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Tutorial 12 – Treatment Approaches Compared
As discussed in previous tutorials, Homeopathy is a comprehensive medical system based on the Law of Similars, or ‘like treats like.’
In this tutorial, we will explore other medicinal therapies available today and compare them with homeopathy.
Conventional Medicine (Allopathy)
Allopathy is ‘mainstream’ medicine that employs chemicals and crude doses. A common example of an allopathic medicine is Panadol (paracetamol) – a drug used to reduce fevers. The chemical effect of Panadol lowers your temperature in about half an hour. However, once it leaves your body, the fever returns, necessitating another dose.
Most medicines purchased from a pharmacy function similarly – they alleviate or eliminate symptoms while in your body, but symptoms return once the dose wears off.
Are there similarities?
Both homeopathy and allopathy aim to relieve suffering and restore health.
What are the differences?
While homeopathy is based on the ‘Law of Similars’, allopathic drugs are prescribed to counteract symptoms. For instance, chronic diarrhea is treated with drugs that induce constipation in healthy individuals – they produce the opposite effect of the symptom being treated. Prescribing by opposites only suppresses symptoms temporarily and never truly cures them. As the medicine’s effect wears off, the problem returns, often worse, as the body gradually becomes resistant to these drugs.
In contrast, homeopathy employs ‘similars’ to stimulate the body to heal its own symptoms. Remedies are chosen for their ability to mimic rather than counteract the symptoms of the unwell person. Chronic diarrhea, for example, would be treated with a remedy that causes diarrhea in a healthy person. This stimulating approach, rather than suppressive, prompts a rebound effect from the body, leading to restored health.
Another difference between allopathy and homeopathy is that allopaths treat various symptoms as separate diseases even if they occur in the same person. For instance, recurrent migraines and diarrhea would be treated with two distinct allopathic medicines. Homeopathy, however, considers these problems as part of an overall disorder to be treated as a single illness with one remedy at a time.
Lastly, allopathic medicines pose more risks than homeopathic remedies. Since allopathic medicines are chemically based, patients risk drug interactions and toxic side effects. In contrast, homeopathy uses energetic remedies that do not cause chemical side effects, poisoning, or interactions with other medications.
Bach Flower (and Other Flower) Remedies
Dr. Edward Bach believed that negative emotions impact our physical health, and in the early 1900s, he developed 38 flower remedies to rebalance these emotions, enabling the body to return to health.
Are there similarities?
Bach Flowers and other flower remedies resemble homeopathy in that they are energy medicines, not relying on chemicals for their effects. They are non-toxic and safe for everyone, from the young to the elderly, expectant mothers, and even pets or animals. They share a similar taste with liquid homeopathic remedies, making them pleasant to use and easy to take.
What are the differences?
Flower remedies have weaker and gentler effects than homeopathic remedies and primarily target emotions. In contrast, homeopathy addresses physical and emotional aspects simultaneously. Since flower remedies have not undergone standard homeopathic provings (trials), it is unclear whether they work by suppressing symptoms through the Law of Opposites or curing them through the Law of Similars.
Schuessler’s Tissue Salts
Tissue salts, also known as Biochemic remedies, celloids, or cell salts, were developed in the 1800s by a German homeopath named Schuessler. He believed that deficiencies in one or more of these 12 salts led to disease and that these salts would be more easily absorbed if prepared as weak homeopathic potencies.
Are there similarities?
Tissue salts, often mistaken for supplements, are actually weak homeopathic remedies. The amount of salt in each remedy is too small for any nutritional benefit. Prepared in low potencies (6X or 12X) from the decimal potency scale, they are non-toxic and safe like all homeopathic remedies. However, they should be used only when symptoms are present and not taken continuously like supplements.
What are the differences?
Tissue salts have a more limited action compared to other homeopathic remedies. Prepared only in low potencies, they may not act deeply enough to impact chronic disease or mental-emotional symptoms. In contrast, other homeopathic remedies (with thousands available) come in various potencies that can address deep-rooted chronic issues and simple complaints, offering more options with homeopathy.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation (Nutritional Therapy)
Proper nutrition is essential for good health. An inadequate diet, poorly absorbed nutrients, or stress-induced nutrient depletion can contribute to infectious diseases, poor healing, chronic health problems, mood swings, and depression.
