. She came to me complaining of pain in various joints, particularly the knees. She had had numerous injuries
and strains to her joints, especially feet and knees, during her career. On many occasions she had danced despite injury. She had had several
operations on her knee cartilages. On examination, I found her to be extremely supple, able to touch the floor with the palms of her hands with
straight legs. She had large nodes on her fingers.
It was clear that she had osteoarthritis relating to overuse and injury. She had been advised to have her knee joints replaced, but was
reluctant to do so, because she felt that the previous knee operations had done more harm than good in the long run.
I was interested by her extreme flexibility; it seemed that this was not solely due to her professional training. As a child her mother had taken
her to the doctor for growing pains, and the doctor said she had sway-back knees, and she had been double-jointed, able to bend her
thumbs right back to her forearms. On this basis I prescribed Calcarea fluorica, and Symphytum, Rhus tox and Ledum cream to be rubbed
into the joints. She came back a couple of months later, saying that the pains in her joints were under good control, the cream gave several

hours relief when she needed it. She probably will need to have her knee joints replaced eventually, but for the time being she finds her
symptoms quite tolerable.
Dr Peter Fisher MA MB BChir FRCP FFHom is Clinical Director of the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and Homeopathic
Physician to The Queen.

Overcoming anxiety and fears

As people react in different ways to the same stress, says Janet Gray, homeopathy has so much to offer
One can think of all sorts of occasions in which fear and anxiety manifest themselves and cause difficulties in handling the situation. For
example, one may be an entirely competent driver, but put into the context of a driving test, may go to pieces and fail. In such circumstances
some people simply freeze, and are unable to think what to do next. Some break out in cold sweats and palpitations, while others have to
dash off to the loo. A homeopathic remedy can be tailored to the individual reaction of the person.
Lets look at some remedies in different situations. Take Mike, for instance. He was a 21 year-old motor cross competitor, who was extremely
successful on the British circuit. When he went abroad to compete, however, for some reason he found himself freezing on the start-line, and
doing very badly. He told me that his legs felt like jelly, and his mind just went blank not knowing what he was meant to be doing. Gelsemium
(false jasmine) soon put him right, with one dose the night before, and another one hour before each race. He was soon back to his previous
form as British Supercross Champion.
I am frequently consulted about pre-examination nerves. Aconite is an excellent first-aid remedy it will calm down the adrenalin levels
instantly, but as it is not a deep-acting remedy, it will not result in a lasting cure. It can, however, be repeated as frequently as needed.
If the sufferer is extremely restless, unable to sit still, waking at two in the morning worrying about the forthcoming exam and sometimes
feeling sick and shaky, a dose or two of Arsenicum album will soon dispel the nerves.
If, however, like Mike, the anxiety manifests itself as a complete inability to concentrate on the revision, and when confronted with the paper
the mind goes blank, and the student is totally unable to recall any facts, the medicine needed is Gelsemium.
Other medicines that may be useful for exam nerves are Argentum nitricum, Lycopodium and Anarcardium. Like Gelsemium, the anxiety
displayed by Argentum nitricum and Lycopodium is anticipatory. That is to say, the sufferer starts the symptoms when even just thinking about
the forthcoming event, unlike Aconite and Arsenicum, which is more immediate.
The sufferer requiring Argentum nitricum will get the feeling that there is a tremendous hurry to get the work done, and that there will not be
enough time for all the revision. They get very hot and bothered, and often suffer from palpitations. The stress brings on a craving for sweet
things, but they also have a strong liking for salt, and may binge on sweet and savoury food alike.
The Lycopodium type conceals his nerves better, but at a great cost to his guts. He has great ambition, and is determined to do well, but his
own high standards cause their own stress. He may well develop irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia or migraine. He also likes sweet foods,
but they disagree with his stomach, causing bloating and wind! On the day of the exam he will probably acquit himself well, but is dogged by
reversing letters, or failing to think of the right word.
We tend to think of Anarcardium for memory disorder and depression, so it can be very useful for teenagers getting in a right state over their
exams. They have great difficulty remembering what they have revised and completely lose their confidence. So great is the psychological
disturbance due to the stress of possible failure, that they may be driven to suicide.
Problems at school
Another area of stress for which I am frequently consulted, is that of school in general. Younger children may be unhappy at school for various
reasons: they may be being bullied, they may have a very strict teacher of whom they are scared, they may have difficulty making friends.
Sarah, aged 10, was brought to see me suffering from tummy aches, which had begun two years previously when a new girl started at school,
who took over her best friend. She was a sensitive girl who was often anxious and worried about being told off in class. On starting school at
the age of five, she had displayed considerable separation anxiety, and even now her mother suspected that sometimes the tummy aches
were a ploy to be able to stay home with her. She often had a sweaty head and hands, and loved eggy bread, but hated milk. At two or three
in the morning she would wake with a bad dream, often of dead men, and would go into her parents bedroom for comfort. She was scared of
heights and thunder.
I gave her Calcarea carbonica, which not only settled her tummy aches, but also helped her with her self-confidence, and she started making
new friends.
Penny, aged nine, hated school, even though she made friends easily, and had two special friends there. I eventually discovered that her
problems had started when a disabled child was admitted to the school, and this distressed Penny immensely. She could not bear to see the

child in her wheelchair and was so upset that she would cry all night. She often felt sick with her anxiety. She also worried about the state of
the world, and the health of her parents and loved ones. At night she had to have a light on, and she hated going to stay with her grandparents
as they had a scary house. She often dreamed of burglars. With this degree of sensitivity and caring, Phosphorus was well indicated, and I
gave her one dose per week until she settled. After one month, she was attending school happily, and was not so anxious when around the
disabled child.
Teen troubles
Teenagers have worries other than exams, because growing up is a stress in itself. John was one such lad, who at the age of 16 started
having episodes of fainting. His GP had excluded any serious pathology and had put it down to nerves. John told me that he hated school
and he hated being a teenager. He was self-conscious of his spots and felt that his girlfriend had gone off him. He was avoiding social
situations because of the fear of fainting. Over the past year he had grown rapidly, and his appearance was that of a lanky bean-pole. His
mother complained of the terrible smell from his shoes, and although he admitted to being sweaty, he was very chilly. One of his complaints
was headaches, which were helped by wrapping his head warmly, but his bobble hats made him feel more self-conscious. At school he lacked
confidence and under-achieved. His teachers made the common comment could do better, but somehow he lacked the ability to try.
I gave him Silica, one dose weekly, and after a month his skin had cleared and he had had no further fainting episodes.
There are all sorts of other situations that can be helped by homeopathy, such as fear of flying, going for interviews, public speaking and
appearing on the stage. For patients suffering from chronic anxiety, such as panic attacks and agoraphobia, the case must be taken in depth
by a qualified practitioner in order to achieve effective relief, but in acute situations, such as examination nerves, the general public can reach
for the Aconite bottle with confidence.
Janet Gray MA MBBCh FFHom DRCOG DFFP, a GP for over 20 years, has used homeopathy in her Bristol practice for some 15
years. She lectures in homeopathy at the Bristol Teaching Centre and has a small private practice near Chippenham.

Beating the blues

A homeopathic guide to anxiety and depression by Jeni Worden
Five to ten per cent of patients visiting their GP will be suffering from clinical or major depression. This means that as a GP, two to three of
the patients I see in a normal working day will be experiencing debilitating and disabling symptoms of feeling down, depressed or hopeless
and will have little interest or pleasure in doing things. Too many people still think that depression is all in the mind and there is a great deal
of guilt felt by sufferers that they cannot just snap out of it. Having a nervous breakdown still carries a stigma, especially if symptoms are
severe enough to need a hospital admission or referral to a psychiatrist. I spend a great deal of my professional life reassuring people that
they are not going mad and their symptoms do have a rational explanation.
As well as clinical depression, where symptoms are severe enough to affect day to day living, 15 to 30 per cent of my patients will have
depressive symptoms but still manage to continue with work or home life without serious problems. This situation is referred to as
subthreshold or mild depression, depending on the severity and number of symptoms. This is probably the largest group of patients with a
psychological problem that I see in my surgery every day. People come with a variety of complaints, including a feeling of persistent fatigue,
lack of appetite or excess appetite resulting in comfort eating, not being able to look forward to enjoyable events such as holidays or family
celebrations, poor sleep, feelings of anxiety and low selfesteem, guilt for not really being ill, feelings of not coping, lack of interest in activities
or relationships, loss of sex drive and generally feeling cut off from the world. Whilst most of us can experience all of these feelings at some
time to a greater or lesser extent, it is when they last for weeks on end that we start to feel unwell and out of balance. It is in these
circumstances that the body starts to need a little help to recover.
The good mood hormone
What causes depression? Most people know that our brain produces a good mood hormone called serotonin. If we do not produce enough
of it or it gets broken down too quickly, then a low mood results. Quite what triggers off this chemical imbalance is the subject of hot debate by
scientists, but its results are only too clear to sufferers of this common condition. There may be an inherited element to depression, possibly a
genetic factor but scientists are unsure whether depression is due to nature or nurture. I suspect it is a mixture of both. Certainly I come
across some people whose brains permanently seem to produce low levels of good mood hormone, meaning they always feel somewhat
under par mentally.
Treatment
In the past, people with symptoms of depression or anxiety were often treated with tranquillizers, or benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium).
This is because depression is really a mixture of feeling low combined with symptoms of anxiety. The latter can range from waking up with a
sinking feeling or butterflies in the stomach or panic attacks to full blown physical symptoms of acid indigestion, problems with swallowing,
diarrhoea, a feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and a sureness that something serious is wrong with me.
Although tranquillizers may still be used by the medical profession if symptoms of anxiety are very severe, they are now generally
recommended only for short term use (up to two weeks at a time).
The most common medications for depression these days are antidepressants which help to rebalance the mood hormones, commonly
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and less often, the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). However, their effectiveness in mild or
subthreshold symptoms is questioned by modern research and they are now not routinely advised for GP use by the National Institute of

Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Herbal treatments also work in a similar way to conventional antidepressants although usually with a
lower rate of side effects: they often have a combination of active ingredients as opposed to the synthetic medications, which are single
substances in a potentially more potent form.
Talking therapies
NICE suggests that GPs use either counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat mild depression. This has been shown to be
more effective in the first instance than medication for most sufferers with less troublesome symptoms, but unfortunately availability varies
greatly throughout the UK. I find the socalled talking therapies extremely useful to help people change their sometimes negative way of
thinking and such treatments can be life changing, helping people regain normal function without a reliance on tablets. I have worked as a GP
in both Dorset and Hampshire and have always been able to refer patients on the NHS, but waiting times for nonurgent cases have become
longer and longer over recent years, as more and more people are referred. So although my patients and I can access this invaluable
treatment free of charge, there can be a three to four month wait to see a therapist and sessions may be limited to a certain number rather
than what the individual really needs. This can be very frustrating for both client and therapist!
Homeopathys place
It is whilst waiting to see a therapist that I find homeopathy has a place for my patients. It can also be used as a sole treatment if patients do
not feel that they want to see, or need to see a counsellor or therapist but nevertheless want some help to recover from their illness. I would
emphasise that I am not suggesting that homeopathy should be used as the only treatment in serious depressive illness where there are
feelings of wanting to die or a risk of suicide, or in mental health problems such as bipolar disorder (manic depression), schizophrenia or
severe postnatal depression. These are complex and potentially life threatening illnesses and need advice from a psychiatrist alongside the
GP and other healthcare professionals. Homeopathy may have a part to play as an additional or complementary treatment but NOT as a
stand alone therapy in these situations.
There are so many homeopathic medicines that can be used to treat the numerous symptoms of depression and anxiety that it can be difficult
to know where to start. It is important to make sure that your symptoms are not due to another illness such as an underactive thyroid or a
stomach ulcer, so please talk to your GP first to make sure of the diagnosis before starting homeopathic treatment.
Arsenicum album
One of the first medicines that I think of when I see someone with all the symptoms of anxiety with depression, particularly when there are
gastric symptoms of indigestion and diarrhoea, combined with panic attacks, is Arsenicum album. This medicine is based on white arsenic
which causes severe gastroenteritis if taken in a toxic dose, which is why it can help similar symptoms when taken in a homeopathic potency.
Somebody doing well with Arsenicum will probably be neat, tidy but restless. They may look anxious and drawn and tend to have a fastidious
way about them, being able to give a lot of detail to their symptoms. Often I find that such a patient has to tell me all their troubles in a very
methodical but sometimes time consuming way.

Arsenicum patients can be convinced that they have a physical illness which is being missed because they feel so ill and may in fact end up
having a number of investigations such as endoscopy and colonoscopy before finally accepting what is wrong with them. They can feel that
they will never be well again. Fear is a prominent symptom, causing apprehension and dread, with an overwhelming feeling that everything
will go wrong, and they despair of their recovery. These can be patients that I have to try very hard to reassure and I will often use a 30c dose,
three to four times a day, with Aconite 30c taken as needed if they are having additional panic attacks.
Ignatia
Where depression follows from bereavement, loss, or a shock, such as witnessing a fatal road accident, Ignatia can be useful. The symptom
picture is typified by emotional ups and downs with mood swings and is often quoted in homeopathic reference books as laughter alternating
with tears. Having suffered the loss of my own parents, I know myself the separation feeling that one undergoes when someone close to you
dies and I remember being able to talk quite calmly one minute, and then being overcome with tears soon afterwards before becoming calm
again a few minutes later.
Often the sufferer can prove difficult for friends and loved ones to deal with as they are SO up and down, being resistant to sympathy and
oversensitive to well meaning advice, which may be wrongly taken as criticism. Ignatia patients tend to bottle things up and cry and give
deep sighs during the course of their consultation. It may be hard for them to talk if they are overcome with their miserable situation and
friends can find it well nigh impossible to cheer up such patients. Poor sleep is common and so is the feeling of a ball or something stuck in
the throat, known conventionally as globus syndrome. I often give a few Ignatia 30c tablets to recently bereaved patients to take when
needed, especially around the time of the funeral, and will use a 200c on a weekly or monthly basis for persistent depressive symptoms.
Natrum muriaticum
Another remedy that can bottle things up, but reacts quite differently to the Ignatia patient is Natrum muriaticum. This is one of my most
frequently used homeopathic treatments for symptoms of stress, such as those typified by mild depression. I find it very useful when a patient
has never been well since a shock or loss and feel as if they have a glass wall between them and the rest of the world. Often they have been
unable to cry since bereavement and feel that they have not grieved properly for their loss. They feel worse for sympathy yet are very empathetic people. They sometimes build up a barrier emotionally and can appear somewhat cold and distant. They can worry about upsetting
people unintentionally by saying the wrong thing and also can take things the wrong way.
I tend to view these people as the salt of the earth type, having a strong sense of duty, but can find themselves being overwhelmed by the
responsibility of their work, especially if they are caring for an elderly or sick relative. Such patients can feel that they should be doing more,

not less, and feel they must just get on with it, and yet feel more and more tired and low in spirit as time goes on. Grudges can build up, with
resentment. There may be an increased sensitivity to noise; certain passages of music may move them to those long awaited tears, but
without relief from their low mood. I have discovered to my cost that using too high a dose of Natrum mur can cause emotional upset without
improving the symptoms of depression so I tend to use a one off dose of 200c when there is a clear history of a definite cause to the illness
and a daily 30c dose if the trigger is less clear.
Sepia
When all energy is drained, and my patient feels that they are unworthy of anybodys love or attention, I turn to Sepia, a remedy which I have
written about in the past for its use in the menopause and postnatal depression. I have used this almost exclusively for women who are sad,
silent, solitary individuals, completely lacking in zest. Tears are never far away and a feeling of having to keep emotions under control
otherwise one will have to scream is typical of the strain that such patients can feel. There is a wish to keep busy but with no incentive to do so
and these patients can spend hours sitting motionless in sadness.
Sepia women will often tell me that they love their husbands or partners but cannot manage the physical side of the relationship, which they
feel is starting to cause difficulties for their other halves. Sepia usually suits women who tend to feel chilly and they can either feel incredibly
hungry, being unable to ever feel full or have nausea at the mere smell of food. They often have a sinking, or allgone feeling in the pit of the
stomach, especially when they wake, which is not relieved by eating.
Older people
One area of depression and anxiety I would like to mention is that of the older patient. I am really referring to the over 75s and those perhaps
with physical frailty or other health problems and not all pensioners, as the media seems to refer to anybody over the age of 60 these days.
Depression in this older age group can sometimes give rise to symptoms of forgetfulness and memory loss and lead to a mistaken diagnosis
of dementia or Alzheimers disease. This is why antidepressant medication is often given by doctors if such symptoms appear. Unfortunately it
can take up to three months for conventional treatment to have a full effect, and because memory problems may affect an older persons
health, and their ability to stay at home to a great extent, doctors tend to treat earlier than later. If you have a sympathetic GP, or, even better,
one that it is homeopathically trained, it may be possible to try a remedy such as Alumina for a trial period first. This is a homeopathic potency
of aluminium and is indicated where there is confusion about time (time seems to pass too slowly), difficulty making decisions, unease in the
evening (as if something were going to happen), involuntary weeping without cause and a dazed feeling, making mistakes in writing and
speaking. All such symptoms are worse in the morning and tend to improve as the day goes on.
An alternative to try is Baryta carb, which I have found especially helpful if symptoms are worse with worry or come on after a stroke. Both
Alumina and Baryta carb can be given at 30c strength daily.
Finding a quiet place
Depression is all too often seen as a problem of women, and although it is true that twice as many female patients are treated for anxiety and
depression as men, both sexes can be affected. However, it does not have to be the black dog that the late Winston Churchill suffered from
and does not always need to be treated with medication. Regular exercise can help, as this increases the endorphins produced by the brain,
which are responsible for the highs that athletes can experience. Many GPs can refer patients to local exercise on prescription schemes
which often offer a supervised course of gym sessions at a reduced fee. Finding a quiet place, through meditation, painting or walking the dog,
can really help rebalance the mind and body; too many patients look blank when I ask them and what do you do for yourself? after listening
to what they do for others. Look for your own quiet place if any of the above applies to you and please take further advice. It will be worth it, I
promise!
Jenifer Worden MB ChB MRCGP MFHom is a parttime NHS GP in Ringwood, Hampshire and has a private homeopathic practice in
Highcliffe, Dorset. She treats patients with a wide range of conditions and across the complete age range.

Allergy Attack!
Homeopathy achieves long-term relief for chronic allergy patient
A quarter of the UKs population will develop an allergy at some time in their lives; and the problem is getting worse with the number of
sufferers increasing by 5% every year. For most sufferers their allergy is more of an unpleasant inconvenience than a debilitating condition.
Jennys case history, however, highlights how allergies can sometimes cause such a severe physical reaction, the patients health and their
quality of life is seriously affected. We also see how the limited treatment that conventional medicine offers only produces shot-term relief, and
how NHS funded homeopathic intervention brought about a remarkable transformation in Jennys condition.
Jenny story
I was brought up surrounded by a loving family and the beautiful Perthshire countryside. My childhood should have been idyllic but sadly this
was not to be the case. From infancy I suffered with asthma, but it was at around the age of eight that I started to experience allergic reactions
that at first caused sneezing, itchy and watering eyes, and a running nose. However, more distressing symptoms were to follow. These
included a swollen face that often caused my eyes to close to narrow slits, and my face and arms becoming discoloured by a deep red, almost
purple rash that would feel hot and sore. Then the skin on the affected areas would eventually become flaky and peel. But worse was to come!
During particularly bad attacks the membranes inside my nose would become so swollen I would have difficulty breathing: a frightening

experience for me and my parents.

