QUARTERLY HOMOEOPATHIC DIGEST

VOL . III NO . 1 MARCH 1986

CONTENTS

1. CURES BY RARE MEDICINES

2. NATRUM FLUORATUM AND JOINT RHEUMATISM

3. A WHOOPING COUGH SYMPTOM OF NUX VOMICA

4. A SKETCH OF TELLURIUM

5. SOME FRENCH CASES

6. A CASE OF CROTALUS HORRIDUS

7. PARTS PER MILLION

8. SELENIUM

9. WHAT IS CURE

10. MANY ARE THE PATHS

11. ACUTE MEDICINE

CURES BY RARE MEDICINE
(Phellandrium , Menyanthes , Jacaranda , Caroba ,
Kali arsenicicum , Ambra grisea)
S . Garzonis , I . Bachas , S . Paterakis and J .
karavis
This has come out of group –discussions of
difficult cases held regularly at the “Homoeopathic
Seminars” of the Hellenic Association of
Homoeopathy .
The special interest of these cases in that
they all presented most peculiar symptoms which
were completely eliminated after the simillimum was
given , which brought about a general regeneration of
the patient .
The reason that these cases are presented is
that some of those peculiar symptoms were not the
Repertories . The purpose of this communication is
on the one hand to increase the pathogenesis of these
drugs and on the other hand to add the symptoms to
the Repertory in case they are confirmed by a second
or third experience .
1 st Case: Mrs . T . N . , age 44 , rather stout ,
with black eyes . Complete nervous exhaustion since
last year . It started during the time of holidays . Feels
continuously exhausted and sleepy. Severe pain on
right mamma extending along the course of milk
ducts . So severe that it keeps her awake . Falling of
hair Menses intermittent . Yellowish leucorrhoea .
Pain on left hypochondrium. Rumbling in abdomen .
Dryness of mouth . Horrible visions on closing the
eyes . A feeling that the head is empty . Can sleep
only on right side . Delusions that somebody is on her
back. Fear of being alone in the night . Aversion to
milk . She is worse with coffee . If she drinks coffee
she has a fainting feeling as if she were going to die .
Only one dose of Phellandrium
aquaticum 200 was given .
She was seen one month later . She was feeling
psychologically well and much energetic but the pain
in breast was stronger than ever before the menses .
Prescribed placebos . She was seen again when she
brought to us her sister and assured us that she was
feeling fine , free from any pain , fear or delusion ,
really regenerated.
2 nd Case : Miss . M . S ., age 24 . She said that
she is 1 . 58 meter tall and weight only 42 kg ., no
appetite . Continuous tiredness . She cannot put on
weight . Vertigo with nausea . She has difficulty in
walking . This going on for 5 years now . Vertigo
looking from high places . Tonsils operated .
Numbness and swelling of left leg . Dryness of
conjunctivas . Pain on left side of abdomen . Acne
around mouth (before menses). Menses always late.
Drawing pain in genitals during the first day of
menses . Falling of hair . Complete absence of thirst.
Desires sugar and sweets . Aversion to bean peas , to
butter and to fat of meat . Desires fish . Very cold
fingers .Fear of being alone in the night . Dreams of
war.
Menyanthes 30 , 1 dose and placebo
She was seen after a mouth when she said
that she was feeling well from every point of view ,
her appetite was good , her strength came back . She
wanted now the normal amount of water, had no fears
or dreams , no falling of hair . No vertigo and no
pains ; in the face appears a slight eruption
resembling acne but already subsiding . She remains
very well till this day , 6 months later.
3 rd Case : Mrs . R . A . , 43 years old . When she
was 25 years old menses stopped . Took a lot of
hormones operated for cyst in the ovary (right) .
Discharged pus for a whole year after the operation.
The operation was done at the age of 24 . present
symptoms: Fears and colitis . She cannot remain in
closed places , cinemas or churches . when she is in
any other house , apart from her own , she has the
feeling that She will fall from her chair , holds on her
chair tightly in order not to fall . Is not vertigo . It is
fear that she is going to fall . She feels much worse
when is looked at . Cannot do anything in presence of
others . Trembling in any new circumstances .
Anxiety about health . Anxiety about others . Fear of
being alone in the house . Fear of doctors . Thinks
only of the black side of things . She is much worse
when she feels that she is away from her house .
Since 18 yeas pain on rt . hypochondrium , worse
sitting . Diarrhea alternating with constipation .
Mucus in stool . All colon painful in different spots .
Slight distention . Empty feeling in stomach .
Rumbling in abdomen . Headache in occiput
extending to forehead . Generally worse from 4 to 8
p.m worse change of weather . Aversion to fat.
Lycopodium and Lachesis were given ,
but did not help , Ambragrisea 200one dose brought
about a complete regeneration of the lady , after a
short aggravation . The prescription was based
mainly on the symptom that “could do nothing in
presence of others”, -which is an anaqlogus symptom
of Ambra “Cannot have a stool in presence of any
one”.
4 th Case : Female , age 45 . Last year operated
for cancer of the left mamma . She is now in a
general state of depression and low vitality . This
case presented most peculiar symptoms . As if there
were a splinter on left side of the throat . Burning on
tongue on the left side . Burning on left calf .
Numbness of left arm . Headache on the left side of
head . A burning feeling in the urethra but only on the
left side of it . Past history : Pleurisy and TBC .
Was given one dose of Jacaranda caroba
30 . All symptoms subsided after 20 days . She is
feeling very well . This also is a recent case .
5 th Case : Mr . T . C . , age 36 . Had
gonorhhoea at the age of 26 . Since 4 years duodenal
ulcer , wandering pain on the left side of chest (heart
region) which is very annoying and causes
tremendous fear that he may die . He goes frequently
to cardiologists to have a cardiogram . He is in a
panic because of this pain . Apart from this has
vertigo , due to spondyloarthritis of cervical region .
Cannot work . Pain occi - put. Cracking in cervical
region . Chills on back , worse in afternoon. Chills
also during urination . Feels the cold very much .
Aversion to starchy food , to bread and much worse
after starchy food . Desires fruits , vinegar . Sleeps
only on left side . A dose of Kali-arsenicicum 10M
was given . He was very well after that . the anxiety ,
the vertigo and the headaches completely gone . He is
working all day .
Summary : 5 cases from Athens showing rarely used
remedies .
1. Phellandrium for mamma pains
extending along lactiferous tubes (kent p. 846)
2. Menyanthes in a case with too
many vague symptoms . The symptom guide was
absolute thristlessness (kent p. 550)
3. Ambra in a case with many
vague symptoms . The symptom guide was
“Cannot undertake anything in presence of
strangers”. It is an extrapolation of the known
ambra sign : “defecation in presence of strangers
impossible”.
4. Jacaranda in a case showing
universal left laterality . Here the local left
laterality of a burning pain of the tougue (kent
p.411) was taken – a bit freely – for the whole
side .
5. Kali ars in a case of heart pains
with fear of death . The guiding symptom was
chill afternoon (kent p. 1260)
[ From the Zeitschrift fur KLASSISCHE
HOMOEOPATHIE and Arzneipotenzierung , Band
25 / 1981 , Heft 6 . – for private communication
only .—Readers are requested to report confirmation
of the above remedies in the rubrics mentioned for
improving the Repertory –K . S . S ]
NATRUM FLUORTUM AND JOINT
RHEUMATISM
(Proving and Case reports)
Dr . W . GUTMAN
The progress of homoeopathy and research
is the medical proving and verification . The
following report of the proving of a medicine used as
preventive medicine in the health programmer also
depicts it as an individual curative medicine .
Similarly we are working with Acidum
Sulphurosum : prevention of atmospheric air
pollution also as curative in respiratory illnesses . For
this double purpose we took up Natrium fluoratum
(NaF) used for fluoridation of water for prevention of
tooth caries . 22 healthy medical students were the
provers . As there were only purely allopathically
trained students . in the Faculty of the New York
Homoeopathic Medical College , it was difficult to
obtain finer modalities . Six willing provers were
selected . Sixteen student took placebo . Neither the
six selected students nor the placebo group showed
any symptoms . Now first 3 tablets and later 6 tablets
of Natrum fluoratum D6 were given for five weeks
with intervals of placebo tablets , with out the provers
knowledge .
The essential symptoms are mentioned here :
Besides occasional itching of skin and
isolated papulous eruptions and also occasional brief
periods of constipation all other symptoms are in the
region of the organs of locomotion . In many cases
the ailments developed within a few hours , in other
after a week , up to a month . Collectively the pains
