Dr Dushyant Kamal Dhari

2025-12-23T22:25:00.000-08:00

Therapeutic Management of Ocular Manifestations in Rheumatic Disease: A Homeopathic Repertorial Perspective

Introduction

The clinical intersection of rheumatology and ophthalmology presents a complex landscape where systemic autoimmune processes frequently manifest within ocular tissues. According to the sources, the eye is commonly involved in various forms among rheumatology patients, with lead symptoms including pain, “red eyes,” impaired vision, and exophthalmus. While the rheumatoid process involves the eye in approximately 1% of patients, the clinical implications are significant, often involving the episcleritis—which is typically mild and transient—and scleritis, which involves the deeper layers of the eye.

Approximately 50% of scleritis cases are attributable to systemic autoimmune or rheumatic disease, representing a severe clinical course that can result in the thinning and perforation of the globe. Furthermore, 15–20% of individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) may develop Sjögren’s syndrome, characterized by attendant keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Homeopathic medicine offers a nuanced, individualized approach to these conditions, drawing on vast repertorial data to match specific ocular pathologies with their corresponding remedial profiles.

Clinical Landscapes: Episcleritis and Scleritis

The sources indicate that episcleritis is overwhelmingly a disease of adults, with childhood involvement being distinctly uncommon. While the exact incidence is low—one study cited in the sources noted only eight cases of scleral inflammation out of 9,600 new referrals—the association with rheumatic disease often shows a female preponderance.

For general rheumatic conditions of the eye, the sources identify a broad spectrum of medicines, with ACON, ARS, BRY, MERC, NUX-V, PULS, RHUS-T, SPIG, and SULPH serving as primary therapeutic agents. The selection of these remedies is often refined by the specific layer of the eye affected. For instance, rheumatic scleritis frequently indicates medicines such as Chinin-m, Euphr, Kalm, and Spig.

Rheumatic Iritis and Internal Ocular Pathology

Inflammation of the iris, or rheumatic iritis, represents a significant portion of the ophthalmic rheumatic burden. The sources list RHUS-T, Spig, Sulph, Bry, Bell, and Merc as high-priority medicines for this condition. Differentiating between these requires attention to the stage of the disease and laterality:

Early Stages: Belladonna is specifically indicated for the beginning phases of iritis.
Plastic Iritis: Sal-ac is indicated when the inflammation takes on a plastic character.
Laterality: Cocc and Spig are utilized for left-sided iritis, whereas Cimic and Syph are preferred for right-sided involvement.

Beyond iritis, the sources provide specific rubrics for secondary rheumatic pathologies. Rheumatic glaucoma is primarily associated with Cocc and Rhod, while Spig is the leading remedy for rheumatic cataracts, particularly when localized to the left eye. For ptosis of rheumatic origin, Rhus-t is identified as the singular prominent remedy.

Repertorial Analysis of Pain and Sensation

In homeopathy, the character of pain is a vital diagnostic marker. The sources detail several "newly coined rubrics" and traditional entries that categorize rheumatic eye pain:

Stitching Pain: Often requires Apis, Bry, Merc, or Rhus-t.
Tearing Pain: Frequently indicates Puls, Rhus-t, or Spig, as well as Arn and Coloc.
Neuralgic, Radiating, and Stabbing Pain: These sharp, intense sensations are the hallmark of Spigelia (Spig).
Aching: Primarily associated with Bry and Euphr.
Biting and Burning: Specifically linked to Apis.

The Synthesis Repertory provides a foundational rubric for "PAIN – rheumatic," including medicines such as ACON, Apis, Ars, Bell, Bry, Dulc, Led, Merc, Phyt, Puls, Rhus-t, Spig, and Sulph.

Modalities: The Key to Differential Diagnosis

The sources emphasize that the movement of symptoms and their reaction to environmental factors are essential for remedy differentiation.

Laterality and Progression A unique clinical marker identified in the Repertorium Universalis is the progression of symptoms from right to left, which specifically points to Nat-c, Sep, and Spig.

Aggravations (Worsening Factors)

Motion: Bryonia is famously worsened by the motion of the eye, a trait shared with Grind and Kalm.
Night: Many rheumatic remedies show nocturnal aggravation, including Apis, Arn, Bry, Cimic, Coloc, Euphr, Led, Rhus-t, Sal-ac, Spig, and Syph.
Thermal/Weather: Rhus-t is indicated for complaints worsened by cold and becoming wet, while Mercury is worsened by the warmth of the bed.
Mental Modalities: A striking feature of Spigelia is the aggravation of symptoms simply by thinking of the complaints.

Ameliorations (Improvement Factors)

Temperature: Rhus-t and Sal-ac are significantly improved by hot applications, whereas Spigelia finds relief through cold.
Physical Factors: Bryonia is improved by pressure, while Belladonna requires a dark room for relief.

Associated Systemic and Clinical Signs

A holistic homeopathic prescription for rheumatic eye conditions often depends on "concomitant" symptoms—those occurring alongside the ocular pathology. According to the sources:

Joint Alternation: Bryonia is indicated when ocular inflammation alternates with pain in the joints.
Urinary and Back Symptoms: Terebinthina (Ter) is indicated for rheumatic eye conditions accompanied by dark urine or pain in the back.
Ocular Discharge: Euphrasia and Coloc are noted for acrid lachrymation, with Euphrasia also being a primary remedy for iris adhesions.
Vision Disturbances: Pulsatilla is specifically indicated for dim vision during rheumatic episodes, while Lith-c is noted for right-sided hemiopia.

Conclusion

The management of the "Rheumatic Eye" requires a sophisticated understanding of both the deep pathological changes in the sclera and iris and the idiosyncratic symptomatic expressions of the patient. The sources demonstrate that while a core group of remedies like Rhus-t, Spig, and Bry cover the majority of rheumatic ocular presentations, the final selection must be predicated on the finer details of laterality, thermal modalities, and systemic concomitants. By utilizing comprehensive repertorial data from Synthesis and the Complete Repertory, clinicians can navigate the 1% of RA patients with ocular involvement toward effective, individualized relief.

Steroids – Do Homoeopaths use them ?

2023-12-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Steroids is a shortened term used for corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are man made drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone produced by adrenal glands in our body. When inflammation occurs due to foreign substances in our body, chemicals from the body are released to protect us from foreign bodies. Sometimes, however, the wbc`s and the inflammatory chemicals cause damage to the body`s tissues. How they work Steroids work by decreasing inflammation & reducing the activity of immune system. Inflammation is a process in which the body`s white blood cells and chemicals protect us from infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. In certain diseases, however, the body`s defense system does not work properly. This may cause inflammation to work against the body`s tissues and cause damage. Inflammation is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling & pain. Steroids reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in order to minimize tissue damage. Steroids also reduce the activity of immune system by affecting the function of wbc`s. When inflammation threatens to damage critical body organs, steroids can be organ saving and in many cases life saving. If prolonged and high doses of steroids are used; side effects may occur. Common side effects of steroids include :- Increased appetite, weight gain. Sudden mood swings. Muscle weakness. Blurred vision. Increased growth of body hair. Low resistance to infection. Swollen puffy face Acne. Osteoporosis (Brittle bones). Water retention, swelling. For their proper use, their dose, repetititon and withdrawal should be done properly. “ Doctor, I have heard that homoeopaths use steroids. Do you also use them? This question is often posed by some patients during the course of a consultation with a Homoeopathic physician. The answer to this question is a definite “NO”. Homoeopathic physicians of integrity and commitment to their profession do not use steroids. Further more the following points also add up to clear the doubts: If one has been on long term steroids, one would show some side effects like “MOON FACE”, Excessive Body hair, Osteoporosis, Diabetes etc. Steroids are not all “CURE ALL” for all the ills of the world. If that had been the case then all diseases would have vanished. There are around 4000 medicines in the homoeopathic armamentarium, each having its own sphere of action, symptomalogy & individuality. So where is the need for steroids? Using steroids causes SUPPRESSION of disease i.e. the act of driving a disease deeper inwards so that it attacks more important organs than previously affected and in a more serious form. No conscientious physician would like to do that. HOW STEROIDS ARE TESTED IN MEDICINES? The routine method for testing steroids is the “Calorimetric Method” using Tetrazolium Blue salts. In this test, the reaction depends upon the reduction of Tetrazolium Blue salts to a highly coloured compound known as “Farmazan”. Under controlled conditions the amount of “Farmazan” developed is proportional to the quality of steroids or any other Reducing sugars present in the material being tested. The dispensing materials used in homoeopathic medicines are: Lactose (Milk sugar), Pills made of cane sugar. Both of these materials are reducing sugars, so they give a false test for steroids even when they are UN-medicated! Another dispensing material used is Alcohol. If the alcohol used is not completely free from Aldehyde, it will interfere with the reaction and will impart some characteristic colour in the reaction that may again give a false positive impression of steroid. So this method is not at all advisable to determine the presence of steroids in a homoeopathic medicines. Other methods used t UV method: This is another method for the testing of steroids. All steroids shoe UV absorption between 235 to 240 NM in dehydrated alcohol or methanol in a clear solution. This is a reliable method for testing steroids in homoeopathic medicines. Conclusion: So, before accepting a claim that the tested medicine does contain a steroid, one must find out what testing procedures were used to eliminate the possibility of a false positive result. If tests conclusively prove that the medicine given is indeed a steroid under the guise of a homoeopathic remedy then one must seek an explanation or complain to homoeopathic council or consumer forum so that a disciplinary action can be taken against the erring doctor. Unsubstantiated allegations against any doctor or system of medicine are most unfair and damaging to the professional integrity and indeed to the profession. The curative properties of homoeopathic medicines prescribed strictly on the principles of homoeopathy extend much farther than contemporary system of medicine. This might be the reason that our contemporaries have the misconception that homoeopaths use steroids. Dr Dushyant Kamal Dhari M.D. (Hom)

IMPORTANCE OF MINERAL ZINC

2012-09-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

Written by Debby Bruck, CHom

INTRODUCTION
The elemental mineral Zinc plays an important role in well being. Studies shows that zinc effects our sense of smell, the skin, the nervous system and mental faculties. Medical research shows zinc as a key element in the treatment of a range of diseases, for example type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

The importance of zinc for normal growth and the survival of plants and animals was recognized a long time ago. Yet the existence of its deficiency in humans was doubted because of the element’s ubiquitous distribution in the environment and the lack of obvious clinical signs of deficiency. Nevertheless, evidence of human deficiency began to emerge during the 1960′s, when cases of zinc-responsive dwarfism and delayed sexual maturation were first reported in Egyptian adolescents [1]. Since then, a number of intervention trials have been carried out to assess the impact of zinc supplementation, particularly in low-income populations who are likely to suffer from zinc deficiency [2]. Results of these studies have shown that zinc supplementation increases growth among stunted children and reduces the prevalence of common childhood infections.

BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF ZINC

As previously stated, zinc is the most pervasive of all trace elements involved in human metabolism. More than one hundred specific enzymes require zinc for their catalytic function [3]. If zinc is removed from the catalytic site, activity is lost; replacement of zinc restores activity. Zinc participates in all major biochemical pathways and plays multiple roles in the perpetuation of genetic material, including transcription of DNA, translation of RNA, and ultimately cell division. When the supply of dietary zinc is insufficient to support these functions, biochemical abnormalities and clinical signs may develop. Studies in individuals with acrodermatitis enteropathica, a genetic disorder with zinc malabsorption resulting in severe deficiency, have provided much insight into the functional outcomes of zinc deficiency [4]. These include impairments of dermal, gastrointestinal, neurologic and immunologic systems.

ZINC AS AN IMMUNITY BOOSTER

Zinc affects both non-specific and specific immune functions. In terms of non-specific immunity, it affects the integrity of epithelial barrier and function of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. With regard to specific immunity, both lymphopenia and declined lymphocyte function occur in zinc deficiency. Although most of these effects are derived from experimental animals, studies in human subjects have also shown that altered zinc status can affect immune competence. For example, elderly subjects who received supplemental zinc demonstrated improvement in delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity, number of circulating T cells and serum IgG antibody response to tetanus toxoid. In other studies of experimentally induced mild zinc deficiency among adults, a reduction in serum thymulin and specific subpopulations of lymphocytes occurred during zinc depletion, and these returned to normal levels following zinc repletion. Although specific links between altered immunity and different infections are not well understood, changes in immune functions are clinically important because decreased rates of infections have been observed following zinc supplementation in community based studies.