On visiting our family doctor I underwent an allergy test and was found to have acute allergic sensitivity to a wide range of allergens including:
the house dust mite; bed mite; hay, tree and grass pollen; horse and cat dander; and oil seed rape pollen. So indoors and out I was subjected
to a wide range of airborne particles that would trigger such violent reactions I would, at times, be left feeling extremely ill. Although I had to
suffer these attacks throughout the year having a severe reaction about every two months because my family lived in a rural area, it was
during the spring and summer months that I was most vulnerable.
Over the years Ive inevitably become something of an expert on allergies and their cause. Allergies are caused when a normally harmless
substance (the allergen) triggers a heightened or altered reactivity of the bodys immune system. When someone suffers an allergic reaction
their immune system believes the allergens to be threatening and so it produces IgE antibodies to attack the invading material. This is called
the immune response. More antibodies are produced every time the person comes in to contact with the allergen, causing the release of
chemicals such as histamine in the body which result in an allergic reaction.
Due to the severity of the allergic reactions I was suffering, the family doctor referred me to the allergy clinic at the Ninewells Hospital in
Dundee where I saw the first of what was to become over the years a very long list of allergy specialists and dermatologists. The treatment
prescribed was antihistamine tablets to alleviate the cold-like symptoms, along with a topical hydrocortisone cream to reduce the inflammation
on my face and arms. Although these treatments did offer some relief, I was still prone to attacks when I unwittingly came into contact with
someone who had in turn been in contact with one of the sources of the allergens that I was so sensitive to.
The best hope the specialist could offer was that as I grew older I might outgrow the worst of the symptoms. A hope that ultimately proved
baseless. My asthma did clear up when I was 18, but the acute allergic reactions continued throughout my childhood forcing me to miss
school when stricken with particularly bad attacks and into adulthood.
Worrying side-effects
Over time my body started to develop immunity to various antihistamine drugs, so regular appointments with my GP were necessary for the
treatment to be reviewed and the prescription changed. I also had to contend with the drowsiness that is a common side-effect of taking
antihistamine medication. There were also countless visits to the Ninewells Hospital where I saw numerous specialists, but whomever I saw
they always prescribed the same treatment and delivered the same vague prognosis. On one occasion, I can clearly remember asking the
specialist if there was any alternative to the treatment I was receiving and was told, somewhat insensitively, I could try wearing an upturned
gold fish bowl over my head.
As the years passed, I also became increasingly concerned about the side-effects associated with long-term use of topical steroid creams
such as hydrocortisone. A thinning of the skin is the most common problem; but the skin can also develop permanent striae similar to stretch
marks and bruising, discolouration, or thin spidery blood vessels have been linked to prolonged use of this type of treatment too.
Nevertheless, I followed the doctors advice and continued with the prescribed medication as I believed there was no alternative.
By now Id become used to having these allergic reactions and had learned to live them. But what concerned me more was how others would
respond to the often dramatic change in my appearance when stricken with an attack. To offset any over-sympathetic reactions from friends
and colleagues, I would sometimes wear a pair of joke spectacles with false bulbous eyes fixed to the end of springs that were attached to the
frames. Donning the glasses, the eyes would bounce around uncontrollably on the end of their springs causing laughter among all those
present. Knowing those round me felt better and less concerned about my health and appearance, made me feel better.
Then in 2002, I went to my GPs surgery for a routine check-up and saw, purely by chance, a recently qualified GP who had just joined the
practice. During the consultation the doctor asked whether Id ever thought about trying homeopathy. Although open-minded on the subject of
complementary and alternative medicine I had never seriously considered it as a way of treating my allergy problems. Thinking I had nothing
to lose but, to be honest, without any great expectations either, I agreed to a consultation with a homeopath: a decision that was to have a
dramatic effect on the medical condition that had plagued me for almost my entire life.
Homeopathic consultation and treatment
An appointment was made for me to see Dr Sue McCallion at the Roxburghe House Clinic which is located in the grounds of the NHS Royal
Victoria Hospital in Dundee.
The consultation was very different to anything I had had before. Dr McCallion asked me many questions, most of which seemed unrelated to
my allergic reactions. She inquired about my lifestyle, diet, the work I did, family and personal relationships.
At the end of the consultation Dr McCallion prescribed the homeopathic medicine Pulsatilla for the skin eruptions on my face and for my very
itchy, puffy eyes: one 30C tablet to be taken three times on just one day a month. Five separate medications derived from the material that
caused the acutest allergic reactions were also prescribed. These were cat fur, horse hair, grass pollen, tree pollen and oil seed rape pollen,
with each having to be taken three times a day for three months. The allergy medications came in pill form and had to be placed under the
tongue to dissolve at least an hour before eating. Dr McCallion also advised me to limit the amount of tea and coffee I drank or, if possible,
stop drinking caffeine altogether. Another appointment was arranged to review the treatment in three months.
Six to eight weeks into the treatment I became aware that I was no longer suffering the violent allergic reactions that had been such a
distressing part of my life. I was still experiencing very mild symptoms but these were easy to live with compared to what Id endured in the

past. After three months even the mild symptoms began to clear up.
It was incredible just like a miracle!
At the follow-up appointment I could hardly contain myself and was effusive in my praise of the treatment Id received and the results it had
produced. But I must confess, I was somewhat taken aback for Dr McCallion appeared unmoved by the dramatic improvement in my
condition.
It was as if Dr McCallion failed to see how this improvement in my health would bring about huge benefits to my everyday life. But she later
explained that she has, over the years, seen these results so many times with other patients, shes no longer surprised at the success of the
treatment.
Lasting relief
The doctor then asked about my emotional state. Although until then Id not registered any increase in emotional sensitivity, I suddenly
realised that Id been quite tearful at times since beginning the homeopathic medication. Dr McCallion suggested I stop taking the Pulsatilla
and only use the allergy medicine as and when I needed it. This I did, only taking the homeopathic medicine when I felt the allergy symptoms
returning. Gradually I noticed that I needed to do this less and less often. I no longer suffer any severe allergic reactions and its now been two
years since I last needed to take the homeopathic medicine.
Further evidence of the dramatic improvement in my condition came when the field directly behind my house was planted with a crop of oil
seed rape. Even when the oil seed rape is in full flower I suffer not even the slightest reaction, while some of my family and friends are
sneezing their heads off! Its amazing!
Im now 31 and still living in East Perthshire in the village of Blairgowrie with my husband and two young children, Emily and Fraser. So
impressed have I been with homeopathy I have integrated it into the healthcare of my family. My only regret is that I didnt seek help from a
homeopath sooner, as Im convinced it would have saved me from years of discomfort and illness.

Allergy the bane of modern living

Neil Beattie discusses how isopathy can help
Allergic problems have a major impact on modern society. Allergic diseases are currently calculated to cost the member states of the EU 29
billion ECU per year in medical expenses and work absence alone. One fifth of our children are asthmatic and 85 per cent of these have an
allergic basis to their problem. The other commonest allergy-related diseases are eczema, allergic rhinitis, seasonal and perennial, allergic
conjunctivitis, and urticaria.
Modern allopathic medicines have proved more and more effective at controlling the symptoms of allergy, either early in the allergic process,
such as Cromoglycate for asthma, or late in the process as with antihistamines. Desensitising treatment used to be available as a series of
injections but had to be withdrawn after it was shown that one in 100,000 patients was having anaphylactic reactions. Fortunately recent
studies in Glasgow have proved the efficacy of isopathic medicines as desensitising agents, and the use of these preparations in the Allergy
Clinic at the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital has shown a clear clinical benefit to the patients.
Let me explain for anyone who is unsure of the difference between isopathy and homeopathy. Isopathy involves the administration of
homeopathically prepared remedies derived from the same material as that responsible for causing a diseased state, in this case an allergic
problem. They are thus given on a basis of Same to treat same rather than the classical homeopathic principle of Like to treat like.
The commonest allergens affecting patients at the Allergy Clinic in Glasgow were grass pollens at 48 per cent and the house dust mite at 42
per cent. For hay fever sufferers it is hard to avoid exposure to grass pollens during the summer months but most try to make appropriate
lifestyle changes. Long-lasting steroid injections are an effective preventative treatment, but there are worries about repeated use.
There are now non-sedative antihistamines available and sprays of steroid or antihistamine are gaining in popularity. However, these all
require continuous use. How much simpler to take a course of a safe homeopathic remedy at a cost of less than 3. Pre-seasonal use will
often give a trouble-free summer but booster courses can be taken. No homeopathic skills are needed, but those who are able to prescribe for
their symptoms can safely combine desensitising treatment with appropriate symptomatic treatments such as Euphrasia or Sabadilla.
It is impossible to avoid the house dust mite. Often at the clinic I had to reassure slightly offended mothers that I was not casting aspersions
on their house-keeping abilities! House dust mites live in all beds. They are tiny creatures that live on the dead flakes of our skin and it is their
faeces that makes patients wheeze or sneeze or both. It sounds quite disgusting but is sadly the truth.
Fortunately there are a few things that we can do to minimise our exposure to the unsavoury beasts. Most chemists can supply a mattress
cover that has such a fine weave that the house dust mites cannot get through to hide in the mattress. Running the vacuum cleaner over it
and giving it a wipe will remove both skin scales and mites, lessening the patients exposure. A popular brand of vacuum cleaner makes a
strong play of having a microporous filter to filter out dust mites from its expelled air. This is actually an effective measure and drastically
reduces the aerosol effect of using a vacuum without a filter. Anyone who has a house dust mite allergy should only wet-dust, or better still, get

someone else to do it!