While artificial supplementation may provide some help, it is not a complete solution. Adopting a nutritious diet, eliminating stressors, and addressing the causes of malabsorption leads to true long-term improvement. Megadoses of vitamins and minerals only mask the underlying problem or create new issues by disrupting the body’s biochemistry.
Are there similarities?
Both supplementation and homeopathic treatment aim to restore the body to a state of “balance.” Homeopathic treatment often includes advice on nutrition and lifestyle changes.
What are the differences?
Supplements address illness superficially, whereas homeopathy works at a deeper energetic level. In many cases, poor absorption, health issues, food cravings, and aversions result from an imbalance in this energy. This is why some individuals develop “nutritional” problems despite an adequate diet, while others do not. In these cases, homeopathy can help where supplements cannot.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is as old as humanity itself and uses the medicinal properties of raw plants, or the teas and tinctures prepared from them, to treat symptoms of disease.
Are there similarities?
Some herbs heal by the “Law of Similars” and some suppress by “opposites”. Those that treat by similars work better if given in homeopathic potencies. Two examples are: Urtica urens (stinging nettle), used herbally for allergic eczema and diminished milk flow, and Cineraria maritima that resolves eye problems such as conjunctivitis. Both of these herbs treat with greater speed and effect if given in homeopathic potencies. Many herbalists are unaware of this homeopathic relationship even though many other examples exist.
What is the difference?
While gentler than many conventional medicines, herbs still have chemical effects that can poison the body or interact with conventional drugs. When prepared as homeopathic potencies they are free of these problems. Another notable difference is that most herbal remedies taste awful. This makes it difficult to coax children, and even some adults, into taking their medicine. In contrast, homeopathic remedies are dispensed as pleasant tasting sugar pilules or water.
Naturopathy
People often ask what the difference is between naturopathy and homeopathy. Homeopaths are specialists whereas naturopaths are generalists. Naturopathy is an eclectic practice that draws from a range of therapies. Originally, naturopathy used “drugless” lifestyle approaches like diet, exercise, fresh air, pure water, sunshine, and massage. Today, it may include other therapies such as herbs, homeopathy, supplements, flower remedies, energy work, aromatherapy, and more. Each naturopath will have his or her own preferences for treatment.
Are there similarities?
Naturopaths have received introductory training in homeopathy and can prescribe homeopathic remedies for simple acute complaints or first aid situations. Unless they have undertaken further studies in homeopathy, naturopaths are not qualified to treat long term or chronic problems homeopathically.
What is the difference?
In Australia, a naturopath is taught ‘a little of many things’ over a 3-year full-time course (4 years for a bachelor qualification). A homeopath studies only homeopathy and related subjects in their 3-year full-time course (4 years for a bachelor). Your homeopath is qualified to treat the full range of acute and chronic disorders with homeopathy, while your naturopath is not. The Australian Homeopathic Association (AHA) and the Australian Register of Homeopaths (AROH) only register those practitioners who meet government-endorsed standards for homeopathic competencies and education. These bodies can be contacted for practitioner searches either directly or via the web.
In Conclusion
While many of the above therapies are useful in themselves, none have the breadth and depth of homeopathy. Some focus only on mental and emotional problems while others deal with just the physical. Most work by palliation or suppression while some, such as herbal medicine, may occasionally apply the homeopathic effect by accident.
By contrast, homeopathy can be systematically applied at a deep energetic level to heal mental, emotional and physical symptoms of ill-health. Its remedies are non-toxic, do not interact with other medications, and taste great. Everyone and anyone can use them. Homeopathy is truly a remarkable system of medicine.
Tutorials
- Homeopathy: an Introduction
- Tutorial 1 – The Law of Similars
- Tutorial 2 – Law of Similars Discovered
- Tutorial 3 – Potentisation
- Tutorial 4 – Three Scales of Potency
- Tutorial 5 – Benefits of Potentisation
- Tutorial 6 – Provings
- Tutorial 7 – The Vital Force
- Tutorial 8 – Potentised Remedies and the Vital Force
- Tutorial 9 – Palliation, Supression or Cure?