ZINC METABOLISM

Zinc is released from food as free ions during digestion. These liberated ions may then bind to endogenously secreted ligands before their transport into the enterocytes in the duodenum and jejunum [3]. Specific transport proteins may facilitate the passage of zinc across the cell membrane into the portal circulation. With high intakes, zinc is also absorbed through a passive paracellular route.

The portal system carries absorbed zinc directly to the liver, and then released into systemic circulation for delivery to other tissues. About 70% of zinc in circulation is bound to albumin, and any condition that alters serum albumin concentration can have a secondary effect on serum zinc levels. Although serum zinc represents only 0.1% of the whole body zinc, the circulating zinc turns over rapidly to meet tissue needs.

Loss of zinc through gastrointestinal tract accounts for approximately half of all zinc eliminated from the body. Considerable amounts of zinc is secreted through the biliary and intestinal secretions, but most of it is reabsorbed and this process is an important point of regulation of zinc balance. Other routes of zinc excretion include the urine and surface losses (desquamated skin, hair, sweat).

ZINC DEFICIENCY

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:
• Frequent infections
• Hypogonadism in males
• Loss of hair
• Poor appetite
• Problems with the sense of taste
• Problems with the sense of smell
• Skin sores
• Slow growth
• Trouble seeing in the dark
• Wounds that take a long time to heal

Zinc supplements in large amounts may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, usually within 3 – 10 hours of swallowing the supplements. It is a good thing that symptoms go away within a short period of time after the stopping the supplements.

People who use nasal sprays and gels that contain supplemental zinc may have side effects such as losing their sense of smell. Homeopathic zinc would not incur these effects, unless used unnecessarily and unhomeopathically on a continual and unwarranted basis. Symptoms go away after stopping the use of homeopathic zinc.

What a substance can cause in a healthy individual can be cured in a sick person with the same symptoms. Thus, we can see the above side-effects match the homeopathic zinc. For example Bonninghausen lists inward pressure in the eyes, with fiery flakes on looking upward. Painful soreness on canthi with paralysis of upper lid. Could this be a more complete description of eye symptoms?

ZINC RESEARCH

In a new study, Prof Mike Watkinson, Dr Stephen Goldup and Dr Caroline Brennan, from Queen Mary’s School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, have focused their efforts on the development of a sensor for zinc to be used in studies on zebrafish [5].

Clinical manifestations of frank zinc deficiency may vary at different ages. In early infancy, diarrhea is a prominent symptom. Zinc deficiency leads to impaired cognitive function, behavioral problems, impaired memory, learning disability and neuronal atrophy [2]. Skin problems become more frequent as the child grows older. Alopecia, growth retardation and recurrent infections are common in school-age children. Chronic non-healing skin ulcers and recurrent infections are common among the elderly. These effects are derived from controlled clinical trials showing positive response to supplemental zinc.

RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE

The government provides a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins and supplements. Many factors help decide how much will be needed, however these variables must be tailored individually to the needs of the person.

Infants
0 – 6 months: 2* milligrams per day (mg/day)
7 – 12 months: 3* mg/day
*Adequate Intake (AI) Children
1 – 3 years: 3 mg/day
4 – 8 years: 5 mg/day
9 – 13 years: 8 mg/day

Adolescents and Adults
Males age 14 and over: 11 mg/day
Females age 14 to 18 years: 9 mg/day
Females age 19 and over: 8 mg/day

SOURCES OF ZINC

1. High-protein foods contain high amounts of zinc. Other good sources of zinc are nuts, whole grains, legumes, and yeast.
2. Zinc occurs in a wide variety of foods, but is found in highest concentrations in animal sources, particularly beef, pork, poultry and fish, and in lesser amounts in eggs and dairy products. Zinc content is relatively high in nuts, legumes and whole grain cereals and is lower in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are not good sources. Low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc.
3. Zinc is in most multivitamin and mineral supplements. These supplements may contain zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, or zinc acetate. It is not clear whether one form is better than the others.
4. Zinc is also found in some over-the-counter medicines, such as cold lozenges, nasal sprays, and nasal gels.
5. The industry includes traces of zinc in processed foods.

ZINCUM METTALICUM (Homeopathic Zinc)

Boenninghausen provides the mental picture of one in need of homeopathic zinc. Moroseness especially in evening. Very sensitive to noise. Easily frightened, and long continued trembling after every emotion. Inclination to vehemence which greatly affects him. Extraordinarily changeable mood, in the morning buoyant, and in evening sad.

And generalities include tearing rheumatic pains. Worse from physical exertion or when becoming heated. Violent throbbing throughout the body, and jerks at night. Painful soreness both within and externally on the body. Spasms from fright. The location of pain appears between the skin and underlying tissue. Like Nux-v and Chamomilla, worse for wine, which intensifies symptoms, especially the keynote of restlessness at night.

Dr Allen says of zinc, when people suffer from cerebral and nervous exhaustion with defective vitality, inability of brain function, like loss of comprehension and memorization difficulty, zinc covers these symptoms.

The immune system may be too weak to develop a skin rash that typically accompanies a disease or fever. The body may not have the strength to carry on menstrual function, to expectorate, or even to urinate.

Every homeopath recognizes the constant, violent fidgety of feet or lower extremities, which wears out the nervous system. The restless leg syndrome in bed often seizes with zinc. Like agaricus and ignatia, tics, twitching and jerking of single muscles may be seen.

Like the snake remedies, zinc patients feel better in every way as soon as the menses begin to flow, relieving the patient.

Historically, zinc has been used in the cerebral affections in impending paralysis of brain; where the vis medicatrix naturae is too weak to develop exanthemata (Cup., Sulph., Tub.); symptoms of effusion into ventricles.

Childhood Observations
Child repeats everything said to it. Child cries out during sleep; whole body jerks during sleep; wakes frightened, starts, rolls the head from side to side; face alternately pale and red. Convulsions: during dentition, with pale face, no heat, except perhaps in occiput, no increase in temperature (rev. of Bell.); rolling the eyes; gnashing the teeth. Automatic motion of hands and head, or one hand and head (Apoc., Bry., Hell.).

Neurological Disorders
Chorea from suppressed eruption or from fright, repeating Boenninghausen. The individual has a ravenous appetite around 11 or 12 a. m. (Sulph.) and what Allen calls, “greediness” when eating. In fact, it seems the person cannot eat fast enough, especially with these neurological disorders.

Skin and Perspiration
With the above symptoms and sweaty smelly feet and toes, after suppressing the perspiration, great nervousness. Cannot tolerate any coverings during perspiration. The necessity for zinc, covers a wide spectrum of skin disorders due to poor circulation, poor nutrition, anemia, and hormonal changes and when taking certain drugs [beta-blockers] the reduced circulation results in chillbains. These small, itchy, painful swellings, worse from rubbing, generally appear on the skin after several hours of exposure to cold temperatures.

Sexual Organs

Sexual Organs effected with pain. Scrotum and testes painful and sore. Great incitation to coition with seminal discharge. Nymphomania in lying in women, with great sensitiveness of sexual organs. Grasping at the genitals.

Nervous System
Spinal affections; burning whole length of spine; backache much < from sitting > by walking about (Cobalt., Puls., Rhus). Spinal irritation; great prostration of strength. Cannot bear back touched (Chin. s., Taren., Ther.).

Strange, rare and peculiar symptom: The ability to urinate only while sitting bent backwards.

Relations – Compare: Hell., Tuber., in incipient brain diseases from suppressed eruptions.
Aggravation – Of many symptoms from drinking wine, even a small quantity (Alum., Con.).
Amelioration – Symptoms: of chest, by expectoration; of bladder, by urinating; of back, by emissions (< by Cobalt.); general, by menstrual flow. Is followed well by, Ign., but not by Nux, which disagrees.
Inimical – Cham., and Nux; should not be used before or after.

REFERENCES
1. Escott-Stump S, ed. Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.
2. Sarubin Fragaakis A, Thomson C. The Health Professional’s Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements. 3rd ed. Chicago, Il: American Dietetic Association;2007.
3. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2000.
4. Singh M, Das RR. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Feb 16;2:CD001364.
5. A sensor to detect role of zinc in diseases like type 2 diabetes

Chemical Composition of Turmeric

2012-09-14T04:34:00.004-07:00

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF TURMERIC
Curcumin was first isolated in 1815, obtained in crystalline form in 1870 (Vogel and Pelletier,
1818; Daube, 1870), and identified as 1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-(1E,6E) or diferuloylmethane (Figure 10.3). The feruloylmethane skeleton of curcumin was
subsequently confirmed in 1910 by the initial work and synthesis by Lampe (Lampe, 1910; Lampe
and Milobedzka, 1913). Curcumin is a yellow-orange powder that is insoluble in water and ether
but soluble in ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide, and acetone. Curcumin has a melting point of 183C,
molecular formula of C21H20O6, and molecular weight of 368.37 g/mol.
Curcumin (also known as curcumin I) occurs naturally in the rhizome of Curcuma longa, which
is grown commercially and sold as turmeric, a yellow-orange dye. Turmeric contains curcumin
along with other chemical constituents known as the “curcuminoids” (Srinivasan, 1952).
The major medicinal properties of curcumin are -

Chemopreventive
Skin, liver, colon, stomach
Diabetes
Cardiovascular
diseases
Cholestrol, platelet aggregation
Arthritis
Antiinflammatory
Chemotheraputic
Antiangiogenic Antioxidant
Multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer disease
Lung fibrosis
Nephrotoxicity
Cardiotoxicity
Wound healing
HIV replication
Cataract formation
Gall-stones formation
Inhibits vascular
smooth muscle cell
proliferation
Curcumin
Inflammatory
bowel disease
Immunosuppressive
Septic shock
Liver injury
Inhibits Scarring
Multidrug resistance

Hom. management of Anxiety Disorders

2012-07-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.scribd.com/doc/98518561/Homoeopathic-Management-of-Anxiety-Disorders-With-the-Help-o

Paediatric homoeopathy in general practice: where, when and why?

2012-07-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2005 Jun;59(6):743-9.

Ekins-Daukes S, Helms PJ, Taylor MW, Simpson CR, McLay JS.

Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Buildings, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD.
AIMS: To investigate the extent of homoeopathic prescribing in primary care for childhood diseases and assess GP attitudes towards the use of homoeopathy in children.
METHODS: Homoeopathic prescribing in primary care was assessed in 167 865 children aged 0-16 years for the year 1999-2000. Computerized prescribing data were retrieved from 161 representative general practices in Scotland. Medical attitudes towards homoeopathic prescribing to children were also assessed via a questionnaire survey.
RESULTS: During the year 1999-2000 22% (36) of general practices prescribed homoeopathic medicines to 190 (1.1/1000 registered) children. The majority of such prescriptions were issued to children under 1 year of age (8.0/1000 registered children). The most frequently prescribed medicines were for common self-limiting infantile conditions such as colic, cuts and bruises, and teething. A total of 259 completed questionnaires were returned by GPs, giving a response rate of 75%. GPs who frequently prescribed homoeopathic medicines to children (more than 1 per month) were more likely to claim an interest in homoeopathy, have had a formal training and keep up to date in the discipline, and refer on to a homoeopath (P < 0.001 for all variables) than those GPs who prescribed less than once a month or never. The majority of GPs who prescribed homoeopathic medicines did so when conventional treatments had apparently failed (76%), while 94% also perceived homoeopathy to be safe. Frequent prescribers reported a more positive attitude towards homoeopathic medicines than those who prescribed less frequently. Non-prescribers reported a lack of proven efficacy and lack of training as the main reasons for not prescribing homoeopathic medicines (55% and 79%, respectively). However non-prescribers from within homoeopathic prescribing practices reported a more favourable attitude in general towards homoeopathy and less resistance towards prescribing in the future than non-prescribers from practices where none of the partners practiced homoeopathy.
CONCLUSIONS: In primary care paediatric prescribing of homoeopathic medicines most commonly occurs for self-limiting conditions in infants less than 1 year of age. Although the current level of homoeopathic prescribing is low, the widespread use in the community suggests that at least some knowledge of the main indications for homoeopathy and the preparations used would be of benefit to registered medical practitioners.