At the Allergy Clinic in Glasgow, we set out to try and find out the best treatment regime for desensitising allergic patients. Patients were
referred by their GP, or specialists in other hospitals, to the Allergy Clinic with a variety of medical problems that were thought to be of an
allergic origin. We took a general and allergic history, then carried out a Skin Prick Test to try and identify the problem allergens. At 15
minutes, if the test was positive, the resulting weals were measured, and the allergens accordingly ranked from worst to least. A trace of the
weal pattern was taken for record purposes. Patients with negative skin tests were excluded from our study.
All patients were asked to take no antihistamines for seven days before initial attendance at the Allergy Clinic. They then had a four-week runin control period, daily recording their symptoms and general wellbeing, before commencing isopathic treatment for the worst allergen. They
were asked to continue recording daily the outcome and returned to the clinic for review after four weeks of taking medication. Other allergens
were then treated in the same way at monthly intervals in descending order of severity.
Patients were randomly allocated to one of the following three treatment groups:
three powders of the appropriate allergen in the 30th centesimal potency;
three powders of the appropriate allergen in the 200th centesimal potency;
one tablet of the appropriate allergen in the 30th centesimal potency twice daily for four weeks.
All patients received a pack containing three powders to be taken on the first day, and 55 tablets to be taken one twice daily for four weeks.
Some 147 patients, mainly suffering from asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis, were treated in this double blind trial. During the trial, the
patients were instructed to continue with their normal medication, but many felt able to reduce or discontinue their allopathic medicines and
did so.
A total of 15 per cent of the patients defaulted during their treatment for a variety of reasons. Of those remaining, 87 per cent reported that
their allergic symptoms were substantially or completely relieved by the isopathic treatment alone. This success was reported across all
disease groups and different allergens.
We ended up with a clear winner between the various treatment regimes. The best results were obtained using one tablet of 30c twice daily
for four weeks. Using this regime 43 per cent of patients reported complete relief of their symptoms and 89 per cent of patients reported
improvement.
About 15 per cent of those referred to the clinic were excluded from the study because their skin test showed no response. There didnt seem
to be any rhyme or reason for this but we had to exclude them from the study and treat them by more general prescribing.
Desensitisation is not a substitute for minimising exposure to a known allergen but sometimes it is impossible to avoid an allergen completely
as in the case of a dairy student I treated who had become allergic to cows. A few doses of Cow hair relieved his problem! Sensible
precautions should always be taken and allopathic medicines like inhalers in asthma have a vital role to play. Where an allergen can be
identified, however, desensitisation should be considered as it can often make a substantial difference to the quality of life of the patient.
Is your home a health hazard?
Were continually being told about exterior air pollution, but for many of us pollutants in our homes can aggravate or cause health problems.
Dust, dust mites, mould and mildew, and animal dander and other allergens present in most houses can cause sneezing, nasal stuffiness,
runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and asthma. House dust allergy is particularly important because the symptoms are year round rather than
seasonal like pollen allergies. Research has shown that reducing mite and allergen levels in homes can lead to an improvement in allergic
symptoms and a reduction in the amount of medication needed.
Recent research shows that one in six homes in the UK suffers from damp patches and mildew problems and over one third of all homes in
the survey experienced winter problems of steaming windows and condensation. While the average family produces as much as 20 pints of
moisture in the home each day generated from breathing, showering, washing, cooking and tumble drying dust mites are having a field day
and those who are susceptible to allergies and asthma find their symptoms worsening.
One answer to the problem of excess humidity is to increase ventilation by opening windows and using extractor fans. However this means
heat loss and may present a security risk when people arent at home. Double glazing may solve condensation problems on windows but the
excess moisture in the air will find the next coldest surface usually in an unheated room causing mould, peeling paper or crumbling plaster.
Another solution is to use a dehumidifier which extracts excess moisture from the air which is then cleaned and warmed before being returned
to the room. One dehumidifier, placed strategically, will remove excess moisture from the whole of a three to four bedroomed house.
Dr Neil G M Beattie, ChB MFHom worked at the Allergy Clinic, Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital from 1973-2000 as well as being a
GP in Ayr, Scotland from 1975-2000. Now retired from clinical practice, he continues as Chairman, Ayr, Prestwick and Troon LHCC.

Allergy: a modern epidemic

how homeopathy can help, by Sarah Buckingham and Jacqueline Mardon reviews one of her cases
Many people are genetically predisposed to allergies this is known as atopy and you often see allergies such as eczema, asthma and hay
fever running in families. Atopy is becoming more common and the reasons for this are not entirely clear. One theory is that people have much
better health these days and the bodys immune system doesnt have a lot to cope with, so goes into overdrive in response to normally
harmless substances.
There is some evidence to suggest that those who have grown up with lots of brothers and sisters are likely to have had numerous infections
in childhood which their immune systems have had to fight off and so have simultaneously built up resistance to allergens; so perhaps the
trend towards smaller families is a factor.
Other possible contributing factors include increased pollution in the atmosphere and the use of chemicals in food, medicine and household
products. Whatever the cause, more and more people are becoming susceptible; an estimated three million people in England alone now
consult their GP each year about an allergy-related condition.
What is allergy?
Allergy is a heightened or altered reactivity of the immune system to external substances. Conditions that are caused by an external agent or
allergen include eczema, allergic asthma, urticaria (hives), hay fever and perennial rhinitis (all year round hay fever-like symptoms). The
most common allergens are house dust mites, pollen from trees and grasses, cats, dogs, milk and eggs.
An allergic persons immune system believes allergens to be damaging and so produces a special type of antibody (IgE) to attack the invading
material. This leads other blood cells to release further chemicals (including histamine) which together cause the symptoms of an allergic
reaction. A reaction can be caused by inhalation, swallowing, injection, or contact with the skin, eyes or airways. In mild cases there may be
slight itchiness or reddening of the affected area. In serious cases anaphylactic shock can occur, where the bodys immune response is so
extreme that it causes low blood pressure, constriction of breathing and sometimes even death. But this subject is too complex to be covered
here.
Treatment
Conventional medicine often involves taking antihistamines or steroids to manage symptoms. A huge range of products is also available over
the counter. These may be useful but can also have unwanted side-effects like drowsiness, need to be used continuously and are not effective
in all patients.
By contrast, homeopathic medicine stimulates the bodys own defence system to cope with exposure to allergens, rather than suppressing the
allergic symptoms. Often, treatment doesnt have to be taken continually for example, a homeopathic medicine taken before the start of the
hay fever season can protect the patient through the whole season, reducing the need for antihistamines.
There are a number of ways in which homeopathy can be used to help allergy sufferers.
Local prescribing
Medicines are prescribed based on the patients actual allergic symptoms, for example runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat. This is known as
local treatment and can be achieved in a standard GP appointment or even through self-prescribing, although its probably best to visit a
homeopathic doctor to get the correct medicine, as you are less likely to pick the right one off the shelf first time.
Constitutional prescribing
Constitutional treatment in homeopathy is slightly different. It is based on a more in-depth consultation which takes into account not only the
allergic symptoms but also the patients individual way of coping with the disease. This may involve looking at aspects of the patients lifestyle,
eating habits, medical history and state of mind to achieve a complete picture of the individual.
Isopathy
Isopathy is similar to homeopathy, but the treatment is selected solely on the basis of the patients proven allergies (as shown by skin testing,
for example). It involves giving a patient the substance to which they are allergic in a homeopathic potency.
It is best to arrange a consultation with a homeopathic doctor so that they can tailor treatment to you as an individual. Each of the five NHS
homeopathic hospitals takes referrals for allergy; the hospitals in Glasgow and London have specialist allergy clinics.
The allergy crisis
The health service is struggling to provide adequately for allergy sufferers. While its thought that the government is keen to devolve allergy
care increasingly to GPs, there are concerns that not enough GPs are trained in allergy to be able to provide adequate treatment. A report by
the Lords Science and Technology Select Committee last year found that there is a severe shortage of allergy specialists in the UK and that
clinical services lag behind others in Europe.
The report recommended robust research into complementary treatments for allergy. This echoes a report on CAM published by the same

committee in 2000, which advocated the creation of a stronger research infrastructure for complementary therapies. At the time the
Department of Health allocated limited funds, but none went towards research in homeopathy. This is disappointing, especially in view of the
potential for savings on conventional medicines such as steroids.
To date, 13 randomised controlled trials have been carried out in allergy, nine of which had positive findings, clearly demonstrating that the
area needs further investigation. There is, of course, no need to convince those patients who have used homeopathy with success. Their own
positive experiences are proof enough for them that homeopathy works. At Bristol Homeopathic Hospital, a six-year study of patient outcomes
found that 89 per cent of under 16s with asthma reported improvement and 75 per cent felt better or much better, as did 68 per cent of
eczema patients under 16.
Homeopathy clearly has an important role to play in allergy treatment. The current burden on the health system could be alleviated if more
GPs were trained in homeopathic medicine or were able to refer to a homeopathic clinic or hospital. More reasons why homeopathy is a vital
part of the NHS and should remain there.
Case study
Jacqueline Mardon describes the treatment of one of her allergy patients:
Allergy is a fascinating and satisfying area to work in homeopathically. There is great variety in the way people can present, and a challenging
potential to significantly make a difference to their lives, particularly as there are often not a lot of options open to them. A diverse group of
patients is seen at the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital Allergy Clinic. As well as asthma, eczema and other atopic conditions, I also see
people with food sensitivities and intolerances and people with multiple sensitivities who are often desperate.
A strong and sensitive lad
Joe, an 18 year-old lad, was referred by his GP with longstanding atopy problems in the form of asthma, eczema and allergic
keratoconjunctivitis (severe inflammatory eye condition). Even with several months of immunosuppressant treatment (with corticosteroids and
cyclosporin), he had flare-ups every few weeks. His parents were concerned about the impact on his confidence and life, particularly since he
was due to leave home shortly for university.
Joe has reddish-blond hair and is tall and bony with a very inflamed complexion and extremely dry, unhealthy-looking skin with cracks and
excoriations. He came to the clinic with his mother and seemed quite reserved, rather downcast, self-conscious and polite. He did not look at
me much.
His skin problems started at 18 months-old with scratching behind his ears and itchy eyes. He is described by his mother as intuitive and
sensitive to people, just as she is. He had an unfortunate experience of being bullied at primary school and had to move school, which
resolved the problem. When he was eight, his mother was away from home during weekdays for two years. He missed her a lot and was
anxious about it. He is the youngest of four sons and the only one still at home. Two brothers have eczema.
Joes skin condition is aggravated during really hot weather. He has a big appetite and is averse to fish, shellfish and spicy food. At the age of
two he had a very rapid onset of his face and eyelids swelling up and his lips puffing up with shellfish. If he puts fish like salmon to his mouth,
he has spots on his tongue within a few minutes. He can only tolerate tuna, either fresh or tinned, which he likes. He loves fruit, salads, chocolate, meat and mild curry. Hes had a dental brace for 18 months.
He has had surgery to his corneas and treatment with steroid eye-drops from the age of seven until he was 14. There was concern that he
might develop cataract, which can be a complication of this. Since then, he has Opticrom eye drops and antihistamines.
When his skin flares (usually affecting his inner elbows, under his neck and behind his knees), his eyes can flare up too. The inside of the lids
can swell up and feel gritty and there is a yellowish-green discharge. It may be hard to open his eyes when he wakes up and the left eye is
slightly worse.
He has tried food exclusion diets with no real benefit. Recent skin prick tests showed reaction to horse hair, cat fur, pollens and a big reaction
to house dust mite. Blood tests have shown levels of response to house dust mite off the scale!
His asthma is fine now and he takes a regular inhaled steroid, is not prone to chest infections and manages to perform sport, which he loves,
to a high competitive level. He loves to shake hands at the end of the match. His mother says he is a gracious sportsman. He says he doesnt
like partying all the time!
Treatment
Joe is clearly distressed and embarrassed about his highly visible problems. He is anxious to relieve his eye symptoms and I did consider a
local or pathological remedy. For keratoconjunctivitis, Silica, Ruta, Thiosinaminum or Graphites might be indicated. However, I felt the first
approach with a prescription should be the constitutional remedy Natrum muriaticum, for which there seemed strong grounds in terms of his
appearance and demeanour and also the history of separation from his mother, which had affected him and may have coincided with the
experience of being bullied at school. I chose to give Natrum Muriaticum as 30c, 200c and 1M potencies and then as daily LM1 drops. I also
gave concurrent isopathic desensitisation with House Dust Mite, also in the LM1 potency, just a few drops twice a week. The LM potencies are

