Homeopathic Approach to Chronic Ailments

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

In my 22 years of study and clinical experience using diet, nutrition, chelation, yoga, herbs, stress reduction, massage, allopathy, homeopathy and other "energy medicines", I have seen many people improve their health dramatically. Each was led to the healing modality which best suited them and each was motivated to keep looking and investigating his body's healing reactions. Homeopathic constitutional treatment is the most deeply preventive and curative medicine I have come across, rivaled only by acupuncture / Chinese medicine.

Homeopathic philosophy asserts that all symptoms are actually the body's attempt to defend and heal itself and these symptoms are the body's language. Homeopathy trusts this bodily response as the wisest way to proceed and seeks to cooperate with it by giving a minute amount of a substance which has been shown to create those same symptoms in healthy people.

Ideally all homeopathic prescribing is so individualized that the whole person is taken into account; their body type, temperament, desires and aversions, physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual story and history is heard and analyzed before the most similar remedy is chosen. The constitutional interview and time spent researching can easily approach 3-5 hours of work for a professional homeopath and can be well worth the time and effort. The chosen remedy is usually given when the patient is not experiencing an acute flare-up of symptoms.

Some people need several sequential remedies to treat "layers" of suppression and inherited tendencies. A month for every year that you have suffered with a chronic problem is not too much time to devote to the process as you progress through constitutional treatment. Sometimes this system of needing someone else to be your homeopathic practitioner seems dependent and passive but I haven't seen any way around the process. Actually the good homeopathic patient is not passive but actively educates or analyzes themselves on how they can better impart to their homeopath the personalized information needed to clinch the remedy.

George Vithoulkas, thought by many to be the modern "Father of Homeopathy" was awarded the Alternative Nobel Prize for Medicine. He defines health as "freedom from limitations." Homeopathy is known to have the potential to address health in exactly this way – not just from a disease perspective – but also in the holistic way that we all aspire to.

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Flu Prevention

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

Do you know what to do at the first sign of any cold or flu symptoms? – the first sniffle, ache or bit of scratchy throat? My family and many of my patients swear by Oscillococcinum! I am not usually a brand name dropper but this product works! If taken early enough at the very onset of symptoms, Oscillococcinum will turn the whole thing around and you won't get sick. You only need 3 doses (about 8 hours apart) and each dose only has to be 5-10 granules (contrary to the directions on the vial). If you still get sick you must have needed to dose yourself earlier. Then other Homeopathic cold and flu remedies will be needed like Aconite, Allium Cepa, Gelsemium or Arsenicum.

And, even more importantly, to create immunity to colds and flus this winter – take one dose of Oscillococcinum monthly starting in November. Your own natural flu shot – without the needle – and sweet tasting, too! It is nice to know that homeopathy has something to treat flu when it comes and, even better, something to prevent your body from being so susceptible. You will find this remedy in most health food stores and some grocery stores.

Fall Flu Prevention Readiness

Are you ready for cold weather and back to school exposure? The best prevention is a strong constitution – which ensures a dynamic immune system. Homeopathic constitutional treatment may strengthen a person who has previously been susceptible. Do you stay well when all around you your classmates and workmates are falling ill? This kind of health is invaluable. I always marvel when even small school children can go for 2 and 3 years with out getting a cold after receiving their constitutional remedy.

I hope that EVERYONE who receives this newsletter already knows and uses Oscillococciunum AT THE FIRST SIGN of any cold or flu symptoms. Three (3) doses in the first 24 hours. Did you know that there have been three double-blind, placebo controlled trials done by independent researchers using Oscillo to treat people with the flu? They found that the best results happened if it was taken within 48 hours of onset of the flu. Remember 10-15 granules is a dose – you do not have to take the whole vial as a dose.

Then I have my creative way of using this product. Take a monthly preventive dose of Oscillococcinum (on a day when you are well) through the cold weather months. Your own natural flu shot – without the needle! Remember that a "cold" is also a virus – not just "the flu."

I also recommend a popular European protocol in which Influenzinum 9c is taken weekly for 4 weeks in early fall and then another dose one month later. Influenzinum contains the three most recent strains of the 2005-6 flu virus.

Homeopaths world wide are preparing for Avian Flu – again we stress that a strong constitution is the best defense and the above Oscillo and Influenzinum dosing may be protective BUT we are waiting to decide which remedy is best because it has to be based on the specific symptoms and we do not know exactly what those will until it comes.

Families who tend to get Streptococcal infections – strep throat etc. – can take the remedy Streptococcin 200 as a preventive once in the Fall – and some may need another dose after January. I am consulting now with the main teacher of a small pre-school to strategize the best way to prevent what happened last year when Strep went through the whole school over several months and every member of every family ended up needing one or more courses of antibiotics when sequences of re-infections prevailed for quite awhile.

Some years the flu hits harder than others. They are not predicting this to be an extra bad year but it is nice to know that homeopathy has something to treat flus when they come and, even better, something to prevent your body from being so susceptible.

How to Take a Remedy

I am sending this e-mail to some of you who have never heard of Homeopathy – so I should explain what it is and how you take the remedies – which are always safe – even for infants and pregnant mothers. You can use Homeopathy for your pets, too.

Homeopathy can be explained as a systematized way of stimulating the regulating system of the body to find balance. This natural pharmaceutical system uses micro-doses of substances from the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms to arouse a person's natural healing response. The law of similars, "like cures like" governs how each person's remedy is chosen. That means that if a substance can cause symptoms in a healthy person it can stimulate self-healing of similar symptoms in a sick person. So we might use the remedy made from onions when someone has hayfever, with watery eyes and drippy nose and the remedy coffea, made from coffee – which usually causes sleeplessness, to treat insomnia.

The remedies are made in Homeopathic pharmacies and administered on good tasting sugar pellets which are placed on the tongue. A good book to explain Homeopathy and how to use it is Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine by Cummings and Ullman.

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Help for Allergies

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

Dear Lia,
What can I do for my allergies this Fall? I always get hayfever from goldenrod and ragweed and I do not like to take antihistamines! From – Michelle

Dear Michelle –
It works best to prevent allergy and hay fever by getting a constitutional remedy early in the year. Also I have patients take homeopathic ragweed (like cures like) for several doses before the season starts. If symptoms do arise I recommend the remedy that fits your symptoms, perhaps Allium Cepa, or Euphrasia. Histaminum 30 can be taken as needed, too. – Lia

Allergy Prevention

March is the latest I suggest that Spring Allergy sufferers wait to take a preventive for the grass and tree pollens that start to emerge in the early Spring. Although good constitutional treatment is the best preventive, there is research to show that taking doses of homeopathically prepared allergens, like pollen, can greatly reduce sensitivity and reactions to the seasonal cause of itching, sneezing and nasal discharges. Allergy is a common cause of asthma and bronchial cough as well.

Allergy is thought to be related to the miasm, Psora, and many will benefit by miasmatic treatment to really get at the underlying cause of the problem. Miasms are inherited weaknesses, first conceived of by Samuel Hahanemann, which predispose each of us to disease of differing types and amounts. It is never wise to treat these deep health issues without the help of an experienced homeopath.

I have always been amazed at the phenomenon that allows one person to be extremely debilitated by microscopic particles of dust and cat hair and pollen etc. while another walks free of any perception of their presence. More frequently now I hear of someone who has developed pollen allergies at a late age (40 or 50!) who had never before been sensitive.

Millions of people worldwide are on suppressive drugs such as Allegra, Claritin and steroids to deal with seasonal (and year-round) allergies. The Homeopathic alternative is constitutional and miasmatic treatment to prevent the allergic tendency and raise the immunity. To this I sometimes add a prophylactic dose of the regional pollens to be taken weekly for 4 weeks before the allergy season starts. Since different regions in the US are affected by pollens from different species of grass and trees you will want to take a homeopathic preparation that is customized to your geographic area. Dolisos Pharmacy sells a line of Regional Allergen Mixes and they break the United States down into Atlantic Seaboard, Southern Atlantic, Great Lakes, Great Plains, New England, Northwest, Rocky Mountain, SW Desert, and Northern, California, Southern California, Texas Tree, Texas Weed. (They also have similar geographic mixtures of Mold Mixes – maybe I will write another newsletter article in the fall about mold allergy). Taking a few doses of pollen in the month before allergy season starts may allow your system to create some immunity. Much better to prevent than to try to treat symptoms as they arise! Although you can still make a dent in allergy symptoms using remedies, as needed, I think that prevention is preferable.

There are many remedies to fit the many people who have acute allergy symptoms. The most common ones are Ars. Alb, Allium Cepa, Euphrasia, Nat Mur, Sabadilla, Arundo, and Nux Vom. You must decide which of these are the most similar to your individual symptoms. Another creative way to get through the season is to use Histaminum, to reduce the histamine reactions the body naturally creates to protect itself when it perceives a foreign protein. I have seen Histaminum 30c or 200c help in many histamine related conditions like hay fever, asthma, and hives.

May your life be free of allergies!!

If ragweed and goldenrod allergies cause you distress in August and September you might be helped prophylactically by taking the remedy AMBROSIA (Latin name for ragweed) BEFORE the allergy season. Start as early in July as you can with weekly doses (1 × a week) for 4 weeks. I have many patients who swear by this "vaccine" and are able to forego Allegra and Claritin, etc. every late summer season.

Reminder for those who get Fall (Ragweed / Goldenrod) Allergies

An early reminder to mark your calendar for early July to take the fall allergy prevention. Starting one month before symptoms usually commence seems to allow many people to significantly reduce their reactions to the pollen. Some people get symptoms in the Fall like sinus infections, headaches and sore throat, but don't know that pollen is the cause Ambrosia is the homeopathic remedy made from Ragweed and is very helpful as part of the allergy prevention program. Like Cures Like!!

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Low Sexual Desire

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

I have not seen this topic addressed in other homeopathic journals – but decided to be brave and write about it in hopes that homeopathy might help those women (and their partners) who decided to seek help.

Every time I "take a case" – that initial interview that takes about 2 hours – I inquire into the level of sexual energy and whether there are any problems in that sphere. About 90% of the women relate that they have very little or no sexual desire. Of course there are many reasons why this may be happening – fatigue, hormonal imbalance, marital or psychological issues, illness and many more I won't go into each of those but instead tell you that I have seen the right remedy make a difference in sexual energy levels for women – usually in conjunction with an improvement in general energy and well being. Actual reports of unexpected lifting of fatigue giving extra energy for the forgotten pleasures of sex have been great to hear from women who had become indifferent to the thought of sex.

