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Exploring Viral Fever from a Homeopathic Perspective.

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Introduction

Viral fevers are common afflictions that affect millions of people worldwide. They are caused by various viral infections, such as the influenza virus, dengue virus, or even the common cold virus. Conventional medicine offers various treatment options, including antiviral medications and symptomatic relief. However, homeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, provides an alternative approach to managing viral fevers. In this article, we will explore viral fever from a homeopathic perspective and discuss how homeopathy can offer relief and support during such illnesses.

Understanding Viral Fevers

Before delving into homeopathic remedies for viral fevers, it’s important to understand the nature of these illnesses. Viral fevers are characterized by symptoms such as high fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes, respiratory issues. Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. The body’s immune system must fight off the virus, and supportive care is essential to manage the symptoms.

Homeopathy: A Holistic Approach

Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that believes in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Homeopathic remedies are prepared from highly diluted substances derived from plants, minerals, or animals. These remedies are chosen based on the principle of “like cures like,” meaning that a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can help treat similar symptoms in a sick person.

Homeopathic Remedies for Viral Fevers

  1. Aconitum Napellus: This remedy is often recommended in the early stages of a viral fever when the onset is sudden and symptoms include a high fever, restlessness, anxiety, and a dry throat. Aconitum is believed to help boost the body’s natural defenses.
  2. Belladonna: When a viral fever is accompanied by a high fever, flushed face, throbbing headache, and sensitivity to light and noise, Belladonna may be indicated. It is thought to help alleviate these intense symptoms.
  3. Gelsemium Sempervirens: If you experience weakness, fatigue, and trembling during a viral fever, Gelsemium may be considered. It is also useful when there is a heavy head, droopy eyelids, and a sensation of muscle weakness.
  4. Bryonia Alba: When fever is accompanied by extreme thirst, dry mouth, and irritability, Bryonia may be recommended. It is thought to relieve symptoms of dryness and restlessness.
  5. Eupatorium Perfoliatum: This remedy is commonly used for viral fevers, especially when there are severe body aches and bone pains. It is often chosen when the patient complains of feeling as if their bones are breaking.
  6. Arsenicum Album: If you have a fever accompanied by restlessness, anxiety, and a desire for small sips of water, Arsenicum may be considered. It is believed to help reduce anxiety and provide relief.

Homeopathy and Individualization

One of the key principles of homeopathy is individualization. Homeopathic practitioners assess the unique symptoms and overall state of health of each patient to select the most appropriate remedy. Therefore, two individuals with the same viral fever may receive different homeopathic remedies based on their specific symptom patterns and constitution.

Conclusion

Homeopathy offers a holistic and individualized approach to managing viral fevers. While it may not directly attack the virus, it can help alleviate the symptoms and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It’s important to note that homeopathic remedies should be used under the guidance of a qualified homeopathic practitioner, especially in cases of serious viral infections.

UNDERSTANDING THE SPINAL DISEASES

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Understanding spinal diseases requires knowledge of the anatomy of the spine, the various conditions that can affect it, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. The spine is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Here are some key aspects to help you understand spinal diseases:

  1. Spinal Anatomy:

Spinal anatomy refers to the structure and components of the spine, also known as the vertebral column or backbone. The spine is a complex and vital part of the human body, providing support, protection for the spinal cord, and enabling various types of movements. Here are the details of spinal anatomy:

  1. Vertebral Column:
  • The vertebral column is composed of 33 vertebrae stacked on top of each other. These vertebrae are grouped into five distinct regions.
  1. Regions of the Vertebral Column: a. Cervical Region: The cervical spine is located in the neck and consists of seven vertebrae (C1-C7). b. Thoracic Region: The thoracic spine is in the upper and mid-back and includes twelve vertebrae (T1-T12). c. Lumbar Region: The lumbar spine is in the lower back and comprises five vertebrae (L1-L5). d. Sacral Region: The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae (S1-S5). e. Coccygeal Region: The coccyx, or tailbone, is formed by the fusion of three to five coccygeal vertebrae.
  2. Intervertebral Discs:
  • Between most of the vertebrae are intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and provide flexibility to the spine. Each disc consists of a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus).
  1. Spinal Curvature:
  • The spine has natural curves that help distribute body weight and absorb shocks. These curves include:
    • Cervical Lordosis: A slight inward curve in the neck.
    • Thoracic Kyphosis: An outward curve in the upper back.
    • Lumbar Lordosis: An inward curve in the lower back.
    • Sacral Kyphosis: An outward curve in the sacral region.
  1. Vertebral Anatomy:
  • Each vertebra has several key components:
    • Vertebral Body: The thick, round anterior portion of the vertebra that bears the weight of the body.
    • Vertebral Arch: This arch encloses the spinal canal, protecting the spinal cord.
    • Spinous Process: A bony projection at the posterior of each vertebra, which can be felt as the “bump” down the center of the back.
    • Transverse Processes: Two lateral projections on each side of the vertebra.
    • Articular Processes: Projections that form joints with adjacent vertebrae, allowing for movement.
  1. Spinal Canal:
  • The spinal canal is the hollow space formed by the vertebral arches of the vertebrae. It houses and protects the spinal cord.
  1. Spinal Cord:
  • The spinal cord is a long, cylindrical bundle of nerves that runs through the spinal canal. It serves as a communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body, transmitting sensory and motor signals.
  1. Nerve Roots:
  • Nerve roots emerge from the spinal cord and exit the spine through openings called intervertebral foramina. These roots carry signals to and from the body’s tissues and organs.

Understanding spinal anatomy is essential for diagnosing and treating spinal conditions and injuries. Any disruption or abnormality in the spine’s structure or function can lead to various spinal diseases and disorders, affecting a person’s overall well-being and mobility.

  1. Common Spinal Diseases:
    • Herniated Disc: When the inner portion of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer layer, it can compress nearby nerves, causing pain and other symptoms.
    • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.
    • Scoliosis: Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.
    • Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weakened bones, which can lead to vertebral fractures.
    • Degenerative Disc Disease: The gradual breakdown of intervertebral discs, often associated with aging.
    • Spinal Tumors: Abnormal growths in or near the spinal cord.
    • Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over the one beneath it.
  2. Causes:
    • Spinal diseases can have various causes, including age-related wear and tear, injury, genetics, infection, inflammation, and tumors.
  3. Symptoms:
    • Symptoms of spinal diseases can vary widely but may include back pain, neck pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, changes in posture, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases.
  4. Diagnosis:
    • Diagnosis often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and sometimes nerve function tests (electromyography or nerve conduction studies).
  5. Treatment:
    • Treatment options depend on the specific spinal disease and its severity. Common treatments include:
      • Conservative Management: This may involve physical therapy, pain management, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
      • Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary to decompress nerves, stabilize the spine, or remove tumors.
      • Bracing: For conditions like scoliosis, bracing may be used to help correct the curvature.
      • Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can help manage symptoms.
  1. Prevention:
    • Maintaining good posture, regular exercise to strengthen the back and core muscles, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent some spinal diseases.
    • Preventing osteoporosis through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and lifestyle changes is also important.
  2. Rehabilitation: After surgery or during conservative treatment, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in helping patients regain mobility, strength, and function. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with spinal diseases.

THE SPINAL DISEASES. THEIR MANAGEMENT IN HOMOEOPATHY

Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. It’s crucial to consult with a homeopath or medical professional before pursuing any homeopathic treatment. Here are some common spinal diseases and their potential management in homeopathy:

  1. Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc):
    • Homeopathic remedies like Rhus toxicodendron and Bryonia alba may be considered to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with a herniated disc.
    • Consultation with a homeopath is essential to determine the appropriate remedy based on the individual’s symptoms and constitution.
  2. Spinal Stenosis:
    • Remedies such as Colocynthis and Hypericum perforatum may be used to address pain and discomfort related to spinal stenosis.
    • A homeopath will assess the patient’s specific symptoms and overall health before prescribing a remedy.
  3. Scoliosis:
    • Homeopathic remedies are typically chosen based on the patient’s unique symptoms, rather than a specific condition like scoliosis.
    • Remedies like Calcarea carbonica, Silicea, or Sepia may be considered to address symptoms associated with scoliosis, such as back pain and stiffness.
  4. Osteoporosis:
    • Homeopathic remedies like Calcarea phosphorica and Symphytum officinale may be used to support bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.
    • These remedies are chosen based on the patient’s overall health and susceptibility to osteoporosis.
  5. Degenerative Disc Disease:
    • Remedies like Ruta graveolens and Kali carbonicum may be considered to relieve pain and stiffness associated with degenerative disc disease.
    • Individualized treatment plans are crucial, as remedies are tailored to the patient’s specific symptoms.
  6. Spinal Tumors:
    • Homeopathy is not a primary treatment for spinal tumors, which often require conventional medical intervention, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
    • However, homeopathic remedies may be used alongside conventional treatment to manage symptoms and support the patient’s overall well-being.
  7. Spondylolisthesis:
    • Homeopathic remedies like Calcarea fluorica and Calcarea carbonica may be considered to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with spondylolisthesis.
    • Treatment should be individualized based on the patient’s symptoms and constitution.

It’s important to emphasize that homeopathic treatments are highly individualized, and a thorough evaluation by a qualified homeopath is essential. Homeopathy is generally considered safe and unlikely to cause significant side effects when prescribed appropriately. However, it is not a replacement for conventional medical care, especially in serious spinal diseases or when surgical intervention is necessary.

Patients should always consult with a healthcare professional to discuss their condition and treatment options, which may include a combination of conventional medicine, physical therapy, and complementary therapies like homeopathy.

Defenitions

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1. The state of the organism when it functions optimally without evidence of disease or abnormality.The English word “health” comes from the Old English word hale, meaning “wholeness, a being whole, sound or well,”. Hale comes from the Proto-Indo-European root kailo, meaning “whole, uninjured, of good omen”.Kailo comes from the Proto-Germanic rootkhalbas, meaning “something divided”. Medilexicon’s medical dictionary has three definitions for health, the first being “The state of the organism when it functions optimally without evidence of disease or abnormality” .

2. A state of dynamic balance in which an individual’s or a group’s capacity to cope with all the circumstances of living is at an optimal level.

3. A state characterized by anatomic, physiologic, and psychological integrity, ability to perform personally valued family, work, and community roles; ability to deal with physical, biologic, psychological, and social stress; a feeling of well-being, and freedom from the risk of disease and untimely death.

World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) definition of “health”

The most famous modern definition of health was created during a Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”The Definition has not been amended since 1948.

During the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion in 1986, the WHO said that health is:

“a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.”The Lancet questions WHO’s definition of health,An article in The Lancet states that health is not a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being”. Neither is it “merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. The article says the WHO definitions of health will not do in an era marked by new understandings of disease at molecular, individual, and societal levels. (The Lancet, Volume 373, Issue 9666, Page 781, 7 March 2009).Two aspects to healthMost people accept that health can be divided into two broad aspects – physical and mental health.

 

Physical health

 

For humans, physical health means a good body health, which is healthy because of regular physical activity (exercise), good nutrition, and adequate rest.As a country’s or region’s people experience improved nutrition, health care, standards of living and quality of life, their height and weight generally increase.

In fact, most people, when asked for a definition of health talk about physical health. Physical health relates to anything concerning our bodies as physical entities. Physical health has been the basis for active living campaigns and the many nutrition drives that have swept the industrialized world. People are exposed to so much “physical health” data these days that it is hard to decide what is relevant and what is not. Another term for physical health is physical wellbeing. Physical wellbeing is defined as something a person can achieve by developing all health-related components of his/her lifestyle. Fitness reflects a person’s cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. Other contributors to physical wellbeing may include proper nutrition, bodyweight management, abstaining from drug abuse, avoiding alcohol abuse, responsible sexual behavior (sexual health), hygiene, and getting the right amount of sleep.

Mental health

Mental health refers to people’s cognitive and emotional well-being. A person who enjoys good mental health does not have a mental disorder. According to WHO, mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.No matter how many definitions people try to come up with regarding mental health, its assessment is still a subjective one.

People have always found it easier to explain what mental illness is, rather than mental health. Most people agree that mental health refers to the “absence of mental illness”. For some, this definition is not enough. They argue that if you pick 100 people who do not suffer from any mental disorder or illness that could be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, some people within those 100 will be mentally healthier than others. Most people also agree that mental health includes the ability to enjoy life, the ability to bounce back from adversity, the ability to achieve balance (moderation), the ability to be flexible and adapt, the ability to feel safe and secure, and self-actualization (making the best of what you have).

Determinants of health

The health of individual people and their communities are affected by a wide range of contributory factors. People\’s good or bad health is determined by their environment and situations – what is happening and what has happened to them, says WHO. WHO says that the following factors probably have a bigger impact on our health than access and use of health care services:

Where we live

The state of our environment

Genetics\nOur income

Our education level

Our relationship with friends and family

WHO says the main determinants to health are:

Our economy and society (“The social and economic environment”)

Where we live, what is physically around us (“The physical environment”)

What we are and what we do (“The person’s individual characteristics and behaviors”)

As our good health depends on the context of our lives, praising or criticizing people for their good or bad health is wrong. Most of the factors that contribute towards our good or bad health are out of our control. According to WHO, these factors (determinants), include the following, among others:Socioeconomic status – the higher a person’s socioeconomic status is, the more likely he/she is to enjoy good health. The link is a clear one. Socioeconomic status affects all members of the family, including newborn babies. An Australian study found that women of lower socioeconomic status are less likely to breastfeed their newborn babies – a factor which will have an impact on the health of the baby just as he/she enters the world. A South Korean study revealed a clear link between low socioeconomic status and heart attack and stroke risk.Education – people with lower levels of education generally have a higher risk of experiencing poorer health. Their levels of stress will most likely be higher, compared to people with higher academic qualifications. A person with a high level of education will probably have higher self-esteem. A study carried out by researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, found that elderly people who had a higher level of health literacy were more likely to live longer. Another study from San Francisco VA Medical Center found that Literacy at less than a ninth-grade level almost doubles the five-year risk of mortality among elderly people.Physical environment – if your water is clean and safe, the air you breathe is pure, your workplace is healthy, your house is comfortable and safe, you are more likely to enjoy good health compared to somebody whose water supply is not clean and safe, the air he/she breathes is contaminated, the workplace is unhealthy, etc. A study carried out by researchers at Zuyd University, The Netherlands, found that just an hour of sniffing car exhaust fumes induces a stress response in the brain\’s activity. Another study carried out at Indiana University-Purdue University found that chronic lead poisoning, caused in part by the ingestion of contaminated dirt, affects hundreds of thousands more children in the United States than the acute lead poisoning associated with imported toys or jewelry.Job prospects and employment conditions – if you have a job, statistics show you are more likely to enjoy better health than people who are unemployed. If you have some control over your working conditions your health will benefit too. A study by researchers at State University of New York at Albany found that workers who lost their job through no fault of their own were twice as likely as continuously employed workers to report over the next 18 months that they developed a new illness, such as high blood pressure, diabetesor heart disease.Support from people around you – if you have family support, as well as support from friends and your community your chances of enjoying good health are far greater than somebody who has none of these things. A study carried out at the University of Washington found that strong family support, not peer support, is protective in reducing future suicidal behavior among young adults when they have experienced depression or have attempted suicide.Culture – the traditions and customs of a society and how a family responds to them play an important role in people’s health. The impact could be either good or bad for health. The tradition of genital mutilation of women has an impact on infection rates and the mental health of millions of girls and women in many countries. A study published in theJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that when young people dress according to the customs of their own ethnic group, they may be less likely to have mental health problems later in life.Genetic inheritance – people’s longevity, general health, and propensity to certain diseases are partly determined by their genetic makeup. Researchers from Vrije Universiteit, Holland, the Medical College of Georgia, USA, and Duke University, USAshowed that people\’s genes play a key role in how they respond both biologically and psychologically to stress in their environment.What we do and how we manage – what we eat, our physical activity, whether or not we smoke or drink or take drugs, and how we cope with stress play an important role on our physical and mental well-being.Access and use of health services – a society that has access and uses good quality health services is more likely to enjoy better health than one that doesn’t. For example, developed countries that have universal health care services have longer life expectancies for their people compared to developed countries that don’t.Gender – men and women are susceptible to some different diseases, conditions and physical experiences, which play a role in our general health. For example, childbirth,ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer, are experienced only by women, while prostate cancer, testicular cancer are only experienced by men. During wars more men than women tend to be called up to fight, and subsequently become injured or die. Adult women are more likely to be the physical victims of domestic abuse, compared to adult men. In some societies women are not given the same access to education as men – education is a factor that influences health. Many studies have revealed gender disparities in healthcare services, even in developed countries.

WHAT IS DISEASE ?

DISEASE

Noun

1. A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, esp. one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a…

2. A particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people.Synonymsillness – malady – sickness – ailment – complaint

What is a disease?

A disease is any disturbance or anomaly in the normal functioning of the body that probably has a specific cause and identifiable symptoms. Diseases are one of the factors threatening us from having a properly functional life. Throughout our history, epidemics have caused the extinction of whole populations. Over the last century, man has discovered many microorganisms that cause diseases in humans and animals, and has learned how to protect himself from them, by either prevention or treatment.

What causes people to fall ill?

There are a few agents that cause illness. Possible candidates include the microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Which of these microorganisms cause illness?

How can you identify the cause of the illness?

Why is it important to identify the cause of the illnes

What are microorganisms?

Too small for us to see without the help of a microscope.

Microorganism

Microorganisms are living organisms, most of them unicellular creatures that can be seen Microorganisms are everywhere in our environment, on and in our bodies. In most cases they do us no harm in fact, under normal conditions, our bodies house entire populations of microorganisms, kept in balance and harmless(these are termed endogenous populations). These microorganisms are vital for our bodies; they form an essential system that helps protect our bodyAll of the microorganisms that live with us and in our environment are on the lowest branch of the evolutionary tree. Nevertheless, what they lack in sophistication and superior development, they overcome by tremendous versatility, an ability to multiply rapidly, and, for some microbes, an incredible potential to mutate. Some pathogens reemerge or evolve to become even more pathogenic. Some microorganisms are helpful to humans, but some are harmfulMicroorganisms and other disease-causing organisms, pathogens, come in five different types: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and viruses. In this unit we shall focus on two types of microorganisms: Fungi and Bacteria

WHAT ARE FUNGI ?

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms. Their DNA is enclosed in a nucleus. Many of them may look plant-like, but fungi do not make their own food from sunlight like plants do.Fungi include single-celled organisms that exist individually) the yeasts( or in multicellular Bunches (such as molds or mushrooms). Fungi come in a variety of shapes and sizes and different types. They can range from individual cells to enormous chains of cells that can stretch for miles.Fungi usually grow best in environments that are slightly acidic (a pH of around 5; a pH of 7 is neutral). They can grow on substances with very low moisture. Fungi live in the soil and on the human body, in the house and on plants and animals, in freshwater and seawater.(A single teaspoon of topsoil contains about 120,000 fungi.).Fungi are basically immobile. But they can spread by either forming reproductive spores that are carried by wind and rain, or growing and extending their hyphae. Hyphae grow as new cells form at their tips, creating ever longer and branching chains of cells. It takes a lot to stop them, too. Hyphae are tough enough to punch through plant cell walls and the hard exoskeletons of insects.Fungi absorb nutrients from the living or dead organic matter (plant or animal stuff) that they are growing on. They absorb simple, easily dissolved nutrients, such as sugars, through their cell walls. They give off special digestive enzymes to break down complex nutrients into simpler forms that they can absorb.Some fungi are quite useful to us. We\’ve tapped into several kinds to make antibiotics to fight bacterial infections. These antibiotics are based on natural compounds produced by the fungi to compete against bacteria for nutrients and space. We use yeast to make bread rise and to brew beer. Fungi break down dead plants and animals and keep the world tidier. We\’re exploring ways to use natural fungal enemies of insect pests to get rid of these bugs.

WHAT ARE BACTERIA ?

Bacteria consist of only a single cell—but don\’t let their small size and seeming simplicity fool you. They are an amazingly complex and fascinating group of organisms. Bacteria have been found that can live at temperatures above the boiling point and in those that would freeze your blood. They “eat” everything from sugar and starch to sunlight, sulfur and iron. There is even a species of bacteria that can withstand blasts of radiation 1,000 times greater than those that would kill a human being.Bacteria fall into a category of life called the Prokaryotes. The prokaryotes’ genetic material, or DNA, is not enclosed in a cellular compartment (the nucleus).B acteria live on or in just about every material and environment on Earth from soil to water to air, from inside your house to arctic ice to volcanic vents. Each square centimeter of your skin averages about 100,000 bacteria. Some microbes live on our skin and protect us from harmful agents. The drier areas, like the back, have few microbes; moist areas, such as the armpit, have many more as shown in the video..Some bacteria are photosynthetic—they can make their own food from sunlight, just like plants. Also like plants, they give off oxygen. Other bacteria absorb food from the material they live on or in. Some of these bacteria can live off unusual “foods” such as iron or sulfur. The microbes that live in your gut absorb nutrients from the food you\’ve digested.Bacteria are all around us. Given good growing conditions, a bacterium grows slightly in size or length, a new cell wall grows through the center forming two daughter cells, each with the same genetic material as the parent cell. If the environment is optimum, the two daughter cells may divide into four in 20 minutes. Oh my! 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64… Then why isn\’t the earth covered with bacteria?The primary reason may be that conditions are rarely optimum. Scientists who study bacteria try to create the optimum environment in the lab: culture medium with the necessary energy source, nutrients, pH, and temperature, in which bacteria grow predictably. We are used to thinking of bacteria as disease-causing agents. Indeed, bacteria are at the origin of various worrisome diseases. However, it is important to point out that, in contrast to popular opinion, only a small number of the thousands of bacterial species are pathogenic, meaning disease-causing. Most bacteria do not harm humans at all, and many species of bacteria are even beneficial and vital to our health.The bodies of humans and animals serve as a natural environment for bacteria. The bacteria that live in our bodies produce and provide us with different vitamins.In the human digestive system, there are different species of friendly bacteria which take part in an important and inseparable way. These bacteria are vital to the metabolism of food, the production of enzymes and vitamins (e.g., bacteria that manufacture vitamin B or vitamin K), the demolition of disease-causing microorganisms including fungi, and the regulation of intestinal acidity. These bacteria play a decisive role as symbionts in most multicellularorganisms.Bacteria that live in ruminants\’ digestive system break down cellulose to its monosaccharide components, releasing usable energy in the process.Not only do the bacteria located at the entrances to the body (for example the mouth, skin and woman\’s vagina) not cause damage, they also do not allow disease-causing microorganisms to settle there or to invade our bodies through these entrance points. The essential uses of bacteria for humans can be seen in the environmental protection arena:Sewage-disposal facilities are aided by bacteria in the breakdown of many waste products (not only organic) and in the neutralization of some of the toxic substances that make their way into sewage.Bacteria play an important role in the biological view of pest control—as the natural enemies of different organisms that damage food crops and the agricultural industry.Several bacteria play a major role in modern genetic-engineering techniques: by inserting specific genes into the bacterial cell, the bacteria can be induced to produce the protein which these genes encode. These proteins can then be used to produce medicines and other vital substances, such as hormones.Another use of bacteria is in the making of food, especially dairy products. Special fermentation bacteria convert milk to products such as cheese, cultured milk and yogurt, the manufacture of which would be impossible without them.

THE HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Homeopathy is rare among systems of medicine in possessing a clear and thorough view of the dynamics of health and disease. In homeopathy disease is regarded as an affection of the spiritual core of the person, and the treatment of disease is guided by specific laws of healing.

The Law of Similars

First, the law of similars calls for the application of remedies made from substances whose pattern of illness best matches that of the person. This is the fundamental law of homeopathy, and the term homeopathy (“homeo” + “pathy”, from the Greek homoios [similar] and pathos [suffering]) derives from this idea. The pattern of illness is determined through a combination of sources including formal experiment and collected clinical data (as will be explored in future posts).

Homeopathyic diagnosis leads directly to treatment

What makes the homeopathic perspective especially powerful is that the homeopathic diagnosis leads directly to homeopathic treatment. This is markedly different from conventional medicine where a clear diagnosis does not necessarily guarantee clear or effective treatment.For example, in the case of the very common condition of hypertension, diagnosis is simple — three repeated blood-pressure measurements exceeding 140/90 are usually considered diagnostic — but treatment involves the permanent intake of drugs which do not resolve the underlying problem and cause side-effects of their own. Similarly, in autoimmune diseases such as asthma, allergies, arthritis and various skin conditions, diagnosis will often be obvious from the clinical signs, yet treatment is both usually complicated and frequently ineffective.

The homeopathic diagnostic method

Homeopathic diagnosis relies on a sophisticated and thorough clinical methodology. A typical first appointment lasts 1 to 2 hours or more, during which the patient is asked to describe his or her concerns in great detail (if needed, with the assistance of family members).With the help of very specific yet open-ended questions the patient is led exactly to describe the symptomatology and own experience of the disease. Following that, areas which the patient has not already touched on are enquired about: major illnesses, traumatic events, childhood history, recurrent dreams, fears, food cravings or aversions, reaction to weather, etc. This allows for information from diverse aspects of the patient’s life to be used in determining the picture (recurrent pattern, morphology) of the disease.The resulting diagnosis is only mildly dependent on the diagnostic label (‘flu’, ‘diabetes’, ‘depression’); rather, it is based mainly on many small details about the pathology (when did it begin in relation to stressful events in the person’s life? what is the exact sensation? what factors make it better or worse?) and about the person in general (stress factors, lifestyle and hobbies, physical constitution). So it may happen that two people with arthritis will receive completely different homeopathic treatment, and conversely that one homeopathic treatment can be effective for addressing multiple diseases.This clinical approach, unique to classical homeopathy, results in superior clinical effectiveness by addressing much beyond the patient’s chief complaint. Homeopathic treatment typiclaly improves secondary complaints (in those who have more than one illness), and will increase energy, improve mood, and enhance overall vitality and joy-of-life

The Single Remedy

Second, the disease pattern encompasses the whole being of a person, so classical homeopathic treatment usually consists of prescribing one remedy at a time even when multiple symptoms are present, in order to address the (singular) spiritual cause of illness. A homeopathic remedy is a specially prepared formulation originating in some natural or synthetic substance and used in homeopathic treatment.Because the single remedy depends on many factors and not just on the presenting complaint or medical diagnosis, the remedy is necessarily custom-fit to each and every patient. Thus homeopathy is said to offer an individualized prescription that cannot be predicted in advance of case analysis.Finally, the ideal of minimum dose was the main reason that compelled Samuel Hahnemann (the founder of homeopathy) to establish a new system of medicine in the first place. Working as a conventional physician in late-eighteenth-century Germany, he was looking for a way of reducing the side-effects from the aggressive medical approaches of the time (which included the frequent use of mercury and bloodletting). Through this he was led to the serendipitous discovery that whenever there is a correspondence between remedy and disease state (following the law of similars), a medicinal effect will persist even if the original substance is diluted so much that it is no longer present in chemical form.In summary, classical homeopathy rests on (1) the law of similars, (2) prescribing one remedy at a time in (3) individualized form, (4) avoiding suppression by (5) respecting the natural order of healing, and (6) prescribing the minimum possible dose required to achieve a therapeutic effect. This means that whenever a practitioner claiming to be practicing homeopathy does not respect one or more of these principles, he cannot be said to be practicing classical homeopathy, the original and still most-effective form of homeopathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is one of the scientific systems of medicine based on the Principle “Similia Similibus Curentur” which means, ” Let likes be treated by likes”. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German Physician enunciated this Principle. It is proved that the medicine, which can cause a set of symptoms on healthy human beings, can cure the same symptoms in diseased patients.

2. How do Homoeopathic medicines work?

The Homoeopathic medicines are dynamised by way of diluting and successing crude drug substance to activate its inherent properties. By this way the original drug substance is reduced to extremely to low quantity. Homoeopaths postulate that these medicines act on the immune system of the individuals and thereby strengthen it so as to enable the body to fight illness.

3. Is Homoeopathic medicine act slow?

It is unfortunately a false impression that homoeopathic medicines act slow. One of the reasons for such a misconception could be due to the fact that in spite of its tremendous potential to cure common acute aliments, Homoeopathy is being widely used for treatment of chronic, uncommon ailments. It is considered good only when common ailment becomes uncommonly troublesome and chronic, or when there is a difficult condition, which defies conventional treatment or there is a proposed surgical treatment, which is unavoidable. Naturally, these conditions will take some time to be cured. Even then, by its effectiveness and successes, it has earned good reputation and patronage. The use of these medicines in dispensaries in various localities has proved their quick effect where 90 % of patients come only for acute problems like diarrhea, fever, cough, cold and pains.

4. Can Homoeopathy treat any thing and every thing?

Like any other systems of medicine, Homoeopathy has its own limitations. Through Homoeopathy, any ailment acute or chronic, local or general can be treated except diseases where surgery is unavoidable. Some of the so-called surgical problems like enlarged tonsils, sinusitis, piles, fistula, kidney stone etc, in its early stages could be treated with Homoeopathic medicines to the full extent.

5. Is Homoeopathy first aggravates the disease and then improves?

It does not happen to all cases and always, if the chosen remedy matches the patient’s need. But if repeated more than the need, it often increases the complaints, but it would subside on its own as soon as medicine is withdrawn.

6. Are there any diet restrictions while taking these medicines?

It is myth regarding restriction in diet like onion, garlic, perfume, paan, consumption of alcohol and tobacco. These medicines have been used on patients who are habituated to coffee and betel. IT ALWAYS ACTS. But with certain medicines when given, such restrictions are to be followed. Otherwise the action may be nullified. Asking not to use paan, or cigarette are on the other hand are safe and healthy restrictions.

7. Is it a fact that Homoeopathic medicines have no side effects?

It is a fact that homoeopathic medicines have no side effects. The term ‘side affects’ of a medicine comes from modern pharmacology. These drugs are aimed at one area of the body such as the cardiovascular system, the gut, the kidneys, etc. Though they have a primary area of action, they also affect other areas of the body. If these effects are undesirable, they are known as adverse side effects. Homoeopathic medicines are not employed against one particular area or organ of the body. The homoeopathic remedy is chosen because it matches as closely as possible with the totality of symptoms of the patient. Side effects, such as tissue destruction, do not occur under Homoeopathy.

8. Why should anyone go to a Homoeopathic doctor?

Homeopathic treatment is suitable for most people and has the advantage of being completely safe when used correctly. A Homoeopath makes efforts to see the disease holistically and that is the main reason why this system is getting more acceptability

9. Is Homoeopathy getting more popular and if so why?

Many people prefer to be benefited through natural treatments rather than by conventional drugs or surgery. Public is also anxious about side effects of drugs, or about its long continued use, especially where children are involved. In case of0 Homoeopathy, these problems do not occur. Studies show an increasing number of people are turning towards Homoeopathy every year as sales of Homoeopathic medicines have more than doubled in the recent years. Homoeopathy may be the most appropriate treatment for you.

10. Is Homoeopathy safe?

Homoeopathic medicines are not harmful because they are so greatly diluted. They are safe, non-toxic and non-addictive. They are prepared in laboratories licensed by the Department of Health, to stringent standards of quality.

11. Is Homoeopathy effective?

Since the early nineteenth century homeopathy has proved effective for millions of people worldwide; it has often been successful where other forms of treatment have failed. In more recent years medical journals have published positive reports of the results of scientific research into Homoeopathy.

12. Can homoeopathic medicine be taken with ordinary drugs?

Always follow your doctor’s advice as stopping some medicine may be harmful and taking some other medicines may also be detrimental.

13. Does the symptoms become worse when taking a homoeopathic medicine – is it all right or does this indicate the wrong choice of medicine?

Homoeopathic medicines seek to stimulate symptoms, not suppress them, so that the body will overcome the disease naturally. Therefore, if symptoms are aggravated briefly, this usually means that the medicine is acting. But it is not so compulsory.

14. Can the medicines be taken safely during pregnancy?

The safety of homoeopathic medicines is well known; still it is advised to take the opinion of a qualified Homoeopathic doctor in such situation.

15. Are homoeopathic medicines safe for children?

Yes, 100 %, they can be given safely to even to the youngest infant.

16. Can animals and plants be treated with Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is effective for animals also and even to plants and trees. Now researches are going on for this.

17. How is Homoeopathy different from other systems?

Homoeopathy advocates that majority of the disease processes in the body could be understood through symptoms.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy believed that living beings have an inherent tendency to correct many of the disorders. The correct homoeopathic remedy encourages and assists the natural healing tendency of the body. The curative properties of the remedies used in Homoeopathy are studied on human beings through a scientific method called Drug proving. As such the remedies used are simple and safe.

18. What is a Homoeopathic Remedy?

The Homoeopathic remedies are said to initiate a healing process in the body’ natural force to correct the disorders. The modern science calls this as immune modulation. These remedies are prepared through a process called Drug dynamisation, where by the physical properties are reduced and the dynamic properties are activated by serial dilutions and potentisation.

19. How long can Homoeopathic Medicines be kept and is there any date of expiry?

Normally the effectiveness of the medicine will remain for about two years provided it is kept away from humidity, extreme heat, and sunlight. The bottle should be well corked and kept away from children.

In fact there is no expiry for Homoeopathic Medicines.

20.What are the precautions while taking homoeopathic remedies?

– – Actually there are no restrictions in taking any type of food along with Homoeopathic Medicines. The medicines may be taken 30 minutes before or after food preferably one hour. The medicine may be directly put on the tongue or medicines taken with a clean spoon. Avoid taking medicine by putting on the hand.

It is better to avoid

Too much spicy food

Coffee

Chicory

Tobacco

Alcohol

Black tea

Coca

Other stimulants etc.

21. What are the sources of homoeopathic medicines?\r\nThe homoeopathic medicines are prepared from

  1. Vegetable Kingdom [About 75% of Medicines are prepared from this source which includes – herbs, leaves, flowers, barks, stems, seeds, whole plant, mushroom etc.]
  2. Animal Kingdom [whole animals, different parts, milk, venoms, etc.]
  3. Mineral Kingdom [Metals, Non-metals, Organic & Inorganic substances etc.]
  4. The Sarcodes [Healthy glands and normal secretions]
  5. The Nosodes [Diseased product]
  6. Imponderabilia [From immaterial power or energy]

Some useful information

1. What is Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is one of the scientific systems of medicine based on the Principle “Similia Similibus Curentur” which means, ” Let likes be treated by likes”. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German Physician enunciated this Principle. It is proved that the medicine, which can cause a set of symptoms on healthy human beings, can cure the same symptoms in diseased patients.

2. How do Homoeopathic medicines work?

The Homoeopathic medicines are dynamised by way of diluting and successing crude drug substance to activate its inherent properties. By this way the original drug substance is reduced to extremely to low quantity. Homoeopaths postulate that these medicines act on the immune system of the individuals and thereby strengthen it so as to enable the body to fight illness.

3. Is Homoeopathic medicine act slow?

It is unfortunately a false impression that homoeopathic medicines act slow. One of the reasons for such a misconception could be due to the fact that in spite of its tremendous potential to cure common acute aliments, Homoeopathy is being widely used for treatment of chronic, uncommon ailments. It is considered good only when common ailment becomes uncommonly troublesome and chronic, or when there is a difficult condition, which defies conventional treatment or there is a proposed surgical treatment, which is unavoidable. Naturally, these conditions will take some time to be cured. Even then, by its effectiveness and successes, it has earned good reputation and patronage. The use of these medicines in dispensaries in various localities has proved their quick effect where 90 % of patients come only for acute problems like diarrhea, fever, cough, cold and pains.

4. Can Homoeopathy treat any thing and every thing?

Like any other systems of medicine, Homoeopathy has its own limitations. Through Homoeopathy, any ailment acute or chronic, local or general can be treated except diseases where surgery is unavoidable. Some of the so-called surgical problems like enlarged tonsils, sinusitis, piles, fistula, kidney stone etc, in its early stages could be treated with Homoeopathic medicines to the full extent.

5. Is Homoeopathy first aggravates the disease and then improves?

It does not happen to all cases and always, if the chosen remedy matches the patient’s need. But if repeated more than the need, it often increases the complaints, but it would subside on its own as soon as medicine is withdrawn.

6. Are there any diet restrictions while taking these medicines?

It is myth regarding restriction in diet like onion, garlic, perfume, paan, consumption of alcohol and tobacco. These medicines have been used on patients who are habituated to coffee and betel. IT ALWAYS ACTS. But with certain medicines when given, such restrictions are to be followed. Otherwise the action may be nullified. Asking not to use paan, or cigarette are on the other hand are safe and healthy restrictions.

7. Is it a fact that Homoeopathic medicines have no side effects?

It is a fact that homoeopathic medicines have no side effects. The term ‘side affects’ of a medicine comes from modern pharmacology. These drugs are aimed at one area of the body such as the cardiovascular system, the gut, the kidneys, etc. Though they have a primary area of action, they also affect other areas of the body. If these effects are undesirable, they are known as adverse side effects. Homoeopathic medicines are not employed against one particular area or organ of the body. The homoeopathic remedy is chosen because it matches as closely as possible with the totality of symptoms of the patient. Side effects, such as tissue destruction, do not occur under Homoeopathy.

8. Why should anyone go to a Homoeopathic doctor?

Homeopathic treatment is suitable for most people and has the advantage of being completely safe when used correctly. A Homoeopath makes efforts to see the disease holistically and that is the main reason why this system is getting more acceptability

9. Is Homoeopathy getting more popular and if so why?

Many people prefer to be benefited through natural treatments rather than by conventional drugs or surgery. Public is also anxious about side effects of drugs, or about its long continued use, especially where children are involved. In case of0 Homoeopathy, these problems do not occur. Studies show an increasing number of people are turning towards Homoeopathy every year as sales of Homoeopathic medicines have more than doubled in the recent years. Homoeopathy may be the most appropriate treatment for you.

10. Is Homoeopathy safe?

Homoeopathic medicines are not harmful because they are so greatly diluted. They are safe, non-toxic and non-addictive. They are prepared in laboratories licensed by the Department of Health, to stringent standards of quality.

11. Is Homoeopathy effective?

Since the early nineteenth century homeopathy has proved effective for millions of people worldwide; it has often been successful where other forms of treatment have failed. In more recent years medical journals have published positive reports of the results of scientific research into Homoeopathy.

12. Can homoeopathic medicine be taken with ordinary drugs?

Always follow your doctor’s advice as stopping some medicine may be harmful and taking some other medicines may also be detrimental.

13. Does the symptoms become worse when taking a homoeopathic medicine – is it all right or does this indicate the wrong choice of medicine?

Homoeopathic medicines seek to stimulate symptoms, not suppress them, so that the body will overcome the disease naturally. Therefore, if symptoms are aggravated briefly, this usually means that the medicine is acting. But it is not so compulsory.

14. Can the medicines be taken safely during pregnancy?

The safety of homoeopathic medicines is well known; still it is advised to take the opinion of a qualified Homoeopathic doctor in such situation.

15. Are homoeopathic medicines safe for children?

Yes, 100 %, they can be given safely to even to the youngest infant.

16. Can animals and plants be treated with Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is effective for animals also and even to plants and trees. Now researches are going on for this.

17. How is Homoeopathy different from other systems?

Homoeopathy advocates that majority of the disease processes in the body could be understood through symptoms.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy believed that living beings have an inherent tendency to correct many of the disorders. The correct homoeopathic remedy encourages and assists the natural healing tendency of the body. The curative properties of the remedies used in Homoeopathy are studied on human beings through a scientific method called Drug proving. As such the remedies used are simple and safe.

18. What is a Homoeopathic Remedy?

The Homoeopathic remedies are said to initiate a healing process in the body’ natural force to correct the disorders. The modern science calls this as immune modulation. These remedies are prepared through a process called Drug dynamisation, where by the physical properties are reduced and the dynamic properties are activated by serial dilutions and potentisation.

19. How long can Homoeopathic Medicines be kept and is there any date of expiry?

Normally the effectiveness of the medicine will remain for about two years provided it is kept away from humidity, extreme heat, and sunlight. The bottle should be well corked and kept away from children.

In fact there is no expiry for Homoeopathic Medicines.

20.What are the precautions while taking homoeopathic remedies?

– – Actually there are no restrictions in taking any type of food along with Homoeopathic Medicines. The medicines may be taken 30 minutes before or after food preferably one hour. The medicine may be directly put on the tongue or medicines taken with a clean spoon. Avoid taking medicine by putting on the hand.

It is better to avoid

Too much spicy food

Coffee

Chicory

Tobacco

Alcohol

Black tea

Coca

Other stimulants etc.

21. What are the sources of homoeopathic medicines?\r\nThe homoeopathic medicines are prepared from

  1. Animal Kingdom [whole animals, different parts, milk, venoms, etc.]
  2. Mineral Kingdom [Metals, Non-metals, Organic & Inorganic substances etc.]
  3. The Sarcodes [Healthy glands and normal secretions]
  4. The Nosodes [Diseased product]
  5. Imponderabilia [From immaterial power or energy]

Some useful information

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1. What is Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is one of the scientific systems of medicine based on the Principle “Similia Similibus Curentur” which means,” Let likes be treated by likes”. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German Physician enunciated this Principle. It is proved that the medicine, which can cause a set of symptoms on healthy human beings, can cure the same symptoms in diseased patients.

2. How do Homoeopathic medicines work?

The Homoeopathic medicines are dynamised by way of diluting and successing crude drug substance to activate its inherent properties. By this way the original drug substance is reduced to extremely to low quantity. Homoeopaths postulate that these medicines act on the immune system of the individuals and thereby strengthen it so as to enable the body to fight illness.

3. Is Homoeopathic medicine act slow?

It is unfortunately a false impression that homoeopathic medicines act slow. One of the reasons for such a misconception could be due to the fact that in spite of its tremendous potential to cure common acute aliments, Homoeopathy is being widely used for treatment of chronic, uncommon ailments. It is considered good only when common ailment becomes uncommonly troublesome and chronic, or when there is a difficult condition, which defies conventional treatment or there is a proposed surgical treatment, which is unavoidable. Naturally, these conditions will take some time to be cured. Even then, by its effectiveness and successes, it has earned good reputation and patronage. The use of these medicines in dispensaries in various localities has proved their quick effect where 90 % of patients come only for acute problems like diarrhea, fever, cough, cold and pains.

4. Can Homoeopathy treat any thing and every thing?

Like any other systems of medicine, Homoeopathy has its own limitations. Through Homoeopathy, any ailment acute or chronic, local or general can be treated except diseases where surgery is unavoidable. Some of the so-called surgical problems like enlarged tonsils, sinusitis, piles, fistula, kidney stone etc, in its early stages could be treated with Homoeopathic medicines to the full extent.

5. Is Homoeopathy first aggravates the disease and then improves?

It does not happen to all cases and always, if the chosen remedy matches the patient’s need. But if repeated more than the need, it often increases the complaints, but it would subside on its own as soon as medicine is withdrawn.

6. Are there any diet restrictions while taking these medicines?

It is myth regarding restriction in diet like onion, garlic, perfume, paan, consumption of alcohol and tobacco. These medicines have been used on patients who are habituated to coffee and betel. IT ALWAYS ACTS. But with certain medicines when given, such restrictions are to be followed. Otherwise the action may be nullified. Asking not to use paan, or cigarette are on the other hand are safe and healthy restrictions.

7. Is it a fact that Homoeopathic medicines have no side effects?

It is a fact that homoeopathic medicines have no side effects. The term ‘side affects’ of a medicine comes from modern pharmacology. These drugs are aimed at one area of the body such as the cardiovascular system, the gut, the kidneys, etc. Though they have a primary area of action, they also affect other areas of the body. If these effects are undesirable, they are known as adverse side effects. Homoeopathic medicines are not employed against one particular area or organ of the body. The homoeopathic remedy is chosen because it matches as closely as possible with the totality of symptoms of the patient. Side effects, such as tissue destruction, do not occur under Homoeopathy.

8. Why should anyone go to a Homoeopathic doctor?

Homeopathic treatment is suitable for most people and has the advantage of being completely safe when used correctly. A Homoeopath makes efforts to see the disease holistically and that is the main reason why this system is getting more acceptability

9. Is Homoeopathy getting more popular and if so why?

Many people prefer to be benefited through natural treatments rather than by conventional drugs or surgery. Public is also anxious about side effects of drugs, or about its long continued use, especially where children are involved. In case of0 Homoeopathy, these problems do not occur. Studies show an increasing number of people are turning towards Homoeopathy every year as sales of Homoeopathic medicines have more than doubled in the recent years. Homoeopathy may be the most appropriate treatment for you.

10. Is Homoeopathy safe?

Homoeopathic medicines are not harmful because they are so greatly diluted. They are safe, non-toxic and non-addictive. They are prepared in laboratories licensed by the Department of Health, to stringent standards of quality.

11. Is Homoeopathy effective?

Since the early nineteenth century homeopathy has proved effective for millions of people worldwide; it has often been successful where other forms of treatment have failed. In more recent years medical journals have published positive reports of the results of scientific research into Homoeopathy.

12. Can homoeopathic medicine be taken with ordinary drugs?

Always follow your doctor’s advice as stopping some medicine may be harmful and taking some other medicines may also be detrimental.

13. Does the symptoms become worse when taking a homoeopathic medicine – is it all right or does this indicate the wrong choice of medicine?

Homoeopathic medicines seek to stimulate symptoms, not suppress them, so that the body will overcome the disease naturally. Therefore, if symptoms are aggravated briefly, this usually means that the medicine is acting. But it is not so compulsory.

14. Can the medicines be taken safely during pregnancy?

The safety of homoeopathic medicines is well known; still it is advised to take the opinion of a qualified Homoeopathic doctor in such situation.

15. Are homoeopathic medicines safe for children?

Yes, 100 %, they can be given safely to even to the youngest infant.

16. Can animals and plants be treated with Homoeopathy?

Homoeopathy is effective for animals also and even to plants and trees. Now researches are going on for this.

17. How is Homoeopathy different from other systems?

Homoeopathy advocates that majority of the disease processes in the body could be understood through symptoms.

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy believed that living beings have an inherent tendency to correct many of the disorders. The correct homoeopathic remedy encourages and assists the natural healing tendency of the body. The curative properties of the remedies used in Homoeopathy are studied on human beings through a scientific method called Drug proving. As such the remedies used are simple and safe.

18. What is a Homoeopathic Remedy?

The Homoeopathic remedies are said to initiate a healing process in the body’ natural force to correct the disorders. The modern science calls this as immune modulation. These remedies are prepared through a process called Drug dynamisation, where by the physical properties are reduced and the dynamic properties are activated by serial dilutions and potentisation.

19. How long can Homoeopathic Medicines be kept and is there any date of expiry?

Normally the effectiveness of the medicine will remain for about two years provided it is kept away from humidity, extreme heat, and sunlight. The bottle should be well corked and kept away from children.

In fact there is no expiry for Homoeopathic Medicines.

20.What are the precautions while taking homoeopathic remedies?

Actually there are no restrictions in taking any type of food along with Homoeopathic Medicines. The medicines may be taken 30 minutes before or after food preferably one hour. The medicine may be directly put on the tongue or medicines taken with a clean spoon. Avoid taking medicine by putting on the hand.

It is better to avoid

Too much spicy food

Coffee

Chicory

Tobacco

Alcohol

Black tea

Coca

Other stimulants etc.

21. What are the sources of homoeopathic medicines?\r\nThe homoeopathic medicines are prepared from\r\n

  1. Vegetable Kingdom [About 75% of Medicines are prepared from this source which includes – herbs, leaves, flowers, barks, stems, seeds, whole plant, mushroom etc.]
  2. Animal Kingdom [whole animals, different parts, milk, venoms, etc.]
  3. Mineral Kingdom [Metals, Non-metals, Organic & Inorganic substances etc.]
  4. The Sarcodes [Healthy glands and normal secretions]
  5. The Nosodes [Diseased product]
  6. Imponderabilia [From immaterial power or energy]

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843): Ahead of his time…

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A German scientist Dr.Samuel Hahnemann introduced the system of homoeopathic medicine to the world during the Years 1790-96.

HIS CHILDHOOD:
Hahnemann was born as a son to a porcelain painter in Meissen, a town in West Germany. His father used to provide him `thinking exercise’ by locking him up in a room for hours. Hahnemann cultivated the habit of original thinking since childhood.

HIS YOUTH:
Hahnemann was a linguist; he knew German, Latin, Greek, French, English, and Italian etc. He had deep interest in Chemistry, Botany, Literature, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, etc. He had written several articles on these diverse subjects. He received his M.D. degree from the most famous medical school in Leipzig, Germany, in the year 1779. After a short time, he gave up his practice since he felt that the system of medicine then practiced was cruel, inhuman, and unscientific and without any logic. He maintained his family chiefly by literary work, translations and research work.

He was born when it was dark: Those were the days when patients were treated with inhuman and cruel methods of blood letting (cutting the veins to remove impure blood), application of Leeches on skin to suck impure blood, purgatives etc. Medical system had no direction, no scientific principles, no light.

TRANSLATING CULLEN’S BOOK:
While translating Cullen’s Materia medica, was amazed by a statement: “Cinchona Bark (Quinine) cures Malaria because it is bitter in taste.” Hahnemann found this very illogical and he started experimenting on him, by taking two spoonful of Quinine three times daily. To his surprise, he started developing some effects of quinine, viz. fever, chill, exhaustion, etc. The fever was of periodic type (intermittent fever). These symptoms, which he developed after quinine intake, were very similar to the symptoms of Malaria! His genius mind interpreted that Quinine cures Malaria because it produces symptoms like Malaria. He experimented with various vegetables, chemicals and toxins to prove that: The substance which has capacity to produce certain symptoms, it also has capacity to remove/cure similar symptoms. And thus the first fundamental principle called “THE LAW OF SIMILARS” was propounded and Homoeopathy was born.

DRUG PROVING ON HUMAN BEINGS:
Hahnemann was occupied in the work of investigating the effects of various medicinal substances on human beings. He was testing such drugs on himself and his students to note different effects very minutely. Such a work was never done in the history prior to Hahnemann. He tested and proved carefully the action of over 90 drugs, to be used according to his new system of medicine. The entire procedure of drug proving was done on healthy humans and not on animals. LIKE ANY OTHER GENIUS: He was treating hundreds of patients and producing amazing results. The physicians practicing orthodox medicine were annoyed and could not tolerate his novel scientific method and his success. With political pressure, he was given the choice of stopping homoeopathic practice or leaving the country. While he received rejection from various places to settle down, thousands of patients from all over Europe kept coming to him for treatment, wherever he was! A domineering medical group appointed one Dr.Hering to prove that Hahnemann and Homoeopathy were baseless. Dr.Hering, while doing so, was so much impressed that he became Hahnemann\’s pupil and later on wrote 10 volumes of “Encyclopedia of Materia Medica”! Of course, Hahnemann’s struggle ultimately bore fruit, and was appreciated all over Europe in his days. Hundreds of doctors started learning and practicing homoeopathy.

In the year 1810, he published one of the most revolutionary books of the medical history: “Organon of Medicine\”, in which he came up with most scientific, novel and time tested concepts about health, disease, life, treatment, cure etc. Let us have a look at some of them.\r\n

    • Vital Force: Hahnemann said that human body is not mere material but consists of dynamic, spirit like power, which he termed as `Vital Force\’. This vital force is responsible for the animation of life, for the maintenance of health, for the development of disease and also for the recovery from the disease.
    • Health and Disease: Health is a state of balanced vital force. Any disturbance in the vital state results into diseases. Disease is nothing but dis-eased vital force. Disease is not material but dynamic in nature. Disease is dynamic disturbance of the vital force, which expresses itself by physical symptoms.
    • Cure: Cure is nothing but the restoration of dis-eased vital force. Restoration of vital force has to be brought about with the medicine, which has to be of similar dynamic nature.
    • Similar and Dynamic Remedy: The medicine, which has capacity to produce disease like symptoms in healthy human being, should be administered to cure similar symptoms in a patient. This medicine or remedy has to have `dynamic power\’ and should not be `crude\’. There should be no `material\’, no `crude\’ substance in the remedy, but only dynamic curative power.
    • Potentisation: Hahnemann gave the most revolutionary concept and method about drug-power and preparation. Even current nuclear science is not able to understand and explain the nature and form of homoeopathic medicines. He invented a method of drug preparation, in which the end result will contain only the \”dynamic power\” of the drug substance, without even a single atom of the drug! The homoeopathic medicines are in `potentised\’ (attenuated) form and possess only dynamic-spirit like energy, whose efficacy can be tested over and again.
    • Minimum doses and single remedy: Hahnemann\’s intelligence gave another basic principle; that of minimum dose. He said, to bring about the desired change in human vitality, the amount of quantity (dose) of medicine required is the least possible. Single medicine has to be administered to any patient, at a time. Homoeopathy never approves any combination of medicines.
    • Inherited diseases and Genetics: Hahnemann was the first person in the history, whose ideas highlighted about the inherited disease tendency (from parents and forefathers) and introduced the terminology of `Miasms\’. Not only was he able to recognize the role of genetic influence on health but also able to discover the remedial measures to neutralize or blunt the tendencies of hereditary diseases by finding out anti-miasmatic remedies. In this regard homoeopathy is much ahead of time!
    • Bacteria and Vaccination and Immunity: Hahnemann (1755-1843) was among the first to recognize the role of Bacteria for disease development. Jenner (1749-1823) was the first to use vaccine (based on Hahnemann\’s \’Law of similars\’) in the year 1796. Father of Bacteriology, Louis Pasteur (1822-95), first used inoculation long after the birth of homoeopathy. Homoeopathic medicine called `Hydrophobinum\’ prepared from rabid dog\’s saliva was in use by homoeopaths long before Pasteur introduced vaccine prepared from rabid dog\’s saliva. Homoeopathic medicine called as `Tuberculinum\’ was in use before Robert Koch (1843-1910) discovered TB organisms. Of course, Tuberculinum was prepared from TB. Germs. Von Behring (1854-1917), who was called as father of Vaccine therapy, was born 12 years after the Hahnemann\’s death. In fact, Von Behring had acknowledged his debts to Homoeopathy.
    • Before the concept of bacteria as cause of disease was brought forth, bacteria were recognized and also used as medicinal agents by Dr.Hahnemann and his followers. The concept of vaccination has its roots in the principles of Homoeopathy. Dr.Hahnemann must be recognized as one of the foremost Bacteriologists and it would be without any exaggeration to call him the real father of vaccination.
    • Not Bacteria but host factors: In those days scientists were busy discovering various bacteria and microbes, emphasizing their 0prime role, in disease development. Hahnemann was a very advanced thinker. He realized that bacteria could do nothing without the susceptibility (vulnerability) of the host-patient. Modern immunologists have realized this fact only since a few decades.
    • Psychosomatism: Mind and Body: Hahnemann was most modern in his views on the role of mind for the development of the physical disease. He associated the mind and body relation with health disease and cure. Not only that but he also could present to the world very definite therapeutics based on such Psychosomatic correlation.
    • Individualisation: Hahnemann said there are no diseases but diseased individuals. Human being is a wholesome entity where no organ of the body is affected in isolation. You have to treat the patient as a whole and the disease will be spontaneously cured. He said, treat the patient and not the disease.
    • Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, whose contribution for the suffering humanity has been unique. We have yet to fully comprehend some of his concepts especially regarding drug dynamisation. Let us salute this man of greatest caliber who dared to think beyond his time.

QUOTING DR.HAHNEMANN:

” The Physician’s high and only mission is to restore the sick to health.”

” The highest ideal of cure is rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of the health, or removal and annihilation of the disease in its whole extend, in the shortest, most reliable and most harmless way, on easily comprehensible principles.”

(Ref.: `Organon of Medicine’ by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, 1810)

“Aude Sapere” Meaning: “Dare to be wise”. This phrase was printed on the top of the first page of `Organon of Medicine’. As per Dr.Hahnemann’s wish, the following words were engraved on his tombstone: `Non inutilis vixi’ which means, ” I have not lived in vain.”

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

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What is Homœopathy ?

Dr Robert Ellis DUDGEON (1820-1904)Homoeopathy [from the Greek words ο\’μοιος and πα\’θος-meaning similar affections] is the science of therapeutics-based upon Nature’s law of cure-Similia Similibus Curantur. The question as to whether Curentur or Curantur should be employed remains as yet an open one. Dr. Dudgeon, who was authority on the works of Hahnemann asserted that Hahnemann always wrote Curentur. Nevertheless, Curantur has been almost universally adopted by the homœopathic school in the belief and conviction that it is a law of nature,-likes are cured by likes, rather than Curentur, let likes be treated by likes. The medallion found on Hahnemann\’s remains, at the time of their removal to the Père-Lachaise Cemetery, has it Curantur. The American Institute of Homoeopathy has officially recommended the use of Curentur.

What is meant by this ?

A drug producing disturbances in a comparatively healthy body is capable of relieving or entirely obliterating similar disturbances, when found in the sick person.

Who formulated ! the law of cure ?

Dr Samuel HAHNEMANN (1755-1843) Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, at the beginning of the last century discovered the law, and immediately set to work ascertaining drug action upon the healthy, thus creating a Materia Medica for its practical application.

Was anything known of this law before the time of Hahnemann ?

Hahnemann himself in his Organon, mentions seven medical authors who had presentiments of the law of similars.It had been intimated or conjectured by Hippocrates, Paracelsus, Stoerck and others ; abandoned by them, however, it remained for Hahnemann to demonstrate its truth ; hence, in a general sense, it may be said he discovered the law.

What are the chief works of Hahnemann appertaining to Homœopathy ?

First and foremost “The Organon ;” “The Materia Medica Pura ;” “The Chronic Diseases,” and “The Lesser Writings.”

Name the fundamental principles of Homœopathy.

1. Disease is manifested by symptoms.

2. Knowledge of drug action must be obtained by experimentation on the healthy human body.

3. The curative relation between these two sets of phenomena is by virtue of the law of similars, or Similia Similibus Curantur.

4. The selected remedy should be administered singly, uncombined with any other, hence the doctrine of the single remedy.

5. It should be \’given in the smallest doses that will cure, hence the minimum dose.

What are the three essentials of a homœopathic Prescription ?

1. Prescribing according to the law of similars.

2. Administering the smallest dose that will cure.

3. Repetition of the dose should cease when marked improvements sets in, especially in chronic affections.

What is the only indication for the selection of a remedy ?

The totality of the symptoms found in a given case.

What do we mean by the totality of the symptoms ?

All the symptoms observed in a patient-both subjective and objective. It is the outwardly reflected image of the diseased state, and is the only condition to be recognized for removal and consequent restoration to health.In the totality of symptoms are they all of like importance ? They are not. The most prominent, uncommon and peculiar (characteristic) symptoms of the case should bear the closest similitude to the symptoms of the drug. The more general symptoms require less notice, as generalities are common to every disease and most drugs.

As a general rule, which symptoms take precedence in the selection of a remedy and in determining improvement ?

The mental symptoms and those that have appeared last. Incipient improvement is indicated by increased comfort, greater tranquility. and ease of mind, and also disappearance, first, of the more recently developed symptoms.How do we discover the action of remedies ?By provings on the healthy human body and observation of cases of poisoning.

What is a proving, and what is meant by the proving of drugs ?

A proving is an experiment on the healthy body with a drug in varying doses sufficient to produce symptoms. It is the testing of drugs for their true and unequivocal effects.What is the relative value of the records of poisoning and proving of a drug ?For purposes of prescribing, the proving is indispensable and far more important. It gives the finer distinction of the action of a drug, whereas the poisoning gives the coarser action. Usually the fatal effects of poison prevent the development of the finer symptomatology which alone guides the Homœopathist to the choice of a remedy.

What is meant by the pathogenesis of a drug ?

The record of all the symptoms, subjective and objective, produced by testing drugs on the human body in varying doses, on different individuals and both-sexes. It includes toxicology.

What is meant by a homœopathic aggravation and what is its significance ?

A temporary increase in the severity of the symptoms of a case after administering the similimum. Its significance is favorable since in stopping further medication a cure will follow as a rule

What is Materia Medica ?

Materia Medica is the study of drugs-medical material for the cure of the sick.

What is a drug ?

A substance which alters the function or nutrition of a part or parts of the body.

What are the sources of the remedies used in Homœopathy ?

They are obtained from the three kingdoms of nature : The Animal, Mineral and Vegetable.

What are nosodes ?

The homœopathic designation for the morbid product of disease, when employed as remedies.Name some of the principal nosodes.Psorinum, Syphilinum and Tuberculinum. Ambra grisea, though not classed by pharmacists as a nosode, is a diseased animal product.Define therapeutics.Therapeutics is the application of drugs to diseases for their relief or cure ; besides this, it includes all that relates to the science and art of healing by other remedial measures.

What does it embrace further ?

Dietetics, climate, clothing, bathing, nursing, application of heat, cold, light, electricity, chemotherapy, etc.

How are the methods of combating disease divided ?

Into the preventive, palliative, and curative methods.

What is understood by preventive medicine ?

It includes everything that physiology, sanitary science, hygiene, bacteriology and antiseptic medication teaches to lessen the development of disease’ ; the use of homœopathic remedies in preventing development of epidemic and hereditary diseases is also included.

What is palliative medicine ?

The use of drugs in physiological doses for their direct effect. This is practically allopathy. Brilliant palliative results are obtained from the homœopathic remedy in incurable cases.

What is curative medicine ?

This field is exclusively occupied by Homœopathy.

What is meant by empiricism ?

That practice based upon mere experience without regard to any scientific deduction or investigation. Medical routinism.

What is a symptom ?

A symptom is the expression of disturbances in a healthy body produced by a drug or some morbid agent.

How may we divide the symptoms of the Materia Medica ?

First, into pathogenetic, and clinical ; second, into generic and characteristic.

What are pathognomonic symptoms ?

Pathognomonic symptoms are characteristic symptoms of disease and belong to the diagnostician.

What is a pathogenetic symptom ?

One obtained from provings on the healthy or from toxicological observations.

What is clinical symptom ?

One that is observed on the sick and has not been obtained from a proving. A patient under treatment is given a remedy for certain conditions ; if a certain marked symptom not found in the proving of that remedy disappears, it is credited to the action of that remedy and called a clinical symptom.

Are they of equal importance to pathogenetic symptoms ?

They are not. They must be used with great caution.But it is often that some clinical symptoms observed by trained men have been very valuable additions to the Materia Medica. They are possible pathogenetic symptoms.What are generic symptoms.Generic symptoms are symptoms common to a number of drugs. Such symptoms are : Loss of appetite, weakness, distress, headache, etc. They are of little value to the prescriber.

What is meant by a characteristic symptoms ?

It is the individualizing symptom of a drug. In its complete expression it should belong to one drug alone.How else are they sometimes denominated ?Key-note symptoms. Guiding symptoms.

What is a subjective symptom ?

A symptom which either the prover or the patient experiences and can express in language.What are objective symptoms ?Objective symptoms are those which appeal directly to the senses of the physician.

What are the three essential features of every complete symptom ?

Location, sensation, and condition of aggravation or amelioration.

Which of these features is most important ?

The conditions of aggravation and amelioration.

Are these three essentials to be found in every symptom ?

They are not. Our provings have been made without due regard to these three essential features, but it should be the aim in prescribing to complete them as far as possible.

What is the difference between symptomatalogy in the “Materia Medica Pure” and that of the “Chronic Diseases ?

The former contains only the pathogenetic symptoms -such as are observed on the healthy-whereas the “Chronic Diseases” contains many clinical symptoms besides.

What is meant by the Hahnemannian schema ?

The arrangement of the symptoms in anatomical order, beginning with head, then nose, eyes, face, etc.

What is the relation of Homœopathy to all forms of local treatment ?

The ideal Homœopathic does not recognize that local treatment has any important value ; indeed all such accessory treatment is held as harmful to the action of a remedy. But practically and clinically it has been found that in many cases a mild local treatment is not only harmful but beneficial. But the homœopathicity of the remedy employed should be recognized here as when given internally.

What is the relation of Homœopathy to surgery ?

There are many conditions in which the knife alone is indicated, but Homœopathy possesses remedies and measures that frequently make its use unnecessary. Tumors are sometimes permanently cured by a course of homœopathic remedies. Shock is also prevented by the timely administration of the similar remedy.

What is isopathy and wherein does it differ from Homœopathy ?

Isopathy is giving a product of a disease for the disease itself, thus administering the same thing in an attenuated form, whereas Homœopathy is the administering of similar wholly foreign agents to diseased conditions.Give examples of isopathy.Tuberculinum as a remedy for tuberculosis.Syphilinumas a remedy for syphilis.Hydrophobinumfor rabies.Can these isopathic remedies be used legitimately as homœopathic remedies ?Only when they are properly proven. For instance, Psorinum has been proven and found to be a valuable homœopathic remedy.

What was isopathic medication introduced into Homœopathy ?

‘By Dr. Lux, in 1823. Drs. Lux and Hering taught that the toxins formed in the body, properly attended, are capable of curing the very disease that give rise to them.

When were these teachings revived ?

Half a century later, by Pasteur and Koch.

What is meant by Serum Therapy ?

Medication by curative or productive serums or anti-toxins obtained from men or animals sick with a similar disease. There are also synthetic chemical anti-toxins which not being of animal origin are safer than serums. They are dynamic in action and in accord with the laws of similars.

What is meant by a prophylactic ?

Give an example of a prophylactic remedy.A preventive or preservative remedy. Belladonna as : a preventive of Scarlet Fever has achieved considerable reputation.

What is a placebo ?

From the Latin -to please. An inert preparation, usually sugar of milk, given the patient while watching a case for the development of symptoms, or while permitting a previously administered drug to act undisturbed. It is also sometimes necessary in impatient cases coming from allopathic hands.

What is a palliative ?

A remedy that is given for a single symptom or condition ; usually an antipathic remedy given in a physiological dose.

What is the relation of Homœopathy to palliation ?

Palliation of prominent symptoms ought to be discharged, for it provides only in part for a single symptom ; it may bring partial relief, but this is usually soon followed by a perceptible aggravation of the entire disease.Mention some of the palliatives very generally employed.Morphine, for relief of pain and to stupefy. Quinine, in febrile conditions, and the modern coal tar preparations like Phenacetine, Antipyrine, Sulphonal, and Aspirin.Mention some palliatives that are in harmony with homœopathic medication.All non-medicinal palliatives, such as heat, cold, demulcents, and food-like principles.

What is the accepted definition of a homœopathic physician ?

One who adds to his knowledge of medicine a special knowledge of homœopathic therapeutics and observes the law of similia. All that pertains to the great field of medicinal learning is his by tradition, by inheritance, by right.

What relation do drugs bear to each other ?

Antidotal, concordant, complementary, inimical and family.What is an antidote ?It is a substance which modifies or opposes the effects of a remedy.

What are concordant remedies ?

Drugs whose actions are similar, but of dissimilar origin, are said to be concordant and they follow each other well.Give examples of concordant remedies.China, and Calcarea. Pulsatilla and Sepia. Nitric acid and Thuja. Belladonna and Mercurius.

What are inimical remedies ?

Drugs which have a relation of enmity towards each other and therefore do not follow each other well.Give three examples of inimical relation.Apis and Rhus. Phosphorus and Causticum. Silicea and Mercurius.

What is meant by family relation ?

The relation existing between drugs whose origin is similar.Give examples of family relation.The Halogens : Bromine, Chlorine and Iodine. Lachesis and Crotalus. Ignatia and Nux vomica. The Ranunculaceæ family.Give examples of antidotal relation.Nux vomica and Coffea. Belladonna and Opium. Bryonia and Rhus. Hepar and Mercurius.

What is meant by complementary relation ?

A relation wherein one drug completes the cure which was commenced by another drug.Give examples of complementary relations.Belladonna and Calcarea. Sulphur and Nux vomica. Apis and Natrum muriaticum.

What is meant by a polychrest ?

From the Greek words πολνς many and Χρηοτος uses.) A drug that is very frequently used ; one whose range of applicability is extensive ; an every day remedy.

What is meant by the differentiation of remedies ?

It is the pointing out of differences in the action of related remedies.

What is meant by alternation of remedies ?

The administration of two or more remedies successively, first one then the other, which appear to correspond with the morbid state.Give five reasons why the alternation of remedies is a reprehensive practice.

1. The totality of the symptoms which should form the basis of every homœopathic prescription cannot be found under more than one remedy at a time.

2. It leads to polypharmacy, a slovenly mode of practice, and does not advance accurate and definite knowledge of drug action.

3. Prescribing a second remedy before the action of the first is exhausted will interfere with its action. By such mismanagement remedies seem to lose their power.

4. Remedies which antidote each other or hold inimical relation to each other might be alternated.

5. Statistics prove that diseases treated with the single remedy recover more rapidly.

What is meant by the elective affinity of drugs ?

Give examples.It is the affinity that certain drugs have for certain parts or organs of the body. Podophyllum is especially a liver remedy. Cantharis elects the urinary organs for : action, Strychnia, the spinal cord, Tellurium, the tympanum, Ergot, the uterus, etc. A more modern term that is sometimes used is tissue proclivity and it is probably more exact.

What is Hahnemann’s doctrine of chronic diseases ?

It is based upon the theory that there are three distinct miasms underlying all forms of chronic disease, namely : the psoric, the syphilitic and the sycotic. They may exist alone or combined in the system, and are characterized by distinct groups of symptoms, for which Hahnemann has distinct groups of corresponding remedies.

Is Hahnemann’s doctrine of the three miasms accepted by the
entire homœopathic school ?

It is not. In regard to syphilis there is no difference of opinion, and the chronic miasm due to this poison, as pointed out by Hahnemann, is literally true. But there is much difference of opinion in regard to psora and sycosis.

What is psora ?

In Hahnemann’s pathology psora is the miasm that is developed from the suppression of the itch, some cutaneous or other external manifestations of disease. In modern pathology the term tubercular is analogous to the term psoric used by Hahnemann. The cancer disease is always of a psoric origin.

Is there any basis for this belief to be observe in practice ?

It is a fact that frequently a rapid disappearance of a. skin disease, whether spontaneous or brought about by injudicious external medication, is followed by grave symptoms, due probably to its changing from an external to an internal and more vital location.

What is an antipsoric remedy ?

A remedy especially adapted to the treatment of chronic diseases, so called because Hahnemann considered them special remedies for psora.*[* The following is Hahnemann’s list of antipsoric remedies :Agaricus,Alumina,Ammonium carb,Ammonium mur.,Anacardium,Antimonium crud.,Arsenic,Aurum met.,Baryta carb.,Borax,Calcarea carb.,Carbo anim.,Carbo veg.,Causticum,Clematis,Colocynth,Conium,Cuprum met.,Digitalis purpurea,Dulcamara,Euphorbium,Graphites,Guaiacum,Hepar sulph.,Iodine,Kali carb.,Kali nitricum,Lycopodium,Magnesia carb.,Magnesia mur.,Manganese,Mezereum,Muriatic acid,Natrum carb,Natrum mur.,Nitric acid,Petroleum,Phosphorus,Phosphoric acid,Platina,Sarsaparilla,Sepia,Silica,Stannum,Sulphur,Sulphuric acid,Zincum.]

What is the value of antipsoric remedies ?

They have the greatest value especially in the treatment of chronic disease ; and their great clinical success proves, more of the essential correctness of Hahnemann’s doctrine of chronic diseases than theoretical speculation.

Why is it that psoric and sycotic miasms are not recognized by the old school ?

One reason,’ undoubtedly, is the fact that they are characterized by groups of symptoms and conditions that are not valued greatly by that school. They do not recognize them as having any connection with the ordinary diseases they treat.Name some so-called psoric symptoms.Various forms of skin diseases appearing periodically ; itching ; small pimples, especially near the wrist ; cracks in the skin ; irregular or unusually protracted course of acute illness.Mention some sycotic symptoms.Great muscular debility ; morbid fears ; rheumatic affections ; distorted finger nails ; dry condition of the hair, as if burnt ; warts, etc.

What are pharmacology and pharmacodynamics ?

Pharmacology is that division of materia Medica which treats of the action of drugs upon the living body, and pharmacodynamics is the division of pharmacology which considers the effects and uses of medicines.Why is Homœopathy superior to practice according to some pathological theory ?Because ideas on pathology are constantly changing, this leads to an unstable and changing system of therapeutics.

What is meant by the physiological action of drugs ?

It is the actual effect produced upon the healthy organism as a result of their administration.

What is meant by a physiological close ?

A dose large enough to produce symptoms.Give examples of drugs prescribed according to the physiological method.Laxatives given for constipation, astringents for diarrhœa, antipyretics for fever, and carminatives for flatulence, are examples of this kind.

Why is Homœopathy superior to this method ?

Homœopathy prescribes for the patient as a whole and not for certain isolated symptoms, thereby skriking at the root of diseases.Give an example of the physiological method of prescribing in typhoid fever.The high temperature is brought down by antipyretics ; the delirium is met by sedatives or soporifics ; the diarrhœa is checked by astringents and opiates ; the debility is met by “tonics.” The alimentary canal is flushed with bactericides. If the heart’s action be weak cardiac stimulants are prescribed, and so on symptom by symptom ad infinitum.Compare this with the homœopathic method of prescribing for the same disease.The homœopathic physician prescribes for the patient plus the disease. He takes into consideration the entire diseased picture as represented by the symptoms of fever, delirium, diarrhœa., debility, cardiac weakness and all other symptoms even to the pathological condition of Peyer’s patches and all slight and even apparently insignificant symptoms peculiar to the individual ; then, guided by the therapeutic law and his knowledge of drug action,. the remedy is selected which corresponds to the totality of the symptoms and a cure is effected in the speediest possible manner.Mention some of the advantages of Homœopathy over allopathy.

1. It cures disease in the safest, quickest and pleasantest manner.

2. Dangerous drugging and debilitating measures are no part of it.

3. Expensive druggists’ bills and the uncertain elements of prescription filling are avoided.

4. Diseases beyond the reach of allopathic medication are cured by Homœopathy.

5. The knife and other surgical measures are rendered less often necessary, and surgical cases treated homœopathically have superior chances of well doing.

6. The development of diseases and malignant growths is prevented in their incipiency.

7. Relapses are prevented, as it removes the tendency to disease.\r\n\r\n8. Drug diseases are avoided.

What are some of the imitations, caricatures and offshoots of Homœopathy ?

The use of parvules, granules, dosi-metric tablets, electro-homœopathic remedies. Serum therapy has for its genesis the law of similars. The so-called “combination tablets” belong to the same class and are foreign to Homœopathy.

Why are combination tablets non-homœopathic ?

Because, being composed of two or more drugs whose combination has never been proved, they cannot be applied homœopathically. Further, no two drugs combined in this way can ever be indicated at the same time.