- Tutorial 10 – Direction of Cure
- Tutorial 11 – Return of Old Symptoms
- Tutorial 12 – Homeopathy and Other Medicinal Therapies
- Tutorial 13 – Finding a Good Homeopath
- Tutorial 14 – That First Appointment
- Tutorial 15 – What to Expect (Part A)
- Tutorial 16 – What to Expect (Part B)
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Homeopathy: Physician’s Perspective
A homeopathic doctor responds to a journal’s criticisms of homeopathy by explaining how, in the face of all available evidence, the placebo argument cannot be upheld. He then describes his own journey from skepticism to homeopathy. The question is, why did Bioethics refuse to publish it?Richard Moskowitz, MD, writes a response to an article penned by Kevin Smith in Bioethics, “Against Homeopathy: A Utilitarian Perspective”. Smith argues that homeopathic remedies are nothing more than placebos, incapable of healing except by suggestion.
Moskowitz counters these statements with conventional evidence of homeopathy’s two main principles:
1.The basic principle of homeopathy, the Law of Similars, is familiar even in allopathic (conventional) medicine, where paradoxical effects such as antihypertensives raising blood pressure and antidepressants making depression worse are widely known and well documented.
2. The second principle, highly dilute dosing, is supported by experiments that show highly diluted remedies both stimulate and inhibit colony growth in bacterial cultures, seed germination and growth in a range of plant species, enzymatic activity in in-vitro tissue culture and cell-free extracts, and numerous other properties of living organisms.
In light of these scientific oddities, Moskowitz says that long-standing homeopathic principles offer a far more robust explanation than Smith’s placebo claims, and that as bioenergetic science is still in its infancy, we would be wise to avoid similar snap-judgments when there are still so many holes in our knowledge.
Moskowitz then draws on his own experiences with homeopathy and how he made the journey from the skepticism was tempered by the reality of those experiences.
Moskowitz’s concludes with his own experiences with homeopathy, and how his initial skepticism had to be tempered by the reality of those experiences.
For Homeopathy: A Practicing Physician’s Perspective
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Antidoting Drug Reactions
Quick Bits…
Have you ever suffered a side effect from taking a drug? Homeopathy has several options to antidote them. Here’s one.
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Study: Homeopathy in Chronic Sinusitis
628 patients from a government research institute received homeopathic remedies according to the presenting symptoms of their chronic sinusitis. Over a 6-month period, marked improvement, confirmed by reports and x-rays, was achieved.
The most frequently prescribed remedies were: Silicea terra; Calcarea carbonica; Lycopodium clavatum; Phosphorus, and Kalium iodatum..
Objective
The primary objective was to ascertain the therapeutic usefulness of homeopathic medicine in the management of chronic sinusitis (CS).
Materials and Methods
Multicentre observational study at Institutes and Units of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, India. Symptoms were assessed using the chronic sinusitis assessment score (CSAS). 17 pre-defined homeopathic medicines were shortlisted for prescription on the basis of repertorisation for the pathological symptoms of CS. Regimes and adjustment of regimes in the event of a change of symptoms were pre-defined. The follow-up period was for 6 months. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16.
Results
628 patients suffering from CS confirmed on X-ray were enrolled from eight Institutes and Units of the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy. All 550 patients with at least one follow-up assessment were analyzed. There was a statistically significant reduction in CSAS (P = 0.0001, Friedman test) after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Radiological appearances also improved. A total of 13 out of 17 pre-defined medicines were prescribed in 550 patients, Sil. (55.2% of 210), Calc. (62.5% of 98), Lyc. (69% of 55), Phos. (66.7% of 45) and Kali iod. (65% of 40) were found to be most useful having marked improvement. 4/17 medicines were never prescribed. No complications were observed during treatment.
Conclusion
Homeopathic treatment may be effective for CS patients. Controlled trials are required for further validation.
Source: Homeopathy in chronic sinusitis: a prospective multi-centric observational study
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Lack of Confidence and Learning Difficulties
Mitchell was a nine year old boy who hated school. His concentration was poor, and he had difficulty writing. Mitchell would often write his alphabet letters back the front, (using “b” instead of “d”, and so on). He also had trouble remembering the sounds for each letter. He was still in a standard class but was struggling to keep up with his school mates.Mitchell was also constantly tired. At school, his teacher noted that he would have to lie across his desk rather than sit upright. He could only complete half a game of football and after school he would collapse on a lounge before falling asleep.