were “gnawing” or “stitching”, appearing and
disappearing suddenly , generally am . from
pressure . Its location was in “nape, in the shoulder –
joints (after 4 weeks), hand – joints and in different
parts of muscles . In some cases the characteristic
was (in one case after 40 days) Muscular fibrillation ,
light twitchings , which for the typical Fluor patients
manifest as Muscle twitchings . The symptoms
disappeared when the medicine was replaced with
similar appearing placebo – tablets from time to time
and when the proving medicine was again given the
symptom reappeared .
As in all provings , there are specific
“sensitive” provers . The symptoms of such have
been reported in detail . The prover had no symptoms
during the placebo period . Three hours after the
taking of the medicine stitching pains in the finger
joints , in the shoulder region , calf and ankle joints .
On the second day elbow and knee pains . These
were so troublesome that the prover discontinued for
the time being . The pains disappeared . After 3 days
again took the medicine and on the same day pains in
shoulder-joints , followed by pains in finger-joints
and muscles of calves , tolerably severe pains in the
joint of the hand and elbows . The prover again
discontinued . After 3 days resumed the medicine .
Muscle fibrillations appeared . Again discontinued .
During this period same ailments as after-effects .
Now placebo tablets were given which the student
took only very hesitatingly . No symptoms during the
following days .
TOXICOLOGY : Roholm reported that the workers
in an Aluminium – Natrum Fluoride factory suffered
from rheumatic pains .
Petro : degenerative changes in bone , tendons
, muscles , Similar changes were observed in dogs
which were overfed with Natrum Fluoride .
Osteoplastic and osteoporotic changes were found .
CASE REPORTS : In the following cases we use
the word “joint rheumatism” since expect in purely
specific cases like arthritis of venereal nature, the
nomenclature are different in different lands and in
different languages and classifications.
1) Mr . K . (65) joint pains since 6 months , severe
pains radiating to the shoulder (x-ray : advanced
hyperostotic spondylosis). A single dose of Natr .
fluoratum C200. After a month completely pain
–free , with immediate effect ; can move the
neck easily and without pain . The dose was
given on December 1979 , until now (March
1981) no complaints .
2) Mr . H . (60) pains nape of neck since 5 years (x-
ray : spondy lathrosis) , restricting movement . in
June 1980 received a dose of Natr . fluoratum
C200 . Occasional , little pains till now , 26
February 1981 , no ailments (earlier , had to take
Aspirin many times a day , just as the others).
3) Miss . L . (45) Since long , severe neck pains (x-
ray : deterioration of the 6th and 7th cervical). On
12 July 1980 one dose Natr . fluoratum C200 (by
the way , the potencies were all Hahnemann
potencies ).Travels and has reported on 24
October that with certainty after the dose of
C200 , free from pain , similar report on 5
December 1980 .
4) Idiopathic chronic polyarthritis : 23 yr . old
lady ; developed after a Grippe in February 1979
. Shoulder , hips , low back ; swelling of the rt .
knee . Takes 2 aspirins every 4 hours , 8 per day .
Now 8 months later , in November 1979 , one
dose of Natr . fluoratum 200 . Report of two
weeks : much better , required an Aspirin just
now and then . Rt . knee swelling gone . In
brief : this patient suffered repeated attacks of
Grippe , every time followed with joint pains of
different joints which after repetition of a dose of
Natr . fluoratum 200 (once in D12 potency as a
trial) disappeared . The patient received as a
prophylaxis few doses of the epidemic remedy,
Gelsemium 200 . Till now , 9 Feb 1981 , free
from ailments remains under observation .
5) Miss G . (36) Since 10 yrs . stiffness of the finger
joints . One dose of Natr . fluoratum 200. on 22
May 1980 and repeated in July . Feb.1981
report :well .
6) Mr . F . (65) Since about 6 months thickening
and pain of end – joints of the fingers , 30 Nov
1970, Natr . fluoratum 200 . After 14 days :
definitely improved . Under observation every
two weeks (for other reasons also) . Relapse of
arthritis from time to time but every time
relieved from a dose of Natr fluoratum 200 . Till
date remains free .
7) Mr . R . (46) . Pain in two joints of fingers , since
2 yrs . Sensitive to touch . Natr . fluoratum 200 .
Report , 28 April 1980 : No pains . He taps the
finger joints against the table to prove that it was
no more painful to touch .
8) Mrs . K . (47) pain in jts . of the middle finger
since some months . Better after Natr . fluoratum
 200 , completely gone after repetition of a dose .
This case was followed up just like other such
successful cases .
9) Mrs . P . (61) : Arthritis in the finger joints since
10 yrs . Natr . fluoratum 200 one dose . Repeated
after 14 days . Distinctly improved .
10) Miss S . (57) Since two yrs . slowly developing
pains in elbows , knee , wrist joints . Natr
.fluoratum 200 . Report after three weeks ; Pains
distinctly less .
11) Mrs . K . Since many yrs . arthritis of lumber
joints .(x-ray) , took regularly Aspirin . Natr .
fluoratum 200 at long intervals one dose
whenever pain occurred , with sustained
amelioration . Did not need Aspirin anymore .
12) Mrs . D (65) Since about 10 yrs . arthritis in
fingers , knees , with temporary am . from Gold
injections . Cannot turn her neck due to pains .
Since 2 months knee pains . Natr . fluoratum 200
. 14 days after : neck pains much less . The knee
pains of 10 yrs . duration somewhat less now ,
can now go with out the aid of a stick . No
further doses . Further 2 weeks later : Finger not
painful anymore (could not lift things earlier),
knee appreciably better . like other cases , under
observation .
13) Mrs . S . (55) Arthritis of almost all joints since
years . Takes daily 8 Aspirins . After a dose of
Natr . fluoratum 200 . no need for Aspirin any
more . Emigrated to another town and hence no
follow-up possible .
14) Woman 48 yrs . Since yrs . suffering from
arthritis which progressively attacked affecting
all the joints with partial deformities . In this
case nothing was expected from the very
commencement but however , I gave a dose of
Natr . fluoratum 200 . Naturally no change .
When asked about her recently affected and
inflamed big toes , she replied : Yes , they are
better”, and in fact it was less swollen . This case
shows that the more recent the case is the better
the remedy works . Hence the necessity for early
treatment of the arthritic process at the very
beginning itself , in the last case the drastic
measures taken were of no help and finally she
had no be put in a nursing home , due to other
circumstances .
15) Mrs . A . (69) Prograssive arthritis of all joints
since an attack of rheumatic fever at 7 yrs . age
with much pain . As in similar cases , needed
Aspirin many times a day . One dose of Natr .
fluoratum 200 . 14 days later could reduce the
Aspirin to half . Under placebo , further relief at
14 days later . One dose repeated . This case
shows that even in long-standing and advanced
conditions a therapeutic result is possible .
PRIVENTIVE MEDICINE ON THE BASIS OF
THE NATRUM FLUORATUM PROVING : Anti –
fluoridation groups in small numbers who studied our
provings took up through press and mass media for a
poll on the fluoridation of water in South Portland in
Maine , USA , thrice in 9 yrs . First by less and less
fluoridation and finally to reject fluoridation .
Seldom have I seen such rapid success no
sooner a homoeopathic remedy was given in a much
chronic or less chronic case . As in other remedies
newly introduced , further clinical and reproving
must be done so that more exact modalities may be
obtained . The arthritic diseases are of a uniform
nature symptomatically with relatively least
characteristic modalities . Hence the same remedy
helped in all the cases without any symptom-
differentiation . These are ‘fixed’ diseases like
epidemics for which Hahnemann recommended
specific remedies though all cases . Jt . rheumatism in
all its epidemics for which to this classification and
perhaps this remedy is the ‘specific’ one to arrest the
process in the early stages itself . This has been my
observation (finger joints) , as of now , in some
cases .
……………….
[From the ‘Zeitschrift fur KLASSISCHE
HOMOEOPATHIE and Arzneipotenzierung’ Band 25
/ 1981 – Nov . / Dez .Heft 6 , translated by Dr . K . S
. Srinivasan , Madras for private communication only
; Members are requested to communicate experience
with Natr . fluoratum 200 in arthritis of finger-joints .
– K . S . S .)
A WHOOPING COUGH SYMPTOM OF
NUX VOMICA
Hauptmann
On 24 . 11 . 1980 the child Sebastian
(DOB 11/ 8 / 1979) was brought for paroxysms of
cough . He had contracted bronchitis with fever a
week ago which was treated with penicillin . The
fever declined but the cough however became worse .
It began particularly at nights in paroxysms and