much less likely to cause aggravation, an important consideration in such a sensitive and atopic individual.
Two months later
Joe returned on his own to tell me his eyes had been good, the best for a while with no bad days since his last visit. His skin had been quite
dry and itchy. He appeared much more relaxed (in retrospect and in contrast I realised how tight he had been) and his skin generally less red.
His neck was a bit blotchy, perhaps an indicator of his emotional sensitivity.
He had left home and started his university course three weeks before and was returning to see his parents every weekend. He had managed
to stop all his medication except the Opticrom. He felt he had had a good initial response with the homeopathy with his eyelids and was
pleased about this.
I gave Natrum muriaticum as LM2 and House Dust Mite as LM2, in the same way as before. He also told me his new accommodation was
nice and he had allergy sheets.
Six months later
His skin had been generally good with a slight recent irritation on his back after he wore rubber and fibre gloves to garden. His eyes had been
fine, with some itching the previous week going to bed and redness on waking, which lasted a couple of hours. He noted that this was when
the birch pollen count was high, to which he is known to be sensitive. His studying was going fine and he had exams soon. He saw the
ophthalmologist again who said his eyes are stable. Joe thought his eyes had been bad only a very few days since starting university. My
impression was he seemed more relaxed and his skin was very calm. I gave a slight increase to LM3 potency for Natrum muriaticum and
House Dust Mite.
Five months on
When I next saw Joe he had spent time in the summer with his parents who had moved to an old and dusty house. His skin got worse and he
had two courses of antibiotics for impetigo. Since returning to his new student flat which is clean, his skin was much improved! He told me his
ophthalmologist had been thrilled. He was told that no one examining his eyes now would think anything had been wrong with them! He now
has an annual follow-up for his eyes.
I gave Natrum muriaticum alone, as LM4 potency, and advised he could try tailing this to use every two days or less, with the option to
increase again if needed. I offered a review for six months. It has been very instructive to meet Joe and understand something of his
experience of this relatively rare and distressing condition of allergic keratoconjunctivitis. Certainly, there was a change in environment and
many life circumstances, but homeopathy and isopathy played a part in the dramatic improvement in his long-standing condition and he
certainly seemed to lighten and blossom too.
He actually became less competitive in his sport and seemed happy that it did not seem to grip his life so much. He had been promoted to a
higher team, but actually found it too much of a strain and enjoyed the second team more. He seemed more playful and life was more fun.
Perhaps he will even end up partying longer, despite his original assertion!
Jacqueline Mardon MBBS MPhil MRCGP MFHom is a specialist in homeopathic medicine at Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, where
she also runs the allergy clinic.

Bad Habits
Homeopathic medicines may help, writes Keith Souter
The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken Samuel Johnson
Dr Samuel Johnson (1709 to 1784) is one of the towering figures of English literature. Grub Street journalist, poet, novelist, moralist and
lexicographer, he published his greatest work, A Dictionary of the English Language in 1759. He has been described as arguably the most
distinguished man of letters in English history.
Thanks to his biographer James Boswell, we have a wonderful picture of this larger than life figure. He was witty, gregarious, yet subject to
depression and numerous injurious habits. He was also subject to many involuntary mannerisms and prone to fidget and make nervous
noises. He himself was aware of them, but quite incapable of stopping them.
Boswell described his many tics and twitches:
While talking or even musing as he sat in his chair, he commonly held his head to one side towards his right shoulder, and shook it in a
tremulous manner, moving his body backwards and forwards, and rubbing his left knee in the same direction, with the palm of his hand. In the
intervals of articulating he made various sounds with his mouth; sometimes giving a half whistle, sometimes making his tongue play
backwards from the roof of his mouth, as if clucking like a hen, and sometimes protruding it against his upper gums in front, as if pronouncing
quickly under his breath, Too, too, too. All this accompanied sometimes with a thoughtful look, but more frequently with a smile. Generally
when he had concluded a period, in the course of a dispute, by which time he was a good deal exhausted by violence and vociferation, he

used to blow out his breath like a whale.

Johnson was also said to perform his gesticulations upon entering a room or a building. A small girl once asked him why he made these
strange noises and movements, to which he replied that they were just a bad habit.
Medical historians are now quite convinced that he was, in fact, a sufferer from Tourettes syndrome. This was, of course, unknown in
Johnsons day. It is likely that he was much distressed by it, for he declared that he was of a most melancholic nature. And in performing his
gesticulations before entering a room it is likely that he was trying to control these tics and get them out of the way before he had to see and
talk to people.
The full name for this condition is Gilles de la Tourettes syndrome, after the doctor who first described it in 1825. It is characterised by making
movements and sounds that you cannot control. And it is often also accompanied by various emotions, such as anxiety, depression and by the
development of obsessive compulsive behaviour and various habits.
Nowadays it is estimated that as many as one in 200 people can be affected. There are various orthodox medicines that can help, as can
behavioural therapy and homeopathy.
Habits
All habits are a form of learned behaviour. We talk about some being good, in that they serve some useful purpose. For example, brushing
your teeth after a meal, putting on your safety belt as soon as you get in the car are both good habits to get into. On the other hand we talk
about bad habits when they are aesthetically unpleasant, hazardous to health or liable to lead to other problems.
Many habits start off fairly simply and seem quite innocuous. Parents of a thumbsucking baby may initially regard the habit as a friend, in that
it stops the baby crying, acts as a comfort and may even allow them some extra sleep. When it persists into late childhood or even into the
teens, it can be another matter. Trying to get the youngster to stop can cause all sorts of problems and tensions.
Habits can be a sort of coping mechanism. From the child who sucks his thumb for comfort, to the adult smoking his or her cigarette on the
pavement outside the office, the habit helps to relieve tension. Removing that habit, that coping mechanism, very often causes a sudden
surge of tension and an explosion in stress.
When a weak coping mechanism like a habit has been in operation for a long time it induces stress of its own. The term breaking the habit is
often not as simple as it is intended to sound. Rather than breaking the anchoring link with the individual, there is a risk of breaking the
individual and leaving them to face a whole host of emotions until the healing process is complete.
Many people advocate the cold turkey approach, whereby the individual is suddenly deprived of the object of their habit or their addiction.
The result is an unpleasant physical and psychological reaction. Others favour a graded reduction in the habit in order to allow the body to
reduce its physical craving, minimise the extent of the physical withdrawal reaction and maximise the confidence needed to finally lose the
habit.
In general I favour the latter approach, which seems the least distressing. Having said that, there are some people who can only handle things
if they throw themselves in at the deep end and get it over quickly. Again, it all reflects the individuality of people and their different needs.
And of course, this is at the very heart of homeopathy.
Modifying behaviour
As I said at the beginning, a habit is a form of learned behaviour. As such, it is not likely to disappear suddenly just by taking a medicine,
whether that is an orthodox drug or a homeopathic medicine. Some form of behavioural modification is going to be necessary.
I mentioned earlier that I favour a graded reduction of the habit. Thus, in trying to stop or curb some activity or another I usually advise a
period of observation of how often the activity is done. This can be quite informative to the individual, because they may hardly be aware of
the extent that the habit has taken over their life. For example, how many cigarettes are consumed, how often the nose is picked, the nails are
nibbled, or how often the hair is twirled? A small notebook is useful to record whenever the person feels the urge to carry out whatever activity
or movement is causing the concern. It is this urge at the start that is so important and, if the individual can get a handle on it, then you may
have something to aim your treatment at.
With some habits, after the observation period comes an agreed, realistic reduction programme. With cigarettes, for example, you decide on a
definite stop smoking day. Then, leading up to this day, you agree a schedule of reduction. Splitting the day into three hour sessions, for
example, from waking up until going to bed. Then allocate a maximum number over each segment, but without being able to borrow from one
segment or store up for later. And over the period of reduction up until the stopping day, schedule the reduction. This way you will reduce the
physical dependence, so that by stopping day it will only be the psychological dependence that has to be dealt with.
It is a good idea to have habit substitutes. In the case of smoking I advise cutting carrots, celery sticks or liquorice roots to cigarette length and
chewing them whenever the craving comes on.
Changing habitat
I like this concept and stress it to people trying to break a habit. Rather than thinking of a habitat as the place that one lives ones life, think of

it as the places that you indulge the habit.

Smokers have had their habitat severely restricted and many people will have given up just by virtue of having been forced out onto the street
corner to indulge their habit.
With problems drinking or gambling, then avoiding the places where temptation lurks is obviously sensible. With other nuisance habits such as
nailbiting, or nosepicking, changing habitat may not be so easy. But if the habit is something that the person does locked away in their room,
then get out of the comfort zone and change the habitat in favour of the limelight where there are people and therefore less tendency to
indulge.
Finally, taking up new interests may help. Do something outrageous. Choose something that you have never managed to get round to, or
which may seem out of character. If you want to change habits, you are changing yourself, so these sorts of changes become symbolic of how
you can make it happen.
Habit reversal
This is a behavioural technique that was first devised in the 1970s by psychologists Nathan Azrin and Gregory Nunn to treat stammering,
various tics and habit disorders, like skin picking and hair twirling.
The first thing is to develop habit awareness, which obviously comes during the period of observation that I mentioned before. Having focused
on the unpleasant urge that sets the whole thing off, you can then try to replace it with another, less harmful or distressing habit. This is
referred to as a competing response.
For example, with someone who picks their nose, as soon as the impulse is there, try clenching one fist and counting to five, thinking at the
same time of suddenly releasing the urge on the count of five.
And, of course, you back this up with other techniques like meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and homeopathic treatment.
What sort of medicine?
The thing about homeopathy is that its effectiveness depends upon taking the remedy that is right for you. Some homeopaths would suggest
that taking the constitutional remedy is all that one needs to do. I would say that a constitutional remedy might be helpful, but only if some
indication of the habit is identifiable as part of the overall remedy profile.
Generally, I find that with these habit problems, if you focus on the habit itself you can usually select a remedy that covers the habit and the
way that the individual responds.
With regard to potency, I find that the 30c is the most useful here, because you are almost certainly going to repeat it. My own approach is to
prescribe the 30c potency twice a day for three days and repeat at intervals of two weeks. During this time I will advise the foregoing
behavioural modifications.
Tics and twitches
Nervous mannerisms, facial tics, grunts and moans are all difficult to master. They can be part of the Tourette spectrum or be quite isolated. A
tic may occur several times a minute, every minute of every waking hour. I would certainly always try to use habit reversal with a remedy to
help to alleviate the urge.
Aconite is a superb medicine to try if this problem has come on following a shock. Argentum nitricum is invaluable if the tic is worsened at
times of stress, so that as some dreaded event approaches, the tic worsens. Zincum metallicum seems to work well in slow, ponderous,
melancholic people, especially if they repeat things that are said to them.
Hair twirling
This condition is known as trichotillomania. People get the impulse to twirl and pull out hair, often resulting in hair loss. They can do it on the
head, on eyebrows or, if embarrassed but unable to stop, they secretly do it to normally covered body hair.
Jimmy was a nervy seven yearold who was brought along to see me. He was forever on the move, forever in conflict with his younger brother
and seemed addicted to twirling and pulling out his eyebrow hair and the hair from an area on the back of his head. He was on the move as
soon as he came into my consulting room. He had an extremely fast and effective response to Tarentula hispanica over three months.
Belladonna and Cuprum metallicum are two other highly effective medicines.
Nosepicking
I find that Arum triphyllum is almost a specific for this problem and can bring great relief to youngsters, and their parents, since this is an
unpleasant habit for other people to witness.
Gus was a youngster with a very short temper who used to bore his fingers into his nostrils, even making them bleed. Cina cured his habit.
Thumbsucking

