Croup – relief by homeopathy

Tags

Children, cough, croup, homeopathy, laryngitis, remedies

 

 

When children are ill, parents naturally worry. They give all their attention to their little one, tend to all its needs and aim to exhaust all methods and means that may offer relief to the child’s suffering. If then a cough sounds oddly ‘barking’, and breathing is audible by a wheezing, squeaky sound, alarm bells start to ring for a mother or father.

 

Croup is characterized by such a ‘barking’ cough that often makes parents take their children to see the doctor. However, this is only necessary in severe cases, where the body temperature is very high, or respiration is greatly impaired. For the milder cases there are homeopathic remedies that may help to alleviate.

 

Croup is a viral infection that affects the upper airways, the larynx, trachea and the bronchi. It is a childhood disease that can affect children between 3 months and 5 years. Croup is contagious; it may therefore be contracted more than once during childhood.

 

Initially it may appear the child has contracted a cold, as symptoms mimic those of a common cold. However, when the associated cough develops into the characteristic dry, ‘barking’, it is likely that the child has croup. The little patient may have fever, breathing may be difficult and inspiration may produce that distinctive wheezing sound. The voice may sound harsh and raspy, and the presenting symptoms are usually worse at night.

 

Symptoms are usually mild, and alleviation can be brought on by few ‘home’ measures. Hydration is a most important factor and the sick child should be encouraged to sip clear liquids such as water, juice or herbal tea. Milk products should be avoided as these produce more mucus and this is commonly already an associated symptom of croup, and may be a cause of discomfort to the child.

 

A common ‘home-remedy’ is the inhalation of warm moist air. This can be achieved by sitting the child next to the running shower. This can alleviate symptoms and may calm the cough.

 

The following homeopathic remedies are known to be helpful in cases of croup.

 

Aconite: This remedy alone may suffice to alleviate of the presenting symptoms. The dry barking cough is prominent, the child has difficulty breathing, is restless, nervous, and anxious. There is fever and the skin feels hot and dry. The patient has a thirst for cold drinks.

 

Belladonna: This remedy is indicated where a flushing of the face accompanies the characteristic symptoms. The child starts from sleep and there is drowsiness. The skin feels dry and hot.

 

Hepar sulph.: This follows well on Aconite, where there is a rattling sound of the phlegm in the respiratory tract. There is labored breathing and profuse sweating while coughing.

 

Spongia: This is another valuable remedy for croup. It has less fever than Aconite, but is also accompanied by restlessness and anxiety. The coughing is almost incessant, and there is no rattling of phlegm.

 

Drosera: A specific of this remedy are the attacks after midnight, and the need to sit up. Lying down brings on the coughing. The child may hold its chest while coughing. There is the feeling of a lump in the larynx.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Adams, M. (1913) A practical guide to homeopathic treatment Philadelphia: Boericke & Tafel.

 

Chernin D. (2006) The Complete Homeopathic Resource for Common Illnesses. Google books [Online]. Available at: https://books.google.pt/books?id=4g8saZsOsGoC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false (Accessed: 10 May 2010).

 

Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

 

EMedicineHealth (2017) Croup, Available at: http://www.emedicinehealth.com (Accessed: 10 May 2017).

 

Lilienthal, S. (1998) Homeopathic Therapeutics. Google books [Online]. Available at: https://books.google.pt/books?id=CMMXEyH_rIkC&pg=PA268&lpg=PA268&dq=drosera+for+croup&source=bl&ots=OHCC1l2tCZ&sig=-Hp_ABQsTJQGxy3iavpFIt2FbEk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiEj83vh-bTAhXBK8AKHW1BC_cQ6AEIQDAD#v=onepage&q=drosera%20for%20croup&f=false (Accessed: 10 May 2017).

MedicineNet.com (2017) Croup, Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/croup/article.htm (Accessed: 10 May 2017).

 

NHS (n.d.) Croup, Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/croup/Pages/Introduction.aspx (Accessed: 10 May 2017).

A false positive of heart diseases – the Roemheld syndrome

Tags

Angina Pectoris, bloating, Clever Homeopathy, gas, gastro-intestinal tract, homeopathy, IBS, Roemheld syndrome

 

It has become evident in our modern times, that many of our lifestyle habits, in particular keeping up with our increasingly hectic society, are taking their toll on our health. Our work-life balance is skewed heavily towards stress and our nutritional preferences are dictated by the time available to cook and the income to spare. It is therefore not surprising that our health is impacted negatively by how we conduct our life and manage our care. Such factors lead to the creation of ever new ‘life-style’ ailments that we succumb to, and are very frequently misdiagnosed for what they are not and are as a consequence not seldom inappropriately treated. One such ‘modern’ disease, that likely has some of its causative factors in our life-style and nutritional habits, is undoubtedly the ‘Roemheld syndrome’.

 

This symptom complex of ‘gastric cardia’ was first identified and described as a stand-alone syndrome in the early 1930’s, when Dr. Ludwig Roemheld identified the reflex heart symptomatology specifically caused by gastro-intestinal discomforts. Characterized by symptoms mimicking those of angina pectoris, the Roemheld syndrome is often mistaken for the former. As such the following afflictions are common to ‘RS’: Palpitation, arrhythmia (tachycardia), circulatory disorders, dizziness, dyspnea, and related states of fear and anxiety, panic attacks. Further symptoms associated with ‘RS’ are: Gastro-intestinal discomforts, trapped gas, nausea, hot flashes, sleep-disorders, syncope and tinnitus.