ended with vomiting of sour mucous . No appetite ,
merely thirst . Angry and resistant to examination ,
rattling sound over the lung area , clean tongue .
lpecacuanha D12 , 4 hrly . 5 drops in water and asked
to come again on 26 . 11 . with the hint “suspicion of
whooping cough”.
On 26 . 11 condition became worse ;
continuous vomiting , without preceding cough .
without much choking . lepecacuanha D12 continued
and then a dose of Sulphur L M VI for effects of
suppression by penicillin . Next day the cough was
somewhat less , but there was severe epistaxis and in
addition a little bleeding in the conjunctivae began .
The boy was peculiarly intolerable and weepy , he
wept mostly either during or after the attacks of
cough which increased during nights . No
perspiration , chillness , peculiar restlessness “cannot
find the right position in bed” . The leucocytes count
was 22750 cells ; whooping cough was thus
confirmed . Arnica D12 , 4 hrly , 5 drops in water .
lpecacuanha stopped .
1 . 12 . after 5 days , new image , Cough
and vomiting worse , The boy appears frightened .
The conjunctivae , left more than the right , are tense
with blood filled up , as if may burst any moment .
The picture appeared like chemosis . Also the upper
lid and the swollen lower lid were blue-red . The boy
is irritable , excited , weepy and constantly rubbing
the eyes . The mother, a medical-technical assistant ,
is understandably worried and to me also it was so .
Examination by Opthalmologist did not point out
anything more than what had already been found by
me . For decisive diagnosis to exclude leukaemia , a
total blood count was made . Result : Ery : 7 . 7 ; Hb
89 % ; leuco . 13300 ; Eos . 2 ; Segm . 5 % lymph 92
% mono 1 , all mature cells 200000 Thrombo . BKS .
10 / 12 . The diagnosis of whooping cough was
confirmed and the remedy changed from Arnica to
Nuxvomica D12 , 4 hrly .
On the next day , 2 . 12 . the mother
reported that Sebastian had slept relatively better
during the night , only once during this forenoon
vomited what he had eaten , which was not the case
from the beginning . Further Nux vomica D12 .
Report on 5 . 12 .: Cough only a little bad
, occasional vomiting , disposition less , weepy, the
effusion of blood in the eyes , specially in the
conjunctiva was clearly receding . Examination now
showed a clear picture . Leuco . 10450 . Nux vomica
D12 further 4 hrly . On 15 . 12 : dry cough and rarely
vomiting , blood residue In eyes and conjunctiva
normal . General condition good .
On 22 . 12 .: the mother reported again :
She had stopped the Nux vomica after the last
consultation a week ago , very early , and since
yesterday the cough , vomiting and coryza began
again . Nux vomica D 12 again 5 drops in water until
completely well .
DISCUSSION : The catarrhal state of whooping
cough of Sebastian was not recognized but as often is
diagnosed as bronchitis and treated with penicillin .
This upset . lpecacuanha then given for vomiting
from cough , loss of appetite , clear tongue , rattling
breathing . The medicine was wrongly chosen , The
‘pointer’ symptoms of this whooping cough indicated
Sulphur particularly , the disposition to bleeding and
the weepy , irritable and intolerant conduct as also
the continuous vomiting . Arnica was chosen now for
the disposition to bleeding , epistaxis as also the
conjunctiva bleeding, weeping during and after the
cough spell , also that the bleeding was possibly as a
consequence of over-exertion due to the jolt from
violent whooping cough attacks . Belladonna was not
indicated from the beginning . The further course
then indicated the right similia as Nux vomica ;
“bleeding in eyes in whooping cough”. As a local
diagnosis one can definitely say that blood would
naturally come because of the violent paroxysm of
whooping cough . After failure of Arnica over a
period of 5 days , Nux vomica gave great relief .
General amelioration . The normal period of 3 to 6
weeks of convulsive state was in the 3 rd stage within
14 days due to Nux vomica ; the worse part of the
whooping cough was scarcely three weeks , a very
happy result . The case impress that kent’s repertory
contains authentic information. The low grade
symptom “bleeding from the eyes in whooping
cough” (p.235) has been clinically verified . perhaps
colleagues may also be add their similar experiences
with Nux vomica in whooping cough s that Nux
vomica can be elevated to the 2nd grade .
……………….
[ From the Zeitschrift fur KLASSISCHE
HOMOEOPATHIE and Arzneipotenzierung’, Band
26 / 1982 – Heft 3 , May / July 1982 ; translated from
German by Dr . K . S . Srinivasan , Madras , for
private communication only . DIGEST members are
requested to send in their experiences of Nux vomica
in whooping cough – K . S . S .]
 A SKETCH OF TELLURIUM
H . Dorner
A tellurium patient is difficult to
understand . He works nervously excitedly ,
apathetically and is also unsociable . Forgetful , his
paralyzing mental weakness makes him in capable of
thinking and working . He is physically unattractive
and works clumsily while in company , either
unfriendly , refusing and excited or uncommunicative
, serious , silent , anxious and hopeless .
Various physical inadequacies torment
him : unpleasant smelling physical exhalations ,
copious perspiration with garlic – like smell , acrid ,
stinking discharges which cause sores ; weak
sensation in stomach , nausea , colics , audible and
bad smelling flatulence ; loss of appetite alternating
with fits of extreme hunger , much thirst for small
quantities , increased urging for urination ; delayed
menses or absent ; increased sexual instinct , genital
infections and leucorrhoea . Vertigo , flushes , partial
internal chillness and shivering , shuddering,
palpitation and sleep disturbances .
Besides many features of so-called
Sycosis the tendency shows syphilitic diathesis .
Accordingly three systems are dealt with , namely ,
the skin , the nerovous system and the protective
tissues with bones and joints , But , first the drug
itself :
With Oxygen , Sulphur , Selenium and
Polonium , Tellurium metallicum makes the Group
VI . An interesting group , it contains Oxygen, the
element without which we cannot exist and on the
other interesting group , it contains Oxygen , the
element without which we cannot exist and on the
other extreme the Polonium , a product of radio-
active disintegration from Uranium , finally Sulphur ,
the great homoeopathic medicine . Selenium and
Tellurium are considered as half metals and Polonium
as purely metal.
Muller von Reichenstein discovered in
1782 in demolished are a peculiar element . Martin
Heinrich von Klaproth defined and named 16 yrs .
later Tellurium . This discovery was in the pre-
homoeopathic era of Hahnemann but in Hahnemann
‘s later materia medica it has not been mentioned .
Provers were Metcalf , Hering and some more
physicians mentioned by Allen .
TOXICOLOGY : In its element from Tellurium is not
toxic but Tellurium hydrogen and the different
Tellurium salts (Tellurite , Telluride and Tellurate)
indeed are . Chronic poisoning from inhaling
Tellurium fumes expresses itself in headaches ,
vertigo and dryness of the mouth with metallic taste .
The expired air has an unpleasant smell like garlic .
Dryness of skin , diminished perspiration and loss of
colour of hair . Further stomach and intestinal
ailments and loss of appetite , vomiting , wasting
away and somnolence .
The symptoms of acute poisoning are
similar as from Selenium and Arsenicum . Diarrhoea
and somnolence come over a phase of increased
excitement with fibrillous spasms , tachycardia and
finally central respiratory paralysis and diastolic
arrest .
PHARMACOLOGY : Tellurium and its components
are used in anhidrotics and hair-removers . Kalium
tellurat inhibits secretion of perspiration , with
unpleasant side actions , that is the volatile Methyl
tellurite becomes toxic to the organism and the
expired air is endowed with the typical garlic smell .
Medical provings report on the unpleasant
exhalations from the body of the provers and their
bad smelling perspiration so that the provers had to
avoid nearness to other persons . We see the secluded
nature and declining relation of the Tellurium patients
and understand the decisive and deep changes which
such an apparently small symptom can bring about .
SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBERANES :
Characteristic are vesicular skin eruptions due to
inflammations ; in group often circular or garland
from , with itching which increases in warmth of the
bed . These vesicles secrete an acrid , watery matter
which characteristically smells like fishbrine and can
cause fresh vesicles in places where the secretions
moisten the skin . The localization of the skin
ailments are the large joint bends , retro-auricular
folds , auditory canals , margins of hair , chin and
perineum region . Indications : Eczema , herpes ,
petyriasis versicolor .
Often there is dryness of skin with a