Obviously, Mitchell’s parents were concerned. They had taken him to their family doctor but standard tests had failed to reveal a problem. The GP suggested that Mitchell might have dyslexia, an opinion the school supported. Mitchell’s parents had also taken him to a chiropractor, a behavioural optometrist, and an occupational therapist. Slow gains had been made but it was an expensive process.
Mitchell was embarrassed by his difficulties. He hated to fail in front of others and worried that people thought he was “stupid” or “hopeless”. Sometimes he would cry from shame and embarrassment. It seems he had always suffered from low confidence and anxiety.
When frustrated Mitchell could lash out in anger, something his mother said had happened since he was a toddler. He complained of “no friends”at school even though his teacher said he was popular and usually with groups of children. Unpleasant dreams and nightmares in which he moaned and mumbled disturbed his sleep. Occasionally he would shout in his sleep.
Interestingly, Mitch’s mother said that in spite of these problems, Mitch pretended to be fearless and adventurous. He won the approval of other children by boasting, bragging and acting the clown in in front of them.
During the consultation I asked Mitch who his favourite television character was and he told me Darth Vader from the Star War movies because he didn’t listen to other people, fought a lot, and did what he wanted.
Other symptoms Mitchell experienced included aching pains in his legs at night, bed-wetting which made sleepovers with friends impossible, and the biting of finger and toenails – not just nibbled but down to the quick so they bled. I also discovered that he’d had reflux and eczema as a baby, had been allergic to cow and soy milk, and as an infant, suffered from projectile vomiting.
Treatment
Mitchell was prescribed a homeopathic remedy called Lycopodium. Lycopodium treats a broad range of physical and mental/emotional symptoms, as long as the characteristic Lycopodium indicators are present.
Its gastrointestinal use has already been looked at in the “Bloated Belly” case on this website. Perhaps Mitchell’s babyhood episodes of reflux and vomiting reflected his need for this remedy even at this early age? Along with digestive complaints, Lycopodium can also treat states of dyslexia, and under-confidence disguised by bravado.
On his first followup appointment, Mitchell’s mother had good news to report. Though Mitchell had wet the bed the day after starting the remedy, he had not done so since. His teachers reported that his behaviour in class had improved; he was paying attention and there had been no episodes of tears or anger.
Mitchell also seemed less tired. He played for the full length of school breaks and although still tired on arriving home, did not need to sleep until bedtime.
Mitchell’s condition and energy levels continued to improve over the following months of treatment. His bed-wetting stopped along with the nail biting, and the nightly leg pains disappeared. Mitch’s “sleep shouting” also ceased.
On his visits to the clinic over this period, I saw him change from a boy full of bravado and suppressed anger, to one who was happy and calm. His mother said he had become more confident and no longer needed to boast or act the fool to attract friends. His teachers reported that he had made a huge improvement with writing and spelling and that problems arising from his apparent dyslexia were minimal.
I now see Mitch only occasionally as small problems arise. He continues to manage his schoolwork well and has an improved level of confidence. He no longer complains of not having friends. As a result, school has become a much more pleasant place for him.
Treating Homeopath: Fran Sheffield
Homeopathy Plus!
T: +612 (2) 4304 0822
W: www.homeopathyplus.com/Lycopodium clavatum (Lyc)
Lycopodium is a homeopathic remedy that treats a wide variety of acute and chronic complaints. On the physical level it mainly deals with symptoms arising from complaints of the gastrointestinal system (including the liver) such as gall-stones, cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric and duodenal ulcers, but only when the characteristic symptoms match those of Lycopodium.
It also treats types of symptoms of arthritis, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, dyslexia, eczema, ovarian cysts and other conditions, again, as long as the characteristic symptoms fall within the Lycopodium sphere of action.
On the mental/emotional level, those needing Lycopodium experience lack of confidence and feel inferior to strong personalities though they may muster a false bravado and pretend to be extroverted or assertive. Bragging or boasting to present themselves better than they feel is a trait seen in both children and adults.
Children in a “Lycopodium state” may become angry, bossy, and rude with a parent who lacks firmness but they never display this behavior to adults whom they don’t know or who set firm boundaries.
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Know Your Remedies: Berberis Vulgaris (Berb.)
Berberis Common Names: Barberry.