 

Ultimately the cause of the ‘syndrome’ is the development of gas in the digestive tract. This may be of varied origin and besides mal-nutrition, food-intolerance, indigestion, speaking while chewing and as such ‘swallowing’ air, may be caused by life-style factors such as stress, anger, or depression. Our sedentary work practice may play a role. We are accustomed to conduct most of our work sitting down, we engage in little physical exercise, eat rapidly and unhealthily, sooner or later such habits must make us ill. However there are also disease factors that promote Roemheld syndrome. IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, has been named as a potential adjunctive cause of ‘RS’, as has the existence of a hiatus hernia. Neural involvement of the vagus nerve has also been linked to the development of the ‘RS’ symptomatology. In this case sensory communication from the digestive tract to the brain is believed to impact the development of symptoms.

 

During an ‘attack’, the bloated gastro-intestinal tract displaces the organs in the thoracic cavity. To the patient there appears to be insufficient space in the chest. The bloated stomach and bowels push the lungs aside, generating pressure on the heart, causing anxiety, difficulty breathing, oppression, weakness, dizziness and faintness in the patient. The pulse rate increases, palpitation may appear and arrhythmia are triggered, in the form of tachycardia or extra systoles. It is not infrequent that these symptoms take a patient to see a cardiologist. However the causative factors of the presenting symptoms are often misinterpreted as originating from the heart itself.

 

In many cases the management of ‘RS’ can be achieved by altering dietary and lifestyle habits. As such, avoiding certain foods can alleviate symptoms and prevent ‘attacks’. Reducing alcohol and restricting the consumption of fizzy drinks, which promote fermentation in the bowels and thereby produce gas, can be helpful. Fast food, fatty meals, vegetables such as of the onion family, cabbage, pulses, pastry, and particularly white flour products should be avoided; such changes sooth the digestive activity of the stomach and bowels. However surgical intervention may be necessary where a hiatus hernia is identified as causative factor.

 

Conventional medicine suggests the administration of medication that reduces bloating, and inhibits the development of gas in the digestive tract. Yet this medical intervention is one that only palliates and does not remove the underlying cause. The issue remains and drug side-effects can produce consequential troubles in the long run. Acute alleviation can be achieved by herbal tea infusions with fennel, melissa, mint, juniper or black cumin. From a homeopathic perspective, remedies that aim at the removal of the digestive pathology and take into consideration the patient idiosyncratic cardiac symptomatology should be considered (gastro-cardia symptom complex).

 

 

References:

Brisson, J. (2016) Can Stomach Issues Cause Heart Disease? Part 2: Roemheld Syndrome, Available at: http://fixyourgut.com/can-stomach-issues-cause-heart-disease/ (Accessed: 27 February 2017).

 

N.A. (n.d.) Roemheld Syndrome Information and Resources, Available at: http://roemheld-syndrome.com/ (Accessed: 27 February 2017).

 

Stange, D. (2017) Roemheld-Syndrom – Ursachen, Symptome, Therapie, Available at: https://www.gesundheits-fakten.de/roemheld-syndrom-ursachen-symptome-therapie/ (Accessed: 27 February 2017).

The Solanaceae – a family of remedies

Tags

deadly nightshades, homeopathy, Paracelsus, poisonous, remedies, Solanaceae

 

 

‘Solanaceae’ comes from the Latin word ‘solumen’ which refers to solace, consolation, or comfort.

 

The Solanaceae are a plant family that is referred to as the ‘deadly nightshades’. On account of the intensive scent that these plants release, solely at night, and that gives humans headaches, they have acquired this name. Not all plants of this species are poisonous; some are even edible and are in daily use in our kitchen.

 

Paracelsus (1493 – 1541) said of poisonous plants:

 

Does there exist a thing of God created,

which has not been bestowed with a gift?

Which cannot be used for the benefit of man-kind?

Who despises the poison does not know what lies within.

Does there exist a thing that is not poison?

All things are poison – and nothing is without poison.

Alone the dosage is what makes the poison!

 

Common features of the poisonous plants of this family are the instigation of an inappropriate cheerfulness. They cause delirium, and heightened sensitivity of the auditory and at times the visual senses. Diverse fears are a great feature of such poisoning. On a physical level there can be severe forms of convulsion. The pupils’ become dilated, speech may become erratic, and there is dryness of mucous membranes.

 

The Solanaceae are a group of plants from which some great homeopathic remedies have been produced. The following gives an insight into some of the properties of some of the most common homeopathic remedies from this family.

 

Atropinum

Frenzied excitement, mania. Vertigo on turning head. Heat on head. Bright spots, flashes before eyes. Stomach area very sensitive. Accelerated pulse. Numbness and heaviness in limbs. Hyperaesthesia of nerves.

 

Belladonna

Frenzy, madness, violent delirium. Congestion of head, dilated pupils. Redness, burning heat, congestion, convulsion, excessive hyperaesthesia of senses. Hallucinations, acuteness of senses. Palpitations. Restlessness. Anxiety.

 

Capsicum

Dullness of senses. Timidity. Stiffness, cracking of joints. Aversion to motion. Great sensitivity to cold. Phlegmatic. Lazy, unclean, fat.

 

Dulcamara

Delirium. Restlessness from within, impatience. Quarrelsome. Congestion of head with impaired hearing. Great emaciation. Plethoric, sluggish. Acts on mucous membranes. Burning pains. General chilliness. Peevishness, Exhaustion.

 

Mandragora

Peevish and taciturn. Dullness of senses. Heaviness of head, vertigo. Burning and aching pains. Dryness of eyes with burning, dim-sightedness. Jerking, pulling and tearing in limbs. Paraplegia.

