Basic Homeopathic Therapeutics
Karen Johnson
Smashwords Edition
copyright Karen Johnson
Smashwords edition license notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook my not be re-sold or given away to other people. if you would like to share this book with another person please purchase an additional copy for each person you wish to share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.
Introduction to Ebook edition
Over the past few years I have been pleased to get reports that the first edition of Basic Homeopathic Therapeutics has been of value to students of homeopathy and members of the public. So I am happy to introduce the ebook edition. This book is intended for use by people who have attended a first aid course, or are being treated by a homeopath. I hope it may also be useful as a quick reference aid for students. Do note though, that due to ebook formatting requirements so that the file can be used on multiple electronic devices there are no page numbers in the table of contents or remedy index as these page numbers would change depending on the device being used to view the book.
It is not meant to take the place of treatment by a well trained practitioner or for what are considered to be chronic or long-standing complaints and as always, if you are unsure, symptoms worsen or do not improve quickly then the case should always be referred to a qualified practitioner or other source of medical help including doctors or hospital. As always the most important priority is the safety of the patient and prompt effective treatment.
My grateful thanks go to Daisaku Ikeda, Peggy and Greig Follas, Susanna Shelton Dr Kathleen May, Lynn and Tim Anderson, John Morgan and Selene Homeopathics.
Karen Johnson MEd.
Table of contents
Introduction
History
Principles
Questions to ask
Advice on dosage and potency
Taking Homeopathic remedies
Substances that affect remedies
Introduction to therapeutics section
Therapeutics
First Aid
External applications
Accident and Injury remedies
Anticipatory anxiety remedies
Burns
Shock / grief / bad news remedies
Sports Injuries
Travel Sickness
Childbirth
Childhood diseases:
Chicken pox
Measles
Mumps
Whooping cough
Colds
Colic
Constipation
Coughs
Cystitis
Dentistry
Dentition
Diarrhoea
Earaches
Fevers
Hay fever
Influenza
Jet lag
Nausea and Vomiting
Sore throats
Glossary
Index of remedies
Further reading
Homeopathic organisations
Homeopathic publications
A brief history of homeopathy
Samuel Hahnemann MD (1755-1843), born in Meissen, Germany is the father of modern homeopathy. He trained as a physician, chemist, studied several languages, married twice, had a large family and was reportedly a very difficult person! He was very outspoken on the ignorance and dangers of orthodox treatment. He alienated many in the medical and educational fields, necessitating his moving many times during his life.
Medicine at this time was very barbaric and primitive, the medical profession having not yet fully recovered from Galen’s theories on humors and fluids which had prevailed for several hundred years. Much of the medical training at this time consisted of learning the classics! Treatment of this period basically consisted of purging (by inducing vomiting, diarrhoea or sweating) and bloodletting. Highly toxic drugs such as Mercury, Arsenic and Antimony were commonly used in treating the major epidemic disease of the time, Syphilis. Unfortunately the side effects of the treatment were just as likely to kill the patient as the disease. If the patient survived they could be left with serious physical damage, particularly from the use of Mercury.
This situation was a prime factor in Hahnemann’s decision to give up medical practice and to take up the translation of medical texts to support his growing family. While translating a materia medica, Hahnemann came across a claim by a Professor W. Cullen. The professor said Cinchona (Quinine) cured Malaria due to its bitterness. Hahnemann considered this illogical and decided to take some Cinchona himself and see what happened. Surprisingly he developed an intermittent fever, persistent numbness, rigidity of the joints and other symptoms characteristic of Malaria, though not the shaking chills or rigors associated with Malaria. When he stopped taking the Cinchona all his symptoms cleared up.
This experiment formed the basis of Hahnemann’s Law of Similars. (Like Cures Like- see Principles of Homeopathy). Hahnemann carried on experimenting with other drugs on himself, family and friends. In total he carried out 98 “provings” noting down carefully all the symptoms the drugs produced in these healthy people. This data formed the first homeopathic materia medica. Provings are still being done today.