General Information
Berberis Vulgaris (Berb.) is an important remedy for neuralgic pain or colic of any part of the body but especially the joints and muscles and the urinary system. The mucous membranes tend to be dry and saliva thick and sticky. Sharp twinging, stitching, shooting or radiating pains caused by cystitis, kidney stones and types of arthritis are rapidly relieved by this remedy. It enables the passage of kidney stones with much reduced colic.
Back
- Low back pain or sciatica with the keynote symptoms of twinging, shooting or radiating pains.
- Pain, stiffness and lameness of small of back so that rising from sitting is almost impossible – the person has to push themselves up with their hands.
Kidneys
- Kidney stones with sharp pains that radiate or extend downwards.
- Renal colic with radiating pain.
- Bubbling or gurgling sensations in the region of the kidney.
Bladder
- Cystitis with radiating pain before and after urination.
Limbs
- Sudden twinges or stitching pain.
- Wandering arthritic pain that moves from joint to joint.
- Pain from sciatica or renal colic that radiates down the legs.
- Arthritis or gout with sudden, sharp, radiating pain.
Where do I find it?
Berberis Vulgaris (Berb.) is available from our online store as a single remedy in either pills or liquid, and as part of the following Complex (combination remedy): Renal Stone Colic.
Home Treatment Guidelines
Acute, Self-Limiting Conditions
Conditions like colds or minor injuries, which are short-term and typically improve on their own, can be managed at home with homeopathy. However, in emergencies or if symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Chronic Conditions
These home treatment instructions do not apply for ongoing issues, whether mentioned above or not, like persistent allergies or chronic pain. You should consult a qualified homeopath for a personalized treatment plan to achieve the best results with homeopathy for chronic conditions.
How to Take the Remedy for Acute Conditions
- Take one pill or five drops of the remedy. The frequency depends on symptom severity. As examples:
- For life-threatening symptoms, take every 1 minute and seek emergency help immediately.
- For mild symptoms, take every 4 hours.
- Stop taking the remedy once you feel better. Resume if symptoms return.
- If no improvement after four doses, choose a different remedy or consult a professional homeopath.
- For more details on dosing, refer to: How Often to Dose with a 30C Homeopathic remedy.
- For information on the different potencies, read: Guidelines on which potency to use
Additional Notes From Past Masters
Homeopathy is a 200-year-old system of medicine. Early homeopaths recorded detailed notes on how remedies worked, including initial tests, remedy relationships, and their experiences. These writings were shared to improve homeopathic practice and now offer fascinating insights into past uses of homeopathy. Here’s an example, edited and modernised for clarity, from Leaders In Homoeopathic Therapeutics (1898) by E. B. NASH M.D.:
Leaders In Homoeopathic Therapeutics by E. B. NASH M.D.
Berberis vulgaris (Berb.)
Bruised pain, with numbness, stiffness and lameness in region of kidneys < in bed in the morning.
Soreness in the region of the kidneys; bubbling sensation, < stepping or jarring motion.
Rheumatism or pains, like gouty pains in the joints; the pains radiate from a center.
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“Bruised pain, with stiffness and lameness in the small of the back.” “Rise from a seat with difficulty.” “Backache worse when sitting or lying, especially when lying in bed in the morning.” “Sensation of numbness, stiffness and lameness, with painful pressure in lumbar and renal regions.” These pains sometimes extend all through the hips.
Guernsey says: “A great many old troubles in the back. Sufferings in the back aggravated by fatigue.”
One might say all these symptoms are found under Rhus tox. True, but in the Berberis cases they all come from or are in connection with kidney or urinary troubles, Rhus tox. seldom so.
The pains extend often into the bladder and urethra, and the urine itself is changed. It may have a turbid, flocculent, clay-like, copious, mucous sediment, or a reddish, mealy sediment, or be blood-red, but the persistent pains in the back are the leading indications.
It is especially to be thought of in arthritic and rheumatic affections, when these back symptoms connected with urinary alterations are present.
One very characteristic symptom is a bubbling sensation in the region of the kidneys. Another is soreness in region of kidneys when jumping out of a wagon or stepping hard downstairs or from any jarring movement.
There is almost always, in the back troubles of Berberis a great deal of prostration or a sense of weakness across the back, and the face looks pale, earthy complexion, with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes, with blue circles under them.
No matter what ails the patient, if he has persistent pain as above described in the region of the kidneys do not forget Berberis.