 

Nicotinum

Delirium. Vertigo with headaches, dullness and heaviness. Pupils dilated. Trembling. Tonic and clonic spasms. Great sensitivity of eyes to light. Stomach with disagreeable sensation, emptiness and faintness.

 

Physialis

Languor and weakness of muscles. Paralysis of face. Stiffness of limbs. Stabbing sensation in chest. Enuresis and marked urinary symptoms.

 

Stramonium

Delirium. Raving mania. Trembling, twitching and crawling of limbs. Convulsion. Insensitivity. Sensation of separated-ness of limbs and body. Suppression of secretions and excretions. Delirium tremens. Parkinson. Loquaciousness, stammering.

 

Hyoscyamus

Imbecility and irrationality. Shamelessness and lasciviousness. Melancholy. Quarrelsome and obscene. Nervous agitation. Restlessness, twitching of muscles.

 

 

 

References:

 

• Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
• Boger, C. (2008) Boger Boennighausen’s Characteristics & Repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
• Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.
• McElroy, M. & Mittelstadt, U. (2010) The Solanaceae – Presentation [unpublished]

Analyzing the pyromaniac

Tags

arson, Fire, Homeopathy Clever Homeopathy, Materia Medica, mental, mind, Pyromania

 

In the wake of the many wildfires that repeatedly torment our planet in the summer seasons, frequently reported so in the media from Canada, the US, Australia and Southern Europe, it becomes obvious that quite often what ignites such fires is malicious arson.

 

Where there are no commercial interests driving such arson, it is likely to be a mental derangement. Who is the pyromaniac that has the impulse to start such horrific destruction? The repertories have only few remedies in the specific rubric looking at the desire of setting something on fire.

 

Murphy’s repertory [1] and Schroyens’s Synthesis [2] have listed the following remedies in the rubric “Mind – Fire – set things on fire; wants to”:

Alco., Ant.t.. – [1]

Alco., Ant.t., Bell., Carc., Hep., Hyosc., Phos., Staph., Stram.. – [2]

 

 

Below is a collation of mind symptoms of these remedies, which may reveal some insight into the personality of such pyromaniac personalities. These are taken from the Materia Medica of Boericke [3], Clark [4] and Allen [5].

 

 

Alcohol:  There is an inclination to quarreling, cursing, frenzy and mania with this remedy. Within the manic outbreak this individual has a disposition to commit murder or incendiarism, that is, maliciously setting things on fire. There is a heightened self-esteem and self-importance, loss of judgement, grief and sadness, and depression. In a state of melancholy there may be the inclination to commit suicide.

 

Antimonium tartaricum:  In this individual there is great despondency and agitation. There is anxiety about the future and fear of being alone. He or she may be peevish, and quarrelsome. His or her actions may be the consequence of anger or vexation. There may be a tendency to suicidal mania.

 

Belladonna: This person lives in a world of his own, has visions and is oblivious to his surroundings. Illusions and hallucinations and an acuteness of his or her senses are present. There is a fear of nearing death, melancholy with grief, and mania with rage and fury. Fearfulness and suspicion, and a desire to escape torment this individual.

 

Carcinosin [6], [7]: There is a marked sensitivity and tender heartedness to this individual. He or she has very low self-esteem, feels lost and abandoned, and is emotionally very needy. In stress there is anxiety which leads to an emotional shut-down. This character is easily influenced and shapeable, and there is a destructiveness, rage, and cruelty about him or her. There may be mania and thoughts of suicide.

 

Hepar sulfuris: Extreme apprehension, anguish and sadness may at times point to suicidal tendencies of this individual. This character reacts extremely to irritation and vexation. There may be fury, anger, dejection and ferociousness.

 

Hyoscyamous: Great suspiciousness, anguish and fear are marked, as is a fear of betrayal and of being poisoned. This individual is peevish and quarrelsome. There is rage, perversion, melancholy and lascivious mania.

 

Phosphorus: Sadness and melancholy, apathy and anguish are part of the picture of portrayed by this individual. There is much fear, about his or her future, of darkness, of death. This person may have a disgust of life, is low spirited, indifferent, easily vexed and angered. In great anger there may be violence.

 

Staphisagria: This character may have sadness, grief, peevishness and fear of the future. He or she may suffer of violent, yet passionate outbursts. There is anxiety and agitation, and a desire for death.

 

Stramonium: Characteristics of this state are hysteria, mania, melancholy, sadness and great anguish. He or she has fixed ideas, suffers of mental derangement, has visual and auditory hallucinations, and fears he is losing his senses. This individual may be violent and lewd, may have delusions about who he or she is.

 

 

There are numerous characteristics that these remedies have in common, as such the loathing of life, ie. the suicidal aspect. They all have an element of fear, melancholy and sadness. Many have hallucinations and are peevish, quarrelsome, and have a deficiency of self-esteem.

 

 

 

References:

[1] Murphy, R. (1998) Homeopathic Medical repertory, 2nd edn., Delhi: B. Jain Publishers.

[2] Schroyens, F. Synthesis 9.0 (English), Radar.

[3] Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[4] Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[5] Allen, T. F. (2000) The Encyclopedia of pure Materia Medica Homeoint [Online]. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org (Accessed: September 2016).

[6] Nissen, M. (2016) Carcinosinum: A Clinical Materia Medica, Available at:https://homeopathy.org (Accessed: September 2016).

[7] Mehta, N. (2013) Materia Medica CARCINOSIN, Hpathy, [Online]. Available at:http://hpathy.com/materia-medica/carcinosin-2/ (Accessed: September 2016).