Hahnemann returned to medical practice, but this time using drugs according to the Law he had developed. He compared the patient’s symptoms to those symptoms the medicines caused in the healthy people he had tested the medicines on. He then gave the patient that medicine whose symptoms most closely matched those exhibited by the patient. He gave the medicine as a tincture or small dose of the crude substance. However, the patients still suffered from side effects. To try and minimise these he began reducing the dose given and experimenting with a process of serial dilution and extremely thorough mixing. He found that this process diminished the side effects of the medicine, leaving only the curative effects, for the patients improved with none of the previous side effects occurring.
In 1810 Hahnemann published the first edition of “The Organon of Medicine” and a materia medica of 67 homeopathic medicines. At the time of his death, in Paris in 1843, Hahnemann was using between 140-150 homeopathic medicines and had begun work on the 6th edition of “The Organon” a task which fell to his second wife Melanie to complete. (This edition was not published until many years after her death.)
Hahnemann’s followers spread across Europe and to North America, most notably Dr. Constantine Hering (1800-1880) who arrived in the USA in the 1830’s. He worked on refining guidelines for the order of Cure (see Principles of Homeopathy) based on his observations in practice. He also published “Herings Guiding Symptoms”, 10 volumes based on 50 years of clinical practice. Also there was Dr. James Tyler Kent (1849-1916) whose influence is still very much felt in homeopathy today. He is the author of the Repertory we still use.
After a period of quiescence, Homeopathy is growing rapidly in popularity, especially in England, where it survived, in part, due to the patronage of the royal family. It is also practiced in Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, America and India among other countries.
Principles of homeopathy
(This is a brief summarisation of the important principles in homeopathy.)
Law of Similars
Similia Similibus Curentur or “like cures like”. This idea was first propounded by Hippocrates but developed by Hahnemann into a system of medicine. A substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in a sick person. Hahnemann found when dosing himself with Cinchona, he developed the symptoms of Malaria. Cinchona (Quinine) is used to treat Malaria.
Order of Cure
Often referred to as Hering’s Law of Cure after Constantine Hering MD who developed this principle based on his clinical observations. There is considerable debate about this principle but a case is considered to be progressing in a curative manner if:
Symptoms start to move downward, e.g. from the head down the torso; shoulders to fingers.
Symptoms move from more internal and important organs to more external and less important organs, e.g. Asthma that improves, then a skin eruption such as eczema flares up. A state of mind such as chronic anxiety eases and a skin eruption occurs.
A return of old symptoms occurs in reverse order of appearance , e.g. In a patient whose symptoms started with skin eruptions, then headaches and currently asthma, you would expect that as the person was treated homœopathically, the asthma would improve, then that the headaches, followed by a skin eruption would each make a mild and temporary return, finally clearing and leaving the patient in a much improved state of health.
Individualisation
In homeopathy we treat the patient not the disease. Each patient is a unique individual in a unique state of health represented by the totality of their symptoms. Each patient’s case history must be taken carefully and fully. This data must then be matched to the symptom picture of the homeopathic medicine that produced symptoms most closely resembling those of the patient, which had originally been tested (proved) on a healthy person. For example 3 patients could present with the same orthodox diagnosis such as indigestion, and after taking their full case histories, each person’s symptoms could be found to resemble a different homeopathic medicine. Therefore they would each get a different prescription, a different potency and a different number of doses. A full case taking for a chronic condition could take 1-2 hours. With acute conditions however, it is possible to select a remedy based on the acute and local symptoms rather than take the whole case. Also in some situations e.g. a trauma such as a fall, we find that people tend to react in a limited number of ways thus narrowing the group of remedies we need to select from down even further.
Single homeopathic medicine
All provings of homeopathic medicines were carried out using a single homeopathic medicine at a time. It would be difficult to prescribe a combination medicine as few, if any provings of combinations have been carried out. Knowing the symptomatology of the individual constituents does not give an accurate basis for prescribing a combination as the effects of each, when in combination, can be altered in ways difficult to ascertain unless a proving had been done on the combination.