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Homeopathy and Measles
Quick Bits…“Since the 1800s, homeopathic Aconitum Napellus 30C has been used successfully to treat measles in the beginning stage.” What other remedies have been recommended?
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Somi – An Aggressive Child
As parents, most of us wish the best for our children and try to instill in them sound morals and acceptable behavior necessary for life. However, with some children, even the best of parental intentions can be thwarted.These children quickly acquire labels like, ‘naughty’, ‘hyperactive’, or even “budding psychopath”. Often the finger of blame is pointed at the parents but my experience has shown that the root of these behavourial problems can be very different.
Take Somi, for example. At only seven years of age he was facing expulsion from school. He had just hit another boy in the face, splitting his lip, before pushing him over a bag and onto the concrete. This was not the first time something like this had happened. There had been a series of unprovoked attacks and a number of suspensions. The school had finally had enough and Somi’s mother was told there were no more chances. One more strike and Somi would be out.
Somi’s mother loved her son dearly but she was in despair and exhausted by his behaviour. No amount of reasoning could get him to see how wrong it was. Somi seemed elated and energised by bullying other children and felt no remorse for any pain or injury he caused them. Throughout the consultation, Somi spoke contemptuously to his mother and frequently swore at her, refusing to do as she asked. At home he would often become violent when she tried to discipline him
Somi’s Mum described her son as fearless, hyperactive, impulsive and argumentative. For as long as five years, he had been aggressive, defiant and prone to violence. He would go into rages and even threaten to kill. During these episodes he could become so strong that it would take several people to hold him down. For someone supposedly so tough and fearless, Somi was surprisingly scared of the dark at night and could not go to bed alone. He had suffered from night terrors as a toddler and still had occasional nightmares about wolves and bears. He also hated to be separated from his mother. Even when she dropped him off at school, he would release blood-curdling screams and appear genuinely distressed. At the age of seven, Somi was still a regular bedwetter.
Somi’s mother told me that he became fixated with things that upset him. Like a dog with a bone, he would not let them go. One of his fixations was his appearance. Somi would change his clothes up to five times a day and was very particular about the outfits he wore. He would spend long periods checking the way he looked in front of a mirror and would become abusive if hurried by his mother.
A vegetarian since birth, Somi had been kept on a careful and nutritious diet. Although he craved sweets, chocolate was a real no-no. Too many times his mother had seen him ‘go crazy’ with just a small piece. He would roll and tumble about the floor for days.
Somi had previously been to a nutritionist and therapist, who had carried out some expensive laboratory tests. Somi was diagnosed as having a reduced production of digestive and pancreatic enzymes from a vagus nerve invaded by Toxoplasma and a pancreas invaded by Mycoplasma and Rickettsia organisms. As a result Somi was hypoglycaemic and unable to break down many foods. The tests also showed heavy metal toxicity and a systemic yeast infection with Candida in Somi’s blood. Quite a mouthful for somebody only seven years old!
The nutritionist had advised major changes in Somi’s diet and prescribed numerous supplements and several homeopathics. Somi’s mother had religiously followed this regime for two months and during this time, Somi’s body nutrients and pancreatic hormone levels returned to normal and his heavy metal toxicity disappeared. A followup visit showed there was still some yeast infection present, so Somi was prescribed further supplements and homeopathics.
Good nutrition is always necessary for good health, but Somi’s diet prior to his appointment with the nutritionist was already adequate and he should have been thriving. Somi’s inexplicable nutritional deficiencies and sensitivities pointed to a deeper energistic imbalance that had to be corrected before any real and permanent improvement could occur. Unfortunately this did not happen. Somi was prescribed an inappropriate cocktail of homeopathic medicines at frequent intervals. They could not help his problem and had the very real risk of increasing his state of imbalance. “Homeopathic” treatment like this cheats the consumer and can worsen health. After months of this treatment, with no improvement in his behaviour, Somi’s Mum brought him to see me.
After listening to Mum and observing Somi, it was clear that Somi needed homeopathic Belladonna. I prescribed several diluted doses. Two weeks later, Somi’s Mum called to say that there was a significant improvement in his behaviour. His anger had decreased and a rash had reappeared on his face, which she had not seen since he was a baby. I assured her that “a return of old symptoms” was a positive sign that the imbalance was being addressed and looked forward to further reports.