PMID: 15948942 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anxiety Screening Quiz

2012-07-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Use this quiz to help you determine
if you might need to see a mental health professional for diagnosis
and treatment of an anxiety or panic disorder.

Instructions: This is a screening measure to help you determine whether you might have an anxiety disorder that needs professional attention. This screening measure is not designed to make a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder or take the place of a professional diagnosis or consultation. Please take the time to fill out the below form as accurately, honestly and completely as possible.

Think back about how you've felt over the past month. Please choose how often you've experienced each of the following anxiety symptoms during that time:
Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Pounding heart

Sweating

Trembling or shaking

Shortness of breath

Afraid or scared

Chest pain or discomfort

Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Nausea or abdominal distress

Feeling dizzy or unsteady

Fear of losing control or going crazy

Numbness or tingling sensations

chills or hot flashes

Fear of dying

Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Constant or persistent worry

Feeling of choking

Unable to relax

Feeling of being unreal

Nervous

Feeling shaky or wobbly

Usually Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Irritable or difficulty sleeping

Trembling hands

Avoid situations because of anxiety

Feeling lightheaded or faint

DSM-IV Complete Code List of Mental Disorders

2011-06-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

In the list below you can see all known mental disorders and the attributed code.
The fifth digit denotes severity and level for “major depressive” and “Manic” episodes where: .01- mild; .02- moderate; .03- severe, but without psychotic features; .04- severe with psychotic features; .05- partially remissioned; .06- fully remissioned; .00- unspecified
Code Mental Disorder
290.0 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Late Onset, Uncomplicated
290.10 Dementia due to Pick’s Disease
290.10 Dementia due to Creutzfeld-Jacob disease
290.10 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Early Onset, Uncomplicated
290.11 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Early Onset, With Delirium
290.12 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Early Onset, With Delusions
290.13 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Early Onset, With Depressed Mood
290.20 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Late Onset, With Delusions
290.21 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Late Onset, With Depressed Mood
290.3 Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, With Late Onset, With Delirium
290.40 Vascular Dementia, Uncomplicated
290.41 Vascular Dementia, With Delirium
290.42 Vascular Dementia, With Delusions
290.43 Vascular Dementia, With Depressed Mood

291.0 Alcohol Intoxication Delirium
291.0 Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
291.1 Alcohol-Induced Persisting Amnestic Disorder
291.2 Alcohol-Induced Persisting Dementia
291.3 Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorder With Hallucinations
291.5 Alcohol-Induced Psychotic Disorder With Delusions
291.8 Alcohol Withdrawal
291.8 Alcohol-Induced Mood Disorder
291.8 Alcohol-Induced Anxiety Disorder
291.8 Alcohol-Induced Sleep Disorder
291.8 Alcohol-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
291.9 Alcohol-Related Disorder NOS

292.0 Substance [Amphetamine, Cocaine, Nicotine, Opioid, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)] Withdrawal
292.11 Substance [Amphetamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Opioid, Phencyclidine, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Psychotic Disorder, With Delusions
292.12 Substance [Amphetamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Opioid, Phencyclidine, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Psychotic Disorder, With Hallucinations
292.81 Substance [Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)] Withdrawal Delirium
292.81 Substance [Amphetamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Opioid, Phencyclidine, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)] Intoxication Delirium
292.82 Substance [Inhalant, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Persisting Dementia
292.83 Substance [Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Persisting Amnestic Disorder
292.84 Substance [Amphetamine, Cocaine, Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Opioid, Phencyclidine, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Mood Disorder
292.89 Substance [Amphetamine, Caffeine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Phencyclidine, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Anxiety Disorder
292.89 Substance [Amphetamine, Caffeine, Cocaine, Opioid, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Sleep Disorder
292.89 Substance [Amphetamine, Cocaine, Opioid, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Induced Sexual Dysfunction
292.89 Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (Flashbacks)
292.89 Substance [Amphetamine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Opioid, Phencyclidine, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)] Intoxication
292.9 Substance [Amphetamine, Caffeine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Hallucinogen, Inhalant, Nicotine, Opioid, Phencyclidine, Sedative*, Other (or Unknown)]-Related Disorder NOS

293.0 Delirium Due to General Medical Condition
293.81 Psychotic Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition], With Delusions
293.82 Psychotic Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition], With Hallucinations
293.83 Mood Disorder Due to General Medical Condition
293.89 Anxiety Disorder Due to General Medical Condition
293.89 Catatonic Disorder Due to General Medical Condition
293.9 Mental Disorder due to General Medical Condition

294.0 Amnestic Disorder Due to General Medical Condition
294.1 Dementia Due to Parkinson’s Disease
294.1 Dementia Due to Head Trauma
294.1 Dementia Due to Huntington’s Disease
294.1 Dementia Due to [Other General Medical Condition]
294.8 Dementia NOS or Amnestic Disorder NOS
294.9 Dementia Due to HIV Disease
294.9 Cognitive Disorder NOS

295.10 Schizophrenia, Disorganized Type
295.20 Schizophrenia, Catatonic Type
295.30 Schizophrenia, Paranoid Type
295.40 Schizophreniform Disorder
295.60 Schizophrenia, Residual Type
295.70 Schizoaffective Disorder
295.90 Schizophrenia Undifferentiated Type
296.0x Bipolar I Disorder Single Manic Episode
296.2x Major Depressive Disorder Single Episode
296.3x Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent
296.40 Bipolar I Disorder Most Recent Episode Hypomanic
296.4x Bipolar I Disorder Most Recent Episode Manic
296.5x Bipolar I Disorder Most Recent Episode Depressed
296.6x Bipolar I Disorder Most Recent Episode Mixed
296.7 Bipolar I Disorder, Most recent episode Unspecified
296.80 Bipolar Disorder NOS
296.89 Bipolar II Disorder
296.90 Mood Disorder NOS

297.1 Delusional Disorder
297.3 Shared Psychotic Disorder

298.8 Brief Psychotic Disorder
298.9 Psychotic Disorder NOS

299.00 Autistic Disorder
299.10 Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
299.80 Rett’s Disorder
299.80 Asperger’s Disorder
299.80 Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS

300.00 Anxiety Disorder NOS
300.01 Panic Disorder Without Agoraphobia
300.02 Generalized Anxiety Disorder
300.11 Conversion Disorder
300.12 Dissociative Amnesia
300.13 Dissociative Fugue
300.14 Dissociative Identity Disorder
300.15 Dissociative Disorder NOS
300.16 Factitious Disorder With Predominantly Psychological Signs and Symptoms
300.19 Factitious Disorder NOS
300.19 Factitious Disorder With Combined Psychological and Physical Signs and Symptoms
300.19 Factitious Disorder With Predominantly Physical Signs and Symptoms
300.21 Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia
300.22 Agoraphobia Without History of Panic Disorder
300.23 Social Phobia
300.29 Specific Phobia
300.3 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
300.4 Dysthymic Disorder
300.6 Depersonalization Disorder
300.7 Body Dysmorphic Disorder
300.7 Hypochondriasis
300.81 Somatization Disorder
300.81 Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder
300.81 Somatoform Disorder NOS
300.9 Unspecified Mental Disorder (nonpsychotic)

301.0 Paranoid Personality Disorder
301.13 Cyclothymic Disorder
301.20 Schizoid Personality Disorder
301.22 Schizotypal Personality Disorder
301.4 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
301.50 Histrionic Personality Disorder
301.6 Dependent Personality Disorder
301.7 Antisocial Personality Disorder
301.81 Narcissistic Personality Disorder
301.82 Avoidant Personality Disorder
301.83 Borderline Personality Disorder
301.9 Personality Disorder NOS

302.2 Pedophilia
302.3 Transvestic Fetishism
302.4 Exhibitionism
302.6 Gender Identity Disorder NOS
302.6 Gender Identity Disorder in Children or Gender Identity Disorder NOS
302.70 Sexual Dysfunction NOS
302.71 Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
302.72 Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
302.72 Male Erectile Disorder
302.73 Female Orgasmic Disorder
302.74 Male Orgasmic Disorder
302.75 Premature Ejaculation
302.76 Dyspareunia (Not Due to a General Medical Condition)
302.79 Sexual Aversion Disorder
302.81 Fetishism
302.82 Voyeurism
302.83 Sexual Masochism
302.84 Sexual Sadism
302.85 Gender Identity Disorder in Adolescents or Adults
302.89 Frotteurism
302.9 Sexual Disorder NOS
302.9 Paraphilia NOS

303.00 Alcohol Intoxication
303.90 Alcohol Dependence

304.00 Opioid Dependence
304.10 Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Dependence
304.20 Cocaine Dependence
304.30 Cannabis Dependence
304.40 Amphetamine Dependence
304.50 Hallucinogen Dependence
304.60 Inhalant Dependence
304.80 Polysubstance Dependence
304.90 Phencyclidine Dependence
304.90 Other (or Unknown) Substance Dependence

305.00 Alcohol Abuse
305.10 Nicotine Dependence
305.20 Cannabis Abuse
305.30 Hallucinogen Abuse
305.40 Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Abuse
305.50 Opioid Abuse
305.60 Cocaine Abuse
305.70 Amphetamine Abuse
305.90 Phencyclidine Abuse
305.90 Inhalant Abuse
305.90 Other (or Unknown) Substance Abuse

306.51 Vaginismus (Not Due to a General Medical Condition)

307.0 Stuttering
307.1 Anorexia Nervosa
307.20 Tic Disorder NOS
307.21 Transient Tic Disorder
307.22 Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
307.23 Tourette’s Disorder
307.3 Stereotypic Movement Disorder
307.42 Primary Insomnia
307.42 Insomnia Related to [General Medical Condition]
307.44 Primary Hypersomnia
307.44 Hypersomnia Related to [General Medical Condition]
307.45 Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder
307.46 Sleep Terror Disorder
307.46 Sleepwalking Disorder
307.47 Dyssomnia NOS
307.47 Nightmare Disorder
307.47 Parasomnia NOS
307.50 Eating Disorder NOS
307.51 Bulimia Nervosa
307.52 Pica
307.53 Rumination Disorder
307.59 Feeding Disorder of Infancy or Early Childhood
307.6 Enuresis (Not Due to a General Medical Condition)
307.7 Encopresis Without Constipation and Overflow Incontinence
307.80 Pain Disorder Associated With Psychological Factors
307.89 Pain Disorder Associated With Both Psychological Factors and a General Medical Condition
307.9 Communication Disorder NOS

308.3 Acute Stress Disorder

309.0 Adjustment Disorder With Depressed Mood
309.21 Separation Anxiety Disorder
309.24 Adjustment Disorder With Anxiety
309.28 Adjustment Disorder With Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood
309.3 Adjustment Disorder With Disturbance of Conduct
309.4 Adjustment Disorder With Mixed Disturbance of Emotions and Conduct
309.81 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
309.9 Adjustment Disorder Unspecified

310.1 Personality Disorder Due to General Medical Condition

311 Depressive Disorder NOS

312.30 Impulse-Control Disorder NOS
312.31 Pathological Gambling
312.32 Kleptomania
312.33 Pyromania
312.34 Intermittent Explosive Disorder
312.39 Trichotillomania
312.81 Conduct Disorder

313.81 Oppositional Defiant Disorder
312.9 Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS
313.23 Selective Mutism
313.81 Oppositional Defiant Disorder
313.82 Identity Problem
313.89 Reactive Attachment Disorder of Infancy or Early Childhood
313.9 Disorder of Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence NOS

314.00 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Inattentive Type
314.01 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Combined Type
314.01 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly hyperactive-Impulsive Type
314.9 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder NOS

315.00 Reading Disorder
315.1 Mathematics Disorder
315.2 Disorder of Written Expression
315.31 Expressive Language Disorder
315.31 Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder
315.39 Phonological Disorder
315.4 Developmental Coordination Disorder
315.9 Learning Disorder NOS

316 Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition

317 Mild mental retardation

318.0 Moderate Mental Retardation
318.1 Severe Mental Retardation
318.2 Profound Mental Retardation

319 Mental Retardation, Severity Unspecified

332.1 Neuroleptic-Induced Parkinsonism
333.1 Medication-Induced Postural Tremor
333.7 Neuroleptic-Induced Acute Dystonia
333.82 Neuroleptic-Induced Tardive Dyskinesia
333.90 Medication-Induced Movement Disorder NOS
333.92 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
333.99 Neuroleptic-Induced Acute Akathisia