Some rare symptoms and their remedies – according to H. Leers

Tags

Clever Homeopathy, homeopathy, Leers, peculiar, rare, remedies, strange, symptoms

 

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Removes blanket despite being cold – Mur. ac., Camph., Carbo veg., Sec., Tab.

Acne following the ingestion of cheese – Nux vom.

Allergy / Intolerance to Strawberries – Coff., Fragaria, Nat. mur.

Breathing, as through a sponge – Brom., Spong.

Feels observed – Calc., Meli.

Beer ameliorates – Aloe

Disgust at sight of food – Colch.

Disgust at talk of food – Ars.

Extra-systole – Adon., Cact., Conv., Crat., Dig., Gels., Spart.-sc.

Believes does everything wrong – Aur., Sil.

Extremities as if separated from body – Bapt., Bar.-c., Op., Stram., Thuja

Smiles without reason, always – Sumbulus

Music ameliorates, despite intolerance to noise – Aur.

Climate at sea, ameliorates – Med., Nat.mur.

Climate at sea, aggravates – Nat.mur.

Talks to self, in old age – Stram.

Toothache, cold water ameliorates – Clem., Coff.

Reaction to pain is delayed  – Alum., Cocc., Mang., Plb.

Hallucinations upon waking – Cina

Senility, asks questions without awaiting a response – Ambra

Strawberry tongue – Ant.t., Arum, Bell., Fragaria, Lach., Tub.

 

 

 

 

Reference:

Leers, H. (1973) Sammlung seltener Symptome, 2 edn., Heidelberg: Karl F. Haug Verlag GmbH.

Some recommendations for heart and circulatory health

Tags

Circulation, Hawthorn, Heart, Hildegard von Bingen, homeopathy, horse chestnut, witch hazel

 

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In order to maintain a healthy heart and blood circulation it is not wrong to occasionally take supportive measures. Sufficient movement in fresh air, moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, or hot / cold alternating baths, are true restorers and preservers of a healthy heart and blood circulation. Proper hydration and healthy eating do the rest for good circulation.

But there are also other methods to support the system.

 

Red wine is good for you!

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Scientific studies have repeatedly demonstrated that red wine is good for your heart! However, only in moderation! With a moderate consumption of red wine, which means no more than 150ml per day, such consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease by about 30%. The reason for this, researchers have found in the composition of the wine. The ingestion of flavonoids and resveratrol, the main constituents of the wine, results in dilation of the blood vessels and thus increase blood flow. Blood clotting is reduced and the formation of clots thereby limited. This in turn reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Incidentally, more recent studies have provided evidence that white wine too has these properties.

 

The Hildegard heart tonic

By Miniatur aus dem Rupertsberger Codex des Liber Scivias., Public Domain, httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid=1718595.jpg

Hildegard von Bingen (1098 – 17.09.1179) already ascribed a healing effect to red wine. The abbess recommended the ingestion of ‘Heart-wine’ to strengthen the heart and the revitalization the circulatory system. This recipe however, not solely consists of red wine, but is a concoction of wine, parsley and honey. The relaxing and calming effect of the Heart-wine potion on the cardiovascular system may, apart from the wine, come from the vitamin- and mineral- rich composition of the parsley, and the antioxidant properties of the honey. Together these ingredients cause the coronary arteries to expand, lower the blood pressure and strengthen the heart.

 

 

Hildegard heart-wine:

* 10 parsley stems

* 2 tablespoons wine vinegar

* 1 litre of red wine

* 200 – 250ml Honey

 

In preparing the wine, the parsley stems, vinegar and wine are placed in a pot to boil. The concoction should simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. Then the concoction should be strained and left to cool. The honey should only be added once the mixture has cooled to merely lukewarm. Adding the honey to the hot brew is likely to ruin the effective ingredients contained in the honey.

It is recommended to consume a liqueur-glass of this ‘Heart-wine’, up to three times a day, to relieve said heart problems, and strengthen the heart

 

Hawthorn – Crataegus

 

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Crataegus is the Latin name for Hawthorn.

It grows as a low tree, rather a bush, whose white flowers bloom in spring. Its fruits ripen towards late summer and autumn, and are of a fiery red colour. Hawthorn belongs to the genus of the rose family, and there are between 100 and 200 different species. It grows along roadsides and in hedges.

Its potential as a medicinal plant is focal on, in particular, the weak, and elderly heart. Accordingly, preparations of hawthorn are recommended for patients with decreasing cardiac output or cardiac insufficiency, the senile heart, arrhythmia, and the sensation of a narrowing or pressure in the region of the heart. Crataegus also has a stabilizing effect on blood pressure, and helps to regulate low and high blood pressure.

There is evidence that hawthorn promotes the contraction of the heart muscle and improves the hearts’ pumping force. The circulation of the coronary arteries is increased. The heart is thus strengthened and its efficiency increased.

A treatment with Crataegus can be drawn into consideration if the following symptoms are noted:

– Low exercise capacity

– General lassitude

– General rapid fatigue

– Palpitation, fatigue and / or shortness of breath after only slight exertion

There are no known adverse effects of taking Crataegus.

 

Circulatory complaints in the legs

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When legs suddenly feel heavy or painful, when ankles are swollen, the leg cramps, and the skin shows discoloration or varicose veins, a circulatory issue is often the cause. In such cases the blood circulation in the lower extremities may be limited, and often some simple measure suffice to bring about relief. For example, movement, massage, stretching exercises, or elevating the legs may reduce the symptoms.

 

Other measures included the use of various creams and preparations, containing for example, Aesculus (horse chestnut) or Hamamelis (witch hazel). These may be taken into consideration in the prevention and treatment of such circulatory disorders.