At the first followup consultation I could see that Somi’s rash was clearing. His hyperactivity and obsessional behaviour had reduced dramatically, by 80%. Somi was no longer wetting the bed so often and his sugar cravings were less severe. Both Mum and I were pleased with his progress and planned to let the medicine continue its action, only redosing if needed.
Over the coming months Somi continued to improve. He became much less argumentative and more cooperative. As his physical aggression reduced he became more willing to please. The bedwetting stopped completely and his food sensitivities virtually disappeared. Somi no longer needed to dose with the Belladonna.
The school was aware of Somi’s homeopathic treatment and also saw a huge improvement in his behaviour. During this period there was just one further physical outburst that occurred at school, and both the school and his mother were amazed at what followed. For the first time, Somi seemed shocked at what he had done and felt sorry for the child he had attacked. He spent the night crying in his bedroom and on his own initiative apologised to the boy the next day – something he had never done before! Instead of being expelled, the school agreed on a week-long suspension and watched his behaviour continue to improve.
Four months down the track Somi was a different boy. He no longer had a problem with explosive rage and violence. A happy relationship had developed with his mother and favourable reports were arriving home from school. Even his obsession with clothing had gone, with Somi happily telling me at his last consultation ‘I don’t even have to look in the mirror anymore.” Instead of being pushed from school to school and labelled a ‘problem child’, Somi was well on the way to enjoying a normal, happy childhood.
Reasons for prescribing Belladonna
Belladonna is just one of the homeopathic remedies for treating sudden rage and violence in children or adults. Those needing Belladonna will often strike, bite, pull hair, spit and curse with their anger. They can be “an angel one moment and a devil the next”. Often there is a love of lemonade. As in Somi’s case, children may fear the dark and wolves (or large dogs), be stubborn and have problems with bed-wetting. They can also be vain. Belladonna can be helpful for conditions as diverse as fever, migraine, sinusitis, arthritis and high blood pressure when symptoms match the overall Belladonna profile.
Note: When seeking homeopathic treatment, it is important to ensure your practitioner is a member of a respected homeopathic (as opposed to naturopathic) association. Association membership assures that your practitioner has reached a minimum standard of homeopathic education. Professional homeopathic treatment involves the prescription of a single medicine in small, carefully spaced doses according to changes in the patient’s symptoms, never multiple remedies in frequent doses regardless of progress.
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Research: Homeopathy for Ear Infections
Have you ever had an ear infection? If so, you’ll know the urgency of treating the pain and inflammation as quickly as possible.
Fortunately, homeopathy has the answer – even during the dead of night. All you need is a little knowledge of the basic remedies traditionally used by homeopaths for the problem.
Common earache remedies
Aconite napellus (Acon.)
Useful in the early stages of an ear infection, especially following exposure to cold, dry air. Rapid onset of symptoms. Intense symptoms. Person is restless, thirsty, anxious and sometimes frantic. Ear sensitive to touch. Worse at night, especially between 12-2am.
Remember: Rapid onset; intense symptoms; restlessness; anxiety; thirst; worse after midnight.
Belladonna (Bell.)
Often the right ear. Sudden onset of intense pain that may shoot or throb. Bright red ear or ear canal. Glassy eyes or dilated pupils. High fever. Often with headache. May become delirious in sleep, with nightmares. Hot head with cold hands and feet. Prefers the dark. Better for sitting rather than lying. Pain worse with light, noise, cold air, or being bumped.
Remember: Rapid onset; intense symptoms; redness; often right-sided.
Calcarea carbonica (Calc.)
Earache or glue ear that follows colds. Child is usually obstinate, pale and pudgy with a large head that sweats easily, especially during sleep. Anxious on thinking about unpleasant things. Often craves eggs and sweets or is sensitive to milk.
Remember: Obstinate; timid; pudgy; sweaty head or neck (in sleep).
Chamomilla (Cham.)
Unbearable pain. Anger and impatience with the pain. Demand many things but push them away when offered. Can’t be pleased – nothing will satisfy. Cannot be comforted except by being carried or rocked briskly. One cheek red, the other cheek pale. Earache may occur with teething. Worse at night and for warmth.
Remember: Cannot be pleased; anger and impatience; better when carried briskly.
Hepar sulphuris (Hep.)