347 Narcolepsy

607.84 Male Erectile Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition]
608.89 Male Dyspareunia Due to [General Medical Condition]
608.89 Other Male Sexual Dysfunction Due to [General Medical Condition]
608.89 Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition]

625.0 Female Dyspareunia Due to [General Medical Condition]
625.8 Other Female Sexual Dysfunction Due to [General Medical Condition]
625.8 Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition]

780.09 Delirium NOS
780.52 Sleep Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition], Insomnia Type
780.54 Sleep Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition], Hypersomnia Type
780.59 Sleep Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition], Parasomnia
780.59 Breathing-Related Sleep Disorder
780.59 Sleep Disorder Due to [General Medical Condition], Mixed Type
780.9 Age-Related Cognitive Decline

787.6 Encopresis, With Constipation and Overflow Incontinence

799.9 Diagnosis or Condition Deferred on Axis I or Diagnosis Deferred on Axis II

995.2 Adverse Effects of Medication NOS
995.5 Neglect of Child (if focus of attention is on victim)
995.5 Sexual abuse of child (if focus of attention is on victim)
995.5 Physical abuse of child (if focus of attention is on victim)
995.81 Physical abuse of adult (if focus of attention is on victim)
995.81 Sexual abuse of adult (if focus of attention is on victim)

V15.81 Noncompliance With Treatment
V61.1 Partner Relational Problem
V61.1 Physical or Sexual Abuse of Adult
V61.20 Parent-Child Relational Problem
V61.21 Sexual or Physical Abuse or Neglect of Child
V61.8 Sibling Relational Problem
V61.9 Relational Problem Related to [a Mental Disorder or General Medical Condition]
V62.2 Occupational Problem
V62.3 Academic Problem
V62.4 Acculturation Problem
V62.81 Relational Problem NOS
V62.82 Bereavement
V62.89 Phase of Life Problem
V62.89 Religious or Spiritual Problem
V62.89 Borderline Intellectual Functioning
V65.2 Malingering
V71.01 Adult Antisocial Behavior
V71.02 Child or Adolescent Antisocial Behavior
V71.09 No Diagnosis or Condition on Axis I or Axis II

Adjunctive homeopathic treatment in patients with severe sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in an intensive care unit

2011-06-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

Adjunctive homeopathic treatment in patients with severe sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in an intensive care unit

M. Frass1, , , M. Linkesch2, S. Banyai2, 3, G. Resch1, C. Dielacher2, T. Löbl2, C. Endler1, M. Haidvogl1, I. Muchitsch1 and E. Schuster4
1 Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Homeopathy, Graz, Austria
2 II Department of Internal Medicine, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
3 Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Switzerland
4 Department of Medical Computer Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Received 3 August 2004;
revised 11 January 2005;
accepted 26 January 2005.
Available online 1 April 2011.

Background
Mortality in patients with severe sepsis remains high despite the development of several therapeutic strategies. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate whether homeopathy is able to influence long-term outcome in critically ill patients suffering from severe sepsis.
Methods
Seventy patients with severe sepsis received homeopathic treatment (n=35) or placebo (n=35). Five globules in a potency of 200c were given at 12 h interval during the stay at the intensive care unit. Survival after a 30 and 180 days was recorded.
Results
Three patients (2 homeopathy, 1 placebo) were excluded from the analyses because of incomplete data. All these patients survived. Baseline characteristics including age, sex, BMI, prior conditions, APACHE II score, signs of sepsis, number of organ failures, need for mechanical ventilation, need for vasopressors or veno-venous hemofiltration, and laboratory parameters were not significantly different between groups. On day 30, there was non-statistically significantly trend of survival in favour of homeopathy (verum 81.8%, placebo 67.7%, P=0.19). On day 180, survival was statistically significantly higher with verum homeopathy (75.8% vs 50.0%, P=0.043). No adverse effects were observed.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that homeopathic treatment may be an useful additional therapeutic measure with a long-term benefit for severely septic patients admitted to the intensive care unit. A constraint to wider application of this method is the limited number of trained homeopaths.

Anxiety Screening Quiz

2011-06-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

The effect of the homeopathic remedies Arnica montana and Bellis perennis on mild postpartum bleeding--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

2011-05-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Complement Ther Med. 2005 Jun;13(2):87-90.

Oberbaum M, Galoyan N, Lerner-Geva L, Singer SR, Grisaru S, Shashar D, Samueloff A.
Source

The Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 91031, Israel. oberbaum@szmc.org.il
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of Arnica Montana and Bellis perennis on postpartum blood loss.

DESIGN:
Double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial.

SETTING:
Department of Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem.

INTERVENTIONS:

Forty parturients were randomized to one of three groups: Arnica montana C6 and Bellis perennis C6 (n=14), Arnica montana C30 and Bellis perennis C30 (n=14), or double placebo (n=12). After 48 h the Arnica/placebo was halted, and patients continued the Bellis/placebo until cessation of lochia.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Hemoglobin levels (Hb) at 48 and 72 h postpartum.

RESULTS:

At 72 h postpartum, mean Hb levels remained similar after treatment with homeopathic remedies (12.7 versus 12.4) as compared to a significant decrease in Hb levels in the placebo group (12.7 versus 11.6; p<0.05), in spite of less favorable initial characteristics of the treatment group. The mean difference in Hb levels at 72 h postpartum was -0.29 (95% CI -1.09; 0.52) in the treatment group and -1.18 (95% CI -1.82; -0.54) in the placebo group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with homeopathic Arnica montana and Bellis perennis may reduce postpartum blood loss, as compared with placebo.

Homeopathy, Extreme dilutions and Nanoparticles

2010-12-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy, Extreme dilutions and Nanoparticles
Describing it as a “fascinating observation,” a recent paper by IIT Bombay researchers has been lauded in an editorial “Do serial dilutions really dilute?” of the premier journal “Homeopathy”. The paper provides a key insight into the possible basis of Homeopathy, a scientific explanation of which has so far eluded researchers due to its use of extreme dilution,well beyond that predicted by atomic theory, by which the presence of any active starting active ingredient is ruled out. The paper entitled ‘Extreme Homeopathic Dilutions Retain Starting Materials: A Nanoparticulate Perspective’, is authored by a team from the Chemical Engineering Department of IIT Bombay consisting of Prashant Chikramane (PhD research scholar), Dr. A. K. Suresh (Professor and Dean of Faculty), Dr. S. G. Kane (Adjunct Professor and IITB alum, BTech ChE 1965 H7), and Dr. Jayesh Bellare (Professor and IITB alum, BTech ChE 1982 H3). The work was funded in part by IRCC, IIT Bombay and IITB Alumni (Sridhar Shukla BTech EE 1983 and S. G. Kane). The group built on their expertise of understanding Ayurvedic Bhasmas and the role of nanoparticles there.
The paper reports the fascinating observation that certain high potency (highly diluted)homeopathic remedies made from metals still contain measurable amounts of the starting material, even at extreme dilutions of 1 part in 10 raised to 400 parts (200C). It is well known that a series of 1:99 dilutions done sequentially will produce a significant dilution of the starting material in very short order. Specifically, if the starting material is at one molar concentration (6.023x10e23 molecules per liter), then at about the 12th dilution (12C) there should be no or
very nearly no molecules left of the starting material. At 200th dilution (200C) the likelihood of there being even one atom of the starting material approaches zero. However, dilution does not work so simply, according to this paper. Using electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, and atomic spectroscopy, Chikramane et al. found that, contrary to the arithmetic, there are nanogram quantities of the starting material still present in these ‘high potency’ remedies in the form of nanoparticles.

Chikramane PS, Suresh AK, Bellare JR, Kane SG (2010). Extreme homeopathic dilutions retain starting materials: a nanoparticulate perspective. Homeopathy 2010; 99: 231‐242. Web:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WXX‐518T4YP‐/2/6e6eb3920562d5d97e2a4671f0416546
John A Ives, Wayne B Jonas and Joyce C Frye, Do serial dilutions really dilute? Guest Editorial
Homeopathy 2010; 99: 231‐242. Web: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WXX‐
518T4YP‐2/2/dfec73836f07c62e6863aaaaa5feea08

NRHM JAMMU

2010-09-25T20:46:00.001-07:00

Banerji Protocol - A new approach to homeopathy

2010-09-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

Main presentation 050615

View more presentations from Kartik S.

Role of homoeopathy in ophthalmological conditions

2010-08-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

by Chand DH.

That fine part of our constitution, the eye, seems as much the receptacle and seat of our passions, appetites, and inclinations as the mind itself; at least it is the outward portal to introduce them to the house within, or rather the common thoroughfare to let our affections pass in and out. Love, anger, pride and avarice, all visibly move in those little orbs. Joseph Addison

The eye has been called "the mirror of the mind". This expression has more meaning to it than what the poet or the romantics may have meant. This is particularly so for the Homoeopath who by his philosophy takes an overall view of all diseases. As such, the condition or ailment of some part of the body that is nearer the surface and visibly and palpably deranged, is not taken as a local disease but as a general disease expressing itself at that place at a particular period of time. Therefore, to the Homoeopath "The eye is not an organ requiring "Local" therapeutics. It pertains to one whole: the organism, being irrigated by the same blood, bathed by the same lymph and innervated by the same nervous current.

Local diseases do not exist, but solely localised morbid, affections are to be found." Dr. Pierre Schmidt. This kind of approach was naturally not as much appreciated 200 years ago, when Homoeopathy started, as it is to day. Even so, with the increase in sophisticated technology in medicine and an increasing degree of specialisation, often times such an approach is still not sufficiently emphasized. To take some simple examples, the changes that occur in the eye leading to Ophthalmic complaints can have in the background general diseases such as Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Haematological Disorders, Tubercular manifestations, Syphilis and various others. Even the refractive errors can have in their background hereditary tendencies, general ill health and other factors. I begin with these ideas to make a base for the peculiar approach that homoeopathy adopts in therapeutics of Ophthalmic diseases, in fact, of diseases of any particular organ of the body.

To put across the subject more clearly, it is also necessary to very briefly enunciate and explain the cardinal features of homoeopathy.

(1) Similia principle : This finds its crude analogy in the desensitisation procedures used for allergies.

(2) Single remedy : The prescription of several medicines together or complex mixtures is not followed.

(3) Small dose 'sub-physiological dose' Medication is with minute quantities of the drug substance, prepared by a "dynamisation" or "potentisation".

(4) Individualisation : selection of the remedy is based not on the disease diagnosis alone, but on the total symptom picture of the patient elicited on a psychosomatic approach.

The range of eye conditions that are treated by Homoeopathy is so wide that I would be impossible to condense it in one paper and in the time available. Bearing it mind the practice of individualisation, i would also not be possible to pinpoint specific, single remedies for different pathological conditions I will try to highlight those conditions where either a specific remedy has been repeatedly found useful, or those when allopathic therapeutics does not have much to offer and you may profitably try these medicines in your work. Even though the scope offered by Homoeopathy is wide, being a drug based therapeutic system it excludes the very large number of surgical conditions. I may add here, that some of the so called surgical conditions are amendable to medical treatment by the Homoeopaths, and they may add some pre-operative and post operative medication from their field to augment the success of the operation when this is necessary.

Some of the conditions treated successfully by Homoeopathy are

Blocked Lacrymal Duct & Dacrocystitis The remedy most used for this is Silica. Obviously, success is possible only if it is either inflammation or a partial stricture. A congenital absence or an absolute organic closure would of course, need surgery.

Styes : Treating an odd stye is not noteworthy; it can even heal naturally. However, the tendency to recurrent styes is treated with much benefit. The most important remedies are Sulphur and Silica.

Meibomian cyst

This has again responded remarkably to Homoepathic treatment. I could cite innumerable cases from my practice, and some of these cures have been witnessed by Eye Specialists who were being consulted at the same time. The most popular remedies are Staphsagria (Dephinium Staphisagria) and Thuja occidentalis

Thuja is particularly chosen where the patient has been 'over-vaccinated', which is or at least has been, quite common in our country.

Staphisagria is mostly for persons with a wild temper or a condition of suppressed anger. An example of suppressed anger is where a junior cannot answer back to his boss or a conventional daughter-in-law is in a similar predicament in her relationship with her parents-in-law. This also highlights the importance of a total individual approach (psychosomatic) as mentioned earlier.