I definitely see low sexual desire as a sign that the vital force should be stimulated toward balance. Conventional medical doctors will actually prescribe a woman the male hormone, testosterone, to stimulate libido – but I feel that this is a risky and unnatural type of treatment. With homeopathy it is almost always the constitutional remedy that will reach the vital force best – and the vital force within knows best how to create the hormones and energy needed. The constitutional is the remedy that best fits the person's totality of symptoms. I will name a few remedies but it is best to leave the decision to your homeopath, as objectivity is essential in this health issue. Each woman has a different set of symptoms and homeopathic treatment is always individualized.

Common remedies known for low libido, lack of orgasm and even frigidity are:

Sepia – indifferent toward loved ones, irritability, draggy feeling in abdomen. Feels better from vigorous exercise. Chilly, hungry and constipated. Only useful if it is your constitutional remedy. Post partum depression.

Silica – thin, underweight woman with timidity and low motivation, weakness, orgasm may be absent.

Natrum Mur – low sexual desire due to repressed emotions or grief. Can have marked vaginal dryness. Depression and wants to be alone to cry – can't let go and release feelings.

Agnus Castus – also known as Vitex – or Chaste Berry in the herbal form – Indications homeopathically are: marked weakness – exhaustion, loss of energy and drive and aversion to sex.

Libido

I have been getting a lot of unsolicited e-mails advertising Homeopathic sexual potency medicines and Homeopathic orgasm gels made by a pharmacy I have never heard of. Have you gotten these e-mails? Annoying! But well, again (just like with sleep disorders) I find while taking people's cases that more than half of women have very low desire and enjoyment in their sex lives and that many men do not have the potency that they feel is healthy. Our homeopathic books do have many references to remedies for these kind of symptoms as part of their therapeutic picture. Instead of taking testosterone or just living without a vital sex life a person should consult a homeopath who would employ constitutional remedies. The remedy chosen will fit the whole person, including the sexual symptoms, so that the vital force will be stimulated to full health.

Sexual Health for Men

When I studied Homeopathy in England in 1976 I contacted an Indian homeopath in London and was looking forward to sitting in on his consultations and learning from him. When I met him he told me that his practice consisted mainly of treatment of men with "performance problems in the bedroom" and that sitting in on his homeopathic interviews would not work out. This was not very interesting to me anyway – and I went off to spend 6 months sitting in with homeopathic doctors at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital like Ralph Twentyman and Marjorie Blackie. But before I left the Indian doctor's office I asked him what remedies he found most helpful for his patients.

Here are a few details – added to from many different homeopathic literature sources.

Agnus Castus – I mentioned this remedy in last month's article on low female desire. This remedy stands out for male problems also. In ancient times Agnus was used in its herbal form to suppress desire in men and women and centuries ago by monks for the same reasons. Impotency and premature old age where the male organs are relaxed and cold. Useful in those advanced in years, who in their youth have carried sexual indulgence to extremes, and who, while physically impotent, are mentally excitable as in early life. History of gonorrhea.

Caladium – Impotence with mental depression, relaxation of organ during sexual excitement. No emission and no orgasm during relations. Absolutely flaccid organ, often described as resembling a wet dishrag. Lascivious thoughts but unable to have even the slightest erection.

Lycopodium – impotence with a psychological overlay, lack of confidence, fear and expectation of sexual failure; impotence from sexual excess. For impotency in men though they have increased desire. Nash states that happy results have been obtained from its use by old men who, on marrying young wives, have found themselves impotent, the result of age. Scores of old men and physicians have verified the truth of the use of Lycopodium for this condition.

Other remedies to consider – Phosphorus – impotence though has irresistible desire. Selenium – if there is weakness after having relations. Phosphoric Acid – if fatigued and drained. Argentum Nitricum – sudden laxness of organ when relations are attempted.

The art of homeopathy includes knowing how many doses and which potency to use. This can dictate whether the treatment is successful.

Though it is best to be treated with the remedy that fits the totality of a person's symptoms and then expect to be healthier overall – one can use remedies like the ones described above acutely – perhaps trying 1-3 doses of a 12C or 30C in the hour before you want performance enhanced.

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Miasms

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

In this day of DNA mapping and modern thought on genetic hi-tech treatments in our near future it turns out that homeopathy has always been capable of affecting our inherited weaknesses to bring us closer to health. I am proud to say that Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy, developed the theory of Miasms way back in the early 1800s. Miasms refer to an inherited weakened state that allows susceptibility to many chronic diseases. Hahnemann found that unless these inherited miasms were addressed the chronic diseases of his patients would not be cured.

His premise was that we are each born with patterns predisposing us to illness and health based upon our ancestors and back and back to man's beginning. This theory was before its time then (just as were his theory of "like cures like" which was taken for the development of immunizations by his contemporary Louis Pasteur – of course, ironically, Homeopathic philosophy teaches that immunizations can be detrimental to the health.)

According to Hahnemann, all disease can be traced to the three basic miasms: Psora (the itch), Syphilis and Sycosis (Gonorrhea). I used to be embarrassed about Hahnemann's Miasmatic theory because it seemed too far out – but in the light of today's thought on genetics it seems right on the mark. Also, Hahnemann taught that suppression of disease is partly the cause of it becoming part of the genetic code – so it might be that we are creating new miasms through the rampant suppressive treatments in modern medicine.

The complete homeopathic approach to any chronic illness includes an analysis of what miasms are manifesting in the body and then addressing this with a remedy similar to the symptoms as well as one which is known to be curative for the miasm. An experienced practitioner, very devoted to this science and to your health would be essential for this process to be ultimately curative. The potential of Homeopathy holds promise for our future generations, and the world's health.

Miasms – Psora

In the last issue of HomeopathiCare News – April / May 2003 – a series of articles was started to explain the concept of miasms. The miasms that we inherit do not always lead to specific diseases but more often to constitutional states that affect the way we manifest or experience disease.

Psora is considered the mother miasm and has been called "the internal itch disease". It may be that all humans have inherited this miasm, which probably started in prehistoric times as a result of continuing suppression of a primordial skin disease. Psora is the primary, underlying weakened (deficient) state which allows susceptibility to many chronic diseases and to the other two miasms. Hahnemann theorized that 70% of chronic disease has psora at its root. The ailments that arise in a psoric person are rarely life threatening but are very annoying and draining functional states which tie them down, weaken and limit the body – like allergies, eczema, acne, candidiasis, psoriasis, headache, asthma, ear infections, colds, endocrine problems, fatigue and poor digestion. There are also characteristic psoric mental symptoms namely – anxiety, timidity, fears, depression and inhibitions. All symptoms reflect deficiency, weakness, and limitation.

When a homeopath can see that chronic, inherited factors are causing a patient's health problems she will use miasmatic treatment to alter and improve the underlying state. When the skin is itchy, erupting and unhealthy it is always best NOT to suppress with external drug applications but rather to work from the inside to strengthen the vital force.

The remedies known to be helpful in psora are Sulphur, Calcarea Carb, Arsenicum Album, Silica, the Natrums, the Kalis and MANY more. The psora nosode (remedy made from disease) is Psorinum. The remedy chosen based on the Law of Similars is the best remedy in every case.

Miasms – Sycosis

Sycosis is the second of the three dominant miasms (inherited tendencies to disease) which Samuel Hahnemann theorized as the causes of chronic disease. The word sycosis means "fig-wart disease". Our ancestors who contracted gonorrhea were treated with ineffectual and / or suppressive drugs – driving the disease inward – and then they spread it in a secondary form to their wives. The children and grandchildren inherit sycosis, not gonorrhea, and now a good percentage of the world's population experiences disease in a way which reflects the constitutional taint of sycosis.

People with the sycotic miasm manifest symptoms of overgrowth or proliferation of tissue-like warts, tumors, enlarged organs, cysts, and obesity. They also manifest problems in the reproductive organs, have excess mucus, and mental emotional traits which include irritability, restlessness, selfishness, hurriedness, suspiciousness, immorality and absentmindedness. They are worse from suppression of discharges and from cold, wet weather. Reactions from vaccinations bring out tendencies to sycosis.

The main remedies used to balance the sycotic miasm are Thuja, Natrum Sulph, and Nitric Acid and the nosode (remedy made from disease – in this case gonorrhea) is called Medorrhinum.

A professional homeopath is the best one to analyze your constitution to decide which miasms are predominant and to create a plan for treatment. It is always good to be an educated consumer. The info you share with your homeopath is what will lead her to the right remedy. Physical characteristics like body build, bone structure, and teeth, skin and hair types are also used to decide your miasmatic typology.

Miasms – Syphilitic Miasm

The third main miasm (inherited tendency to disease pattern) is called the syphilitic miasm and stems from our ancestors contact with syphilis, and possibly the disease's subsequent suppression with drugs. The syphilitic miasm is known for its destructive and degenerative force on the body, i.e., ulcers, cancer that eats away at the body, joint disease which erodes the joint. Congenital deformities are attributed to this miasm. The mental pattern is more extreme than the other two miasms, (psora and sycosis) and includes alcoholism, violence, cruelty, suicide, and deviance. The fears and depressions are stronger and deeper than the other miasms also.

The remedies known to counter the syphilitic miasm are Syphilinum (the nosode made from the disease), all of the Mercury remedies, Aurum remedies, Nitric Acid and many more.

A professional homeopath is well versed at treating the whole person, taking the miasmatic tendencies into account, and attempts to clear these constitutional patterns that dictate how one experiences disease. When a couple chooses to begin parenting children, an ideal scenario is to seek homeopathic treatment before conception so that children's health and future generations are healthier.

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Attention Deficit Disorder

Dear HomeopathiCare,
My 16 yr. old son is going to flunk out of high school if he does not start to apply himself and remember his assignments and his tests and stop daydreaming about what he wants to do after school with his friends. It is summer now but he had to attend summer school to make up for poor grades from last year. He still doesn't enjoy reading after all these years! I am going to enroll him in a study skills seminar before school starts. The school tested him and says that ADD is part of the problem – our doctor is willing to try him on an ADD drug. I have heard that you can give ADD drugs like Ritalin on the days before a big test without giving them ongoing – I am tempted to do this even though I don't believe in them. I saw the book "Ritalin-Free Kids" by the Reichburg-Ullmans at the library but I can't figure out which remedy he needs. Can you help?
– M. Chavez, Denver, CO

Dear M. Chavez –
We do seem to expect our children to keep up with the system and to excel even if they don't enjoy the whole process of institutionalized learning. I wish that there were more options for high school students to learn in a less pressured way, perhaps spending some time with creative people working in the community as a break from books and desks. Taking a teenager's homeopathic case and giving the similar remedy, sometimes called a "constitutional remedy", can make things go better for a student struggling with attention span challenges, and for many there will be improvements in focus, better emotional coping skills, and ability to retain what they have heard and read etc. The homeopathic interview elicits the information needed to point the way to the right remedy. The parent tells the history of their child's health, describes their personality and the things that make them unique. Then the child needing the remedy is questioned for things only he can know: Fears, dreams, food desires, sensations, responses to stresses, griefs and traumas etc. After a homeopath researches the homeopathic literature for your child's individualizing traits they then make the decision to give the one remedy that fits best. Parents can be very helpful by sharing info with the practitioner about their child that they might have read in homeopathic books and in helping assess progress but it is generally agreed that objectivity is key in managing the case and remedy selection should be left to a professional. The book Ritalin Free Kid has much good advice for parents but is not meant to be used for as a guide to remedy choice by parents. Good homeopathic treatment over at least six months allows many parents and children to successfully avoid ADD pharmaceuticals.