Baryta carbonica is the first medicine that I think of here. It is useful in slight, nervous children who struggle to advance. On the other hand
Pulsatilla helps those children who always want to be outside and who can get in a real strop with people. I have also found that Phosphorus
works well when the urge is described as being like having a hot, itchy thumb, which is eased by sucking.
Nailbiting
Biting your fingernails to the quick is a common cartoon image. Yet it is not funny to be afflicted with this problem. I usually combine habit
reversal technique with simple taping over of the nails that are least bitten. Usually these are the little and ring fingernails. For the observation
period I permit the individual to nibble at the others. Each evening the taped nails are looked at and compared, then immediately retaped.
After two weeks the nails should look quite normal and it will induce a desire to achieve this on all of them. We then use a remedy.
Alison had been a nailbiter all of her life. Secure in a good, wellpaid job, the habit was an embarrassment to her. I have to admit that she and I
almost gave up, for my initial choices made no difference. Then we focused on the urge to bite and why she did it. It seemed that it was due to
intense irritation around the nailbed, which only biting would help. This led to a prescription of Ammonium bromatum. This eased the itch quite
amazingly, and the above technique helped to clear up the problem.
Argentum nitricum and Lycopodium are two other medicines that I find are often indicated. People needing these tend to suffer from
anticipatory anxiety, when any stressrelieving habit may be intensified. Those who need Argentum nitricum tend to crave cold sweet drinks,
while Lycopodium likes warm sweet drinks.
The big three
Alcohol, tobacco and drug dependence are all huge problems and I have touched upon smoking already. All three of these need behavioural
treatment, but the following remedies have all performed well in treating people with these problems.
Caladium is a keynote remedy for tobacco addiction, especially in men who have noticed that they have become impotent or have erectile
problems. These problems are probably due to the toxicity of nicotine.
Capsicum is a good remedy for people who crave drugs, tobacco or alcohol and who tend towards being overweight, of a peppery
temperament, and who easily feel homesick.
Finally, Nux vomica is never far from ones mind for fiery, irritable types who are always in a hurry and who are impatient with everyone. Give
me the remedy now, they almost demand.
Obviously it is a good idea to seek professional help when tackling these.
A last word
I started with Dr Samuel Johnson so I will finish with him. Although medical historians have attempted to analyse his health and his psyche
and retrospectively diagnosed Tourettes syndrome and obsessivecompulsive disorder, it has to be mentioned that his gargantuan work, his
great dictionary, would probably never have come to fruition if he had not been driven by his habits. Was he content with his lot? Let us look
at his own definition of his chosen profession:
Lexicographer A writer of dictionaries, a harmless drudge.
Keith Souter MB ChB FRCGP MFHom MIPsiMed DepMedAc has a private holistic medicine practice and is a newspaper columnist
as well as the author of Homeopathy for the Third Age and Homeopathy: Heart & Soul.

Addictive personalities
Addiction and compulsive behaviour can ruin lives but they can be overcome explains Marysia Kratimenos
To most people the word addict conjures up images of a down and out, lying semi-conscious in rat infested squalor, surrounded by filthy
needles and broken bottles. Helpless, hopeless, rejected by society. And yet we only have to scan the daily papers to see famous celebrities
confess to alcoholism, cocaine habits and addiction to love and sex.
So what is addiction and what makes an addict? Is there such a thing as an addictive personality, or is it a case of there by the grace of
God? When does having that whiskey after a hard days work transform into something more sinister, turning one into an alcoholic?
The definition of addiction is by no means clear. When does a social habit end and an addiction start? The Oxford Dictionary says it is doing
or using something as a habit, or compulsively. Websters Dictionary defines addicted as enthusiastic devotion, strong inclination or frequent
indulgence. Psychologist John Bradshaw provides the clearest definition of addiction as a pathological relationship to any mood altering
experience that has life damaging consequences. By using the word experience, the net is spread wider.
Addiction is not just about the sex, drugs and rock and roll scene. One can be addicted to gambling, food, tobacco, stimulants, prescription
drugs (tranquillisers, and maybe even Prozac), exercise, the Internet, computer games, television, designer labels, work the list is endless.
The key in understanding the nature of addiction lies in John Bradshaws words the pathological relationship and its life damaging

consequences. Its as if too much of a good thing is not enough. A pleasurable habit, such as a drink with friends, is not an issue, but a
compulsive need to drink oneself into oblivion each and every night is an obvious problem that needs attention.
The consequences of many addictions like smoking and drinking to excess are recognised, yet ignored by the addict. At one level there is an
understanding that a price must be paid, but the person is so dependent on the habit that the realisation of the risks involved is almost
irrelevant.
In dealing with any addiction, it is fundamental to understand what the addiction is doing for the person. It is not as simple as changing the
behaviour. If it were, why would people be constantly on diets, battling with their weight?
To quote Garfield, the worlds most famous lasagne addict Diet is die with a t. Garfields pleasure in life is food. Take that away and what
does he have? The company of a socially inept, neurotic owner, and slobbery, half-witted dog and the resident flea population! Hardly the
perfect recipe for fun! Garfield, a classic Sulphur personality, lives for lasagne. He loves the taste of lasagne, he adores the way it fills the
emptiness he has within him, it provides him with excitement (will dinner be lasagne or cannelloni?) and it distracts him from the boredom of
his life. What is Garfield without lasagne? Its his raison dtre.
Now imagine the scenario if a gorgeous little sex kitten came to stay. Garfield might just fall deeply in love and decide that there is actually
more to life than the contents of his food bowl. And, in order to attract the delectable siren, Clawdia, a trim figure would certainly be an asset.
Suddenly, the besotted Garfield has a new goal in life impressing Clawdia. He is so in love that hes literally love sick and in no time Garfield
transforms into a sleek tom. Clawdia falls equally deeply in love, they marry and live happily ever after, sharing small portions of lasagne with
their ever growing family.
Ridiculous as this fantasy tale may sound, many people do conquer their addictions for the sake of love, and certainly with the help of love.
There are many reasons why people feel the need to take drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol to get through the day. Merely abstaining
from the habit is insufficient to cure the problem. It is not a matter of the strength of ones character. Many give up smoking, only to replace the
cravings with food.
The first step in any successful treatment programme is for the person to admit there is a problem and want help. When living in the delusion
of this isnt a problem, I can stop drinking/smoking/using any time I chose there is no way forward. Denial of the problem must be faced first.
This is not as easy as it may sound.
In the world of the music industry alcoholism, drug addiction and promiscuity are rife. Its almost as though one needs to indulge in this
hedonistic life style to be accepted. Its almost the norm in the industry. There is a very high price to be paid. Wonderfully talented artists like
Jim Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix and Phil Lynott to name but a few, died prematurely as a result of heavy drinking and drugs.
The lyrics of the songs reflect the artists perceptions of life and their lifestyle. Lou Reeds Walk on the Wildside was banned once the BBC
finally understood it was about drugs! In this day and age its judged as rather tame. Children are happily singing songs that advocate the use
of hard core drugs.
Not every artist has fallen into the trap of using mind-altering substances to enhance their creativity. Apart from the squeaky clean acts there
are some like Ricky Martin who use meditation to open the doors of perception. In fact meditation and yoga are fast becoming the latest
addictions. At least that is wholesome and health enhancing, assuming one understands the true meaning of tantra as oppose to the salacious
corruption!
Alice Cooper, infamous for his theatrical stage acts with defenceless pythons, demonstrates one mans courage in dealing with alcoholism. A
friend of Jim Morrison of The Doors, he lived the rock and roll dream. The lyrics of his songs illustrate the other side; it really was a case of
Welcome to my Nightmare. Even the death of Jim Morrison didnt stop him swigging back the beer. Neither did the constant hangovers nor
the failing physical health and vomiting of blood. He was surrounded by hard drinking, drug using musicians. It was a way of life. How else
could he get up on stage and perform in front of thousands of screaming fans? Alcohol provided the Dutch courage to overcome the stage
fright. In interviews he talks of the alter ego the mad, bad, black leather clad, hard core persona. With alcohol, he became that person. On a
rational level he knew the alcohol was destroying him, mind, body and soul, yet he felt powerless to change despite having his personal
version of Clawdia by his side.
Fortunately for him, the time came when he did receive help in a specialised unit. His lyrics and interviews bear testimony to the struggle of
overcoming the physical effects of the drying out process and the psychological issues that had to be faced.
Many find comfort in alcohol; it helps them to forget the pain of life. It can be a form of escapism. Alice Cooper was faced with the many
challenges sobriety brought. His wife had married an alcoholic. Would she still love him sober? Who was the sober Alice Cooper anyway?
How could he go on stage and act out the alter ego in a sober state? And what about the touring?
Addiction impacts not only on the addict, but also on the whole social group, and it is imperative that any treatment takes this into
consideration. Alice Cooper felt that the only way to cope with this was to avoid the company altogether. Apparently he stays in different hotels
from his band, appearing to do his act before vanishing immediately afterwards. Mixing with them could potentially bring him back into a
position where his self confessed addictive personality might rear its ugly head. He now channels that energy into the golf course and has a
handicap many professionals would envy. He also uses his experiences to help others with similar problems and in his music is deliberately