Haemorrhages
For haemorrhages of varied aetiology, whether traumatic or pathological, the general remedy to help absorption of the extravasated blood is Arnica montana. This is almost specific, and especially when haemorrhage is the result of injury, it could certainly be the first choice. This would cover paraorbital bleeding (black eye) after trauma; sub conjunctival haemorrhages and also haemorrhages inside the eye. It is also one of the remedies for ecchymosis from coughing.

For retinal haemorrhage, after such first aid with Arnica there is likely to be a need for one of the other remedies’ to control further bleeding and prevent recurrences. Choice of this follow-up remedy would vary with the general constitution of the patient. Haemorrhage may of course be a sign of leukamia and other haematologlcal diseases in which case they have to be treated according to the cause. The most popular medicines, and with which I have had very definite success, are either snake venoms-specially of Lachesis a huge and extremely poisonous snake from the Amazon region in Brazil) and of the Rattle Snake Crotalus horridus and Phosphorus. 1 may mention here in passing that Homoeopaths have used snake venoms for more than 150 years. In fact the first experiment with a snake venom; was made by a Homoeopath with Lachesis as long ago as 1828. Subsequent work on snake venoms, with which we are familiar, brings out their haemorrhagic tendencies. Therefore even simply applying the Similia principle to these substances should bring out their utility.

Traumatic conditions of the Eye Homoeo¬pathy has a lot to offer here. The usefulness of Arnica in traumatic conditions has already been emphasized. Following are the other remedies particularly useful in this field.

Symphytum Officinale : This is most useful for pain in the eye after a blow from an obtuse body e.g. shuttle cock, tennis Ball, the elbow or hand of a baby that is being carried etc. Please try it and I am sure you will be surprised at its efficacy and the rapidity of results.

Staphisagria : This is for lacerated or incised, wounds of cornea.

Ledum Palustre : This is used for contused wounds and extravasation of blood in lids, conjunctiva, acueous or vitreous.

Cataract

The utility of Cineraria Maritima Eye Drops is well known to many Ophthalmologists. I personally feel that it should be used only in the initial stages with a view to prevent or slow down the process, I am not very sure if it can actually clear the lens. When the Cataract is far advanced,I think it is pointless to treat it with drugs. In addition to these drops the Homoeopaths also use remedies internally. This needs selection from a fairly large list and depends on the rest of the history of the patient. The most popular remedies are from Calcium Group-Calcarea carbonica and Calceria fluorata. A case is reported in the British Homoeopathic Journal of a person 82 years of age having had bilateral cataract cleared by Silica. The Cataracts resulting from injuries the remedies are Conium maculatum or Arnica montana.

Glaucoma

Some cases of Glaucoma respond well to Homoeopathic treatment. The remedies particularly useful are Spigelia anthelmia (specially if the trouble is in the left eye) and Phosphorus. Such cases have, of course, to be kept under close observation and those that do not respond quickly have to be handed over the surgeon.

Paralysis of muscles of the Eye Ball
The patient usually reports with diplopia when looking in a particular direction. The remedies most popular are Causticum and Gelsemium sempervivens. I have successfully treated a large number of cases of this condition.

The condition can again be met by the remedies mentioned above and in some patients by Curare. This as you know is the arrow poison used by South Americans in ancient times and has a paralysing affect.

Pterygium : This has disappeared time and again by the use of Calcarea picrata.

Effects of Watching Solar Eclipse This was very much in the news recently, and because of sustained publicity and advance information, most people remained indoors during the total solar eclipse, however, the Homoeopaths have a special remedy for this condition which is Hepar Sulph.

For conditions resulting from eye strain

(Pain and tiredness of the eye and headache)

The two most popular remedies are Ruta graveollns and Natrum mur. The latter, incidently is the common salt of daily use which has been converted into a powerful remedy by the genius of Hahnemann and his special pharmaceutical techniques of preparing infinitesimal doses.

Optic Atrophy

From the usual stand point, this should be an irreversible change. Please do not ask what is the mechanism of the reversal, but I have seen considerable clinical improvement in a number of such patients. The remedies most used are Phosphorus and Tabacum. However, where the atrophy has occurred as a use of tobacco it is remedied by giving Arsenicum album :

One fairly large field of utility of homoeopathy is the management of Viral conditions, refer to conditions like viral conjunctivitis, of which we have had epidemics in the recent past, as also Herpes. I have treated success fully not only herpes on the eye lid but also herpes of the cornea.

An advantage of Homoeopathy will be a singular absence of side effects (Iatrogenesis). I remember the warning of an eye specialist of not very freely using Penicillin eye ointment because of the danger of allergy.

I have all along refrained from giving you more precise idea about the doses and repetition of these remedies. To use them judiciously some elementary knowledge of Homoeopathy is necessary.

It was Charles Caleb Cotton who said that:
"Men are born with two eyes, but only one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say."

I will therefore conclude here with an appeal to this galaxy of Ophthalmologists to utilise the services of qualified Homoeopaths for cases of these and other types,especially when not within their therapeutic orbit.

Chand DH. Role of homoeopathy in ophthalmological conditions. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 1982 [cited 2010 Aug 28];30:245-8. Available from: http://www.ijo.in/text.asp?1982/30/4/245/29439

Memory of Water

2010-08-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

"Maybe I should have thrown the data away"
but being a scientist and believing in his data he could not Jacques Benveniste, 1935-2004

The ‘memory of water’ is a popular phrase that is mostly associated with homeopathy and Jacques Benveniste [1212] following his and others’ allergy research work [132]. These research teams showed that solutes subjected to sequential physical processing and dilution show biological effects different from those apparent using just the water employed for the dilutions. The subject has drawn a lot of controversy with many scientists simply rejecting it outright without studying the evidence. The subject area has recently been the subject of a number of papers in the journal Homeopathy (July, 2007)c and has been reviewed [1206]. Although there is much support for water showing properties that depend on its prior processing (that is, water having a memory effect), the experimental evidence indicates that such changes are due primarily to solute and surface changes occurring during this processing. The experimentally corroborated memory phenomena cannot be taken as supporting the basic tenets of homeopathy although they can explain some effects [1206].
The main evidence against water having a memory is that of the very short (~ps) lifetime of hydrogen bonds between the water molecules [1209]. Clearly in the absence of other materials or surfaces (see later), the specific hydrogen bonding pattern surrounding a solute does not persist when the solute is removed any more than would a cluster around any specified water molecule, or else water would not know which of its myriad past solutes took preference. A recent NMR study shows no stable (>1 ms, >5 μM) water clusters are found in homeopathic preparations [712]. It should, however, be noted that the lifetime of hydrogen bonds does not control the lifetime of clusters in the same way that a sea wave may cross an ocean, remaining as a wave and with dependence on its history, but with its molecular content continuously changing. Also, the equilibrium concentration of any clusters are governed by thermodynamics not kinetics.
As applied to homeopathy, the 'memory of water' concept should also be extended to the memory of aqueous ethanol preparations. Addition of ethanol to water adds an important further area of complexity. Ethanol forms solutions in water that are far from ideal and very slow to equilibrate [1212]. Although usually considered a single phase, such solutions may contain several distinct phases [1297] and more generally consist of a complex mixture dominated by water-water and ethanol-ethanol clusters, where hydrogen bonding is longer-lived than in water alone [1213]. They also favor nanobubble (that is, nanocavity) formation [1172]. Thus, the peculiar behavior of aqueous solutions (as mostly discussed on this page) is accentuated by the presence of ethanol.
The process of silica dissolution has been much studied [1109, 1207] ever since it was proven by Lavoisier over 200 years ago and fits with this argument. This may explain why glass is preferred over polypropylene tubes. It should be noted that dissolved silica is capable of forming solid particles with complementary structures (that is, imprints) to dissolved solutes and macromolecules and such particles will 'remember' these complementary structures essentially forever.
Water does store and transmit information, concerning solutes, by means of its hydrogen-bonded network. Changes to this clustering network brought about by solutes may take some time to re-equilibrate. Agitation (succussion) may also have an effect on the hydrogen bonded network (shear encouraging destructuring) and the gaseous solutes (with critical effect on structuring [294] and possible important production of structuring nanobubbles (nanocavities) [993]), and such effects may well contribute to the altered heats of dilution with such materials [1143]. Such mechanically induced hydrogen bond breakage may also give rise to increased (but low) hydrogen peroxide formation [1066 see equations] and such effects have been reported to last for weeks [336]. It may be relevant to note that the presence of hydrogen peroxide can take part in and catalyze further reactions with other reactive species such as molecular oxygen and dissolved ozone [1066, 1069] (not often recognized but present in nanomolar amounts) which may well vary with the number of succussion steps and their sequence, which may offer an explanation for the changes in efficacy of homeopathic preparations with the number of dilutions [1210]. Also of note are the known effects of low concentrations of reactive oxygen species on physiological processes such as the immune response; with the recent discovery of the importance of low levels of hydrogen peroxide being particularly relevant [1256].
Dilution is never perfect, particularly at low concentrations where surface absorption may well be a major factor, so that dilution beyond the levels that can be analytically determined remains unproven. Remaining material may be responsible for perceived differences between preparations and activity. Of course the water used for dilution is not pure relative to the putative concentration of the 'active' ingredient; even the purest water should be considered grossly contaminated compared with the theoretical homeopathic dilution levels. This contamination may well have a major influence, and itself be influenced by the structuring in the water it encounters. Although it does, at first sight, seem unlikely that solutes in diluted 'homeopathic' water should be significantly different from a proper aqueous control, it has recently been cogently argued that the concentrations of impurities can change during the dilution process by reactions initiated by the original 'active' material [531], and this process has been mathematically modeled [1210].
A further consideration about 'the memory of water' is that the popular understanding concerning how homeopathic preparations may work not only requires this memory but also requires that this memory be amplified during the dilution; this amplification, necessitated by the increase in efficacy with extensive dilution, being even harder to explain. Samal and Geckeler have published an interesting, if controversial, paper [272] concerning the effect of dilution on some molecules. They found that some molecules form larger clusters on dilution rather than the smaller clusters thermodynamically expected. Just the presence of one such large μm-sized particle in the 'diluted' solution could give rise to the noticed biological action (of course, some such preparations may be totally without action, being without such clustered particles).a However, it remains to explain this particular phenomenon, which appears to disobey the second law of thermodynamics. A possible explanation is that such biologically-active molecules can cooperatively form icosahedral expanded water networks (ES) to surround and screen them by the formation of face-linked icosahedra, similar to as expected in the minimal energy related poly-tetrahedral Dzugutov clusters [295]. So long as such an icosahedral network structure requires the help of more than one neighboring such cluster to stabilize its formation then, in more concentrated solution, the molecules dissolve normally. However, as they are diluted (typically beyond about one clathrate-forming group per twelve icosahedral water clusters; 3,360 water molecules) no neighboring such clusters are available and the clusters coalesce to form larger clusters of biologically-active molecules within their own ES-related water network (so releasing some of the water). This tendency for particle formation is ultimately due to the hydrophobic effect and the tendency to form a small surface with the water. Overall the balance is expected to be rather fine between water cluster stabilization and particle cluster stabilization.
Water is not just H2O molecules. It contains a number of molecular species including ortho and para water molecules, water molecules with different isotopic compositions such as HDO and H218O, such water molecules as part of weakly-bound but partially-covalently linked molecular clusters containing one, two, three or four hydrogen bonds, and hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion species. Apart from such molecules there are always adventitious and self-created solutes in liquid water. Distilled and deionized water contain significant and varying quantities of contaminating ions. Often the criteria for ‘purity’ is the conductivity, but this will not show ionic contaminants at nanomolar, or even somewhat higher, concentrations due to the relatively high conductivity of the H+ and OH- ions naturally present. Other materials present will include previously dissolved solutes, dissolved gasses dependent on the laboratory atmosphere, gaseous nanobubbles [500d], material dissolved or detached from the containing vessels [1207], solid particles and aerosols (also dependent on the laboratory history) entering from the gas phase, and redox materials produced from water molecules [1066] and other solutes produced on standing [509c] and homeopathic processing [1210]. Liquid water is clearly a very complex system even before the further complexity of molecular clusters, gas-liquid and solid-liquid surfaces, reactions between these materials, the consequences of physical and electromagnetic processing and the addition of ethanol are considered. Any or a combination of these factors may cause 'memory' of past solutes and processing in water. Some of these solutions are capable of causing non-specific clinical effects whereas others may cause effects specifically linked to the solution's (and laboratory) history, as outlined below [1206].
Mechanisms for 'the memory of water' as aplied to homeopathy
Specific clinical effects Non-specific clinical effects
Remaining material on surfaces
Aerosol material reintroduced
Bacterial material introduced
Imprinted silicates
Remaining particle clusters Silicates, dissolved and particular
nanobubbles and their material surfaces
Redox molecules produced from water
Natural water clustering
Stabilized water clustering
Ions, including from glassware
Ethanol solution complexity
There are numerous examples of the slow equilibration in aqueous solution. Thus, it can take several days for the effects of the addition of salts to water to finally stop oscillating [4] and such solutions are still changing after several months showing a large-scale (~100 nm) domain structure [1148]. Also, water restructuring after infrared radiation persists for more than a day [730], and water photoluminescence changes over a period of days [801]. Changes to the structure of water are reported to last for weeks following exposure to resonant RLC (resistance inductance capacitance) circuits [927]. Conductivity oscillations (~ 0.5 Hz) at low concentrations of salts also show the poor tendency to equilibrium in such solutions [661]. Succussion, by itself, has been shown to be 'remembered' for at least 10 minutes as solitons (that is, standing waves) [893].
Explanation of homeopathy on the basis of water crystals (IE, [124, 125]) is unconvincing as such crystals appear to be artifacts and, even as proposed, the effect of body fluid ions would be to immediately 'dissolve' them.
There is a strange occurrence, similar to the ‘memory of water’ but unconnected to it, in enzyme chemistry where an effectively non-existent material still has a major effect; enzymes prepared in buffers of known pH retain (remember) those specific pH-dependent kinetic properties even when the water is removed such that no hydrogen ions are present [1208]; these ions seemingly having an effect in their absence somewhat against common sense at the simplistic level.b
________________________________________
Footnotes
a A related phenomenon may be the occurrence of conductivity oscillations (~ 0.5 Hz) at similar concentrations of salts at the low concentration limit of obedience to Kohlrauch's law (Onsager's formula) Λm = Λmo - αc½, where Λmo is the limiting molar conductivity, α is a constant and c is the molar concentration [661].
b This example of pH memory was later explained briefly as the enzymes' acidic and basic groups retaining their charge when in an anhydrous environment [1208]. This explanation is accepted but remains unproven independently, is derived from a circular argument and does not inform on how the charge is retained. There remains some puzzle to the extent that a single group in a molecule can either be charged or not charged; it cannot be fractionally charged. Thus the enzyme might be expected to behave as containing a mixture of charged and uncharged groups rather than, as found, fractionally charged groups as in the hydrated enzyme. Perhaps there is sufficient hydration water retained to ensure this, but I do not believe that this has been shown. Whatever, the ‘puzzle’ of the enzyme’s memory disappears with the appearance of an acceptable explanation.