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Women's Health and Homeopathy

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

Throughout life all women are impacted by the balance of health in their female organs and hormone system. Our menstrual regularity, its flow and comfort level, the effects of hormone levels at differing times of the month, susceptibility to vaginal infections, infertility, miscarriage, complications of pregnancy, and diseases of the female organs (pelvic inflammatory disease, salpingitis), overgrowth of tissue (endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, warts, cancer), and then the hormonal changes of menopause all go into the individual health story of each woman. From the onset of menstruation to its cessation and beyond, a woman's body speaks out and sometimes needs balancing.

No woman should have to experience menstrual pain every month, or painful breast tenderness, or mental irritability that is so noticeable that her family and friends know her cycle dates as well as she does. When a woman can't believe the spiteful things that are coming out of her mouth during the week before her period is due, it is time for a constitutional chosen by a professional homeopath. If headaches are a predictable part of a woman's month, again prevention is the best remedy by getting a constitutional in before the next cycle is too far gone. When a problem recurs monthly it has become chronic and needs a more deep acting approach than an acute remedy can offer.

Every woman should know that homeopathy can be useful in each of these conditions and not feel limited solely to the prescription or surgery that her OB/Gyn has recommended. I have always been dismayed in how easily medical prescribers give out birth control pills to cover up the symptoms of and ignore the cause and offer no curative treatment for menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, P.M.S., or almost every other discomfort thought to be associated with hormones and the female system. It takes assertiveness, confidence and a good team of supportive health professionals (conventional and alternative) for a woman to navigate her way through a gynecological medical problem.

Judyth Reichenberg-Ullmann ND, MSW, has written a book that is exceptionally clear and helpful for women of all ages. Whole Woman Homeopathy, published by Prima Health, $18.00, leads a woman through their health challenge in a way that is sensitive but very practical. I have found this book very helpful when researching my female patient's remedy choice. Women can do much for themselves using this resource.

A leading women's health teacher and herbalist, Susun Weed, feels that much of female menstrual difficulties are due to our non-stop American lifestyle. She encourages women to take the cue from their bodies and retreat (as Native American women did when they went to the "moon lodge" during menstruation) or otherwise slow down during this time. We must respect the moon cycle and its rhythm in our body. When we run the body like a machine the vital force is sure to feel the stress. Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D. suggests that lifestyle and undealt with emotions may be a partial cause in women's diseases. We must acknowledge that health maintenance includes "inner" emotional work, as well as diet, pap smears, and breast exams. Stress is a major cause in the derangement of the vital force, and even the right remedy cannot cure if the emotions are continually suppressed.

Homeopathy's unique ability to reach the psyche as well as addressing the physical imbalance can give women much hope as we make our way through the general cultural negativity surrounding menopause. Tamara Slayton's book, "Reclaiming the Menstrual Matrix," makes clear the current situation and affirms the potential held within menopause. She writes, "The natural expression of personal power and wisdom available to women during menopause is thwarted and frustrated in our culture. This surge of energy is subsequently turned inward on oneself and can result in many unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, mood swings, and a general feeling of being lost and unable to find a new and vital identity. Lack of support during this time and a tendency toward nutritional depletion in the American diet generates a negative and self-destructive experience of menopause. When women confront the culture's misinformation and address the nutritional needs, unique to females, they have during menopause, an opportunity to discover a deeper and freer experience of self."

Homeopathy can be an exceptional tool as women navigate the blockages and hurdles of our blessed and beautiful bodies, and the growth and knowledge gained is the wise-woman's gift to themselves.

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Colds That Linger

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

Dear HomeopathiCare,
My son, James, who is 15 years old, got a cold and a bad sore throat right after Halloween. The sore throat only lasted for 3 days. Now it is New Years and he is still blowing his nose (whitish discharge) and feeling stuffy. It seemed to clear once or twice over the last weeks but came back after 2 days each time. He had not had a cold for a whole year before this. He runs around and has normal energy, but we are all getting used to him having a nasal sounding voice and breathing through his mouth. At least he stopped snoring after I gave him the clogged nose at night remedy. He still can't taste or smell much. When will he clear up? Can this be a regular cold? It has been more than 2 months.
Darla M, in Michigan

Hi Darla, With the right care, remedies and diet I expect James's lingering cold to clear up soon. Many of us hurry about around the holidays, neglect our health and our diet becomes rich and acidic. If this was really chronic (year round) we might suspect allergy. I do think that James will need to consciously reduce the dairy products, sugar, and flour products (wheat) that he eats for at least 2 weeks, replacing them with fruits vegetables, whole grains and lots of water. Fresh vegetable juice would be a great boost also. His system sounds like it needs an overall cleanse to let go of the congestion.

I know that you called me when he first got sick and I helped you with choosing remedies from your home remedy kit, though the Oscilloococcinum was not given early enough to prevent the cold / virus from coming on (seems like you have to give Oscillo at the very first sign for it to work well). You used Hepar Sulph 30 for his sore throat and we thought he was getting better. Then you used Sambucus 30 to work on the snoring and nighttime nasal congestion that made it hard to sleep.

I think the best treatment now would be a dose of James's constitutional remedy because that always seems to help him. This is the best way to approach most every ailment – sometimes even acute ones. The constitutional was chosen based on everything about James – his history of ailments, but also his personality, food desires, his tendency to get anxious before tests, his rumbly, gassy stomach, and many more little things that make him the Lycopodium constitutional type.

Also, the homeopathic cell salts, Kali Mur 6x and Ferrum Phos 6x act as a decongestant if given 3 times a day. Lets throw in Kali Phos 6x for post flu debility, too. Make sure he takes his multilple vitamins and 2000 mg of Vitamin C a day.

If necessary I have ideas for if the symptoms continue. Deeper acting remedies and perhaps herbals – but I have a feeling that the diet changes and the constitutional will help a lot.
Lia

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Being a Homeopathic Consumer

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

A consumer seeking consultation with a homeopathic practitioner needs to educate himself about homeopathy and its philosophy because it is common for people to confuse it with herbal medicine and other natural treatments. To be a good consumer of homeopathic healthcare you need to know what your job is, too. Under homeopathic principles the body's capability to heal itself is fully trusted and the body creates the symptoms needed to be the language which will tell the Homeopath exactly which remedy will stimulate balance and enhance immunity. So you, the patient, need to communicate to the Homeopath accurately the details of your symptoms. A homeopath works with each client to find a constitutional homeopathic remedy for their total symptom picture as well as creatively making sure that they have what they need when acute ailments arise. A good natural practitioner keeps up on the latest ideas on stress reduction, nutrition, diet and lifestyle as well as on the 200 year old science of homeopathy, which is a lifetime study and is still evolving. They also need to take time to educate clients on wellness and homeopathic philosophy.

The first meeting with a client seeking homeopathic treatment for a chronic problem takes up to 2 hours due to the detailed history and symptom review. This seemingly luxurious block of time is usually the least amount necessary to create rapport with the practitioner and for an adult client to tell about their history and describe in detail all of the symptoms he experiences in every sphere of the body. There needs to be ample time to answer vital mental / emotional questions like: "What are your fears?" "Describe any grief or traumas," and "Tell me about your personality and moods," and inquiries into sleep patterns, dreams, reactions to weather, food desires and sexual energy. A homeopathic interview is truly holistic in that no stone is left unturned. A physical examination may be performed.

Then, a homeopathic practitioner must research the provings of the 1000+ homeopathic remedies and narrow the search to one substance that best fits the person's characteristic symptoms. This is called the "simillimum." The administration of the similar remedy in a form which will stimulate the "vital force, the dynamis animating the material human organism" will lead to cure. (Organon, paragraph 9 and 25, Samuel Hahnemann). Sometimes a patient needs to be managed homeopathically while remaining on an allopathic medication – and needs to be re-evaluated by both types of practitioners at intervals to see if the drug can be reduced or discontinued! Many have been diagnosed and treated by conventional practitioners and are attempting to avoid the toxicity and suppressive action of drugs. Remedies have even been known to prevent the need for surgery sometimes! Patient education, motivation and perseverance as well as a good rapport with the practitioner is key in totally resolving chronic health conditions.

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Mentoring Program

Students of homeopathy who feel that they need help in the clinical skills of case taking, case analysis, case strategy, remedy choice and long-term case management are invited to start a collaboration with me designed to prepare them more fully in the art and science of homeopathy. Even those who have completed homeopathic educational programs need ongoing mentoring as they start working with acute and chronic conditions. Two heads are better than one when it comes to complicated cases. I am available to work with you on a case by case customized basis or in a year long program. Most of our work together will be done by phone, e-mail and fax. NCH study group members receive special attention and rates. Call me to discuss your special situation and my fees, 800-530-8800.

Diane Bailey ND, MS Nutrition, writes: "After taking all the professional courses at the NCH Summer School I still needed someone to answer my questions and walk me through cases. It was reassuring to me that Lia had a classical approach to homeopathy. Our discussions are customized to my needs and I feel more confident on a practical level to be a homeopath. This kind of mentoring is way overdue nationally."

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Sensitive to the Barometer?

Many people complain of painful sinusitis, headache and arthritis flare-ups when the weather changes. Barometer changes, cloudy weather and the approach of a storm can create sinus pressure, headache, and achy joints in people who are sensitive. We have all heard of older people with rheumatism or those with old injuries who can feel it in their joints when it is going to rain. In my research I found many remedies that have this phenomenon in their provings. Because I have had success with some people who suffer with this every time the weather changes I wanted to let you know which remedies are most likely to work. The best treatment, as always, is your personalized constitutional remedy. Acute remedies can be invaluable too. Maybe you did not know that you could get away from those chronic sinus headaches and aches and pains from changes in the weather. Prolonged use of pain relievers like Tylenol, and Motrin, etc. are known to be toxic to the liver and kidneys.

Rhus Tox is the remedy that has helped the most people who suffer from this sensitivity in my experience. Many are extremely sensitive to atmospheric changes, especially to cold, damp weather or the approach of a storm, but also to any sudden or dramatic change in temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure. Often with remarkable accuracy, they may predict bad weather from intensification of their rheumatic and arthritic symptoms, and at times of other complaints as well. One patient, Julia, 68, would feel ill all over when the temperature would change, and a debilitating, one sided migraine-like headache with nausea would start. She was tired of taking strong pain meds and still not getting to the cause. Now, after taking Rhus Tox she does not seem so sensitive and knows what to do to avoid pain meds.