In homeopathic form, Aesculus and Hamamelis may be used in low potency, for example 6X.

 

Aesculus is indicated if:

– The legs are heavy and tired.

– The skin on the legs feels tense, and swollen.

– The veins appear jammed or inflamed.

– This ‘Aesculus’ circulatory disorder is not necessarily painful.

– The patient has is a tendency to thrombosis.

 

Hamamelis is indicated if:

– There is a sensitivity to touch, pressure and heat.

– Varicose veins are painful.

– There is a prevailing feeling of exhaustion in the legs.

– The veins shine through the skin, in a dark bluish colour.

– Water accumulates in the ankles.

A short differential comparison of the Barium remedies

Tags

arteriosclerosis, Barium, central nervous system, Clever Homeopathy, debility, glandular, homeopathy, hypertension, senile heart, tonsilitis

 

 

Of the Bariums there is an infantile type, and one of old age. The infantile is characterized by a torpid scrofula, the ‘old’ affections by changes in the vascular system.

For both types there are symptoms of chilliness and sensitivity to cold. There is aggravation from thinking about symptoms, and from lying on the painful side.

 

 

Barium carbonicum: Acts on the heart, vessels and glands. Aneurism & Atheroma. Indicated for scrofulous glandular affections, arteriosclerosis, tonsillitis & hypertrophy of the heart. Senile heart. Multiple sclerosis.

Involves less the mucous membranes, but the glandular parenchyma.

Indicated for physically and mentally poorly developed children. Dwarfed, learn to speak and walk very late, dull, disinclination to play, learn poorly. There is a general tendency to angina (also with suppuration) Swollen tonsils after exposure to cold.

Childish old people. The aged that are weak and tired. Disturbed cerebral circulation. Weakness of memory. Marked action on the heart and its vascular system, also on the vessels of the central nervous system. Arteriosclerosis of the CNS. Chief remedy for end-results of cerebral sclerosis, for the manifestations of a typical apoplexy; aneurysm.

Sarcoma of neck with burning. Fatty tumors, especially neck and occiput, swelling and induration of glands.

Paralysis of mind and body. Palpitation with soreness of heart. Acute sense of smell. Outstandingly offensive foot sweat.

A slow acting remedy, needs to be given over a longer period of time. Requires 2 to 3 weeks to produce an effect. To be given in lower attenuation.

 

 

Barium muriaticum: Acts on affections of the heart and arteries, the peripheral circulatory system, indicated for the senile heart, coronary sclerosis, arteriosclerosis. Abdominal / aortic aneurism (!). For recurrent affections of the nose, throat, larynx, ear, tonsils. There is a tendency to catch a cold. Disposition to tonsillitis.

Palpitation, Hypertension, but also Hypotension. In hypertension Bar.mur . should be given in the higher potencies, in hypotension in the lower potencies. Weakness and heaviness in the lower extremities. Weakness and the sensation of emptiness in the epigastrium.

Convulsions, periodic attacks with excessive twitching and tossing about of limbs. Swelling of salivary glands. Parotid glands, hard and swollen (esp. right side). Acts also on pancreas.

 

 

Barium iodatum: Arteriosclerotic hypertension (!), exudative diathesis. Glandular enlargements and new growth. Bar. Iod. is very similar to Bar. Carb., but has a more marked impact on glandular affections.  Treatment with Bar. Iod. requires a long term therapy, 2 to 3 months.

 

 

 

 

References:

[1] Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[2] Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[3] Lesser. O. (1983) Textbook of homeopathic materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

 

Watch out ! – Taking the case of a child

Tags

affectionate, Children, consultation, Hedwig Immhäuser, homeopathy, kind, naughty, restless, shy

 

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Taking the case of a child is nowhere near the same as taking the case-history of an adult patient in the homeopathic practice.

 

Whilst an adult consultation sees most case-relevant information extrapolated from directed questions about the health history and presenting symptomatology of the patient, the details about the state of well-being of a child requires the inclusion of information shared by parents of the little patient, and observed by the practitioner within the therapeutic space.

 

The parent, most engaged with the child throughout the daily routine, will probably be able to aid in ‘drawing up’ the patient history, but the homeopaths own observation during the consultation will be paramount in the analysis and must complement what the parent is able to describe of the child´s symptomatology. Yet, much care has to be given with even a parents’ description. Are the statements reliable, or are there restrictions? According to Imhäuser [1] such care must particularly be given where parents must give an account of the character traits of their child, and his or her mental capacities.

 

For the homeopath therefore, observation requires a skillful perceiving and recognizing of most subtle nuances in behavior and comportment, in appearance and presentation of the child patient, and, in a way, of the parent.

 

Children’s mental states, as they may be noticeable in the homeopathic consultation [1]:

 

 

The affection needy child:

The child snuggles up to Mum and keeps body contact, holds hand.

Ignatia, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla.

 

 

The shy / coy child:

Seeks protection by keeping body contact with Mum, may cry silently.

Puls., Carc., Phos., Silicea. Calc. Phos.

 

 

The rejecting child:

Dislikes that Mum talks about his or her condition, does not like to be looked at. Wants to be left alone.

Nat. mur., Ant. Crud., Magn., carb..

 

 

The fidgety / restless child:

Does not sit still, walks about, touches everything, sits on Mums lap, gets down, back up, then wants to get down again and so on…

Aconite, Agar., Ars. Alb., Calc. hypophos., Calc. phos., Cham., Kal. brom, Zincum.

 

 

The fearful / anxious child:

Restless due to fear, cries, cannot be calmed.

Aconite,  Ars. alb., Bell., Cham., Lycop., Nux vom..