Why Surgeons Should Be Compelled To Study Homœopathy

2010-08-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Just why should all surgeons be compelled to study and practice homœopathy? Study the following exhibits and answer the question yourselves! Do not get me wrongly, I am not unalterable opposed to surgery. I am only opposed to unnecessary surgery! Surgery should only come into play as a dernier resort; a resort to be avoided whenever and wherever possible. The human body, more intricate and more delicate than the most delicately constructed watch, once any of its parts are either removed or changed, can never again operate with the accurate precision it did before that removal. To remove parts without the most just cause to supposedly prevent causes already existent spreading, or to prevent their supposed occurrence, is a method born of crass ignorance, and does not speak well for the intelligence of the operator. No sane man would think of snipping a cog from the wheel of his watch because it did not keep proper time, but the surgeon entertains no compunction in cutting out section or parts of the body simply because they do not directly cripple that body, or would not be there to offend again. Why not cut out the brain to prevent headache? Few of us have any great need of a brain, apparently.

Here let me give you a few examples of my reason for all surgeons studying and practicing homœopathy in their work.

Exhibit I: A government meat inspector caught his finger on a meat hook. Infection set in at once. A surgeon was called. His ignorance of homœopathic therapeutic allowed the infection to spread. Three operations disposed of the finger. The infection spread to the hand. It looked has if the hand would have to be removed. The man was directed to our office. Silica was indicated and the hand was saved. Through the surgeon’s ignorance of homœopathic therapeutics the man was crippled for life. All of which could have been avoided.

Exhibit II: A glass worker developed an abscess in the palm of his hand. He was sent to the company’s surgeon who was a firm believer in free incisions. He cut clear across the palm of the hand, severing all the ligaments. Infection set in and some of the ligaments sloughed out. The man was on the way to lose his hand entirely through the ignorance of the surgeon’s therapeutics. He was turned over to us. Here again Silica was indicated. It healed the wound, but of course could not restore the missing ligaments. So through the surgeon’s ignorance of proper therapeutics the man was crippled for life.

Exhibit III: A structural iron worker was struck in the eye with a splinter from a red hot rivet, the splinter striking right in the center of the cornea. A phagedenic ulcer immediately set in and spread rapidly toward the outer rim, and was within an eight of an inch from the outer rim when he was referred to us. The company employed the very best of “old school” eye specialists, who completely failed on the job and finally decided the eye must come out to save the other one. The man’s wife refused to have an operation, but suggested he be turned over to us. It was a beautiful case of Mercurius corrosivus, and that remedy saved the eye.

Thus again I prove that every surgeon should be compelled to study and practice homœopathy.

Exhibit IV: An executive of a large department store ruptured himself. He was operated on, but the operation was unsuccessful and he was compelled to wear a truss. Later he developed a beautiful case of Rhus tox rheumatism for which he was recommended to our office for treatment. Being very busy when he came to the office, and Rhus tox being so plainly indicated, I did not take time to make a physical examination, therefore did not know he had a hernia. After he finished his treatment for the rheumatism it was some time before he needed attention again. It was right after Dr. D. T. graduated from Ann Arbor that he called for me to either come ort send Dayton as he was not feeling well. Dr. D. T. went out to see him. Just as Dr. D. T. was about to leave the man called Dr D. T. aside and said, “I want to tell you something your father does not know. Some time ago he treated me very successfully for rheumatism, but was not aware at the time that I was suffering from a very bad rupture which an operation failed to correct and for which I was compelled to wear a truss. After your father got through with me I was able to throw my truss away and have not worn it since.”

Had the surgeon been acquainted with homœopathy he could have saved that man both suffering and considerable expense.

Exhibit V: A young man developed an osteosarcoma of the right upper jaw. To arrest the progress of the disease surgery, x-ray and radium were in turn employed, but were unable to stem the progress of the disease. As a last resort the parents were induced to try homœopathy. The case presented a beautiful picture of Phosphorus. From a puny youth he has grown up to be a sturdy man. The dentist came to his rescue and made him an upper plate to filling the gap made by the operation and restore the contour of his face.

To me, at least, the above exhibits present pretty strong evidence why every surgeon should be compelled to study and apply homœopathic therapeutics. What do you think?

Dare To Know

Double Blind Drug Trials (DBDT)not applicable to Homoeopathy

2010-03-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

These tests are mandatory for every "scientific" allopathic medicine to pass before its release in the market for public prescription. But when applied to individual homoeomedicines in USA in the past, equivocal results were obtained. The then homoeopaths neither showed that DBDTs are inapplicable, nor suggested alternative controlled tests to establish the efficacy of homoeomedicines. Therefore, the science-conscious public demanded and government imposed ban on its practice, and some homoeopathic medical colleges were converted into allopathic ones. However, Dr. Sharma, for the first time in the world showed that DBDTs are not relevant or applicable to Homoeopathy mainly because : (i) A homoeophysician cannot remain "blind" but must know the total symptoms before and after every dose of known medicine to ensure that cure is occurring according Hering’s laws and aggravations , if any, are under control. (ii) The patients cannot be randomized into two groups for treatment with active medicine and similar looking inert placebo since no two patients with same pathology have identical symptom totality. (iii) The subjective symptoms, which have no diagnostic value for Allopathy, cannot be ignored but decide the selection of right homoeomedicine. The DBDTs , without these considerations will be, as in the past, inconclusive to bring bad name to Homoeopathy unjustly.

Dr RR Sharma

Homoeopathy explained through Xenobiology

2010-03-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Dr R.R. Sharma
Homoeopathy: Personal Experiences & Views

(6 March text revised 17 October 2001)

Copyright by the author Prof. Dr. Rati Ram Sharma- all rights reserved.

My attention had been drawn to the two critical web sites: "Homeopathy: The Ultimate Fake", quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/homeo.html by Stephen Barrett and "Homeopathy-a critique", lysator.liu.se/~rasmus/skepticism/homeopathy.html by Rasmus Jansson. Since the main concern of these authors, in my opinion, was 'general well-being' I hoped they would gladly put my briefly described experiences & views (6 March text) on their web sites. A copy was emailed to Dr. Sahni, Mumbai who put it on the web site homoeopathyclinic.com under 'articles/research papers' Jansson also put it on the web site: lysator.liu.se/~rasmus/skepticism/sharma.html. The Journal of Homoeopathy of Northern India published it in its 5 (1) Jan-March 2001 issue on pages 4-9. Barrett did not even acknowledge receipt of the article emailed on 6th March and on 28 August said he does not post "nonsense" on his web site. He has the support of, among others: (a) The Executive Director of the American Physical Society, which publishes several top class research journals of Physics. (b) The former Commissioner of the american Federal Drug Administration (FDA), who did not ban the homoeodrugs only because he was not sure of the Congress support. (c) Fortytwo prominant "critics of quackery & pseuduscience", who have petitioned the FDA against Homoeopathy.They all hold that homoeoremedies being "placebo" do not work and hence should be banned. In fact, Barrett, his group and such other "adherents of Scientific Medicine (Allopathy)" are where I was till mid 1960s. They all, like me, can take a U-turn to support Homoeopathy if they read my this article and the book Molecular Homoeopathy carefully. But the real change in their attitude will start if and when they themselves experience the advantage of Homoeopathy over Allopathy. In this article I answer some frequently asked questions, doubts and misconceptions about Homoeopathy.

According to Avogadro's law a gram-mole of a compound contains 6.02x1023 molecules. Therefore, "homoeopathic potencies of 12c centesimal or 24X decimal and higher, do not contain any molecule of the original drug and hence are placebos", is the perpetual criticism of Homoeopathy. The authors of the above two websites are not the first or alone to raise it. In future also it will be repeated if the "scientists" continue to ignore the underlying new scientific phenomena crying for recognition to enrich the sciences.

I, like any others knowing the Avogadro's law, used to discard and disregard Homoeopathy till mid 1960s when a homoeopath 'cured' my wife's eczema not amenable to Allopathy. This aroused my scientific curiosity to see these medicines act in my own hands and to explain the basic mechanisms within the framework of modern sciences. I studied widely, took a correspondence course and started treating my self, family members, associates and friends. After twelve years of hard work and thought I concluded, in the sick bed for jaundice, that Homoeopathy's art is valid but its science is nebulous. Some new concepts, phenomena, nay Sciences are needed to elucidate the science of Homoeopathy. This marked my search's end in one direction and beginning in another, culminating in the 1984-book 'Molecular Homoeopathy' / (Molecular Biophysics of the "Micro" Dose) and four dozen publications to date. Presently I am working on the new book "Scientific Homoeopathy / (The Rational Medicine)"

How to establish the efficacy of the homoeomedicines, is the big question. I first thought of the 'Double Blind Drug Trials' (DBDT) wherein both the doctor and the patient remain "blind" or unaware whether the given dose is active medicine or a similar looking inert placebo, and which every allopathic drug has to satisfy before coming to the market for public prescription. However, I found DBDT inapplicable to Homoeopathy mainly because patients with the same pathology cannot be randomized into two groups for treatment with active homoeomedicine and placebo. Because different patients usually have different symptom-totality, calling for different homoeomedicines. And the homoeophysician cannot remain "blind" but must know total symptoms before and after every dose of the known medicine to ensure that the cure is progressing according to the Herring's laws, the last symptoms are disappearing first, and medicines & dose frequency adjusted to the changing need.