Spigelia is another neuralgia remedy which involves the head, begins in the occiput, coming forward and settling over the left eye and cheek. Left sidedness is a keynote here. There are burning, jerking, tearing pains, worse from any noise or from any jarring of the body. They are usually aggravated by change of weather, and are especially worse in stormy weather. At the acme of the pain there is often bilious vomiting. Kali Iodatum also has pain over the left side of the head and in the eye, aggravated on dark, stormy days. I have found Natrum Sulph, a cell salt, (see issues 12,13 and 14) to be very helpful for health problems that are worse from rainy, foggy and humid weather.

Gelsemium very quickly feels all the fluctuations of the weather, especially when the barometer falls. Pulsatilla is sensitive when atmospheric pressure is low and at the approach of storms.

Patients needing the remedy Mercurius are like human barometers and every change of temperature worsens their conditions. Remember, the element Mercury is the heavy metal contained in many thermometers and barometers.

Rhododendron is suited to nervous persons who dread a storm, and are particularly afraid of thunder, worse before the storm, affections that come on in the spring and autumn, the seasons of change. It is known for arthritis in the small joints of the fingers and toes and in the neck.

Melilotus can have rheumatic pains in all joints on approach of a rainstorm or in rainy, changeable weather. Its throbbing migraine headaches can rival those of Lachesis and Belladonna.

I'd be glad to help by phone if you'd like to discuss what might be best for your symptoms.

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Questions to ask

...about the health change you want. I have been using this set of questions when people are dealing with a health challenge: Try it!

1. What is the one action that you can take today that will move you closer to your goal?
   
   
2. Who is the one person in your life who can support you the most?
   
   
3. What is your single most intimidating obstacle?
   
   
4. What is your one greatest strength? How will you use it to achieve your goal?
   
   
5. What is the one most significant accomplishment of your life, and what is the lesson you learned from that accomplishment that will help you with your current endeavor?
   
   
6. What is the number one reason you want to attain this goal?
   
   
7. What is the one action you can take today? Now, take it!

Thanks for these questions from Bob Merberg, The Center for Personal Health Coaching
www.healthcoach4u.com

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Your Family Remedy Kit—and Making It Last

by Lia Bello RN, FNP, CCH

Having the right remedy handy when it is needed is important –so having a well-equipped remedy kit is a smart way to care for your family. I don't know how I would have survived raising my children if I had not had our kit. I love the 50-remedy 30C kit I bought from Washington Homeopathic Products, found at www.homeopathyworks.com or 800-336-1695. It is smaller than an index card box and can travel with a family on vacations. It can really last a lifetime if you know how to conserve your remedies. All of the most commonly used remedies will be in the kit. Yes, you will still need another box in your home which will hold assorted other remedies you will accumulate – like higher and lower potencies and off-size vials – but a kit makes you feel very secure knowing that you have the remedy which will be needed when you need it.

Some of the remedies in your kit may never be needed. Others will be used frequently. A kit can definitely last a family a lifetime with a few replacements of the most used remedies. To conserve the granules in your vials, I suggest using the following method each time someone is sick, and needing more than one dose of the same remedy. Put ONE dose of the remedy into ½ to 1 cup of water. Each tsp. of this water taken by mouth is a dose. No more granules are needed of this remedy for this illness. I have found that liquid administration of the remedies makes them work better anyway. I like the HomeopathyWorks kits because they use the smallest granules (10- or 15-grain poppy-seed-size granules) and just a few of them (5-10) are needed as one dose.

Remember always to put the remedy you have just used back into the kit so that you don't end up with an incomplete kit.

A good family kit is an investment – costing at least $90 – but is well worth it. Buying remedies singly is much more expensive! Take a course on homeopathic acute care to make the best use of your kit, and have at least two books available for researching the needed remedy. I suggest either Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine by Cummings and Ullman, or Homeopathic Medicine at Home by Panos, as your first book. Your next book could be a reference book like a Materia Medica. My favorite is Boger's Synoptic Key, or Morrison's Desktop Guide to Confirmatory Symptoms.

Remember, if you are getting homeopathic treatment for a chronic health problem it is best not to take remedies for your acute problems without discussing it with your homeopath as this might interfere with your treatment.

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Smallpox Prevention

Dear HomeopathiCare, I am curious as to where you and the homeopathic community stand on the smallpox threat and possible mass vaccination, and the use of nosodes (I assume there is one for smallpox). Donna T, Maryland

Hi Donna – this is a hard one. In general, Homeopathic philosophy is "anti-vaccination," due to the possible bad effect on the vital force and toxic foreign substance in the body. The modern homeopathic community stance is still evolving – but because the homeopathic treatment of Smallpox has not been studied with modern-day research methods, it is unlikely that they will counsel the public to forego the regular preventive measures like vaccination. The homeopathic nosodes for smallpox are called Variolinum and Malandrinum. For people who definitely will not get vaccinated (and those who cannot, due to conditions like extreme eczema, or taking immune suppressant drugs) the nosodes may confer some inmmunity. There is definitely info in our old homeopathic literature from the early 1900s when smallpox epidemics were happening that show that homeopathic treatment can be preventive and therapeutic, but the research just does not stand up to modern criteria. Another problem I see is that some old references say that taking the homeopathic nosode kept the regular smallpox vaccination from "taking" when administered. The National Center for Homeopathy will probably release a general policy which will be conservative. Certain individual homeopathic practitioners and doctors may be more radical in their way of dealing with it, and I will try to keep you informed as things develop.

Good websites are:
www.medicinegarden.com/library/smallpox.html, and
www.homeopathyhome.com/reference/crisis.html.

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Anthrax Prophylaxis

Prevention (prophylaxis) of diseases by using nosodes (homeopathic medicines made from small amounts of disease tissue) has been used by some homeopaths for years as a more natural form of immunizing children, (i.e. diphtherinum to prevent diphtheria), and for adults traveling overseas who do not want the strong vaccines usually given for cholera, etc. We do not have statistics on immunity except from our own patients. My experience with homeopathic prophylaxis is that it does confer immunity to most people and it is not harmful to the body.

I am suggesting to my patients who live in areas where likelihood of exposure is high that they take one dose of Anthracinum 200c or 1M (the nosode remedy made from Anthrax) NOW, and have another dose on hand, as well as certain homeopathic remedies which I will mention below, to take if exposure does occur. I can not guarantee immunity, but this is what I would and will do for myself and family and friends, if necessary.

Unfortunately, homeopathic pharmacies can only sell nosodes, like Anthracinum, to licensed health care providers. Contact me if you would like to be prepared in this way. 1-800-530-8800. I do not recommend this treatment if you do not have a high chance of exposure. There are homeopathic nosodes for other diseases also, like smallpox, botulism, plague and influenza.

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Anthrax Treatment

The best article I have seen on the homeopathic treatment of anthrax is on the internet at www.medicinegarden/library/anthrax_symptoms.html. You need to read the whole article as it's author, Eileen Naumann RSHom, gives much general info on anthrax as well as homeopathic treatment info. Her book "Poisons That Heal" gives much information on this and other diseases.

To summarize the homeopathic info given in the article:

About 1-6 days after inhaling Bacillus anthracis spores there would be a gradual onset of vague symptoms of illness such as fatigue, fever, mild discomfort in the chest and possibly a dry cough. You may think you have the "flu" or a "chest cold." Remember that there is an incubation period before symptoms start.

The remedies that fit this first stage of symptoms of inhalation of anthrax Anthracinum:

Arsenicum Album,
Lachesis,
Secale,
Bryonia.

This means that you need to choose the ONE of these remedies that fits the symptoms best and administer it when someone gets sick with the first stage of anthrax. You choose the remedy based on what remedies you have on hand and by reading about remedy pictures in books (like the Materia Medica) or on the internet. Getting help from a homeopathic practitioner will make it easier. I would be glad to help anyone who calls. 1-800-530-8800.

Remedies in a 30x or c potency should be given every 15-30 minutes as needed during symptoms. Stop the remedy if there is improvement.

This article goes on to say that in Anthrax, the first stage will abate for 1 to 3 days and then come back with much worse symptoms like pneumonia, stomach pain, nausea, fever, chills, shock and blueness of skin. These symptoms can lead to death after 24-36 hours. The remedies repertorized for Stage 2 are:

Arsenicum Album,
Phosphorus,
Lachesis,
Carbo Veg,
Baptisia,
Veratrum,
Alb.,
China, or
Pyrogen.

The remedy you choose should be given frequently on the way to the hospital.

The form of Anthrax that is contracted when it enters through skin contact best fits the remedies:

Arsenicum Album,
Lachesis, and
Crotalus Horr.

These homeopathic remedies are available over the counter at some health food stores and homeopathic pharmacies. To order by phone contact HomeopathyWorks at 800-336-1695 or Homeopathy Overnight at 1-800-ARNICA30. A good site for specific info on remedy symptoms is:
www.homeoint.org/books2/nashtherap/.

Do not use this info as a substitute for traditional medical health care!!

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Anthrax and Homeopathy

Many of you have been concerned about the alarming developments and exposures concerning Anthrax and potential threats from other diseases. Some of you have contacted me about what help homeopathy might be in an epidemic situation. Well, the international community of homeopathic practitioners is discussing this issue together and we are prepared to use homeopathy for prophylaxis and treatment to the best of our ability.

I'd like to use this newsletter to inform you on my research and thoughts on this sadly real topic.

Fortunately, antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment is effective for Anthrax. Most people will probably avail themselves of this drug option, but, homeopathy can be used alongside (at the same time as) drugs, or if antibiotics are not available. You can't be on antibiotics all the time! A number of diseases, which may be unleashed in bio-terrorism, are viruses and will not be treatable with antibiotics.

Historically, homeopathy has a good track record in epidemic disease treatment from different epidemics in Europe and the US between 1850 and 1930 when Cholera, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and deadly influenzas and dysenteries swept through. Statistics in homeopathic hospitals showed 1/2 to 1/8 the mortality rates in allopathic hospitals. History does not accurately reflect these successes.

Health is the Best Defense

The general consensus among homeopaths is that the best defense in every case is having a healthy, balanced body. Homeopathic constitutional treatment is good protection because of the balance it brings to the vital force, allowing the fullest expression of HEALTH and the potential of strengthening inherent weaknesses. Call me to avail yourself and your family of the ultimate that homeopathy has to offer and get a constitutional consultation soon!