Minimum dose
In homeopathy we use the minimum amount of the homeopathic medicine required to stimulate a response in the patient i.e. The minimum in potency, quantity and repetition of the dose. This obviously can be a variable amount. In one case a single dose of a 200C may be sufficient. In another case, 4 doses of 200C may be required. In treatment of long term conditions a dose of a homeopathic medicine may be given at very infrequent intervals. Once a response has occurred it is not necessary to carry on stimulating the body’s curative power. In acute conditions e.g. Colds, Influenza , more than one dose is often required to completely clear up the situation. Since a “therapeutic blood level” is not trying to be attained, as in orthodox drug treatment, it is not necessary to give regular doses over a prolonged period of time. Obviously patient compliance is much improved!
Provings
The systematic method in which the symptom picture of a medicinal substance is developed by testing the substance on healthy human volunteers and noting its effects on all levels of the participants. Sensitivity to the substance varies depending on the provers susceptibility to it, some provers produce very few symptoms, while other more sensitive and susceptible subjects produce a wide range of clear symptoms. The data collected in this way forms the homeopathic materia medica. Provings are now carried out using double or triple blind trial methodology.
Questions to ask when prescribing in acutes
Homeopathic case taking is a process that, in the field of professional practice, requires great skill and training. However the beginner can with care and attention to detail, gather the appropriate information to enable them to make a good attempt at finding the most suitable remedy. The following are some guidelines to collecting the necessary information.
You should always inquire as to:
1. Any possible causation of the acute?
Was there a sudden shock, grief, disappointment or other emotional causation?
Was the patient suddenly chilled e.g. by a cold wind?
Have they over indulged in food or drink?
What caused an accident and what was the result?
2. Any changes in patients mood or temperament.
Are they more irritable or bad tempered?
Do they desire company or wish to be alone?
Are they anxious ? If so what about?
Are they fearful? If so, what of?
Are they weepy or not?
-If so is it a full blown wailing or a quiet crying
3. Any changes in sensitivity to environment?
Are they affected by light, noise, touch, draughts,
temperature or changes of temperature?
If so how does it affect them?
Does it make their symptoms better or worse?
Do they desire fresh air or not?
Any changes in appetite and thirst or other gut symptoms?
Does eating or drinking help or aggravate the symptoms
What does the patient want to eat or drink?
Any diarrhoea or constipation?
5. Progression of symptoms.
What where the first signs?
When did they start?
Is there a particular time, place or event that makes them better or worse?
How have the symptoms progressed? e.g. a sore throat that started on the right side of the throat and has now spread to the left side.
6. Any other changes?
Any other changes at all, however small or odd?
Additional questions to consider in specific conditions
1. Colds:
Any nasal discharge?
When did it start?
Is there a particular time that it is worst e.g. first thing in the morning?
What colour and consistency i.e. thick or thin?
Are the discharges bland or excoriating (acrid)?
When is the discharge better or worse; what affects it?
Does the discharge have an odour?
Has the sense of smell or taste been affected?
Are the eyes affected, e.g. any lachrymation?
Are the sinuses affected e.g. pain?
Does the nose itch?
Any cough or sore throat? (See below).
Colic
Where is the pain?
Where does it extend to?
What does it feel like (sensation)?
Does anything, e.g. heat or rubbing or lying in any particular position help or aggravate the pain?
Is there flatus or eructation?
3. Constipation
How long for?
Any discomfort or pain? Where?
What is the pain like?
Is there any urging or none at all?
If any stools are passed, what are they like?
4. Coughs
Describe the cough in detail.
Is it dry or is there expectoration?
Is the expectoration easy to raise or not?
What colour and consistency is the expectoration
Is there wheezing or rattling?
Is there a tickle in the throat that causes coughing?
Is there pain or soreness behind the chest bone (sternum)?
Is the cough painful?
When does it hurt ? e.g. just on coughing or breathing or all the time?
What is the pain like?
Does anything (e.g. leaning forward, drinking etc.) or any position help the cough or the pain?
When is the cough worst? i.e. time, environment, activity etc.
Does the cough cause a headache? Ask the patient to describe the headache.
Is the cough constant or in short bursts (paroxysmal)?
5. Cystitis
When does the pain or discomfort occur?
Is it before and /or during and/or after urination?