I therefore got interested in those well worked out and firmly diagnosed cases, which served their own controls. These, for the Modern Scientific Medicine are: (a) incurable/fatal, (b) difficult-to-cure even with long, some times life long, medication, (c) requiring surgery, (d) viral infections where Allopathy offers nothing, (e) baby/child diseases where placebo does not work.

The cases of Indian Childhood Cirrhosis were diagnosed on liver biopsy, liver function tests, clinical history and physical examination. And were discharged from the referral hospital with hopeless prognosis, a week or ten days' short survival and with a whisper advice to take the child quick lest he should die on the way. But all showed definite signs of improvement within three days of the start of homoeopathic treatment with Ars, Phos etc. Since ICC is known to occur with a high frequency in the siblings, it is
interesting to report that the prophylactic treatment of the mother during pregnancy and then of the child after birth succeeded in three couples, one of whom had earlier lost five sons to ICC. President Radhakrishnan's ADC, who had suffered migraine for over 20 years and resigned in disgust when he did not get relief even with the treatments in Germany & U.K., was cured with Homoeopathy. A number of cases with confirmed diagnosis of psoriasis were homoeotreated satisfactorily. The MD in Pharmacology and Dean of Dharwar Medical College in Karnataka, after reading Molecular Homoeopathy (ref.1) came all the way by air for treatment of psoriasis and experienced relief within an hour of the homoeodose of Psor and "euphoria" on overnight crust shedding. An army Colonel had to fly in non-pressurized aircrafts during 1947-48 Indo-Pak war and developed labyrinth vertigo. Ever since he suffered giddiness & reeling sensation whenever he laid down in bed, turned on side or bent down. A number of E.N.T. experts were consulted and all sorts of tests were done without relief. He took homoeomedicine Nat. Sulph. From me in August 1974 on a Friday and did head-stand on Sunday. A four year girl child was treated in the advance institute of Scientific Medicine for acute Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in 1993 with 2mg/Kg body weight prednisolone and later with 9 gm/day for 5 days immunoglobulin Ig G, then with Chinese medicine. In April 1997 she again had an acute episode, with platelet count <5000/mm3. The ITP is so serious a disease that a patient can internally bleed and collapse while talking! The homoeo-treatment with Lach raised the platelet count gradually from <5000 through <10000 on third day and then 33000, 79000 to 120000 tested weekly, rising later to 140000. The second case of ITP had platelet count <5000 five days after receiving 1500 mg prednisolone over 3 days in a referral Institute (PGI, Chandigarh). But showed a better response to homoeotreatment with Lach starting 1 September 2001. The platelet count rose to 14000, 25000, 1.3 lac and 3.39 lac after 4, 10, 24 and 45 days' treatment. A teacher in our Nursing College lost her fianc in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and developed Thyrotoxicosis complicated with Exophthalmos and Amenorrhea. The treating endocrinologist advised her to learn to live with it. But after homoeocure with Thyroidinum she married and had two children. Out of the several cases of arthritis and spondylosis the most striking one was that of general spondylosis threatening extremities and requiring urgent surgery. The homoeocure with Rhus and Calc carb gave her permanent relief. A senior executive was admitted for surgical removal of a solitary thyroid nodule. On learning of the possible homoeocure he left the hospital and was actually cured with Calc carb. The prolapse uterus in the third stage advised Thomson correction was rectified homoeopathically Lilium Trig. Several cases of renal stone and of viral hepatitis with jaundice were also homoeo-treated; the Australia antigen test undertaken in one case became negative after homoeotreatment. A case with confirmed diagnosis of active Idiopathic Ulcerative Procto-Colitis with ulcers in rectum and sigmoid colon and having passed blood with stools for years was cured with Phos and Merc. Earlier his sister had died in 1983 of ulcerative colitis and his family had given up hopes for his survival. Among several cases of asthma the most challenging was that of a young girl who had suffered for a decade with asthma, hives and remittent fever, occasionally spending the whole nights sitting. When Wysolone and Asthaline did not give adequate relief her treating allopathic physician sent her to me and she was cured with Ars, Ipec and Sepia. Potencies used for these homoeocures were 30c, 200c and 1000c, all far beyond the Avogadro's limit of 12c. But in my latest view (ref. 20) the 15c followed, if and when required
to change the potency, by (14c 16c) mixture suffice for clinical use, unnecessitating all other potencies. Presently clinical drug trials on these lines are under way at multiple centres with Ars, Bell, Bry, Calc, Rhus and Sulph.

These my few but convincing personal observations corroborate the overwhelmingly huge mass of persuasive evidence collected by innumerable, better homoeopaths than me, all over the world during the past over two centuries that homoeomedicines do cure even in high potencies with no molecule of the original drug in them. Clearly some molecules of diluent medium (lactose, water, ethanol) act curatively, suggesting a new scientific phenomenon bypassing the Avogadro's law. Really informative were the controlled animal experiments on Alloxan induced diabetes in rats and DMBA (Dimethyl-benz-anthracine) induced toxicity and cancer in mice. The dynamized 30c potency of the disease-causing chemical was curative but undynamized simple dilution of the same extent had no effect. These observations were confirmed by ref. 8. For preparing the 30c potency the mixture was vigorously agitated at each of 30 steps of 100 fold dilution but in simple dilutions the agitations were omitted. The mechanical dynamization processes of trituration or succussion at each step of dilution, which are unique only to Homoeopathy and not yet explored by "sciences", induce the diluent molecules (lactose, water, ethanol) to acquire and later mimic the chemical specificity of the original drug molecule so as to themselves act as the therapeutic agent. So, the homoeodose is not "micro placebo" but contains plenty of medicinally active
diluent molecules, removing for good the perennial conceptual impasse created by the Avogadro's law. Modern Physics recognizes the induction of magnetism and electric charge but not of the chemical specificity of one molecule into another which underlies the process of homoeopotentization.

The new science of Inductive Chemistry envisages studying the mechanism of preparation and properties of the 'induced molecules'. The other two new sciences of Xenobiology and Inductoxenopathy are elucidated elsewhere to explain the basis and operation of the Law of Similars etc.

All sciences are based on the real facts of observation and their theoretical explanation. If and when there is a conflict between theory and observation the former is revised to describe the latter faithfully. But if
the theory is so well established that the new observations seem anomalous the latter are again repeated in a different setting. If even then the observations get strengthened, there is a need for a deeper re-evaluation to discover new scientific phenomenon, which bypasses and yet is consistent with the old theory. This is exactly the challenge thrown up by the curative action of high potency homoeodrugs. The underlying new phenomenon is the induction of chemical specificity of the solute drug molecules into the molecules of solvent medium via dynamization processes. The modern sciences do not provide for it and hence will be enriched by recognizing and investigating it further. Revision of the physical basis of the 'chemical
specificity' of a molecule becomes necessary, however.

The chemical and biochemical discriminatory mechanisms recognize a molecule in two steps: first, of physical bonding via complementary 3-dimensional structures and second, of exchanging the energy dE
specifically characteristic of the recognizer-recognizee pair. The first step exercises a negative recognition and the second constitutes the positive recognition. The first step can be definite only to tell that the
molecule not binding to the receptor for A is not the molecule A. But the second step identifies A positively via the chemically exchanged energy dE, which is uniquely specific of the molecule A. If the molecule B is induced to carry the exchangeable energy of A, the discriminatory machinery is fooled to treat B as A, as here.

The molecules of lactose, water and ethanol have only -OH group in common. The oxygen atom in the -OH group, due to sp3 hybridization, has four equivalent valency orbitals. Two of these have bond pair electrons and the other two unshared lone pair electrons. The latter having no definite higher energy levels, can be raised, in small steps, to any desired energy level and hence play the basic role here. The organic solvent DMSO (Dimethyl-Sulphoxide) has lone pair electrons but no -OH group and does not serve as a diluent medium (ref. 21), emphasizing the role of the lone pair electrons of the -OH groups.

During forceful triturations and impacted succussions the outermost electron shell of the solute drug molecules comes repeatedly in close proximity with those of the diluent molecules. This induces resonant promotion of the lone pair electrons of the diluent -OH groups, in small steps, to energy levels of the chemically active electrons of drug molecules. The diluent molecules thus acquire the chemically exchangeable energy and hence the chemical specificity of the drug molecule to get "potentized" with the drug. During serial dilutions of potency preparation the original drug molecules get eliminated and the diluent molecules resonantly promoted by them take over the resonant promotion of the unpromoted diluent molecules. These considerations have experimental support (ref. 12, 13).

Smith & Boericke (ref.12) studied the CH3-, CH2- and -OH peaks in the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectra of ethanol, unsuccussed and succussed dilutions of sulphur in ethanol. Only the -OH peak of only the succussed potency spreads and reduces in area under the curve. No modern science can explain this observation which in our theory however, follows from the resonant promotion of lone pair electrons of -OH groups in the potentized ethanol.

The Laser Raman Spectral peak (ref. 13) of diluent alcohol disappears in succussed dilution of Potassium Dichromate and reduces in height in that of Ammonium Nitrate but a new peak of the solute appears in both cases. These results cannot be explained by modern sciences, but follow easily from the resonant promotion of the lone pair electrons of -OH groups of the potentized alcohol.

When a causative xenobiotic X' affects a strategic biomoleule M a molecular disease complex MX' is formed which alters the rates and/or routes of the basic biochemical reactions leading to some iochemical, biopotential and tissue changes and altered feelings and sensations. The allopathic treatments deal with these results and effects of disease leaving MX' alone. Attempts are made to keep the vital parameters only within the "normal range" since their normal value for the particular patient cannot be known.
Progressing basic disease requires gradually increasing dose creating side effects. Big molecules of allopathic drugs and low homoeopotencies in lactose cannot, but high potencies in ethanol can, cross the lipid and water channels in biological membranes to act inside and produce profound effects.
On this is based homoeopaths' belief that higher potency is more powerful. This is also why Homoeopathy, even in my own hands as mentioned above, could cure some cases not amenable to Allopathy. An adherent of the modern Scientific Medicine has to actually experience and (re)think to believe, like me, in the advantages of Homoeopathy over Allopathy. For instance, the recent large scale slaughter of animals with 'foot & mouth' disease in U.K. and Europe could be minimized if Homoeopathy were allowed its due role.

The symptom totality of a disease, in fact, indicates the total biological response of the healthy subject in the patient to the causative xenobiotic, as studied by the new science of Xenobiology. It has two components: activation of the defence mechanisms against the antigenic determinants on the xenobiotic molecule and the pathophysiology of the affected biomolecules, cells, tissues & organs. The potentized homoeomedicine Dx, prepared by resonantly promoting the diluent molecules D with the crude drug molecules X, contains a mixture of diluent molecules resonantly promoted with the antigenic and pathogenic determinants of X. The xenobiotic X', crude drug X and the homoeopotency Dx, carry similar chemically exchangeable energies and chemical specificities, hence elicit similar symptom totality. The homoeocure has two pronged effect: one of stimulating the immune response (aggravating some symptoms), and second of dislodging X' from the disease complex MX' formed with the biomolecule M (ameliorating some symptoms), through competitive chemical exchanges :
MX' Dx < > MD x X'
MD x < > M D x
X' is
biodegraded/ bioeliminated
D x is depromoted to D , the
diluent molecule D is metabolized .

Competitive chemical exchanges between the pathogenic and curative
xenobiotics are thus basic to the homoeopathic drug action on the Law of
Similars. For this, the tiny amount of homoeomedicine as potentized ethanol
adsorbed/absorbed and retained for long via hydrogen bonds on sugar pills is
sufficient. For an 'incurable disease' this chemical exchange fails. Wurmser
(ref. 15) found that dynamized potencies of Arsenic and Bismuth increased
their elimination from animal tissues. I have treated a case each of
Arsenic toxicity with Arsenic album 200c, Opium toxicity with Opium 1M and
Belladonna toxicity with Bell 10M. The control of Alloxan induced diabetes
in rats with 30c Alloxan and of DMBA toxicity in mice with 30c DMBA,
presented above, are also supportive. The new science of Inductoxenopathy
envisages use of induced xenobiotics as medicines according to the Law of
Similars. Immunisation operates via the mediation of specific antibodies and as such is different from Homoeopathy.