FEAR: The Real Epidemic

Most of you received my info on "remedies for shock and grief" in the last newsletter. (Let me know if you did not receive it and would like to read it. Please DO use these treatments for your families because in my practice now I am seeing ailments that have arisen from fear and fright. Sleep problems, inability to concentrate, and depressions are even more common since the events that shocked us. Our vital force (governing system) is susceptible to emotional traumas and will create physical manifestations when it is forced out of balance by stresses. Individualized treatment can really make a difference!

I did fly to Washington, DC during September and was successful in reducing feelings of fear and panic by taking Aconite 30 as the airplane doors closed.

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SARS Treatment and Prophylaxis

I received this info about a website with much good info on SARS on May 1 from Dr. Mansoor Ali. I have re-printed just the Homeopathic part of the website. There is much more at the site describing SARS and all that is known about it. For details, please go to:
www.pulsemans.com/new.htm.

Homoeopaths of Kerala, India have evolved a new prophylactic and treatment methodology for SARS Homoeopathic Treatment. At present, there are no definite medicines in allopathy for SARS except offering ventilators, oxygen support therapy, antibiotic cover and some nonspecific antiviral medications, it will be the only wise thing that homoeopathic medicines are evaluated and incorporated in the treatment of SARS.

The following are the remedies that came out on analyzing the available symptoms and signs.

Aconitum napellus, Ailanthus glandulosa, Arsenicum album, Belladonna, Bryonia, Chelidonium majus, Crotalus horridus, Hepar sulph, Ipecac, Kali carb, Lachesis, Muriatic acid, Natrum sulphuricum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, and Rhus tox.

Out of these, Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, and Ipecac may be particularly useful in the early stages, and Ailanthus glandulosa, Kali carb, Lachesis, and Phosphorus in the late stages. Veratrum viride mother tincture is said to be particularly effective in containing the illness.

Prophylaxis

Based on the recent analyzing (see above) of actual symptoms of SARS and on our experience with massive prophylactic work with marked success against Leptospirosis, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, and Cholera, we suggest Phosphorus as the best prophylactic drug against SARS. The dosage can be adjusted as Phosphorus 200c taken two times daily for five days.

Pulsatilla is one of the best medicines for common viral infections, both as a preventive and curative, if required an intercurrent of Thuja will enhance its powers. According to Dr. Mansoor Ali. Dr. Jean Doherty MF Hom, suggests Oscillococcinum 200 as first-line defense, if there is contact with SARS. Dr. Manish Bhatia gives Chelidonium majus as a prophylactic drug.

Of course – you need to seek traditional medical care as well, if you suspect SARS.

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Future of Medicine?

Imagine a busy family practice, a primary care setting in which antibiotics are prescribed only twice a day instead of 15 times; where Ritalin and Prozac are prescribed to only two patients a month, and where cortisone is used only in an emergency. This potential exists with homeopathy and would greatly reduce the world's growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Elderly people would use a small fraction of the drugs normally given now and adverse drug reactions would be greatly reduced. Children would start to see that you don't need a drug for every bad mood, or energy burst and would be less attracted to mind altering substances. There are hundreds of health practices around the world where this is a reality because of the use of homeopathy. Almost all homeopathic remedies are available over the counter from homeopathic pharmacies. One remedy vial costs less than $10 and will last a family several years. Many consumers buy a small kit of remedies to have at home to handle acute care themselves or with the help of their practitioner. The remedies, which are prepared on sugar pellets, are easily taken orally by all ages. Homeopathic health care for chronic ailments is best left to a professional homeopathic practitioner. The remedies have been used safely for pregnant, and nursing women and infants for 200 years.

Of course – you need to seek traditional medical care as well, if you suspect SARS.

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The Suppression of the Menstrual Cycle—Bring Back Natural Cycles

Did you know that when a woman (as young as 12) tells a conventional health care practitioner that they have menstrual cramps, P.M.S., irregular periods, or anything having to do with female hormones like acne, water retention or some forms of headache that they are given birth control pills? – regardless of whether or not they need contraception? Modern medicine considers this a cure for those problems and they have no qualms about keeping a woman on "the pill" for her whole reproductive life if that is what she would like. And now they are even pushing a new form of BC pills where you have only four periods each year so that women will not have to "cope with the pain and inconvenience of menstruation." Their studies showed that women who followed this regimen spent significantly less money every year on hygiene products. (Duh!) Dr. David Grimes has even asserted that monthly bleeding is not required for good health.

The use of birth control pills is called "menstrual suppression" and it turns off the woman's own hormones and superimposes a pseudo-set of hormones. The monthly bleeding while on the pill is not a real "period;" it is simply a reaction to the withdrawal of the hormone pills for one week per month. So to say that this is a cure for menstrual cramps when the menstruation is suppressed is inaccurate. When a woman has been taking "the pill" to reduce menstrual pain etc., and they go off of the pill – the cramps come back – so suppression of symptoms, not cure, has taken place.

A woman's menstrual pattern should be considered one of the body's "vital signs" – just like blood pressure and temperature etc. A woman needs to be tuned in to her body – to know when it is healthy and what is happening if there is a problem.

A homeopathic practitioner always inquires into all details of the female body when taking a woman's case – this includes details of the menstrual flow, regularity of menses, and all concomitant (related) symptoms, sexual desire, moods etc. If these vital signs of health or illness are not available to look into then part of the totality of symptoms is missing. Of course removing parts of the body, i.e. hysterectomy, is going to suppress the system also. The correct remedy can reach the vital force, which is inextricably intertwined with, and governs, the hormonal and immune systems and will heal any symptoms.

Now that hormone replacement therapy for menopause has been uncovered as detrimental to women's health – I hope that medicine will start to look more closely at menstrual suppression. There have only been two generations of women since birth control pills became available – I predict that it will be found that menstrual suppression causes even bigger health repercussions than HRT. I hope that women will learn not to manipulate their normal cycles but to embrace and honor their natural body wisdom. Natural Fertility Awareness should be taught to every young woman and homeopathy used for any ailments.

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Historic Pharmacy Will Be Missed

When I first heard of homeopathy in 1974 I visited Washington Homeopathic Pharmacy in Bethesda, Maryland and took a marvelous step back in time to an era of hand compounding, of remedies, ointment mixing and exotic smells. The tiny drawers filled with vials and the big glass jars of tinctures labeled with the names of the remedies I was studying made me feel at home. The old pharmacist, Mr. Furr, and this little store played a special part in my introduction to homeopathy and in the history of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1878, and used by physicians and patients and homeopathic hospitals in D.C. throughout the heyday of homeopathy until homeopathy use declined – the pharmacy remained purely homeopathic and never expanded to modern pharmaceutical drug dispensing. Surviving through the years somehow until 1991, when Joe Lillard bought it to keep it alive. He also founded Homeopathy Works – in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, a working pharmacy and museum where much antique homeopathic memorabilia is displayed. The old pharmacy has now moved to West Virginia where the old drawers and equipment will live on. Homeopathy Works catalogue and order line 1-800-336-1695

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Grief—Shock—Trauma

Hello friends – A short note from your Homeopathic Nurse Practitioner to remind you that there are remedies that are meant for times when our bodies and minds need support due to grief, shock and trauma.

Let's all take some doses of Rescue Remedy – 2 drops from the stock bottle in 1 ounce of water. Sip as needed. No way to overdose. This is a mixture of 5 Bach Flower remedies. It is not strictly Homeopathic but is in the energy medicine category.

The indications for a few remedies that I think are relevant:

Aconite – take ASAP after a shock. Ailments from fright. Anxiety. Fear of death.

Ignatia – grief, sorrow, separation. Imbalance from grief. Lump in the throat feels like a real obstruction. Ailments from anger. Sadness and anger alternate.

Arsenicum Album – anxiety, restlessness, fear, insomnia from anxious thoughts. Anguish, full of cares.

I need to fly in a jet soon and that makes me pretty nervous. I will take Rescue Remedy and Aconite before boarding and during flight as needed to help me with my fears.

I am finding that there are many sensitive people who are having a hard time getting back to normal after these shocks. I offer this info ¨with love to all to pass on to those in need.

IMMUNITY – this is the limited modern term for what the founder of Homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1767-1843), called the VITAL FORCE – that innate governing system in each of us which has the wisdom to regulate all the workings of the body and mind. Not only does the vital force oversee thousands of chemical and enzymatic reactions each second, and create the T cells and antibodies, but it holds the potential for our full harmonious mental, emotional and physical health (and probably spiritual health too). It is only when our Vital Force is pushed off of balance by stress, emotional and physical trauma, inherited factors, and other, as yet, unknown energies that our bodies become susceptible and start to show this imbalance with symptoms. Since the vital force is a subtle energy, comparable to the Chinese "chi" or Indian "prana" – homeopathic remedies are prepared in such a way so as to be subtle yet powerful enough to reach it when balancing is needed.

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How to Help Your Homeopath Find Your Remedy

Each newsletter I'd like to share ways to be a good homeopathic patient. This skill can really make a difference in what your Homeopath can do for you. Being knowledgeable about the way homeopathy works (i.e. "like cures like" and the "minute dose") is key to understanding the process but your most important job is to report your symptoms accurately. Tell your homeopath in detail about each part of you that is not just right. This includes the exact sensation, not just "it hurts" but "it burns", or "it pounds". When it bothers you, like the time of day. What makes it feel better or worse, i.e. when you move a certain way, when your are stressed or tired, before menstruation, etc. These details are called modalities.

Herbal Antibiotics

I always tell my patients about Herbal Antibiotics when someone gets so sick with a sinus infection or bronchitis. The recipe is:

Echinacea tincture – 5 drops – and
Golden Seal tincture – 5 drops

Take 5 times a day for 5 to 7 days. Can be taken in a little water. You might need to hide it in juice for a child to get it down. My son says that it tastes like tree bark. You can find it prepared with glycerin for children in the health food store.

Children under 70 pounds should take 3 drops of each herbal tincture. Infants and nursing mothers should substitute Oregon Grape Root tincture for the Golden Seal tincture.

Remove the Cause

An obvious but important point that the founder of Homeopathy, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann brought forth in his book the Organon of Medicine, first published in 1810 was that the cause of a sickness should be removed, if it is known, as a step toward healing. Paragraph 7. For example, if someone has a cough from smoking – they need to stop smoking. If someone gets a headache every time they are around perfumes – they must avoid those perfumes. If someone gets asthma from being around cats – they must remove the cat from their home to expect improvement in their health. It may seem obvious and dumb to discuss this but I know of people who would rather suppress their symptoms with a drug than remove the cause of their illness.

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Tips on How to Help Your Homeopath Manage Your Case

Do you take responsibility to follow up after you have consulted your homeopath for treatment? Most homeopathic practitioners give a constitutional remedy about four to six weeks to work when treating chronic symptoms. Right then is the best time to report what happened and for ascertaining the best course of action. Ideally you would have written some notes over the month with details of changes, emotional ups and downs and symptoms that came up or subsided. This documentation becomes even more important if you wait longer than six weeks to talk to the prescriber because we all tend to forget details that may be important to your case management.