What is the pain like?
Where does it extend to?
Is there urging to urinate even though they may have just done so?
Is the urge to urinate extremely urgent?
Is urination easy or difficult or is urine passed drop by drop?
Is there blood in the urine?
What is the colour and odour of the urine?
Does anything or any position help the pain?
Is there any urinary incontinence?
6. Diarrhoea
When does the diarrhoea occur e.g. time of day or night?
Has a certain food caused the diarrhoea?
Is there pain/ colic preceding and / or during the attack?
What is the pain like?
Where does it extend to?
Is there sweating, fever or chill with the attack?
Is the diarrhoea forcible and spluttery?
Is there an odour?
What colour are the stools?
Is there undigested or partly digested food present?
7. Earache
Is the external ear red and/ or hot?
Are the cheeks also red and hot (both or one)?
Pain, location, sensation and extension e.g. into the throat?
Any discharge? What is the colour and odour ?
Is there any blood in the discharge?
Any associated symptoms e.g. fever, diarrhoea, teething etc.?
8. Fevers
What colour is the patient?
Are they bright red, dusky red, both cheeks red or one pale?
Are their pupils enlarged and the eyes glazed?
Are they sweating?
Does the sweat smell or stain?
Is the sweat warm or cold?
Do they sweat in the hot or chilly stage?
Are there bone or muscle pains?
Does the patient shake or tremble?
Are they thirsty in the chilly or hot stage?
Do they want hot or cold drinks, sips or large quantities?
Do they want to be covered or uncovered?
Do they want fresh air ?
Is the patient responsive or delirious and not aware of their surroundings?
What time was the onset; was it rapid and sudden or slow?
Does the fever come and go or is it constant?
9. Influenza
Most of the questions above will cover this condition.
10. Sore throats
Which side is sore ?
The left, right or both?
Did the pain start on one side and spread to the other?
If so which way round i.e. left to right or right to left?
What is the pain like?
Where does it extend to? (e.g. ear).
Is it worse on empty swallowing?
Is it worse or better for swallowing liquids or solids, hot or cold?
What colour is the throat?
Are there white patches on the tonsils?
Is the throat bright red or dark
Is there any swelling of the neck glands?
Potency and dosage
In the orthodox medical world, the amount of a drug present in each dose or its strength is indicated by a measure e.g. Paracetamol 500mg, Penicillin V 250mg, Amoxil syrup 125mg/5ml etc. This is not the case in homeopathic medicines. The number given after the name of the medicine is called the potency, and is an indication of how many times the serial dilution process has been carried out and which scale of dilution was used. e.g.
Arnica 12X indicates that a one in 10 dilution was carried out serially 12 times. (The X is the roman letter for 10, denoting the dilution factor. The 12 indicates it was done 12 times.)
Arnica 30C (also 30 with no x or c after it ) indicates that a 1 in 100 dilution was carried out serially 30 times. (The C being the Roman letter for 100, denoting the dilution factor and the 30 indicating that the dilution was carried out 30 times)
Arnica 1M indicates that a 1 in 100 dilution was carried out serially 1000 times. (The M being the Roman letter for one thousand).
In effect the higher the number, the more dilutions have occurred and less physical substance is present! Unlike orthodox drugs where a weight e.g. Amoxil 500mg indicates twice as much Amoxil as in an Amoxil 250mg capsule, Arnica 24C is not twice as strong as Arnica 12C. Arnica 24C has had 24 serial dilutions of 1 in a 100 carried out on the Arnica, while Arnica 12C has only had 12 serial dilutions of 1 in 100 carried out on it. The Arnica 24C is therefore much more dilute/ weaker in terms of the amount of physical substance present than the Arnica 12C. It can be clearly seen that two Arnica 12C do not add up to one Arnica 24C as two Amoxil 250mg would be equivalent to giving one 500 mg capsule. The Arnica 12C would have to undergo another 12 serial dilutions by a factor of 1 in 100 each time to make Arnica 24C.