Allopathy like Ayurved, as against Homoeopathy, operates on the 'Principle
of Opposites'. For instance digitalis, knwon for lowering the heart rate, is
given in large doses to control 'tachy cardia' (high heart rate) but is a
homoeomedicine for 'brady cardia' (low heart rate). Since the
allopathic/ayurvedic and homoeopathic medicines differ in their planes and
modes of action, the two can go together with advantage to the patient. A
judicious combination of Allopathy/Ayurved, Surgery, Homoeopathy and Yoga
offers a new Unified Therapeutics 'Navayurveda', the new Ayurved, to realize
the Holistic Health "connoting harmonious normalcy at all the four planes
of personality manifestation: social, physical, mental, supramental". Here
allopathic drug, as in emergencies, homoeopathic aggravations and advanced
stages of disease, keeps the symptoms within tolerance of the patient while
homoeomedicine effects the basic cure. The patient does not stop allopathic
drug suddenly before or on starting the homoeotreatment but tapers it off
with the progress of homoeocure and increasing relief.

According to World Health Organization "Health is a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease
or infirmity". Here 'absence of disease is NOT health'. This internal
inconsistency or self contradiction arises because for diagnosis under the
Scientific Medicine a disease has to be advanced enough to create laboratory
detectable biochemical abnormalities and/or biopotential variations and/or
pathologic tissue changes out side the "normal range", since there is no way
of ascertaining the normal value of the diagnostic parameter for the
particular patient. In the pre- or sub-clinical stage, the clinical
laboratories report N.A.D. (no abnormality detected or no appreciable
disease) but the patient suffers some subjective/mental and physical
symptoms on which a curative homoeomedicine can be given to nip or abort the

disease. Therefore, Homoeopathy can and does serve as an effective
Preventive Community Medicine for preventing diseases from progressing to
advanced dangerous stages.

The other deficiency in WHO's definition is that it does not recognize the
existence or achievability of the "supra mental health". However the Yoga
practices of pranayam (breath control) and dhyan (meditation) have been
shown, as in my own experience, to induce the rare abilities like intuition,
self control on thought, assuming alpha and theta brain states at will, etc.
Homoeopathy and Yoga help attenuate anxiety and other psychological
components of disease.

Homoeopathy has always been and still is beyond the contemporary sciences
but provides the bases, and needs recognition, of three new sciences:
Inductive Chemistry, Xenobiology & Inductoxenopathy. It has vast
therapeutic potentials, both curative and preventive, yet is cheap and free
from the side effects of Allopathy. It is NOT a "Quackery" or "Ultimate
Fake", but the main (not mere alternative) Medicine of the new
century/millennium. An open minded approach, keeping the general well-being
upper most, is needed to develop Navayurveda based Medical Education and
Health Care Delivery System.

Evidence of clinical efficacy of homeopathy A meta-analysis of clinical trials

2010-03-13T18:05:00.000-08:00

M. Cucherat1, M. C. Haugh1, M. Gooch2, J. -P. Boissel1 and for the HMRAG group

(1) Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hospitals of Lyon and University Claude Bernard, Faculté RTH Laennec, BP 8071, F-69376 Lyon, France e-mail: mcu@upcl.univ-lyonl.fr Tel.: +33-478-785757; Fax: +33-478-776917, FR
(2) Academic Departments, Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK, GB
Abstract
Objective: To establish, using a systematic review and meta-analysis, whether there is any evidence from randomised controlled clinical trials of the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in patients with any disease.
Data sources: Published and unpublished reports of controlled clinical trials available up to June 1998, identified by searching bibliographic databases (Medline, Embase, Biosis, PsychInfo, Cinahl, British Library Stock Alert Service, SIGLE, Amed), references lists of selected papers, hand searching homeopathic journals and conference abstracts, and contacting pharmaceutical companies.
Trials selection: Trials were selected using an unblinded process by two reviewers. The selection criteria were randomised, controlled trials in which the efficacy of homeopathic treatment was assessed relative to placebo in patients using clinical or surrogate endpoints. Prevention trials or those evaluating only biological effects were excluded. One hundred and eighteen randomised trials were identified and evaluated for inclusion. Sixteen trials, representing 17 comparisons and including a total of 2617 evaluated patients, fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
Data extraction: Data were extracted by two reviewers independently, using a summary form. Disagreements were resolved by a third person.
Data synthesis: The evidence was synthesised by combining the significance levels (P values) for the primary outcomes from the individual trials. The combined P value for the 17 comparisons was highly significant P=0.000036. However, sensitivity analysis showed that the P value tended towards a non-significant value (P=0.08) as trials were excluded in a stepwise manner based on their level of quality.
Conclusions: There is some evidence that homeopathic treatments are more effective than placebo; however, the strength of this evidence is low because of the low methodological quality of the trials. Studies of high methodological quality were more likely to be negative than the lower quality studies. Further high quality studies are needed to confirm these results.

Key words Homeopathy - Meta-analysis - Randomised clinical trial

Received: 19 August 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 29 December 1999

A meta-analysis of homeopathic treatment of pollinosis with Galphimia glauca

2010-03-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

Wien Med Wochenschr. 1997;147(14):323-7.
[Article in German]

Lüdtke R, Wiesenauer M.

Institut für Medizinische Informationsverarbeitung, Tübingen, Deutschland. rainer.luedtke@uni-tuebingen.de
OBJECTIVE: 1) To assess the efficacy of homeopathic prepared Galphimia glauca compared to placebo in the treatment of pollinosis. 2) To estimate the corresponding overall success rate of Galphimia glauca. Meta-analysis of clinical trials.
STUDY SELECTION: 7 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials and 4 not placebo-controlled trials (1 randomized and controlled, 1 prospective uncontrolled, 2 retrospective uncontrolled) performed by our study group between 1980 and 1989. An additional MEDLINE search revealed no further trials on this topic. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were identical over all trials. In total, 1038 ambulatory patients that suffered from acute pollinosis (752 in placebo-controlled trials) entered the analysis.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relative frequency and relative risk for showing noticeable and soothing relief in ocular symptoms as assessed by the patient. The overall rate of improved eye-symptoms is about 1.25 (CI: 1.09 to 1.43) times higher in the verum than in the placebo group. Verum success rate is estimated by 79.3% (CI: 74.1% to 85.0%). Across the single studies the results were highly comparable except for the study run in 1985. A significant superiority of Galphimia glauca over placebo is demonstrated. Estimates of verum success rates are comparable with those of conventional antihistaminics, but no side effects occurred. As not all of the single studies were analyzed by intention to treat analysis the results may be biased.

PMID: 9381725 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Homeopathic vs Conventional Treatment of Vertigo

2010-03-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Clinical Study

Michael Weiser, MBChB; Wolfgang Strösser, MD, MBChB; Peter Klein, MSc
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1998;124:879-885.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of a homeopathic remedy (Vertigoheel, Heel Inc, Albuquerque, NM) vs betahistine hydrochloride (active control) in the treatment of patients with vertigo of various origins in a confirmative equivalence trial.

Design Randomized (1:1) double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Setting Fifteen study centers (general practice) in Germany between November 1995 and November 1996.

Subjects A total of 119 patients with vertigo of various origins (from whom 105 patients could be analyzed as intended per protocol).

Main Outcome Measures Frequency, duration, and intensity of vertigo attacks.

Results Both homeopathic and conventional treatments showed a clinically relevant reduction in the mean frequency, duration, and intensity of the vertigo attacks. The therapeutic equivalence of the homeopathic remedy and betahistine was established statistically.

Conclusions Concerning the main efficacy variable, therapeutic equivalence between the homeopathic remedy and betahistine could be shown with statistical significance (confirmative analysis). Both remedies reduced the frequency, duration, and intensity of vertigo attacks during a 6-week treatment period. Also, vertigo-specific complaints were significantly reduced in both treatment groups.

From the Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, Baden-Baden (Dr Weiser), Clinical Research and Pharma Consulting, Bergisch Gladbach (Dr Strösser), and Datenservice Eva Hönig GmbH, Rohrbach (Mr Klein), Germany.

http://archotol.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/124/8/879

Intrathecal baclofen and homeopathy for the treatment of painful muscle spasms associated with malignant spinal cord compression

2010-03-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Thompson
Palliative Medicine, St Margaret's Hospice, Clydebank, Strathclyde

Fiona Hicks

In this case study we describe a dual approach to the palliation of difficult muscle spasms using intrathecal baclofen via a fully implanted system, together with the homeopathic approach to symptom control. The homeopathy is seen to complement rather than to replace conventional prescribing and using both approaches together appears to have avoided the necessity for increasing drug doses and to have minimized side-effects. As well as encouraging us to take on experience from other disciplines, this case study also suggests that palliative care could be a forum for evaluating the effectiveness of the homeopathic approach in symptom control in carefully designed studies.

Palliative Medicine, Vol. 12, No. 2, 119-121 (1998)
DOI: 10.1191/026921698666737949

Animal models for studying homeopathy and high dilutions: Conceptual critical review

2010-03-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

Leoni Villano Bonamin1, 2, , and Peter Christian Endler3
1 Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University Paulista, Brazil
2 Laboratory of Pathology, University of Santo Amaro, Brazil
3 Interuniversity College for Health and Development Graz, Austria

Introduction
This is a systematic review of the animal models used in studies of high dilutions. The objectives are to analyze methodological quality of papers and reported results, and to highlight key conceptual aspects of high dilution to suggest clues concerning putative mechanisms of action.
Methods
Papers for inclusion were identified systematically, from the Pubmed-Medline database, using ‘Homeopathy’ and ‘Animal’ as keywords. Only original full papers in English published between January 1999 and June 2009 were included, reviews, scientific reports, thesis, older papers, papers extracted from Medline using similar keywords, papers about mixed commercial formulas and books were also considered for discussion only. 31 papers describing 33 experiments were identified for the main analysis and a total of 89 items cited.
Results
Systematic analysis of the selected papers yielded evidence of some important intrinsic features of high dilution studies performed in animal models: a) methodological quality was generally adequate, some aspects could be improved; b) convergence between results and materia medica is seen in some studies, pointing toward to the possibility of systematic study of the Similia principle c) both isopathic and Similia models seem useful to understand some complex biological phenomena, such as parasite–host interactions; d) the effects of high dilutions seem to stimulate restoration of a ‘stable state’, as seen in several experimental models from both descriptive and mathematical points of view.

Effects of Potentised Substances on Growth Kinetics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe

2010-03-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

C. Scherra,c; S. Baumgartnera,b; J. Sprangerc,e; M. Simond

aVerein für Krebsforschung, Institut Hiscia, Arlesheim, Schweiz bKollegiale Instanz für Komplementärmedizin (KIKOM), Universität Bern, Insel-Spital, Imhoof-Pavillon, Bern, Schweiz cForschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau, Frick, Schweiz dInstitut für Chemie und Biologie des Meeres (ICBM), Universität Oldenburg, Deutschland eInstitut für anthroposophische Veterinärmedizin, Frick, Schweiz

Forsch Komplementmed 2006;13:298-306
(DOI: 10.1159/000095302)

Summary

Homeopathic potencies are used as specific remedies in complementary medicine. Since the mode of action is unknown, the presumed specificity is discussed controversially. Objective: This study investigated the effects of potentised substances on two yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, in a stable and reliable test system with systematic negative controls. Materials and Methods: Yeast cells were cultivated in either potentised substances or water controls in microplates and their growth kinetics were measured photometrically. Water control runs were performed repeatedly to investigate the stability of the experimental set-up (systematic negative controls). Results: 4 out of 14 screened substances seem to have affected the growth curve parameters slope or yield. Out of these substances, azoxystrobin and phosphorus were chosen for 8 further replication experiments, which partly confirmed the results of the screening. On the average of all experiments, azoxystrobin affected the slope of the growth curve of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (p < 0.05), and phosphorus affected the slope of the growth curve of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (p < 0.05). No effects were seen in the water control runs. In addition, significant interactions between treatment with potentised substances and experiment number were observed in all experiments with potentised substances (p < 0.01), but not in the water control runs. Conclusions: Both yeast species reacted to certain potentised substances by changing their growth kinetics. However, the interactions found point to additional factors of still unknown nature, that modulate the effects of potentised substances. This stable test system with yeasts may be suitable for further studies regarding the efficacy of homeopathic potencies.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg