Quarterly Homeopathic Digest, Vol. XXVII, 1&2/2010. For private circulation only 10
address the underlying dis-ease that produced your
cancer symptoms.
While side effects of conventional treatment vary
widely and any of a large number of remedies can be
indicated to help, here is a selection of remedies that
cover the most common discomforts during such
treatment.
After surgery
Arnica helps heal all traumas to soft tissues and is
useful after any surgery.
Bellis perennis is especially useful after
trauma/surgery of the abdomen or breast, when deep
soreness is present.
Staphysagria may help if the incision site is very
painful.
Phosphorus can help if there is nausea after general
anaesthesia.
Calendula is a wonderful antiseptic that reduces
the risk of infected wounds. It can be used topically or
given internally.
Belladonna can nip potential infections in the bud
if there is heat, redness, or throbbing in the wound.
Hepar sulph. If the person is extremely chilly with
a pus-filled, painful wound, this medicine works very
well to heal the infection.
Silica. Think of this medicine if the wound is
infected and pus-filled, but, strangely, painless.
During Chemotherapy
Arsenicum album. The person who needs
Arsenicum feels very cold and restless. Emotionally
they may feel distraught, anxious, and despairing,
especially if left alone. They are thirsty, taking
frequent sips of usually warm drinks, but are likely to
vomit food and drink as soon as it reaches the stomach.
They may also have diarrhea. Although both the
discharges and pains are burning, they are relieved by
heat.
Cadmium sulphuricum addresses very violent
nausea and vomiting especially when the vomit is
black; the vomit may also contain tough mucus and
there may be retching and gagging. The person may
feel so nauseated that theyretch at the very touch of
food or drink to their lips. They are extremely
exhausted and may feel faint. They feel better when
they stay still and quiet.
Ipecac (the Ŗdilutedŗ homeopathic preparation of
Ipecac, not the pure form of Ipecac used to induce
vomiting) can be very helpful to relieve nausea that is
constant and unrelenting. Think of this remedy when
vomiting brings a person no relief from their nausea.
Phosphorus not only helps with the after-effects of
general anesthesia but may also help with side effects
of chemotherapy. The person feels theirsty for cold
water, but vomits it as soon as it becomes warm in the
stomach. They may actually feel hungry during the
nausea, but are still unable to keep anything down.
Tabacum. The person needing this remedy has
tremendous nausea that may feel like motion sickness
and be accompanied by vertigo. Cool open air makes
them feel better, and they may prefer to be uncovered,
even though their skin is cold to the touch. They feel
better lying still with their eyes closed.
During radiation therapy
Calendula, known for its ability to heal abrasions
and wounds of the most superficial layers of the skin, is
sold in topical ointments as well as pills. The pills can
be taken internally and/or dissolved in water and
applied to a dressing for the wound (or a diluted
tincture may be used on the wound).
Urtica urens is ideal for superficial, first-degree
burns that sting and/or itch. The area feels worse from
heat and after bathing. It can be taken internally or
applied topically in the same way as Calendula.
Cantharis. burns that respond to Cantharis are of
medium severity and may blister. They are raw and
sore and feel better with a cold compress. The pains
that respond to Cantharis are described as cutting,
smarting, and burning.
Causticum. Known as a remedy for serious second
and third-degree burns, Causticum addresses the deeper
layers of the skin. Burns that do not heal in a timely
manner, or that are accompanied by symptoms
throughout the body may respond to Causticum. The
burns may itch, crack, or ulcerate. The person feels
better in warmth and worse from cold and wind, and the
burn is likely to feel better when it is covered.
Hypericum. The primary remedy for damage to
nerves, Hypericum can ease side effects of radiation
when they include shooting pains.
Radium bromatum. This is the most specific
remedy for radiation burns. The skin may itch and
burn; there may be swelling and even ulceration. If
there is a systemic reaction, it is likely to include aching
pains all over the body, with a sensation of heat, and the
person feels better from cool open air.
Note: If a person develops nausea and vomiting
after radiation, also consider the remedies used during
Chemotherapy.
27. Pharmaceuticals, Homeopathy and Natural
Supplements
Can we use them all together?
ROTHENBERG, Amy (HT. 28, 5/2008)
Many patients present with long list of medicines
they take. Few are essential and many others are
ineffective, unnecessary or even detrimental to health.
According to a Journal of the American Medical
Association article, 108,000 Americans died in 1996
from adverse reactions to FDAŔapproved medications
that had been properly prescribed by licensed medical