stitching , picking sensation as from fleabites .
Mostly it is with patients who have been neglected
with bad body smell and weakness of liver . On the
other hand , copious perspiration with garlic odor .
The inflammatory changes are also found
in ears , from eczema of the auditory passage to
chronic stinking ear discharges . Also dull , beating
pain day and night . Vesicular dermatitis of the
external auditory canal and the ear auricle but
Tellurium was successfully used in chronic
discharges in otitis media (Nash) . It should be used
more often .
In eye , conjunctivitis , style with
purulent , stinking secretions , pain from touch ,
disposition to eczema of lids , copious whitish
secretions in angels of the eyes , pterygium .
Catarrh of the nasal mucous membrane
and in larynx . Fluent coryza from staying in the open
. air , accompanied by flow of tears , hoarseness and
soreness behind the sternum . Pain from empty
swallowing ; the sensation of dry soreness is better by
eating and drinking . The gingival may be aftected
with inflammation of the gums and gum bleedings .
NERVES : Neuralgias are predominant . Pains in as
sacrum which radiate to the sciatic nerve and travel
down , more on the right than left . Pains appear
suddenly and disappear equally suddenly . They
become worse from pressure and therefore from lying
on the affected side . They are aggravated from
pressing , sneezing , coughing , laughing and
stooping . Moving about ameliorates . It must be
rewarding , from these symptoms , in posttraumatic,
post – operative or degenerative convalescents .
A peculiar and extreme sensitiveness of
the vertebral column may be there and particularly in
region from last cervieal up to the 5 th dorsal vertebra .
The patient has anxiety of touch and fears if anyone
approaches . From actual touch the pains shoot into
distant parts of the body . Also pains between
shoulder blades .
Headaches as if the brain beaten .
Headache in a circumscribed spot above the left eye.
Facial neuralgias .
BONES AND JOINTS : Spondrylarthrosis , as
already explained , particularly of the cervical bones
extending up to the lower dorsal vertebrae and in the
lumber bones up to the os secrum with that peculiar
sensitivity to touch , sometimes with aggravations
from jar .
Pains in the hip or in kneejoint , be it as
result of chronic inflammations or suppurations due
to bone sequestrum or fistulous formations , be it post
– traumatic or as due to wear and tear . Straining of
the capsule of the joint , knee pain , also contraction
of the flexor . Spondylopathia thoracalis and
Coxarthrosis are reckoned as well – established
indications . In the organs of locomotion it deals with
consequences of chronic inflammations and
suppurations of bones , consequences of injuries .
Pains become worse from touch , pressure , coughing
, sneezing , and straining and are ameliorated from
moving about .
[From the ALLGEMEINE HOMOEOPATHISCHE
ZEITUNG , Band 227 , Heft , 2 / 1982 ; translated
from Germen by Dr . K . S . Srinivasan , Madras , for
private circulation only ]
SOME FRENCH CASES
Imberechts , Z .: CAS CLINIQUE . CAHIERSW
GROUPEMENT HAHNEMANNIEN : (1982) 19 :
317 – 318 .
1. 30 yrs . old lady : complete loss of
sense of smell after septum operation.
Symptoms for choice of medicine were :
weeping from music, hearing better in noise ,
loss of sense of smell , reddening and swelling
of lids , tightly fitting clothes cause
inconvenience , stinking stools , tendency to
inflammation and unhealthy skin . The
repertorisation indicated : Graph. Complete
restoration of sense of smell in a mouth .
2. 13 yr . old boy who had convulsion
during birth , suffered from second year from
attacks of epilepsy which lasted a minute .
Retarted growth ; anti-convulsives given .
General symptoms “laughing during
convulsions” was peculiar . The question
regarding reaction to music lead to the choice
of Graph ., as the child was very sensitive to
music . After this medicine , complete
disappearance of her fits
Menou , J .:CAHIERS GROUPEMENT
HAHNEMANNIEN (1982) 19 : 339 – 340 .
Girl of 11 months with hydrocephalus.
Surgical intervention under consideration . The
child does not react to environment . The family
thought fit to consult homoeopathy . Repertory :
Apis , Calc ., and sil . in CH 7 each one dose in 10
days intervals with instructions to report each time.
Apis did not produce results . From Calc . came
drainage of the fluid . 8 days later the child could
see something . Because of the progressive
improvement under Calc . with reduction of
 circumference of the head , the idea of surgical
operation was abandoned as one did not hope for a
better result thereby . Though no question of cure ,
the social life of the child has been improved .
Serror , Robert : HECLA LAVA MONTIS :
CLINIQUE ET PATHOGENESIE : L . HOEMOP .
FRANC (1982) 70 : 577 – 598 .
The author perceives in the ‘genius’ of
this medicine the similie for spur in the heels . The
first patient treated , 50 yrs ., came with the sensation
as if he was standing on something pointed and the
pain came after long walks . The second patient is 70
yrs . and complained of pain in the heels when he
moved on feet ; later , this prevented him from long
walks . In both the cases the two typical conditions
indicated were confirmed by X-rays . Hecl . 4 CH
thrice a day 2 glop . every 4 to 5 days for a period of
5 – 6 months with instructions to stop when
improvement set in . In the 10 % in which cure did
not commence , a further Hecl . 5 CH trit . twice a
day every 5 to 7 days for some months , gave the
desired results . In the appropriate constitutions Calc .
p ., Aur – m ., should follow as indicated .
[From the ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLASSISCHE
HOMEOPATHIE and Arzneipotenzierung , Vol. 27,
No . 2 / 1983 – March – April .; for private
communication only . Clinical results of HECLA
LAVA IN spur in heels may kindly be
communicated .--- K . S . S .]
A CASE OF CROTALUS HORRIDUS
H . Leers
A 58 yrs . old man came on 23 . 12 . 1980
with following complaints : Chronic offensive
secretions from the left ear , dull occipital pain ,
worse after a glass of beer or wine , attacks of
weakness , vertigo , stitching heart pains extending to
left arm , fullness after eating , pressure upper right
abdomen , so that the pant and the bed-sheets caused
inconvenience . The ear discharge has been in
existence since 38 year , the heart since 28th year.
Past history :1943 , injury with perforation both ear
– drums and splinter in left ear which despite its
removal continuously discharging pus . Since August
1980 left facial paralysis . Acknowledged war
sufferings .
Findings : Offensive thin exudate from the left ear,
left facial paralysis with incomplete closing of the
lids ; tongue trembles when produced ; blood
pressure fluctuated between 105 to 120 systolic Liver
swollen . Tympanic right upper . Cold forefoot both
sides (constipation). Varicose veins General muscular
rheumatism .
Because of Lycopodium symptoms the
patient was given as constitutional medicine a dose of
D200 and again on 16 . 1 . 1981 . The headaches had
almost gone on 20 . 2 . 1981 . The ear not improved ,
even by Naja D12 . Repertorisation : Predominant
local symptoms “ear discharge offensive” , “tongue
trembles”, “facial paralysis”, “alcohol agg”. “heart
pains ext . to lt . arm”, “pulse alternate very much”
and “abdomen sensitive to dress”. Only remedy
covering all is Crot – h . It also has “septic process”
and debility . with LM XII, 5 drops daily for 8 days
then twice a week , the ear discharge was clearly
decreased , lids closure complete (!) . Since 11 . 4 .
1981 to date the ear remains dry .
[From the ‘Zeitschrift fur KLASSISCHE
HOMOEOPATHIE and Arzneipotenzierung’, 5 /
1983 . September - October 1983 ; for the private
communication only .]
PARTS PER MILLION
( The minimum dose – with special reference to
selenium)
V . S . Shuttleworth , MBBS ., MRCS , LRCP .
Trying to visualize a million is difficult.
In homoeopathic terms , remember 6x or 3C is a
dilution of one in a million . On the metric system ,
one microgram is a millionth part of a gram . It was
thinking in terms of parts per million that logically
led me to have faith that homoeopathy was not so
unbelievable .
It was in July 1945 when we were in
Hong kong to start the evacuation of the POWs one
afternoon a middle – aged white woman dressed in a
faded cotton with gross oedema of both legs came to
me . Flash diagnosis – wet beri beri . She was non –
communicative , surly simmering with resent- ment
and said she wanted something for her legs . She got
one single 3 mg . thiamine (aneurine hydrochloride)
tablet . I only had five left , and had been keeping
them in reserve for the Sister Superior of the local
Convent .
A few days later , this woman
reappeared . She was smiling , agreeable , greatful ,
gracious ; a totally different person . I gave 2 more
tablets of my precious vitamin B1 and never saw her
again this experience was watershed . From that
moment I questioned the official dose of everything,
be came “a half dose man” . I reduced the number
dispensed . After taking up homoeopathy I actually
prescribed for six months without using a single
sleeping tablets ; not a practical thing to do , but an
interesting challenge . So as a result of my experience
with one POW , my prescribing habits were radically
altered . I did not hear about iatrogenic disease until
about 1971 , and was surprised that the problem
existed as such .
The next milestone must have been in
1960 . I was visiting a farm . In the kitchen on the
table noticed a small state – blue cylindrical object ,
thumbnail in size . The farmer said “It’s cobalt”. He
explained that it was squirted down the sheeps’ throat
and hoped that by its weight and size it would settle
in the reticulum for one year and slowly dissolve ,
thereby protecting the sheep against cobalt deficiency
. He added : “The vet thinks the farmers’ youngest
child , a girl of 18 months , was an inveterate earth
eater and was subsequently found to have iron
deficiency , anaemia and achlorhydria . She had
fickle appetite and lived mainly on cow’s milk from
the deficient cows . From the analogy of the mineral
deficient cows and calves licking walls and paint
work I suggested , quite speculatively , and not very
seriously , that the child might be cobalt – deficient
too . A chain reaction followed . culmination in the
co-operation of the veterinary surgeon , a soil chemist
, an animal nutritionist and myself . Within the limits
of the laboratory facilities available at the time , we
were able to demonstrate cobalt deficiency in cows ,
sheep , hay and potatoes on the farm . The child was
given 1 mg of cobaltous chloride a day in
blackcurrant syrup . Within a week she stopped
eating earth , and at the end of the month was
sleeping soundly , having previously suffered badly
from insomnia , Clinically we had hit the target , and
as far as we knew we were the first in the world to
describe cobalt deficiency in a human . The cobalt
had no effect on the iron deficiency anaemia , which
resolved satisfactorily with iron fumarate during the
second month .
Cobalt deficiency occurs in cattle and
sheep when the amount of available cobalt is below 0
. 025 parts per million , or 1 / 10 of a part per million
in dry hay .
The recognized treatment of earth –
eating “Pica” children is by iron salts , a well –
known and established fact . Iron salts are
contaminated with cobalt and other trace elements.
Indeed , it is difficult to manufacture analytically
pure ferrous sulphate for laboratory work . I think
that explains the success of iron salts in treating pica .
For a year or two after this experience I
experimented with micro doses of cobalt and copper
with some inconclusive results , and minor triumphs
were interesting to me . Vitamin B12 contains 4 % of
cobalt . Cobalt deficient calf was given B 12 injection
250 microgram and was found to have brought about
good improvement in its coat and I later found that
B12 can enhance the colour of human hair .
particularly on the nape of the neck . Unfortunately it
had no effect on white or grey hair. However , it was
useful in restoring flexibility to the finger and toe
nails elderly people . Not important ; but worth
knowing , and not in the books !
Similar experiments with Vitamin B12
injections in the pregnant ewes proved that the lambs
were protected against cobalt deficiency . I
transferred this knowledge to my antenatal care and,
by chance , one patient 7 / 12 pregnant remarked that
her varicose veins were not only more comfort –
able , but had actually gone down a bit after the
Vitamin B12 injections . I was able to confirm this in
other patients . The next step was to treat piles with
1000 micrograms of B12 once a week for three
weeks . Believe it or not , 90 % of patients were
relieved , and convenient treatment . At this stage of
microgram treatment I had become homoeopathic
without knowing it . Now , early 20 years later , my
experiences with trace full circle with an enthusiasm
for selenium . Cobalt , Copper and Selenium
deficiencies are inter – linked because they generally
occur in the same soil ;
My interest in selenium came by chance.
A substantial number of animal experiments have
demonstrated the protective effect of selenium in
cancer . In fact , scientific opinion seems to range
from the enthusiastic assumption that selenium is the
breakthrough of the century , down to a grudging
admission that there is a link between selenium and
cancer . There is an inverse relation between
selenium in the soil and cancer morbidity . Low
selenium correlates with higher cancer rates .
 This year I have been treating selected
patients with Selenium in potency , based on the
clues provided by the animal nutrition . Very briefly I
will relate the essence of cases that show positive
results .
SELENIUM AND CANCER :
1. Patient 5 years after a mastectomy , a secondary in
the lung and large pleural effusion . Presenting
symptom an irritating cough . She is being
treated with Tamoxifen . On her own initiative
she takes 1000 units of Vitamin E daily and one
tablet of Selenium 8x a day . The effusion has
cleared in 12 months . The secondary deposit is
unchanged . Feels very well .
2. Patient had a lung cancer removed 2 years ago .
Felt vaguely unwell , chesty and apprehensive
about himself . Tab . Selenium 8x daily restored
his appetite and well – being quite quickly .
When he finally reported progress , he said he
had constructed two flower beds , and felt
“euphoric”. He takes an occasional Selenium 8x
tablet and remains well .
3. Patient in the terminal stages of ovarian cancer with
secondaries and weight 5 stone . For the last 6
months of hair life she had been admitted to
hospital once a month for cytotoxic drug therapy .
This made her vomit for 3 weeks , and she had
barely recovered when she was due to start the
cycle again . Tab . Selenium 8x stopped the
vomiting in a few days , and her vitality improved
to the point that she could hold a newspaper , or a
book , and enjoy reading . Regrettably she died in
six weeks .
This patient was one of three unmarried
sisters , two of whom have died from cancer . They
led a unique and cloistered life , living on the farm ,
and off farm produce completely , all their lives .
This farm is in the selenium – deficient area . Was it a
coincidence that two women apparently living an
ideal , simple , survival , back – to – nature type of
life should have cancer ?
SELENIUM AND HEPATITIS : An elderly patient
was still icteric after hospital treatment for infectious
hepatitis , and feeling very weak etc . She had been
told the condition might vary for a year before
recovery . Within a few days of taking Selenium 8x
daily she felt more energetic , and walked a few years
from the front door to the garden gate and back . This
, she related as an achievement . The jaundice
steadily disappeared and she thought she had
recovered . Within a few weeks she detected a relapse
—stools pale . She took more Selenium and this she
recovered completely . She also combined her
Selenium with vitamin E , 100 units a day .
SELENIUM AND ALLERGIES : Strangely ,
effective in children , but not so successful in adults. I
find myself in danger of using it as a “homoeopathic
antihistamine”, because the results are comparable ,
and it’s all too easy .
Case . Small boy has asthma and fever – responded
quite well to House dust Mite nosode ,
Medorrhinum , Calc.phos ., Euphrasia , etc . but
treatment was a continuous struggle , and
unsatisfactory to me . Selenium cleared his eye
irritation and stopped his asthma , and he put on
muscle bulk , Even more strangely , for the first time
in his 8 years , he developed a handsome sun-tan ,
without burning . Photographic enthusiasts will
appreciate the connection between selenium photo-
electric cells and light . Perhaps we have a treatment
here for vitiligo and solar dermatitis , and even
freckles . He maintains excellent health on periodic 5
– day courses of Selenium . My dosage schedule has
settled to one Tab . Selenium 8x a day for 5 days ,
then rest from treatment for 5 days and repeat ;
principally because Selenium does cause
aggravations . The choice of Selenium 8x was simply
due to is availability and I am told higher potencies
are definitely contra – indicated in cancer patients .
[ From the BRITISH HOMOEOPATHIC
JOURNAL , vol . 73 , No 1 , Jan 1984 ; Slightly
condensed ; for private communication only . Very
practical tips are available in this article . Kindly
communicate clinical experiences with Cobalt and
Selenium – K . S . S ]
SELENIUM
V . S . Shuttleworth , MBBS , MRCS , LRCP.
Selenium deficiency : white muscle disease :
Selenium is a trace element in human and animal
nutrition . In all trace element deficiency diseases the
threshold between sufficiency levels in the soil , and
inadequate , or deficiency levels , only amounts to 2
– 3 parts per million . The level for adequate
availability for selenium is thought to be 3 ppm . One
ppm is inadequate , and leads to deficiency states .
Too much selenium , 5 – 20 ppm , causes toxic
disease and death in houses and cattle .
Selenium deficiency in lambs : The commonest
symptoms of selenium deficiency in lambs is a limp,
particularly affecting one , or both , hind legs. As the
animals hobble along , the impression is given that
the affected leg is “frozen” . The limp is caused by a
degeneration of blocks of muscle , the cut surfaces of
which are white to the eked eye , hence the name
white muscle disease .
Cardiomyopathy , casing sudden death in
apparently healthy lambs , is quite common in a
deficient flock . Supplements of sodium selenite
given to pregnant ewes can prevent the disease in
lambs . The protection is temporary .
Selenium deficiency in horses : White Muscle
Disease occurs in horses grazing on deficient land .
In race horses the symptoms are detected earlier of
the extreme efficiency and fitness demanded by
training . A common clue is liability of the horse to
kick itself , or unaccountably to sprain an ankle .
Weakness in hamstring or shoulder muscles .
Selenium deficiency in humans – keshan disease :
The most interesting reports are from China , where a
cardiomyopathy in children and young women can be
prevented by sodium selenite supplements . The
common clinical signs of the disease are gallop
rhythm , heart failure , abnormal ECG recordings and
enlarged heart . It is not claimed that selenium
deficiency is the sole and absolute cause of the
myopathy , but the association is very strong .
Sodium selenite supplement definitely decreased the
morbidity and improved the prognosis . The selenium
content of human hair , maize , beans and sweet
potatoes was always found to be reduced in the
Keshan endemic areas .
Anti doting deficiency in animals : The assessment
of a slow – release depot injection which will
maintain normal selenium blood levels for months on
end is proceeding in the field . Sea fish are a
convenient source of selenium . Another source of
trace elements , including selenium , is kelp ,
preferably harvested from unpolluted seas .
Homoeopathic selenium : Normally used in low
potency . The main indication is muscular weakness ,
a very remarkable observation when one considers
that modern research in just coming to grips with
white muscle disease. Selenium is recommended in
alopecia secondary to skin disease of the scalp , e . g .
seborrhoeic dermatitis ; not necessarily allopathic
areata . The atomic relationship to tellurium and
sulphur makes this understandable . Obviously a
remarkable opportunity exists to test homoeopathic
selenium against sodium selenite or other compounds
.
Association with vitamin E : Selenium is known to be
an essential component of gulutathione peroxidase ,
an enzyme that protects cell walls . Vitamin E has the
same protective property , but a different mechanism
– hence the common use of the selenium compounds
and Vitamin E together in veterinary practice .
Possible clinical uses : In toxicity due to cytotoxic
drugs , or heavy metals . Protection of cell
membranes following coronary thrombosis , and in
chronic degenerative disease such as multiple
sclerosis . Selenium deficiency , with or without
Vitamin E , may possibly contribute to some cot
deaths .
[ From the BRITISH JOURNAL OF
HOMOEOPATHY , Vol . 72 , April 1983 ; Slightly
condensed ; for private communication only Dr . K. S
.S]
WHAT IS CURE ?
[ Form the Editorial of the JOURNAL OF THE
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHIY ,
Vol . 77 , No 3 / 1984]
The Editor had the privilege to meet and talk with
Dr . Jacques lmberechts . Dr . lmberechts has his H.Q
. in Belgium . Dr . lmberechts trained as a pathologist
became a classical homoeopath . He is the best
known teacher in the world today in homoeopathy .
Discussing “ what is to be perceived as to be cured in
a given patient – (Organon para2)” Dr . lmberechts
said that after the entire anamnesis had been made ,
the physical examination done , the laboratory tests
received and a pathological diagnosis arrived at , the
physician came face to face with the objectives of
treatment .
“What , with this particular patient , is my
goal ?” he must himself . Am I interested in (i)
palliation ? (ii) cure ? (iii) substitution ? (iv)
suppression ? And one might add (unfortunately) Do
I know the differences ?
Many of us cajole ourselves into thinking we
are bringing about cure when in reality all we are
doing is watching symptoms recede into some murky
background . To try for cure means to see so deeply
into the patient’s illness that one can discern the
obstacles to cure . And what are these obstacles?
 *Repeated exposure to an unknown allergen ,
e . g . the patient who is allergic to wheat and may
not know it and keeps eating wheat , thereby anti
doting his remedies .
*Working in a noxious atmosphere , i.e ., a coal
mine , where the lunge are compromised .
*Living with a cruel , abusive partner who takes
a perverse delight in beating the patient .
*The patient who never got enough quality love
as a child and youngster having grown up in an
orphanage .
*Psora .
*Sycosis .
*Syphilis .
The physician must deal with these obstacles to
cure . He must see to it that his patient avoids wheat ,
gets out of the mine , leaves the abusive partner
learns how to love himself with sufficient intensity so
that the emotionally deprived childhood can be
forgotten .
The physician must recognize the miasms and
treat with anti – sycotics and anti – syphilitics – and
do so in the proper order .
So going for cure is a VERY big deal .
Palliation is giving relief WITHOUT the illusion of
cure . Substitution is using homoeopathic medicines
in place of allopathic drugs in order to provide relief .
And suppression is getting rid of certain symptoms
only to watch worse ones manifest later on . At the
very least , lmberechts pointed out , We can try to be
aware of what we are doing . lmberechts ended by
urging the physician to ask himself another three
questions PRIOR to instituting therapy :
Is what I am about to do useful ?
Is what I am about to do necessary ?
Is what I am about to do being in a spirit of
goodwill with the patient’s best interest at least ? “If
the answer is not yes ‘ for all three questions” said
imberechts , “then give sac . lac.”
MANY ARE THE PATHS
Dr . Henry N . Williams
A Zen Buddhist statement has been with me
many years and like many such meditative words
opens up unexpected vistas when heid in the mind’s
eye:
MANY ARE THE PATHS ASCENDING IN
SHADOW , BUT FROM THE SUMMIT
ALL SEE THE SELF – SAME MOON.
The apparent proliferation of methods of
prescribing homoeopathic remedies over the last few
years makes me think of paths to the goal of
alleviation of the patient’s illness . Our success is in
direct proportion to our optimism , single –
mindedness and willingness to study . A good
proportion of our patients come to us after multiple
previous attempts to help them have failed . Without
the faith that homoeopathy can cure where other
methods have failed , we will not be successful . We
must take to hear the patient out , then to probe for
clarification of the symptoms , Chronological
relationships and possible causes of acute and chronic
illness in the mental , emotional and physical
spheres . Homoeopathy only reveals its deepest
secrets to those disciples who prove their devotion .
For homoeopathy , like any other branch of
science and art , cannot be learned in a course but is
an expanding field of universal proportions . No one
knows it all . It is only by continued study and a
desire to better our approach and understanding that
we can increase our success rate and satisfaction .
Part of this is remaining open to the suggestions ,
experience and insights of others . Today we have a
growing interest in the so – called classical kentian
methods taught by George Vithoulkas , William Gray
and many others . This year, for the first time the
approach of Dr . Eizayaga of Buenos Aires was
taught as a variation in the classical approach . He
advises using lower potencies and treating the acute
condition as separate from the chronic – an approach
taught by Dr . Hubbard and Dr . Sutherland . There
has been an increase in the use of the 50 millesimal
potencies. I personally am finding these potencies
helpful in selected cases where the similimum is clear
but where the decimal and centesimal potencies are
not effective . We must also bear in mind that it has
been the sale of combinations which has kept afloat a
number of homoeopathic manufacturing pharmacies
during the past lean decades . The use of
combinations , the Schuessler cell salts , and the Bach
flower remedies have brought many lay people and
some physicians to homoeopathy .
 I have found three areas where I have had great
difficulty in satisfactory results more than 50 % of
the time . One is in the area of mental illness . If the
disturbance has become so deep that it affects the
mental level , then to relive it may cause a major
disturbance in the emotional and physical realms .
Vithoulkas has quoted a case where he was persuaded
, against his best judgement , to prescribe for a
family’s schizophrenic son . He did so and the boy
became rational . But he then developed tuberculosis
of a fulminating type that would not respond to
treatment , and the boy died . Thus , in treatment of
deep-seated mental conditions , we as practitioners
are between Scylla and Charybdis . Another area is in
deep degenerative diseases of the nervous system
such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) . The third category is the
group of patients who come in with set patterns of
thought – fixed delusional ideas concerning their own
illnesses . In conclusion , I would like to stress that in
my experience there are areas of illness where
homoeopathy , usually so universally successful ,
meets real problems . Here we may find professional
colleges in other areas helpful in elucidating a
metabolic problem and possible treatment .
MANY ARE THE PATHS ASCENDING IN
SHADOW , BUT FROM THE SUMMIT ALL SEE
THE SELF – SAME MOON .
[ Abstract from the ‘Guest Editorial’ of the
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF
HOMOEOPATHY , Vol . 77 , No . 4 , December
1984 ; Presented by Dr . Henry N. Williams , M . D
before the Southern Homoeopathic Society
September 13 , 1984 , Englewood , ohio .]
ACUTE MEDICINE
Case 1 : One year male dog : Inordinate desire for
affection , very gentle , worse heat , aversion to fatty
foods , esp . butter . One dose Pulsatilla 200 . Within
2 days the dog became very nervous and anxious ,
disobeyed previously well-known commands , and
howled incessantly , even during sleep . This
continued for 1 week then a profuse ocular
discharged appeared which lasted 24 hrs . 2 to 3 days
later the dog’s feet appeared sore and upon
examination the large foot pads were sloughing . The
toe pads were normal .The foot pain became so
intense that for 24 hr . period the animal could not
stand . Full recovery occurred within 5 days of that .
The dog has been perfectly healthy for 5 years now .
He has had only one to two fleas per year , has not
been wormed and his coat is beautiful . Although he
has undergone 3 general anesthetics for trauma repair
, his level of health has not decreased . He is
exuberant and happy , but still craves attention . I feel
this case demonstrates several facets of homoeopathy
:
1. Any one who saw this animal before and
after Pulsatilla could not deny that
homoeopathic remedies act .
2. Constitutional prescribing is occasionally
possible in animals .
3. Hering’s law is valid in animals .
4. high potencies can produce severe reactions
in animals .
Robert A . Anderson , DVM
Case 2 : 36 year old woman : “bladder infection” for
past 6 weeks . All symptoms , she said , were worse
in the morning on walking . These were “calding” in
the urethra throughout the act of micturition ;
frequency about once an hour ; urging. Pain in both
flanks , worse night . Restless night . Urine sent for
analysis . She was started , in the meantime , on
Ampicillin as that was her wish . Next day urinalysis
came negative . Ampicillin was stooped and a fuller
history taken : She had been experiencing lower
physical energy since the onset of her urinary
symptoms in August . No explanation as to why it
began at that time . In May 1984 her mother had died
unexpectedly , which triggered a quarrel between her
father and her brother . She felt herself in the middle
of this most unpleasant quarrel and her urinary
symptoms began about this time –“When my brother
was calling me up every day to complain about our
father”.
Other symptoms : Photophobia (1); sun headache
(old) ; weakness fro sun exposure (old); decreased
appetite for past 6 weeks ; aggravation from the
summer heat (new) ; increased thirst for tap water
and a recent awareness that salty foods “taste too
salty”. She said that she had sighed a lot soon after
her mother’s death but that it had ceased . Now ,
however , she said , “I have been breathing high in
my chest”. Prescription : Nat . Mur 30 twice daily .
Follow up , 4 days later : Felt much better for the first
3 days , but 4th day “agitated” . Wanting to go outside
to walk to relieve this restless agitation . Advised to
stop the remedy . Two days thereafter : A day after
stopping the medicine , she awoke feeling happy .
The urinary symptoms , however , were worse , but
only for a few hours . Today –they were gone 90% .
Appetite returned last night . No longer breathing
high in her chest and no photophobia . Discussion :
This case is unusual in that she had symptoms
consistent with a urinary tract infection (urging ,
frequency , burning) yet had no infection . Her
bladder was the recipient of her grief and stress . As
such it was the target organ of her psychic upset . But
why the urinary bladder and urethra ? At the follow –
up interview she suddenly exclaimed , “I know why
it’s my bladder! When I was 6 yrs . old , I was
hospitalized for a kidney infection . I remember they
waited until my mother had left for the day and then
they catheterized me . It was simply horrible . I’ll
never forget how upsetting it was”. K.R
. Thirst is slight . Prefers cold drinks .
Case 3 : 17 oct 84: For the previous 2 months this 30
yr old woman had been visiting doctors . In early
August , she developed a bladder infection for which
she received antibiotics agent . The sequel : a vaginal
yeast infection for which she was prescribed an anti-
fungal agent . throughout the summer she complained
of feeling tired and gaining weight uncontrollably .
She went to a D . O . who ran thyroid function tests
and placed her on 3 grains of thyroid a day . She was
also given an appetite suppressant .
She felt okay for about 3 weeks on this regimen
and then developed dizziness , headaches and
weekness , which symptoms she still complains of .
The veritigo and headache began around Labor day
together with hot flashes . She went to another D . O .
who told her she had the flu and gave her a shot . Her
symptoms continued to worsen . She went to one of
Presbyterian Hospital’s Urgent Care centers and was
told she had a possible goiter and referred to an
internist . The internist said her ESR was 31 (very
slightly elevated). He heard a heart murmur and an
abnormal sound in her rt . carotid artery .
As for the dizziness , he suggested she see an
ENT specialist which she accordingly did . This M .
D said her problem was in her temperomandibular
joints and placed her on the steroid Dexamethasone .
75 mg . daily . Not only did she not improve, but she
developed some numbness her rt . arm . The
numbness lasted about 2 minutes and was followed
by some tingling in her lt . arm .
The dizziness , she said was more a wooziness
than a true vertigo . It came on in bed in the mornings
and continued on rising . It was constant . “I feel my
head is too big for my body”. When walking , she
feels she is leaning to the lt . Also had some pain the
neck for which she went to a chiropractor . “He
didn’t help , but it’s going away by itself”.
In June , her daughter was about to deliver and
nearly died from toxemia of pregnancy . A child was
born but only lived 9 days . She experienced great
grief over her daughter’s near death and the death of
the grandchild . “Right after that I started getting
sick” she said . Averse to salty foods (2) , milk(1) ,
meat(1) , sweet(1) , fat(1) , eggs(1) , and raw
oysters(2) .
Desires : hot spicy (2) , lemon & lime (1) ,
bananas (1) and fried foods (1) .
Cold-natured (1) , Cold air agg. (1) , Stuffy
rooms agg .
Said she had been sighing a lot . (Note : I did
not observe this)
Her whole body tends to get hot under an
electric blanket and she will stick her feet out .
Sensitive of criticism (1) . “I cry , but I don’t let
anybody see me”, she said . “I cry when I ‘m angry”.
Wants to be left alone when upset . (1) . Most people
do not discern how sensitive She is , “I keep
everything inside”, she said .
Bears a grudge , (1) “I get even”, she said .
Married three times . Divorced from first two
husbands .
Prescription : Natr . Mur . 200 at bed – time for
two nights .
22 October 1984 : The day after the remedy ,
she became very short of breath , a new symptom .
This lasted about 3 hours and ceased .
The second day she felt worse—very dizzy and
nauseated . It lasted the whole day .
Since then , doing much better “…..almost 100%
better”. “I ‘m emotionally much better”. No dizziness
, no headaches , no numbness or tingling . Less cold ;
still sticks feet out from under blanket at night . Less
depressed ; still sighed . K.R.
Case 4 : Patient , a long-standing asthmatic , had
done very well in the past on Calcarea phosphorica
prescribed infrequently . Currently , she complains of
low physical energy , irregular menses , difficulty
falling asleep and a constant cough .

On walking in the morning she feels very tired .

“I drag and it lasts until early afternoon”, she said .
Yet she cannot go to bed before 1—2 a.m as doen’t
feel tired before then .

Her cough is her main problem . It is an

“asthmatic cough” worse on rising at 7-8 a.m when
she uses her Medihaler (iso-proterenol). Cough is
worse cold air , worse between 11 p.m and 1 a.m
better warm drinks . Larynx is sensitive to touch .

Exhaustion and heaviness of the body from

slight to time .

Hot flushes on the anterior chest from time to

time .

Sensitive of rawness , deep in the bronchial

tubes . The upper anterior chest hurts , extending to
the back .

Expectoration is profuse and brown . Her air

passages feel “caked”. Occasionally she wakes in the
night frightened , feeling suffocated . “ I don’t feel I
can breathe , “she said , “I am not getting any air”.

Physical examination : auscultation of the lungs

revealed slight expiratory wheezes . Prescription :
Spongia 30 every 4 hrs .

Follow up : 2 days later : shortly after

beginning the remedy she began to improve. By now
she is better in every way . No asthma . No cough .
No need to use the inhaler . Energy excellent . Sleep
is good . No hot flashes in the anterior chest .

Follow up one month later : Respiratory

problem has not re-appeared . Menses were late and
she had premenstrual symptoms . K . R.

[ From the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN

INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY , Vol .77 , No .4 ,
December 1984]