In potencies above 13C (a 1 in 100 dilution carried out serially 13 times) there are no molecules of physical substance present. A fact which confounds many orthodox scientists! However once one gets away from the idea that you must have molecules present for anything to happen (as physicists are doing), this is not a problem to understanding homeopathy. Potencies such as 1M, 10M, 50M are an invaluable tool in aiding homeopathic patients in such emotional states as acute shock or grief (acute or long-standing) etc. where the lower potencies would not have a profound effect on the emotional state. Many homeopaths and their patients can attest to the practical results of using the higher potencies which contain no physical substance.
Advice on dosage for acute conditions
Dosage is a very complex science. The best dose has to be assessed for each patient. However, some general guide lines can be given. The aim in Homeopathy is to give the minimum amount of the remedy (in potency, quantity and frequency of administration) that will stimulate a response in the patient. This amount may vary, for example:
1 single tablet of Belladonna 200 may start to reduce a fever but in another patient 2 or 3 doses at close intervals may be required to start reducing the fever. Each is a minimum dose.
If remedies are obtained from a reputable source then a single tablet is sufficient to constitute a dose. Homeopathic remedies are not cumulative as, for example, paracetamol or aspirin.
If a response occurs after the first dose, such as:
- An easing or amelioration of symptoms i.e. a fever begins to subside, or
- A mild and temporary increase in intensity of symptoms.
No more doses should be administered until the relief is seen to be ending, noted by a return of or increase in intensity of the symptoms.
The dose should be re-administered in the same potency when “relapses” occur, if the length of time between subsequent doses is the same or longer. If after 2 or 3 doses the time interval between doses is lessening the next higher potency should be considered, i.e.
Belladonna 30 is given to a patient, the fever begins to subside, but after 2 hours starts to increase. Another Belladonna 30 is given, the fever again subsides but the amelioration only lasts 45 minutes before the fever returns. Belladonna 200 should now be given.
If nothing appears to have happened shortly after giving the first dose, but you are certain it is the most indicated remedy, repeat for 2 more doses. The interval is variable depending on the urgency of the situation but guide lines are:
For normal acutes i.e. coughs, colds, flu repeat at 1- 2 hour intervals up to the 3rd dose. In high fevers repeat the next two doses at 15-30 minute intervals.
As soon as a response occurs, follow the guide lines given above for dose repetition. If nothing changes after the third dose, consider another remedy or a higher potency. i.e. go from a 6c to 30c or from a 30c to a 200c. If choosing a higher potency of the same remedy, BE SURE THAT THIS IS STILL THE MOST INDICATED REMEDY, (N.B. in some situations e.g. acute constipation it is best to wait a little longer before trying another remedy.)
If at any time the symptom picture changes, the new symptoms should be carefully assessed to see if another, more suitable remedy is indicated.
If no response occurs within 24 hrs, OR SOONER if you have any concerns for the patients wellbeing consult a reputable practitioner, doctor, hospital as need dictates. Remember patient safety is paramount!
Taking homeopathic remedies
It is worth mentioning a few precautions to be taken in regard to storing and using Homeopathic remedies.
Remedies should be kept separately in their original containers.
Remedies should be kept away from strong light or sunlight, extreme heat and strong smells such as perfumes, camphor, mothballs etc.
Do not touch remedies if you have been handling strong smelling substances such as those in (2) and garlic, onions etc.
Dispense the remedy into the lid of the tablet bottle and tip the tablet from the lid into the patients mouth. If the remedy is dispensed in an envelope, use a spoon to scoop out the dose without touching the remaining tablets.
If you have to touch the remedy touch only the tablet you are about to take. Do not let others handle it.
Dissolve the tablet under the tongue in a clean mouth i.e. nothing has been eaten, drunk or smoked for 20 minutes BEFORE AND AFTER the remedy. (This can be ignored in emergencies.)
For children the hard tablet can be crushed between two spoons and given as powder.
Substances that affect homeopathic remedies
Some substances have been known to antidote remedies in sensitive or susceptible patients. It would therefore be preferable to avoid these. This gives the remedy the best chance of working.
Peppermint
Mints and toothpastes containing peppermint should be avoided. There are alternative non peppermint toothpastes available.
Camphor/ Eucalyptus/ menthol
Any product containing these should be avoided e.g. cold cures, heat rubs, ointments such as Tiger Balm, Vicks Vapour Rub. Also remedies should not be stored near these substances.
Coffee
Can seriously affect remedies in sensitive people. Most homeopaths recommend abstinence from coffee altogether. Also there has been a lot of research showing the detrimental effects of coffee/caffeine on health in general.
Aromatherapy oils
Some of these are very strong smelling and therefore to be avoided during homeopathic treatment. Do not store remedies near aromatherapy oils.
Drugs
Prescribed, non prescription and recreational drugs (cannabis, cocaine etc.) can interfere with homeopathic remedies (especially Cannabis). This may necessitate more frequent repetition of the dose. Consult your practitioner about this. Under no circumstances should anyone stop taking a prescription drug suddenly. With certain prescription drugs this can be positively dangerous.
Introduction to therapeutics section
It is important to reiterate here that the essence of Homeopathy is individualisation; finding the remedy most suited to the patient, and administering the least amount of the remedy that will stimulate a healing response. However, the experience of many homeopaths over the last 200 years has shown that certain remedies tend to be indicated more often than others in acute conditions. This section details some of the most commonly indicated remedies. This is, however, not a substitute for noting the patients symptoms clearly and finding the most appropriate remedy whether it is listed here or not.
Many situations may present, e.g. asthma, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, mental and emotional states or other prolonged chronic conditions. Also bear in mind that what may seem to be an acute situation e.g. a cough may actually be one symptom of a more complex situation e.g. asthma often presents with a persistent dry cough. These should be referred to a reputable practitioner as they require more long term, constitutional treatment. In most countries a register of highly qualified professional practitioners is available.
NB: IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS DO NOT RESOLVE EASILY AND QUICKLY OR IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT IS GOING ON THE PATIENT SHOULD BE REFERRED TO A REPUTABLE PRACTITIONER, DOCTOR,OR HOSPITAL EVEN IF YOU NEED TO CALL AN AMBULANCE TO EXPEDITE CARE. REMEMBER PATIENT SAFETY FIRST!
The following therapeutics are based on the clinical experience of several homeopaths and standard homeopathic texts.
First Aid
External Applications
Calendula ointment or cream
This has a natural antiseptic action and promotes granulation of the skin. It is excellent for cuts, grazes, nappy rash, chapped lips, cracked skin and sore nipples from breast feeding.
Calendula tincture
This also acts as a mild antiseptic and is used by diluting in water . The solution can then be used to bathe cuts and grazes or as a mouthwash and gargle (do not swallow!). The usual dilution is 15 to 20 drops to a cup full of freshly boiled and COOLED water. Sometimes Hypericum tincture is mixed with the Calendula (HYPERCAL TINCTURE). This mixture is especially useful if the cuts or grazes are in areas rich in nerves e.g. fingertips.
Euphrasia tincture - Must be diluted before use
This is ideal for sore sticky inflamed eyes. Use 3 to 4 drops in an eye bath of freshly boiled and COOLED water. If the eye is scratched, add a drop of Calendula tincture.
Obviously seek urgent advice from the doctor, eye hospital if there are any concerns and if any substance or object has come into contact with the eye.
Ledum tincture
This can be applied directly to puncture wounds from rusty nails or stings. It can be used in a water bath to bathe the area. A dilution of 3 to 4 drops to an eye bath of freshly boiled and cooled water can be used to bathe black eyes.
Urtica urens tincture
A diluted solution is especially useful for bathing burns and helps to relieve the pain. It can also be taken internally (5 to 10 drops twice daily ) to help alleviate gout symptoms.
Remedies for minor burns
All sensible steps must be taken to ensure the safety of the patient and others before commencing treatment which may reduce pain, improve healing and reduce risk of infection.
Aconite
Remember this remedy for the initial shock of the burn. There is dry burning heat, restlessness and fear of death. Cold applications remove the pain completely. Can be very useful for sunburn.
Apis mel.
Burns with swelling (that pits) redness, burning and stinging pains which are much better for cold bathing, cool air and uncovering.