A homeopath looks for any immediate aggravation in the first few days after administering a remedy (which is a favorable sign – though not necessary). The best post-remedy scenario is a short-lived (a few hours to one to two days) aggravation of your symptoms and then a gradual bettering (amelioration) of ALL symptoms especially general WELL BEING. Another favorable occurrence is when old symptoms from past illnesses (perhaps suppressed with drugs) are experienced in passing but you still feel good in general. There are many other outcomes that need to be reported, i.e. new symptoms arose, emotional downswing, no change.

It is a rare case when an adult with chronic problems is cured with just one remedy. Most of us have layers of suppression and traumas (like vaccinations, childhood abuse, grief, drug and surgical suppressions, etc.) that need to be peeled back to reveal our healthy constitution. Homeopathic practitioners can not get one to this point without a very cooperative and motivated patient. Mainstream medicine relies much more on CT Scans and blood-work to make these treatment decisions. Use homeopathy for a more refined, preventive and deep-acting outcome.

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Help for Plantar's Warts

Another patient asked me to cover the use of homeopathic remedies for Planter's Warts in this newsletter. Glad to! These flat warts on the soles of the feet can be painful when you step on a stone – even with shoes on! The first thing to try for any wart is Thuja ointment. Sometimes that is all you need. It might take a month of applications morning and night. If that doesn't budge it Antimonium Crudum 12 c or 30 c twice a day for one week by mouth usually works for hardened warts and corns on the soles of the feet. As you might have learned, in homeopathy there are always several remedies that have to be chosen between and the best one is individualized to the person's symptoms. I'd be glad to help you figure out your customized remedy!

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Holistic Weight Loss and Maintenance

I am now offering a program to people who would like to lose 10-100 pounds. I don't believe that powdered drinks, diet bars or drastic diets will bring you the ability to maintain your weight after losing it. My program includes:

• constitutional homeopathic treatment to help the body find balance
• screening for thyroid imbalance, emotional investment in eating, and candida
• individualized detoxification, colon cleansing, eating and exercise plan
• ongoing, supportive, weekly check-ins to follow successes and update plan

Much of our work together can be done by phone. Call me if this is for you.

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Immunizations

Several patients have asked me to write about the controversial topic of immunizations.

When I speak with expectant parents or parents of small children I ask them to begin to think about whether or not they are going to immunize their children and to research the pros and cons of vaccinations. Historically, homeopathic practitioners have been against immunizations, even though the method is based on "Like cures like," as is Homeopathy (i.e. measles vaccine is made of measles). The difference is that vaccinations are concentrated material amounts of disease substance (killed or attenuated) and all people get the same substance regardless of symptoms and susceptibility. A Homeopathic medicine is very dilute and is matched individually to the person and his symptoms, not to a disease that he might or might not get in the future.

Unfortunately, there are children who have been damaged and even died from immunizations – though most have little reaction. Homeopathic practitioners find that some patients seem to have chronic illnesses that date from the time of an immunization. We do not know the long-term effects of being immunized. Many medical thinkers believe that having childhood diseases like measles and chicken pox is beneficial to the immune system and that the toxic effects of the vaccinations should be avoided. If you get a childhood disease homeopathic treatment should be sought out. If you do not have access to good homeopathic care you need to make your decision carefully.

In my 27 years in holistic health field I have known hundreds of families who have chosen not to immunize. All of them did well and are healthy today. Some of them chose to get homeopathic doses of the disease substances (nosodes) and many took nothing. There is historical and modern data that leads us to believe that Homeopathic immunizations do confer some immunity, though formal research needs to be done. Of course, regular immunizations do not guarantee full immunity.

It is GOOD that in the U.S. most states allow parents to choose whether or not to immunize based on their convictions and that a "conscientious objector" form is accepted in lieu of an immunization record at most schools.

My recommendation is to:

1. Read the books outlining the pros and cons of immunizations and the treatment options.
2. Consider Homeopathic immunizations if you feel that you must do something.
3. Avoid immunizations as an adult – the drug companies keep coming up with new ones.

There are alternatives for pneumonia and flu shots too.

If you decide to give immunizations to your child:

1. Allow a baby to grow and strengthen for a few months before giving their first shots (not immediately after birth). Don't give the shots when the child is sick (or just because you are in the doctor's office).
2. Give a dose of Ledum 30c (the puncture wound remedy) after the shot. Have Belladonna on hand for swelling and fever that may come that night. A few days after the shot give Thuja 30c – to attempt to remove the bad effects of immunizations.

Recommended reading and websites:
Vaccine Guide: Making an Informed Choice by Randall Neustaedter OMD
www.lyghtforce.com/HomeopathyOnline/text/golden.htm
a great article by an Australian doctor who kept statistics on all of the children to whom he gave homeopathic immunizations.

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Dental Abscess

I have found that an infection at the root of a tooth can be removed by taking Hepar Sulph 30c followed by Silica 30. The intense pain and pressure of the pus formation will go away and the body can resorb the infection – thus saving the tooth much longer and avoiding root canal or extraction. I suggest getting help from your Homeopath as your symptoms may point to other remedies. Herbal antibiotics may be necessary as well.

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Explaining Homeopathy

Homeopathy can be explained as a highly systematized way of stimulating the regulating system of the body to find balance. This natural pharmaceutical system uses micro-doses of substances from the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms to arouse a person's natural healing response. Its use is appropriate in any situation, from family self-care for common ailments to emergencies. Chronic diseases and mental and emotional imbalances are areas where homeopathy sees great success. This system of medicine is highly valued by sophisticated consumers and thoughtful health care practitioners because of its safe, non-toxic and low tech, though thorough, approach to the whole person.

Homeopathic therapeutics is based on the principle that the best therapy for any given patient is the single medicine whose adverse effects most closely mimic the totality of symptoms. We now have documentation of 1000+ substances proven on healthy people for homeopathic practitioners to use to find the similar remedy. When a patient seeks treatment for chronic health problems, one remedy is sought that covers all of the symptoms for that patient's constitution. When the correct remedy is administered it is common to see swift, improvement in that person's well-being and physical health lasting months and years, from just a few micro doses. To aid them in their investigative search for the most similar remedy, homeopaths have computer software to correlate information from their hundreds of reference books. Homeopaths are proud that they are able to follow the physician's oath and maxim "First, do no harm".

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My Family Uses Homeopathy!—A Sharing by Imra

My three-year-old toddler, Elijah, woke up from his nap screaming, with a bright red face and fever of 102°. His right ear lobe was red and I looked in at the eardrum with the home otoscope that Lia, our nurse practitioner, had encouraged me to buy, and had taught me to use. I was surprised at how red and swollen it was. Elijah was pulling at his ear and acting pretty agitated. He had seemed healthy and well before I had put him down for his nap. I wanted to reduce his fever and his pain. I got out my home remedy kit from Washington Homeopathic Products – the one with 50 remedies in the 30C potency – in the small 6 × 2 × 3-inch box and took out the notes from the homeopathic first aid course I had taken. All the symptoms seemed to match the description of Belladonna. I sprinkled 10 granules of Belladonna into a cup of water and gave Elijah a sip. I kept giving him one sip every 15 minutes for an hour. Then I rechecked his temperature and it was 102°. I continued the dosing and although it was a hard evening with an irritable baby it seemed that he cooled down and had much less pain by bedtime. The next day when I checked his eardrum it was almost back to normal. Homeopathy saved the day again and I was so happy that I hadn't needed to give him Tylenol or antibiotics!

Before I had known about Homeopathy my older son, David's, health had put the whole family through a trauma due to recurrent ear infections. He had eight of them before he was even two years old and more after that! David had antibiotics each time his ear would become infected, sometimes two different antibiotics in a row to finish it up. I had to give him a lot of fever and pain reducing medication, not to mention the decongestants and sometimes steroids. David got bronchitis and sinus infections occasionally, too. By the time David was four years old, the doctor said that it would be best to insert tubes into the eardrums so that the fluid could escape instead of building up. David would have to be anesthetized for the procedure and the tubes might fall out soon after insertion.

That is when I got busy and started reading, asking around at the health food store and researching alternatives. An acquaintance recommended Homeopathy and had seen Lia before for a menstrual problem so I made an appointment. We talked for a long time and she examined David. Lia seemed upset that my doctor had not mentioned allergies as a possibility in David's health problems. She gave my son a constitutional remedy, Calcarea Carb 1M, right then, even though he was well and didn't have an infection. She said that it was to start to prevent his recurring problems and raise his immunity. I didn't know there was any preventive for these things! Then she gave me a list of remedies to have on hand to give in case he got sick. Lia said that David needed to go off of milk, cheese and ice cream. I tried hard but it seems impossible to be so strict! Anyway, the inevitable happened and David got another ear infection about one month later. This time, after calling Lia, I used remedies like Belladonna, and Pulsatilla and decongestant remedies like Kali Mur and Ferrum Phos. The doctor said it was a full blown ear infection but David seemed to get relief from the pain with the remedies and ten days later the eardrum was pronounced clear just like with the antibiotics! The best part was that he never had another ear infection and now can get a cold without it going to his ears, lungs or sinuses! I wish I had known about Homeopathy earlier. Now I am a member of the National Center for Homeopathy and receive their great magazine, Homeopathy Today, and feel like an old timer at it, giving my friends advice and referring them to Lia when things get rough.

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Menopause and Classical Homeopathy

Part of the natural approach to menopause is accepting it as a normal and healthy stage of life. It should not be considered an "estrogen deficiency" and medicated away through estrogenic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is clear that there are health risks with HRT and it is a relief that this kind of medication is now being used much more cautiously. Naturally derived estrogens and progesterones may be found safe but are still suppressive of the body's natural processes.

In a 1997 article written in the British magazine Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery Tessa Katz, professional homeopath at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, stated that "homeopathic treatment can be used as an alternative to treatment with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or alongside HRT, in the management of menopausal symptoms." Ms. Katz wrote, "From experience at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital Women's Clinic in the U.K., about 70% of patients feel a definite improvement in menopausal symptoms whilst using homeopathic medicines and another 25% get some benefit."

Because the entire journey through menopause can take many (up to 13) years to traverse, with myriad symptoms sure to be slightly different in each woman, the classical constitutional homeopathic approach seems wisest. We need to listen to the body, mind and spirit, and then interact with it using dynamized substances, which honor the body's wisdom. The common imbalances of sleep disturbances, hot flashes, depression, headache and female organ problems may be resolved with homeopathy.

Remedies most commonly used during menopause are lachesis, pulsatilla, sepia, graphites, sulphur, natrum muriaticum, and platina. These remedies are each well known by their unique particular symptom picture, personality and body type. When the right remedy for each woman is administered, and the health balance is monitored at intervals, adjusting treatment through the changes and stresses of the transition, menopause is more easily navigated.

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Smoking Cessation

Homeopathy can help when someone makes that important decision to quit smoking. After they set their date and start to taper their smoking habit, it is best to raise the nutritional supplementation of B Vitamins and Vitamin C to support the nervous system and the adrenal glands. As the date approaches – the remedy Tabacum 30 can be started to reduce the craving. A powerful stress reduction technique should be practiced daily so that it can be implemented in a shortened form each time a craving arises. On the quit date and for a period afterwards – Tabacum can be taken as needed – as well as Rescue Remedy and a few doses of Nux Vomica to clear the toxicity. The process will continue for as long as needed. Some people will do best with individualized remedies that fit their emotions and energy level. A balanced person reaches his goals much more easily! Please call for more details and dosages and support. A session or two of Personal Coaching helps too.

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Homeopathy on Vacation

Summer days keep us from having to treat quite so many colds and flus, but families find summery reasons to need Homeopathic remedies anyway. Vacation time and travel might lead us to use some of the rarely opened remedies in our homeopathic kits. It is good to have a compact remedy kit that is small enough to consider packing for a trip. I always take Rescue Remedy, the Bach Flower combination, which is used for any emotionally upsetting situation. In your supplies you will also want a wound ointment or gel like Calendula, which can double as a burn salve.

There are certain remedies that should always be taken on a trip, just in case. Here is info on a few problems that could arise.

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Ear Troubles From Flying

Just getting on a jet plane can cause problems for some – like ear pain from changes in altitude and air pressure while landing and taking off. The pressure and crackling and sometimes pain as well as later complications might be prevented by administering Kali Mur 6x or 12x, a dose or two before take-off and again one or two times before landing. Flying is best postponed if someone has just been diagnosed with otitis media.

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Motion Sickness

Traveling by car, bus, train or boat brings on a miserable motion sickness for some of us. Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache. Your remedy kit can be a vacation saver. If you are prone to motion sickness check out the remedies Tabacum, Petroleum and Cocculus.

Someone needing Tabacum will be pale and clammy. They will want to lie still with their eyes closed and the smell of cigarette smoke worsens their nausea.

Petroleum motion sickness is unique in that the person is hungry for small amounts and has an increase in saliva. Gas and exhaust fumes may play a part in their sickness.

The motions sickness of Cocculus is made worse by the sight, smell, or thought of food. They are worse if chilled and are forced to lie down with dizziness and nausea. Rising up, hearing noises, and getting cold make them worse.

If you don't have any of these remedies handy, try Nux Vomica – it covers many motion sickness symptoms, too.

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Bowels

Traveling brings with it a change in diet, water supply and schedules, sometimes leading to constipation or diarrhea. The remedy Alumina can help "traveler's constipation" when thee is no urge to move the bowels. Compare this with Nux Vomica constipation where there is a constant urging with no results. Speaking of Nux Vomica – this is also the remedy for stomach upsets from overeating "junk food" – so easy to do on vacation!

A smart family carries remedies for diarrhea, especially if they are in places where the food and water might contain amoebas or viruses. Arsenicum album is the first remedy to think of when thin, irritating diarrhea hits, especially if stomach pains and / or nausea / vomiting accompany. Remember Arsenicum Album also for food poisoning of any kind. Some families dose themselves with Ars. alb. before traveling to a country where dysentery is a possibility. A more severe diarrhea, explosive and debilitating, might need Veratrum album. Podophyllum is for plain old diarrhea without the drama of the other two remedies.

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Sunburn and Bites

Summer is SUNBURN time! Use your natural burn gels (like aloe) and – if pain continues or sleeping is difficult, give Cantharis internally for a few doses. Belladonna will come to the rescue if the burn is bright red and angry looking with systemic symptoms like headache or chills starting.

Some people are so sensitive to the sun that they get an itchy stinging eruption called sun poisoning, or urticaria. That is when we can finally pull Urtica urens out of our kits. I learned about "stinging nettle" (common herbal name for Urtica Urens) the hard way when I was stung and burnt by it from brushing against its serrated leaves while walking near a river dressed in shorts. Stinging Nettle is unforgettable after you've met it in this way. I've used Urtica Urens successfully for "sea nettle" stings too, when some one comes out of the ocean covered with itchy welts after swimming. How else would we know what "like cures like" is all about if it weren't for nettle and, of course, the soothing effects of Apis Mellifica (honey bee) for bee stings? Yes, this remedy can really cut the pain and swelling after bee stings (and wasp stings).

My homeopathic animal consultant friend, Laura Aroneseno, shares that "it is the season for bees, wasps and other flying, stinging creatures to be abundant – therefore it is good to be prepared. Our animals can benefit from these remedies too! The poison of the bee acts on cellular tissue causing puffiness and swelling. Skin will have redness, be shiny and indent on pressure. Symptoms are worse for heat including hot rooms, touch – even lightly, better for open (cool) air, cold applications. These may also be exhibited; fidgety, restless, not wanting to be alone and thirstless.

"In addition to bee stings, Apis should be considered for allergic reactions and swellings in reaction to vaccinations, other insect bites, thorns, hives, rashes, welts, joint swellings. All are aggravated by heat, better cold. Swelling of eyelids, ears, throat, lungs, limbs, are a sign of sever reaction. Anaphylactic shock can be treated on the way to the hospital with Apis (and Rescue Remedy too.)"

Complications of mosquito and other insect bites, like excessive itching or swelling, can find some relief with Staphysagria, though preventing the bites is your best medicine.

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Poison Ivy

The rash of poison ivy and poison oak is another dreaded summer bummer which usually responds well to a few doses of Rhus toxicodendron 30. When the itching is reduced and the rash shrinks instead of spreads you know that your remedy is working. There are instances when high potency of Rhus tox. might be needed, like 200 or 1M to quell a bad case of poison ivy. Don't let the rash get too bad before you switch to another remedy if the rash is getting worse – allopathic doctors are becoming very liberal with steroid use for rhus poisoning – so go on to higher potencies of Rhus tox., or consider using or Croton tig., to avoid needing that kind of crisis medicine.

Anacardium may be your second remedy if large blisters form, filled with yellow fluid. This swelling in this kind of poison ivy can look quite monstrous, especially if it is on the face.

Croton tig. eruptions can also blister and are quite inflamed, but the burning is less than with Rhus tox.

*    *    *

May your summer be free of all these problems and may your remedy choice be right the first time, if you need a remedy. Happy Vacationing!

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Potencies of Remedies

Everyone agrees that finding the most similar remedy is the important thing when using homeopathy BUT do you know which potency to give for the optimum effect? In this issue I start a short series discussing this important principle of Homeotherapeutics.

What Is Potentization?
In the late 1800s, armed with information carefully gathered in the provings of many different medicinal substances in their crude form, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy, began to apply the concept of "like cures like" to patients with health problems. He started to see improvements, but many patients reported worsening of their symptoms before they got better. To prevent such "aggravations" Hahnemann started to dilute the medicines over and over. He observed that diluting and shaking (succussing) the remedies not only forestalled "aggravations," but also that they seemed to act more effectively. They were paradoxically more dilute but more potent. This inverse relationship of dose to therapeutic effect is one reason that scientifically minded people sometimes find themselves at odds with Homeopathy.

Hahnemann also believed that potentization of remedies enhanced their energetic ability to reach the vital force (or governing system) of the person being treated. The vital force is an energy and must be stimulated by an energy medicine for movement towards balance to happen. The higher the potency the more deeply the vital force can be stimulated. This potentization process (along with the "like cures like" therapeutic approach) sets Homeopathy apart from every other system of medicine, including herbal medicine.

Each homeopathic remedy is labeled with its Latin name and a potency. The number after the remedy name is the amount of times it has been diluted and succussed (shaken). The most effective remedies are made in reputable Homeopathic pharmacies approved by the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia Convention of the U.S. The original substance is diluted – one part substance to ten parts water – (for the decimal (or X ) scale) – over and over in a serial manner, with vigorous shaking, succussion, between each dilution. In the centesimal (or C) scale the dilution is 1:100 each time, and in the LM scale each dilution is 50,000 to one.

So, a 12C remedy has been diluted to a ratio of one to 100,000,000,000,000 and has been succussed 12 times. 12C is one of the lower potencies homeopaths make use of in their scale of 6C, 12C, 30C, 200C, 1M (1000), 10M (10,000), 50M, CM (100,000).

Chemically, based on the law of "Avogadro's Number," there can be no molecules of the original substance left in the solution after dilutions past 24x .The newest research suggests that the water carries the memory of the original substance and the energetic imprint of the substance appears to be left in the solution, perhaps because of the shaking process.

With this amount of dilution it is natural for concerns about placebo effect to arise. Homeopathy's long history of effectiveness in treatment of infants and in veterinary uses disputes this. Nuclear magnetic resonance testing done on 23 different homeopathic medicines in different potencies showed distinctive differences in their readings of subatomic activity. The studies on placebo did not.

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Potency Discussion Continued

In the July 2002 Homeo-News I explained why and how homeopathic remedies are potentized (diluted and succussed) and now I would like to share my thoughts on how to know which potency to use when someone needs a remedy and how to know how often to dose.

Although all potencies have been known to be curative, homeopaths pick their potencies carefully and base the choice on several criteria. After deciding on the most similar remedy the homeopath assesses the vital force of the patient for: strength and vitality, history of responses to remedies, and the response to the current disease. The more confident you are that you have chosen the MOST SIMILAR remedy the higher you can go in potency with safety.

Low potencies – 3, 6, and 12, are thought to work more on physical / tissue manifestations, and slow, chronic disease responses. They are favored for infants, weak or frail people, and the elderly. Low potency should be considered for those who tend to over-sensitivity and easy aggravations (flare up of some symptom due to a vigorous response to the remedy). The reason beginners are encouraged to stick to low potencies is to avoid aggravation, which could be troublesome. Repeat a low potency 2-3 times a day, ongoing for 1-3 weeks as their effects (duration of action) last for hours or days.

Middle potencies, 30 and 200, seem to hold more energy than low potencies to reach the vital force and stimulate it to balance. They work on functional problems and the mental sphere, as well. I like my patients to keep a kit of 50 different 30x or C remedies in their home so that they have on hand what might be needed. The 30th potency is a good middle potency that I can trust will have a strong enough action to work on most every ailment. Sometimes I don't trust that a 6x potency will be strong enough to cure a strep throat or a bad diarrhea etc. so I tend to stick with 30 and go higher to 200 if the 30 helps but does not hold the improvement. When treating an acute ailment like a cough or a diarrhea I suggest giving 3-5 doses of a 30th potency over 24 hrs. and then stopping and assessing the changes. The duration of action of a 30th potency is days to weeks. A 200 potency may need 1-3 repetitions over 2-3 days in an acute situation. Remember that ailments like high fevers, migraine, nosebleed etc (anything too intense to wait even 24 hours for improvement) will need dosing every 5-30 minutes for 1-2 hours.