For chronic ear infections rather than in first stage. Ear is extremely sensitive to touch of any type and cold air. May cover head or lie on affected side to keep ear warm. Pain often sharp like a splinter. Irritability or tantrums. Thick discharge from nose or ear smells like old cheese. Pain worse at night. Remedy may be needed to finish a cure started by Mercurius solubilis.
Remember: Older infection; irritable; sensitive to cold and touch; ‘old cheese’ odour.
Kali bichromicum (Kali-bi.)
Sharp, stitching or stinging pains. Intense itching or tickling inside ear. Thick, yellow and foul smelling discharge, often stringy. Irritable. Sweaty. Feels cold.
Remember: Itching; stringy or offensive discharges; sweaty; irritable; chilly.
Mercurius solubilis (Merc.)
For chronic ear infections rather than the first stage. Often right sided. May be discharge of pus that will be thick, burning, and have an offensive odor. Pus usually green though sometimes yellow. Thirsty. Bad breath. Salivation. Perspiration. Tongue flabby with imprint of teeth on edges. Glands or tonsils may be swollen. Sensitive to extremes of temperature. Pain worse at night.
Remember: Older infection; bad breath; flabby tongue; salivation; offensive discharges (if present).
Pulsatilla (Puls.)
Clingy. Seeks sympathy, company, and reassurance. Ear pain worse at night and in a warm room, better in open air. Worse for warm applications. Little or no thirst. Changeable moods. Thick, yellowish-green, bland discharge from nose if a cold is present or from the ear in advanced stages.
Remember: Clinging, desires sympathy and comfort, thirstless, worse for warmth.
Silicea (Sil.)
Difficulty in hearing that often improves with blowing the nose, yawning, or swallowing. Discharge of blood and pus. Smelly discharge. Dried crusts within the ear canal. Itching. Children bore their finger into the ear. Head sweats during early sleep.
Remember: Itching; difficulty in hearing; sweaty head in sleep.
A note of caution on antibiotics
The pain from ear infection and inflammation often starts in the middle of the night, limiting conventional treatment options – and should you eventually obtain some antibiotics, you might be in for a disappointment. Recent research indicates they are no more effective than simply waiting for the infection to pass.[1]
Research: A safer and more effective alternative
Four studies showed that homeopathic remedies relieved earaches and infections, and worked faster than antibiotics. Symptoms improved rapidly, often within hours of the remedy being given and without the introduction of new problems. One of the trials also showed that children whose earaches were treated with homeopathy were less likely to have their infection return.[2] [3] [4][5]
So what can you do in the middle of the night?
With a simple range of homeopathic remedies – all found in basic homeopathic home-use kits – a lot of pain and discomfort could be avoided. Parents and carers could learn to safely treat many simple acute problems such as ear infections, even in the middle of the night – and families would get a lot more sleep.
Some of the common remedies for earaches and ear infections are listed above. A link to instructions on how often to give a homeopathic remedy has been placed at the end of the list.
If you are unsure …
If none of these remedies seem to suit you or your child’s symptoms, please see a qualified homeopath for a better-matching remedy, and if there is any indication that the problem is more than just a simple ear infection, please see a healthcare practitioner for further advice.
Other resources
1.Learn how often to use homeopathy with acute problems such as an uncomplicated ear infection by reading How Often Should I take a Dose of My Remedy.
2.Read accounts of children treated at the Homeopathy Plus clinic for their ear (and other) problems.
References
1. McCormick, D.P, Chonmaitree, T, Pittman, C, Saeed, K, Friedman, N.R, Uchida, T, Baldwin, C.D. Nonsevere acute otitis media: a clinical trial comparing outcomes of watchful waiting versus immediate antibiotic treatment. Pediatrics June 2005; 115(6):1455.
2. Frei, H, and Thurneysen, A. Homeopathy in Acute Otitis Media in Children: Treatment Effect or Spontaneous Resolution? British Homeopathic Journal, October, 2001,90:180-182.
3. Friese, KH, Kruse, S, Moeller, H. Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Comparison of Conventional and Homeopathic Treatment,‖ Biomedical Therapy, 1997,15,4:113-122 (reprinted from Hals-Nasen-Ohren (HNO), August, 1996:462-66.
4. Jacobs, J, Springer, DA, Crothers, D. Homeopathic Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Preliminary Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial, Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 20,2 (February 2001):177-183.
5. Randomized controlled pilot study to compare Homeopathy and Conventional therapy in Acute Otitis Media