 

 

The cheeky / naughty child:

Hits at Mum or practitioner

Bry., Cham., Cina, Ign., Lycop., Nux vom.

 

 

The approachable, kind child:

Is interested in the proceedings of the consultation, participates, answers questions

This child is NOT Acon., Ars., Cham., Nux vom. or Lycop.

 

 

The passive child:

Cares not about what is going on around him/her. Lacks interest.

Calc.carb will wake this child.

 

 

 

The following questions may be helpful in the appraisal of a child’s case [1]:

 

• How was the child’s birth? How well or not did the child take the birth?
• How was the child’s development following birth?
• Was the child vaccines? Which jabs did it get?
• Did the child have any infections or illnesses?
• Is the child intolerant to medicine, food etc.?
• Has the child had recurrent ailments?
• What is the child’s normal constitution? Is it a quiet, restless or cranky child?
• Does the child want warmth or cold?
• How is the child’s sleep?
• How does the child eat? Cravings, rejections, intolerances?
• Is there a tendency to constipation or diarrhea?
• At what times of the day are symptoms better / worse?

 

 

 

Reference:

[1] Imhäuser, H. (1970) Homöopathie in der Kinderheilkunde, 3 edn., Heidelberg: Haug Verlag.

The Auto-nosode

Tags

Auto-nosode, blood-nosode, childhood, Clever Homeopathy, homeopathy, Imhäuser, Isopathy, Nosode

 

 

A nosode, by definition describes a homeopathic preparation made from a pathologic excretion. An auto-nosode is a remedy made from such material that is derived from the particular patient him- or her-self, who is to be treated with the auto-nosode [1]. The auto-nosode is therefore an isopathic substance [1].

 

The idea of treating patients with isopathic substances is not new; it is first mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates. Yet in homeopathically potentised form it was Wilhelm Lux, a homeopathic vet who first employed this concept in 1820 [1]. The underlying idea uses the ‘aequale’ (the same) as opposed to the ‘simile’ (the similar) of the homeopathic principle of ‘like cures like’, to treat a disease.

 

Constantin Hering started using homeopathic nosodes, in application of the simile-rule in 1831 [1]. First mention of the nosodes in Hahnemanns Organon is in the 4^th edition, § 56 [1].

 

In 1895 a Parisian Dr. named Collet first mentions the use of homeopathic preparations derived from the tears, urine, sweat, and blood of sick patients for their treatment [1]. Auto-nosodes can also be made from sputum, pus, leucorrhoea, secretions from skin affections, and cultures of microbes or virus of a patient [3]. Dr. Collet potentised these auto-nosodes the Korsakovian way (explanation of Korsakov-remedies can be found here: https://talkndiscuss.wordpress.com/2015/07/05/korsakov-remedies-a-stand-alone-approach/), using the 1C & 6C in acute cases, and the 6C, 15C and 30C in chronic diseases [1].

 

Hedwig Imhäuser has used the blood nosode in her treatment of various illnesses in childhood. She describes the production of potentised blood as follows [2]:

 

The process of producing a blood-nosodes requires some 10ml bottles and alcohol of 25-30% strength. Each bottle is filled with 100 drops of the alcohol. One drop of patient blood is added to the first bottle, is then vigorously shaken, and one drop from this bottle is added to the second bottle which is then in turn succussed. This process continues with more bottles up to the desired potency.

 

Imhäuser [2] uses the blood nosode in 5C or 7C potency in acute infections where the similimum is difficult to derive or shows no effect, where a child is severely weakened, or complications have arisen.

 

In acute high fever Imhäuser suggests administering 2 to 3 drops of 5C of the auto-blood-nosode once daily, followed by one dose of 7C every 2 to 3 days. This is to be done until the fever has subsided. In recurrent infections, Imhäuser gives the 7C once every 8 days for 6 repetitions. Following the same pattern she then continues with the 9C, 10C and 12C. As such the patients will not have recurrence of the infection for up to a year, she explains [2].

 

Auto-nosodes may be viewed somewhat controversially in that they cannot be ‘derived’ following an individualized case-appraisal, and are commonly chosen on account of their patient origin. They are however, another tool in the hands of capable homeopaths, and may have healing potential that has not yet extensively been investigated.

 

 

References:

[1] Julian, O. (1960) Materia medica der Nosoden, 3 edn., Heidelberg: Haug Verlag.

 

[2] Imhäuser, H. (1970) Homöopathie in der Kinderheilkunde, 3 edn., Heidelberg: Haug Verlag.

 

[3] Master, F.J. (2010) Isodes, Nosodes and Sarcodes in Homoeopathy,Available at: http://www.drfarokhmaster.com/Editorial/2010-2011%20Editorial%20%20Feb%202010.pdf (Accessed: February 2016).

A short differential comparison of the Ferrum remedies

Tags

Anaemia, Boericke, Clarke, Ferrum, Headache, homeopathy, iron, Lesser, nose-bleed

 

 

 

Iron in the body acts as a transporter of oxygen to the cells. The constitutional type of the Ferrums is thin, sensitive, and irritable, with delicate, transparent skin. They are easily excitable and quickly get exhausted, are weak. There is pallor, a tendency to blushing. Mucous membranes are pale and the extremities feel cold. Their veins shine through the skin. There is fever, bleeding and anaemia in their case-histories. There may be ovarian dysfunction, with irregularities of menses. Digestive disturbances are marked, as are rheumatism, congestive headaches and neuralgic pains. A leading symptomatology is the aggravation at night, on sitting and lying down, with a need to lie down; a periodicity is given, and a worsening of state during and after eating. Aversion to meat.

 

 

 

Ferrum aceticum.:

Rapid growth. Pallor & rapid exhaustion in children. Epistaxis. In acute disease urine is alkaline. Pain in deltoid on right side. Varices on feet. Expectoration copious, of greenish pus. Asthma that is aggravated by lying or sitting still. Haemoptysis, Phthisis with coughing consistently. Vomiting after eating.

 

 

Ferrum arsenicosum:

Anemic, weak children without appetite. Chlorosis. Cachexia. Albuminuria. Pernicious anaemia. Enlargement of spleen & liver, with fever (without fever Ferr. Iod. is indicated). In fever face is flushed and sweaty. Severe blood diseases. Malaria. Nephritis. Undigested stools. Albuminuria. Dry skin. Eczema, psoriasis, impetigo.

 

 

Ferrum bromatum:

Weak, anemic people with depression. Pressure and heaviness in eyes & head. Scalp feels numb, dead. Dryness of nose & mouth, ameliorated by sneezing. Sticky mucus. Diarrhoea with bloody mucus, tenesmus & the feeling of an intestinal prolapse. Excoriating, sticky leucorrhoea & unpleasant sensation of heaviness & sinking in the uterus. Spermatorrhoea with anemia, debility & depression.

 

 

Ferrum cyanatum:

Irritable weakness & hypersensitivity in periodical neurosis. Cardiac pain with symptoms of nausea, constipation alternating with diarrhoea, flatulence. Chorea. Epilepsy.

 

 

Ferrum iodatum:

Acute nephritis following disease, debility from lack of vital force. Glandular enlargement, and tumorous growths. Sensation as if peristaltic of oesophagus were reversed in throat. Affections of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory system. Mucous membranes are red and there is burning. Taste is sharp, burning, metallic, bitter, pasty. Goitre.

Photophobia, Headache with confusion and heaviness. Lancinating/cutting pains in eyes, ears, from nose to occiput.

Feeling of satiety after only little food. Great thirst, no hunger.  Feeling of oppression about the chest, beneath the sternum. Sudden, sharp, sticking pains in chest. Heart beat increased with sensation of throbbing in blood-vessels. Sensation of crawling in urethra & rectum; urine of dark colour & sweetish smell. Incontinence in anaemic children, cannot retain urine.

Sensation of ‘bearing down’ of uterus, prolapse. Suppressed or scanty menses. Febrile sensation with increased pulse, but without actual rise in temperature. Sleep is restless. Worms, enlarged liver & spleen.

 

 

Ferrum magneticum:

Self-sufficiency, assuming an “air of importance”.

Pulsating headache with sudden attacks in eyes & nose. Darkness before right eye, halo-vision that is improved by eating. Itching mouth & nose.

Affections of intestinal tract are marked. Movement & grumbling in abdomen, particularly on left side. Urgency of urination and evacuation. Flatulence while eating & after meals, followed by lassitude and the sensation of heat & pain in the epigastrium. Loose evacuations with much flatulency. Flatulence is fetid, frequent & abundant, can be with liquid evacuation. Itching of anus.

Sleep not refreshing, awakening at 3 am. Prompt sleeping on lying down, with drowsiness.

Small warts on hands. Gums bleed upon slightest pressure. Facial heat followed by redness. Scalp itchy, painful scabs. Loss of hair. Increased salivation; sensation of mucous sticking to uvula. Paralytic weakness.

 

 

Ferrum metallicum:

Young, weakly individuals, anaemic & pale, pseudo-plethora, blush easily, fiery red. Major remedy for female puberty. Cold extremities, over-sensitiveness, worse following exertion and activity. Weakness from mere speaking or walking. Weakness is not visible, individual looks strong. Pallor of skin, mucous membranes, alternating with blushing. Blushing of face from slightest exertion or emotion. Flabby, relaxed muscles. Sensitivity to slightest noise. Irritability. The sight of flowing water causes vertigo; sensation of falling forward.

Headache stinging, hammering, pulsating, congestive; can extend to teeth. Ringing in ears prior to onset of menses. Pain located in back of head. Scalp painful; if hair is tied up, it must be let down. Headaches reoccur periodically.

Tendency to nose-bleed. Photophobia, vision is cloudy, reading causes letters to blur. Pain in teeth, ameliorated by icy cold water.

Great appetite or lack of it; aversion of all things sour. Vomiting directly after eating. Bloating in stomach after eating, with the sensation of heat and burning. Intolerance to eggs. Meat lies heavy in stomach. Hardness of abdomen. Heaviness in epigastrium.

Stools hard, urging is ineffectual. Backache & cramping in rectum following evacuation. Vegetative diarrhoea that is painless, watery, corrosive or slimy, undigested; at night, after, or during eating. Burning at anus. Tickling in urethra, involuntary day-time urination. Constant urge to urinate.

Menses irregular, too early, profuse, copious, long, intermittent or delayed. Pale and watery, stop for 1 or 2 days & then come back.  Release of big black clots. Pains birth like. Amenorrhoea, menorrhagia with anaemia. Appearance of varicose veins & acne during menses. Menses are exhausting & accompanied by headache.

Cardiac palpitation, throbbing & oppression in chest, worse by motion, readily comes on from  nervous causes. Breathing superficial.

Rheumatism in shoulder, shooting & tearing. Cracking in shoulder. Pain in hip-joint, tibia, soles and heel of feet, tearing, violent lancination. Lumbago, ameliorated by slow motion. Extremities are cold, palms of hands and soles of feet are hot.

Prolonged motion ameliorates. Nocturnal restlessness urges to movement is paired with weakness that urges to rest.

 

 

Ferrum muriaticum:

Loquacity. Pale face & red spots on cheeks. Blushes easily.

Inspiration is difficult. Dyspnoea from slightest exertion. Coughing causes pain in occiput.

Throat, severe sense of burning, mouth dry. Sour eructation, bilious after fatty foods, vomiting after eating.

Bruised pain & stitching in chest.

Weakness of limbs. Paralytic tearing in shoulder-joint, arm. Acute inflammatory rheumatism of right shoulder-joint. Right elbow. Like Ferr. Aceticum indicated for pains in the right shoulder.

Great piercing pains along whole length of colon. Diarrhoea with pains in limbs. Dark watery stools. Obstinate constipation.

Diabetes, enuresis, enlarged prostate. Metrorrhagia. Arrested menstruation. Copious urination & seminal emission in puperty. Vertigo & severe neuralgic pains. Bleeding. Diphtheria. Haemoptysis of clotted, dark blood. Pyelitis. Phlegmonous erysipelas. Cramps. Urine contains bright crystals. Anaemia.

 

 

Ferrum pernitricum:

Indicated in feeble & nervous women that have diarrhea. Glandular enlargement & obstinate ophthalmia.

 

 

Ferrum phosphoricum:

Remedy is indicated for the early stages of all inflammatory affections, peritonitis, cardiac disease, febrile states and inflammation prior to the formation of exudate. Also indicated after surgery on throat or nose to provide relief from soreness and to control bleeding. Laryngitis, acute, spasmodic cough. Inflammation of eye with redness and burning, Sensation as if there were a grain of sand under the eyelid. Vision blurred.

Sensitivity of head to touch, cold & noise. Congestive headache ameliorated by cold application. Hammering pain in forehead & temples, fear of apoplexy. Supra-orbital neuralgia on right side. Blinding headache, photophobia. Nose-bleed relieves headache.

Ill effects from exposure to sun, throbbing, vertigo. Dizziness, as if head pushed forward; all surrounding swims.

Heat, dryness and soreness of face, also palms of hands, neck & upper chest. Flushing of face. Acute otitis, if Belladonna fails to act. Ringing & buzzing in ear.

Hard, dry cough with soreness in chest. Palpitations. Intolerance of clothes touching abdomen  chest. Dull, aching pain  at heart.

Menses profuse with pain on top of head.

Stiffness of neck, violent drawing & tearing rheumatic pains in shoulder and arm, worse from movement. Semi-paralysis. Sub-acute & acute febrile joint rheumatism; attacking one joint after the other. Joints are puffy. Rheumatic affections ameliorated by warmth and covering. Pain and soreness of hip.

Sour eructation & vomiting of undigested matter. Restlessness & sleeplessness. Incontinence. Frequent urgency to pass urine, diurnal enuresis. Emission of urine with every cough. Hemorrhoids. Stools watery, bloody, undigested. Green stools. Hot flatus. Habitual constipation.

Poor appetite with attacks of sickness. Great thirst. Aversion to meat & milk. Symptoms aggravated at night, 4 – 6 am, by touch, movement & on right side. Amelioration from cold applications & continuous movement. Ferr. Phos. may fall into consideration in cases where belladonna is indicated.

 

 

Ferrum phosphoricum hydricum:

Malaise, as if not had enough rest & sleep. Affinity to complaints of right side. Sensitivity to cool air. Dull headache on right side. Every concussion is felt as a dull, painful sensation at base of skull. Drowsiness. Rising from stomach, most intense at 9.30 pm.

 

 

Ferrum picrinicum:

Gout, where there is chronic deafness & tinnitus, humming in ears. Deafness prior to menses, crackling in ears and voice is low pitched.

Pain along entire urethra, frequent nocturnal micturition, with feeling of fullness of bladder and pressure in rectum.

Right sided pain in neck and down right arm. Impaired movement of arm. Pains in shoulder girdle that are sticking & tearing; aggravated at night. (Ferr. aceticum more right sided; Ferr.met. more left sided).

Tearing & sticking pain from hip-joint into leg. Hip painful as if bruised, on touching, prevents walking. Aggravated evening & lying down, must rise & move about to lessen the pain, up until midnight.

Cramping in calves while resting & at night. Limbs must be moved, cannot be kept at rest. Restless sleep with unpleasant dreams.

Prostatic hypertrophy. Exhaustion. Impaired hearing. Dental neuralgia with radiation to ears & eyes. Indigestion & headache after meals. Icterus. Enlarged prostate. Warts & corns.

A great remedy to complete the actions of other prescriptions. Key-symptom: Failure of an organ-function under exertion.

 

 

Ferrum protoxalatum:

Anaemia.

 

 

Ferrum pyrophosphoricum:

Headache of a congestive sensation, brain congestion, from loss of large amounts of blood. Tarsal cysts.

 

 

Ferrum sulphuricum:

Morbus basedow. Anaemia. Bulimia, eructation of food with acidity. Flatulency. Loss of appetite. Pain in region of gall-bladder. Painless watery diarrhoea. Constipation. Severe vertigo with diarrhoea. Pressing throbbing headache. Violent tearing toothache. Copious menstruation; headache, frequently between periods. Metrorrhagia. Menorrhagia. Leucorrhoea. Erethism.

 

 

Ferrum tartaricum:

Feeling of great load lying on the entire upper portion of head which leads to gloomy apprehensiveness & congestive apoplexy. Sensation of heat from or at the cardiac orifice of stomach, unaffected by food or drink.

 

 

 

References:

[1] Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[2] Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

[3] Lesser. O. (1983) Textbook of homeopathic materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.