High potencies, 1M, 10M, CM, are known to work even more deeply to reach the vital force and can get at mental / emotional ailments as well as inherited / miasmatic tendencies. Rarely do they need more than 1-3 repetitions as their effects can work in the system for months and years. An analogy about why frequent repetition is not necessary would be like the flicking on of a light switch in a dark room. Once the light has been turned on the room will stay bright, unless one turns off the light or the bulb burns out. It is not necessary to continuously flick the switch to keep the room lit. If I need to use what I consider "big guns" to ensure that drugs can be avoided, etc., I use a high potency even in an acute ailment – but I usually reserve them for chronic, constitutional treatment.

In an emergency you use the potency you have on hand. The choice of the remedy is most important. An example of this is when you are traveling and your baby gets an ear infection. You call me and I say give Pulsatilla 1M one dose. You have no remedies with you and go to the local health food store where they only have 6C remedies. Go ahead and give Pulsatilla 6C. Many doses may be needed as the severity of the symptoms may "use up" the low dose quickly.

The body needs to be stimulated only to the point of reaction, so when you see a reaction – either an amelioration, or an intensification of symptoms – it means that the remedy is resonating with the patient and further stimulation is not necessary. Whether you give 1, 3, or 20 pellets of a remedy at a time doesn't matter, because with homeopathy it is the energy (potency) and the frequency of repetitions that counts, not the quantity. This is because homeopathic remedies are not crude chemical substances with which you have to continuously dose your body in order to get and sustain a blood level. The ideal is to employ the least stimulus necessary that will resonate with the vital force to initiate a profound curative response. (Organon, paragraph 11)

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Chemical Sensitivity?

Have any of you been affected by chemical sensitivities? Many people I see are complaining of all kinds of systemic symptoms that happen after exposure to perfumes, gas fumes, chemicals and from exhaust and pollution. It looks like we will really have to get creative to clean up our environment and be quick about it before our children are damaged by toxicity from man made substances. These people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity are our canaries. Unfortunately, they are marginalized by many doctors and sometimes no one believes them. Many hospitals are finally setting aside a few hospital rooms that are cleaning fluid free and allergy safe so that people don't get sicker when they need hospital help.

The best homeopathic help for a person with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is constitutional treatment. I have also used Nux Vomica as a specific for clearing out toxins in some of these sensitive people and they are encouraged to take many sauna baths to clear through the pores of the skin. Sometimes we can use the specific remedy that is made from the offending substance to treat. For example, when I was on a long trip in a R.V. I was affected by engine fumes that seeped into the living quarters. Nausea and headache were no fun. I bought the remedy Petroleum and had relief quickly.

Many people have been affected by the wildfires that raged in the western states this summer. Quite a few people have called me to say that they have never been well since the smoke that blew through their communities even though the fires were hundreds of miles away! Aconite is known to help people who get a cough from inhaling smoke – so that helped a few, and helped some others who had no cough but had been frightened about the fires!

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Stress!!!

Have you tuned in to the effects that STRESS has upon you? How it makes one more susceptible and triggers problem areas? Hahnemann spoke of the "morbific influences which untune the vital force" as the cause of disease. I think that stress is in that category. Eight years ago my family made a big transition from a busy suburban life in the Washington, D.C. area, and moved to rural, northern New Mexico where there is very little sign of the rat race (it is rare to see a man in a business suit). Since this life style change away from stress we have so many less headaches and colds and flus. Homeopathy can help with stress, too.

Case – A patient of mine, a 40 year old, mother of two, has a husband who travels frequently for his job and leaves her to handle most everything at home. She also runs a busy home-based business. This summer, between all of the kids' activities, illnesses, family vacations and her own mid-life issues and worries, she entered a state of overwhelm in which her body felt "tight and knotted" and as if she "was jumping out of her skin," We looked in to checking her thyroid levels, she practiced stress reduction techniques, and we started to research a constitutional remedy for her. In the meantime she just had to have "something quickly," so I suggested Kali Phos 6. The next day she called to rave about how much better she felt – things were not bothering her so much – she had stopped being so impatient and knew that things were all going to be OK!

This remedy takes the edge off of stressful situations, anxiety and overwork. When you have to leave the house early and fight traffic and you have schedules and deadlines, it can be used daily if necessary in a low potency to help you deal with these stresses. Sometimes you can just feel the stress being lightened from your shoulders after taking it. "Rat race" headaches, exhaustion at the end of the day, and the daily stresses that our kids undergo in their busy lives before, during and after school call for it. I suggest that any busy, stressed-out person use this remedy frequently in a low potency to find balance. Kali Phos is one of the 12 Cell Salts and is nick-named "the nerve-nutrient remedy," but I call it "Homeopathic Valium."

I've always thought that the 12 Cell Salts were a great part of Homeopathy. They are low potency preparations of the minerals that constitute the human body. We are fortunate to have access to substances which gently but powerfully balance the mind and body without drugging or side effects and that allow body wisdom makes its own chemical changes as only it knows best.

Check out Prozac Free – the book by Reichenberg-Ullman on the Homeopathic approach to depression and anxiety.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy

Modern pharmaceutical medicine took a big blow this year after research found that female hormone replacement does not protect from heart disease, is only marginally effective for treating osteoporosis and may cause heart disease, breast cancer and strokes.

Unfortunately, the practice of medicine in America has been usurped by the big drug companies, who control everything from medical education and research, to what studies are published in medical journals and also to what can be accredited for continuing education. I hope that medicine can somehow get out of the clutches of the pharmaceutical business and back into healing – because too many people are being harmed and even killed as it is now. Sorry, this tirade against allopathy just has to come out!

Most smart women are voluntarily coming off of their Hormone Replacement Therapy but unfortunately, all their doctors have to give them are sedatives for the insomnia, pain relievers for the headaches, and blood pressure meds for the hot flashes – and of course, there are anti-depressants for everything else. All this just leads to more toxicity and suppression by the drugs. I am really getting upset when I hear the stories people tell me about all the money and time spent and poor health they have suffered in this system.

I have counseled many women use the natural plant based progesterone creams to help with menopausal symptoms, but I am not so sure that this is ideal either, as it also manipulates the hormonal system and can cause side-affects in sensitive individuals. Perhaps as a woman comes off of her PremPro, or Premarin, the progesterone cream can be used to make the weaning process easier – with a goal of being off of it also.

The problem as I see it is that we, and the medical establishment, keep wanting to suppress the body's symptoms. This runs us into trouble, because the body needs to express itself, and these symptoms are its language. Homeopathic medicine goes with the symptoms instead of against them – enhancing the body's own healing ability.

Homeopathic remedies for the menopausal woman are individualized based on her specific symptom picture, moods, and reactions to stress, etc. Remedies most commonly used during menopause are lachesis mutans, pulsatilla, sepia, graphites, sulphur, natrum muriaticum, and platina. These remedies are each well known by their unique particular symptom picture, personality, and body type.

Pulsatilla always helps the woman with the pulsatilla constitution, and her menopausal time is no different. Her temperament leads you to the remedy; sweet, pleasing, changeable, and weepy, but always better from consolation and company. Typically fair and slightly plump, and already sensitive to warm or stuffy rooms, she desires the open air even more during her hot flushes. Varicose veins and hemorrhoids may increase during her change of life.

Many homeopathically minded people "think" Lachesis when we hear the word menopause. Why has Lachesis been so linked with the change of life? Perhaps, women going through the change of life are like snakes shedding their skins, an intense transition, putting them through many changes. The flushes of heat and great circulatory disturbances, heart palpitations and congestive headaches of Lachesis fit the intensity of what many women go through in the extremes of hormonal changes. I remember my mother's face frequently glowing a bright purplish-red when I was a teenager, though menopause was not spoken of. Those needing Lachesis may also become greatly talkative and some develop an aversion to wearing anything the least constricting around the neck and waist. Sleep brings on an aggravation and they may awaken to waves of bursting headache. Anxious, angry, suspicious, jealous, or hateful thoughts may enter the mind and they can not hold back cutting or sarcastic remarks meant to hurt another. Hemorrhagic flooding can occur during the menopausal time and Lachesis is very helpful when this complication arises.

Glonoine (nitro-glycerine) has some intense symptoms similar to Lachesis. Its bursting, pounding congestive headaches come in waves like Lachesis, and heat can bring on flushes, palpitations and a bluish face. Amyl nitrate is known for its sudden flushes of heat to the head followed by drenching sweats brought on by the slightest emotion. A peculiar symptom of amyl nitrate is the constant need to stretch and yawn.

A menopausal Sepia woman is worn out, indifferent to her family, sulky, has aversion to sex, and may experience a dragging or bearing down sensation in the uterus, feeling like she has to to cross her legs to hold it in (murex crosses legs, has flooding, but has increased sexual desire), yet she is better from vigorous exercise. Flooding, or metrorrhagia is possible, as are scanty or irregular bleeding. She also has hot flashes and sweating, though they are not as aggravated by heat as the previously mentioned remedies. Sepia types can actually be chilly in the midst of the sweating and this remedy is known to help backache and pains extending to the back.

Other common menopausal symptoms which must be addressed by the similar remedy chosen are sleep disturbances, depression, "fuzzy thinking," vaginal dryness, anxiety, weakness, and irritability. Aconite, belladonna, capsicum, cimicifuga, calc. arsenica, sanguinaria, and veratrum viride, also stand out as remedies very helpful for menopausal symptoms. Ustilago, bovista, and murex should be researched if there is excessive bleeding or fibroids peri-menopausally.

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Antidotes

When I started studying Homeopathy in 1974 it was universally understood that remedies could easily be antidoted. Antidoting meant that a remedy's effects, good or bad, could be wiped out by certain substances. For many years I made sure that each of my patients knew not to drink coffee, expose themselves or their remedies to strong penetrating odors, especially camphor (Vick's Vapo-Rub, Tiger Balm, mothballs), or mentholated anything. Many homeopaths had longer lists that included raw garlic and onions, alcohol, incense, tobacco, X-rays, dental work, electric blankets, and more. Just a few times have I needed to stop the action of a remedy due to the oversensitivity of the patient to the potency given. I would have them inhale Vick's Vaporub for 10 minutes or drink a few cups of strong coffee and their bad experience with the remedy would fade.

Then, a few years ago, I changed my strictness around some of these rules, mainly due to the influence of Miranda Castro, RSHom, a British homeopath who has written many books and seems to have a deep understanding of all this. Miranda feels that our remdies are not as fragile inside us as we might think. In an article at www.saber.net/-bidarius/hom