provocative and challenging about the drug scene. Black humour conveys the message that drug use is only for the stoopid.
Alice Cooper has demonstrated immense courage in overcoming his addiction within a social setting that condones such behaviour and also
in sharing his experience with a broad audience. And without the help of homeopathy too!
Homeopathy may be used as an adjunct to the treatment of dependency problems. Obviously the main stay of treatment must be on a
medical / psychological level, but homeopathic treatment from a professional may assist in the detoxification process and help with healing the
emotional issues.
Alcohol, tobacco and drugs leave their mark physically. Nux vomica is a classic hangover remedy and when combined with Sulphur is very
helpful in a deeper cleansing process. Many addicts eat very poor diets and essential vitamins and minerals must be replaced. In heavy
alcohol and drug dependency, the deficiencies may be so severe as to necessitate injections of vitamins and minerals into the veins to prevent
serious nerve damage.
Alcohol literally pickles the liver, and several herbal remedies, such as Milk Thistle, are beneficial in improving liver function. The liver not only
acts as the bodys natural detoxification organ, it also manufactures many important chemicals, including those relating to normal blood
clotting. It is not uncommon to find a bleeding tendency in those who consume excessive alcohol. Fortunately, the liver has immense powers
of regeneration. One literally has a new liver every six weeks, which is why alcohol abusetakes so long to bring about permanent liver
damage. Homeopathy and herbal treatment can enhance this natural self-healing process.
Appropriate homeopathic remedies can facilitate the detoxification process and assist with the emerging emotional issues. When addiction
has been used to mask the emotional turmoil within, this will rapidly emerge. The demons within emerge as soon as the drink departs. The
person is left vulnerable, frightened and often overwhelmed by the force of these long buried emotions. It takes great strength not to relapse
back into former habits.
As homeopathy deals with the whole person, on every level: mind, body and spirit, it is perfect for assisting in this transitional phase. Expert
counselling assists in the process. Some homeopaths are trained in counselling skills, others work in conjunction with counsellors.
Most of the self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide group and individual therapy, as well as
support for the relatives. It is essential that the family receives help, not only in the short term, but also to prevent history repeating itself.
Statistics show that between 50 and 80 per cent of alcoholics have a close family member with alcohol problems. That is a terrifying statistic
and demonstrates the urgent need to address the issues within the family framework. Quite why this occurs is debatable. The scientists take it
as conclusive proof that there is a chemical imbalance which leads to addiction. The psychologists claim this is because of sub-conscious
modelling of the parent. The young boy sees Father return from the pub drunk and maudlin, and take out his fury at losing his job by beating
up Mother and the children. Young boy witnesses this and, on a sub-conscious level, decides that this is what grown men do. Get drunk and
morose, then violent.
The reality is that there is probably some truth in both scenarios. In homeopathy there is a belief in the miasms, the inherent weakness or taint
that manifests in future generations. Medicine recognises the hereditary component of many diseases, homeopathy takes it one stage further
and includes conditions that are not genetically mediated. It is common to see family members share the same or similar remedies, and
therefore behaviour patterns. If the men in a family internalise their problems and drown them in drink, the child will learn that in their family
this is the way to deal with life. Alcohol may be freely available in that household so the child develops a taste for it early. This is not always
the case. Many alcoholics, including Alice Cooper, come from families of teetotallers.
Many of the support groups work with modifications of The Twelve Steps to Recovery. Admission of the problem and ones lack of power in
dealing with it is the start of the process. The idea is basically to put ones trust into God for assistance. This focus on a spiritual level is very
important, but the wording may be unacceptable to atheists. Robert Dilts, an American Master of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) has
modified the language to make it more spiritual and less religious, thus broadening the appeal.
Many addicts lack an awareness of a higher force which is benevolent. They feel alone, rejected by society. By uniting them with a higher
consciousness the sense of isolation is replaced with a sense of oneness with the world and a purpose in their existence, which is beyond
religion. The Yoga Centre at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital offers meditation classes that aim to achieve the same goal. There are
many methods to bring this about and the choice must be a personal one. Many find the help they need within organised religion, others need
a more individualised approach.
The emotional issues that have been long buried under the veil of alcohol, drugs, over-eating or compulsive shopping must be addressed
sensitively and conflicts resolved. With assistance a new sense of self will emerge, a stronger, more stable individual who is able to deal with
the stresses of life without the dependence on an external prop. It takes real courage to embark on this heros journey, and the rewards are
immense.
The treatment of addiction is challenging, but highly rewarding. It is essential that there is excellent communication and collaboration between
the professionals assisting, and that a deep, trusting, non judgmental relationship is established. Homeopathy has an important role to play as
it views the whole person as a unique individual.
In 1995 Marysia Kratimenos MB BS FRCS(Ed) MFHom joined the staff of the RLHH, where she is involved in stress clinics, general

medicine, paediatrics and neuro-linguistic programming.

The Hyperactive child

Marysia Kratimenos explains how the holistic approach of homeopathy can help with severe behavioural problems
In recent years there has been an explosion in the number of cases of hyperactive children and those with attention deficit. Over two million
children in America are currently on medication for ADHD, that is one in every 30 children. Ciba Geigy, who manufacture Ritalin, the drug of
choice, would have us believe that this is due to heightened awareness. Some paediatricians totally deny that the condition exists at all and,
instead, blame the symptoms on other reasons, such as food sensitivity or environmental factors. The truth is probably a combination of both
these extreme views. We are all more aware of behavioural issues with certain children, and the boundaries between children playing up and
pathological behaviour is very blurred.
Diagnosis
Part of the problem is that the guidelines for making the diagnosis of attention deficit with or without hyperactivity are ill defined and subjective.
Some children with the condition are dreamy and away with the fairies. Others seem to resemble a juvenile Attilla the Hun. And conventional
medicine lumps them all together under the umbrella of ADHD!
And their treatment? Ritalin, an amphetamine. Speed. A stimulant to treat over-activity. Inadvertently, the Law of Similars, a fundamental
homeopathic principle has been borrowed by the very doctors who believe it is illogical and unscientific.
To diagnose ADHD doctors use a checklist of symptoms. The more symptoms that are ticked and the longer they have been present, the more
likely a diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms are already deliciously vague, and then one has to consider whether they are maladaptive and
inconsistent with the developmental level.
The criteria for inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are all listed separately and depending on the score in the three groups one is either
labelled as having attention deficit with or without hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Most children will avoid, dislike and be reluctant to do
their homework, lose things necessary to do the homework and conveniently turn a deaf ear to parents entreaties to get on with it, whilst
cheerfully working out how to get to the next level in Pokemon. Sound familiar? That combination of behaviour patterns scores four points on
the inattention criteria! According to these criteria most of the children I see in the clinic have ADHD to greater or lesser degree and I score full
marks! It is little wonder that the condition is being diagnosed so frequently.
There have always been children with challenging behaviour, but the method of treatment and the diagnosis is ever changing. Some of these
children are very difficult todeal with from a parenting point of view and in my opinion the parents need as much support as the children. I
often hear mothers say Its so hard to love Johnny, I do try but and as you watch the little darling demolish the room with the efficiency of a
tornado, you are filled with understanding.
Parents have a bad enough time dealing with this sort of behaviour without having someone (who usually has no children) telling them its all
their fault! There are many ways that the parents can improve the situation, once they know how. It should always be born in mind that in the
meantime they are doing the best they can in a very difficult situation.
Causes
No one knows what causes attention deficit and/or hyperactivity. There are numerous theories ranging from it being hereditary to it being a
result of the highspeed world in which we live. It is well known that ADHD is more common in single parent families. This may be due to the
fact that the hyperactive father cannot sustain a relationship or it could be due to the lack of a suitable male role model for the developing
child.
As with most diseases the cause is probably due to a variety of factors. Our parents not only provide us with genes, they also show us how to
behave in relation to the world. Whether we are aware of it or not we tend to copy our parents. There are many other role models, some real,
others fictional, that will influence a childs development. Bart Simpson is the ultimate parents nightmare child and yet children all over the
world are glued to the television, fascinated by his antics and copying them to a greater or lesser extent.
Modern life is fast and furious. We have lost the stillness and the tranquillity in the pursuit of a better job and achieving success in a
materialistic sense. With women having to work, the decline of the extended family and the sense of community, children are often parked in
front of the television or computer for hours on end. They no longer play those imaginative games or escape into a book; there are no outlets
for their creativity. School is very competitive in preparation for the big world. Little wonder that some children escape into dreamtime instead
of completing their maths homework. And
others get fired up by all the extraneous stimulation, and end up racing around like the cartoon character, Roadrunner.
Parents often notice that certain foods make their children even more active. Foods and drinks can, and do, act as stimulants. Colourings and
preservatives, sugar, fizzy drinks can all increase activity. Many parents dread childrens parties as the junk food is guaranteed to bring out the
worst in their children. With homeopathic treatment this sensitivity to food often disappears, but it is often useful to avoid the foods until there
is significant improvement.
Homeopathic treatment

Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy seeks to treat each child as an individual. There is no homeopathic Ritalin. Each child is assessed
as the unique person they are. The remedy must reflect everything about the child. A detailed history is fundamental to the correct choice of
remedy. The homeopath will ask about the health of the child and the family, the pregnancy and delivery, early development, vaccinations, life
events, schooling, favourite foods, drinks to mention just a few points. The more information gathered, the easier it is to find that tailor-made
remedy.
Often apparently trivial information will lead to the remedy. Sometimes a drawing made by the child holds the key to the cure. I have seen a
dreamy child with so-called attention deficit paint beautiful pictures of fairies and mushrooms. The remedy that brought the child back to Earth
was Agaricus muscarius, the classic toadstool. Another child that responded to Tarentula drew UFOs resembling a spider.
In some cases the onset of the behavioural issues dates to a specific life event. Vaccines may lead to sleep disturbances and behavioural
difficulties. There has been much reporting of the possible but as yet unproven association between the MMR vaccine and autism. And what is
autism? In my opinion it is the ultimate detachment from reality. Dreamtime becomes the only world some of these children know. Many of
them are truly gifted in a creative way. There are numerous examples of the idiot savant, the autistic person who can play musical
instruments with absolute genius.
Using homeopathy, the adverse effects of vaccines can be overcome, whilst retaining the protection from the infectious disease. Ideally, I
prefer to prepare the child for vaccination with a remedy and to space out the vaccines. Injecting a two month-old baby with polio, tetanus,
whooping cough, diphtheria, HIB, and now meningitis C germs, albeit in a modified form, is a huge strain on an immature immune system.
Homeopathy considers every factor, from the genetic component to specific possible causes. The aim of treatment is to stimulate healing at
the deepest level, and to allow a gentle return to health. Ritalin and related drugs act by suppressing the symptoms. One common complaint
is that the children feel and act doped-up, and they lose the good side of their hyperactivity. There is a positive side, which we aim to retain
with homeopathy. It is as important to nurture the creative spirit, the imagination, the energy, and the curiosity that these children often show
as it is to remove the unacceptable behaviour patterns. So many of these children have wonderful gifts. Homeopathic treatment balances
these qualities, so that the child can fulfil his or her true potential.
Ritalin does not allow that to happen. Being a chemical drug it is subject to many side effects. Many children experience headaches, stomach
aches, high blood pressure, drowsiness and blurred vision. It has to be taken every four hours, and when the drug is wearing off the children
often become even more unmanageable. The Food and Drug Administration has shown that in animal studies Ritalin causes liver cancer. For
all these reasons, I feel it is well worth taking time to explore other possibilities.
Looking at diet, lifestyle, environment and family dynamics can well be extremely beneficial. Psychological support is essential for both child
and parent(s), whether this is in a formal context such as Behavioural Therapy or Neuro-Linguistic Training, or informally with a support group.
Homeopathy offers a safe gentle healing, and may be combined with other therapies and treatments. I have often used it even when the child
is on Ritalin. As the child improves, the dose of Ritalin can be lowered and gradually withdrawn, with the knowledge and consent of the other
health practitioners involved.
Two excellent books on the market can provide additional information on the subject. Dr Christopher Green of Toddler Taming fame has
written a useful book Understanding ADHD A parents guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children.
Dr Green does come out in favour of Ritalin, but if you keep an open mind on that subject there is a lot of wisdom and humour in the
book. Ritalin Free Kids by Judyth Reichenberg Ullman and Robert Ullman gives a deep insight into the homeopathic treatment and is very
highly recommended.
Homeopathy provides a safe, effective method of treating behavioural problems in both adults and children. I may be combined with other
treatments as needed. The change brought about can be dramatic and brings benefit to the child, parents, family, school and social group.
In 1995 Marysia Kratimenos MB BS FRCS(Ed) MFHom joined the staff of the RLHH, where she is involved in stress clinics, general
medicine, paediatrics and neuro-linguistic programming.

Acrophobia
Anne Coates describes her fear of heights and Keith Souter explains how Lac felinum can help
Acrophobia, fear of heights, belongs to the group of disorders known as the specific phobias. The word is derived from the Greek akros,
meaning high and phobos, meaning fear. The thing about specific phobias is that although they can cause considerable anxiety or phobic
fear, they can usually be incorporated into ones life. In other words, the anxiety only comes on when faced with the situation, so if one can
avoid putting oneself in that situation, then it need not pose a great problem.
In fact, this is generally how people deal with their phobias. They avoid situations and live around them. Unfortunately, these specific fears
often impinge upon ones social life and if one is to continue to avoid the situations which provoke the fear, then a diminishing social life is
usually the consequence. The good thing, however, is that the more specific the phobia, the easier it is to treat, either with some form of

behavioural therapy or with homeopathy.

In homeopathy it is important to listen to the individuals experience of a problem. Many people often mistakenly use the term vertigo to
describe their fear of heights. This is understandable, since the problem they experience is often provoked by heights. Yet vertigo is a very
specific spinning sensation which makes the individual feel that they are actually moving. Since it may be provoked by looking down from a
height, it is perceived to be one and the same thing as a fear of heights. This is not actually the case.
Annes story
I can remember exactly when I first experienced acrophobia. I had taken my daughter to the ballet at Sadlers Wells (pre-refurbishment) and
had booked my favourite seats first row dress circle. What I hadnt bargained for was the steepness of the tiering. I sat down and couldnt
move for fear that I would topple over the balcony! Although I knew intellectually that this was totally improbable, I couldnt stop the feelings. I
kept telling Olivia not to move either and she looked at me as though I had gone mad.
That day marked a turning point. I went from someone who loved high and scary fairground rides to someone who was often found riveted to
the spot unable to move forward for fear of heights. At these times my insides felt as though they were going to fall out not a very pleasant
feeling. On a chair lift to the Needles on the Isle of Wight I was convinced my daughter would slip out of the belt on the seat and I wouldnt be
able to stop her. High balconies on holiday were a misery and sight-seeing was often curtailed. Going down a steep escalator on the
underground was a torment. And I became increasingly worried about falling down stairs.
Over the next few years my acrophobia seemed to increase in severity. The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame left me clinging to walls. Most often
a little hand (growing bigger each year) guided me to safety. The problem came to a head when a friend booked theatre tickets and the seats
were in the upper circle. If someone had placed a million pounds in front of me I would not have been able to bend forward to pick up the
money for fear of toppling over the seats. My friend kept making silly comments which didnt help and at the interval I was only able to leave
my seat when a kind man, seeing my terror, reached out and held me as I made my way along the row. I didnt go back to the seat for the
second act.
Acrophobia isnt a debilitating disease, but it was having a major effect on my social life. I decided the time had come to contact one of the
experts on Health and Homeopathy. As it happened Dr Keith Souter and I were on line at the same time and we corresponded by email about
the problem. Keith suggested Lac felinum which appealed to me because of my love of cats we have four!
Keith advised taking one 30c Lac felinum half an hour before going into a theatre (or anywhere where I had problems) and then taking one as
and when needed throughout the performance.
I tried it out when we went to see The Sound of Music which my daughter and her friends were desperate to see. I remembered to take the
Lac felinum before going into the theatre and I had to take it several times during the performance. In fact the friend sitting next to me
commented on how often Id taken it. But to me it was working as Id managed to stay in my seat.
Having used remedies for my daughter with great success (especially Cocculus for travel sickness), I knew that I would need to take fewer
doses of Lac felinum as time went on. However, there were times when I forgot to take it before going into a situation when I would need it.
This happened at a Proms concert and when some late-comers meant I had to stand to let them pass, I had great difficulty sitting down again.
However a few weeks later I went to the theatre with the same friend who was amazed at how much better I was. The play we went to see
was All About My Mother and I was so impressed I wanted my daughter to see it. The Old Vic offers resident tickets at a very reduced price
the problem is that the seats are most often in the gods. I bought these tickets and Olivia couldnt believe that I was actually sitting there in
such a relaxed way.
My acrophobia is so much better now. In fact I rarely take the remedy (often I forget!) and although I might feel a bit wobbly now and again it is
nothing compared to the horrible feelings I once had.
On a recent press trip to Switzerland, I was surprised that each of the other three journalists suffered in some degree with acrophobia. We
were very high up in the mountains and had to cross a bridge over an extremely deep ravine. I actually managed to peer over the wall, having
taken one Lac felinum before leaving the hotel. That was the only time I took the remedy throughout the trip. On our second day the weather
was very bad and as we were descending the mountain, our cable car came to an abrupt stop, swinging in mid-air. I heard the ski instructor
swear under his breath and watched him turn white, while the other woman in our party turned green. I felt the most amazing sense of calm
and peace and no symptoms of acrophobia at all.
Two main keynotes
There are two main keynote features in Annes case. First of all is the realisation that this is purely a fear of heights. There is no mention of a
spinning sensation, no actual vertigo. Very specifically, the fear is that she could topple over the balcony. Although she could rationalise it and
understood that there would be no way that this could happen, yet the fear was so intense that she would be rooted the spot.
This is typical of Lac felinum. There is usually a fear of falling downstairs, yet without vertigo.
The second main feature is this sensation that the insides could fall out. Once again, this is utterly classic for Lac felinum. Sepia also has this
dragging down sensation, yet does not generally have the fear of heights.
Picture the kitten
The picture of the fire brigade being called out to rescue a kitten from the top of a tree is almost a clich. The kitten has no trouble getting up

there, yet seems rooted with fear to the branch. No amount of coaxing seems to help. Yet logically, cats are climbers. It will not fall, it will
eventually climb down. It is a question of self-belief. You do not, after all, find cat skeletons in trees.
The Milk remedies
The Lacs (the Milk remedies) have certain themes in common. Milk is the food used to nurture all young animals. This indicates their use in
situations in peoples lives which revolve around issues of dependence and independence. And about bonding between parents and child.
Each of the milk remedies will manifest this in a particular way.
Lac felinum is very useful for fear of heights as illustrated beautifully in this case. Another remedy often thought of for fear of heights is Argent
nitricum, yet the type of fear is very different. Instead of fearing that one will fall, as is the case with Lac felinum, Argent nitricum is associated
with a fear of having a lemming impulse.
Lac felinum is often useful for graceful, neat people. They may be perfectionists and dislike mistakes. They can be curious, yet soon after may
be indifferent as well. All of these are cat attributes.
From time to time someone in need of Lac felinum may get down in the dumps. They can be cross, they might even metaphorically hiss at
others.
Their eyes are very important to them and they do not like things too close. They may be very protective of their eyes and be aware of
tiredness, prickling sensations and eyestrain. And when they have eye symptoms they may end up with headaches.
You can never predict how a cat will react. They expect to have their food set before them, yet when it is produced they walk away. Sometimes
they will ignore their owner, at other times they will crave attention. This alternation of symptoms is a common feature when Lac felinum is
needed. They can be hot or cold and chilly. They can be heavy limbed, or sprightly.
When indicated Lac felinum often produces an excellent response, a feeling that the contented cat has had its milk.
Keith Souter MB ChB FRCGP MFHom MIPsiMed DipMedAc has a private holistic medicine practice and is a newspaper columnist as
well as the author of Homeopathy for the Third Age and Homeopathy: Heart & Soul.
Anne Coates is the editor of Health and Homeopathy and is also the host/editor of the website Parenting Without
Tears: www.parentingwithouttears.com. She is the author of four nonfiction books including Applying to University The Essential
Guide, published in 2008.

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What is it made of?

Homeopathic medicines are made mainly from plants and minerals which are highly diluted and then added to lactose tablets or pills. Read
more about how the medicines are made.

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