CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOMEOPATHY
CONTINUING HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION SERVICES
QUARTERLY HOMEOPATHIC DIGEST
VOL. III, 1986
Lead me from Untruth to Truth
Lead me from Darkness to Light
Lead me from Death to Immortality
Adyaya I Brahmana 3 Mantra 28
(This service is only for private circulation. Part I of the journal lists the Current literature in
Homeopathy drawn from the well-known homeopathic journals published world-over - India, England,
Germany, France, Belgium, Brazil, USA, etc., discipline-wise, with brief abstracts/extracts. Readers may
refer to the original articles for detailed study. The full names and addresses of the journals covered by
this compilation are given at the end.
Compilation, translation, publication by Dr.K.S.Srinivasan, 1253, 66th Street, Korattur, Chennai- 600 080,
India.)
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1
QHD, VOL.III, NO.1, MARCH 1986 ................................................................................................................ 3
1.1
CURES BY RARE MEDICINES - BY S.GARZONIS, I.BACHAS, S.PATERAKIS AND J.KARAVIS. ................. 4
1.2
NATRUM FLUORATUM AND JOINT RHEUMATISM .......................................................................... 7
1.3
A WHOOPING COUGH SYMPTOM OF NUX VOMICA - BY HAUPTMANN. ........................................ 11
1.4
A SKETCH OF TELLURIUM BY H.DORNER. .......................................................................................... 13
1.5
SOME FRENCH CASES ........................................................................................................................... 16
1.6
A CASE OF CROTALUS HORRIDUS; BY H.LEERS ................................................................................ 17
1.7
PARTS PER MILLION--THE MINIMUM DOSE--WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SELENIUM: ........................ 18
1.8
SELENIUM ............................................................................................................................................... 23
1.9
MANY ARE THE PATS ASCENDING IN THE SHADOW BUT FROM THE WUMMIT ALL SEE THE
SELF SAME MOON. ................................................................................................................................ 25
2
QHD, VOL.III, NO.2, MARCH 1986 .............................................................................................................. 29
2.1
THE USE AND ABUSE OF NOSODES IN HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT M.E.HARLING, B.K.,
B.CH., M.F.HOM. ...................................................................................................................................... 30
2.2
BOWEL NOSODES--AN AID TO CASE MANAGEMENT- C.O.KENNDY, B.SC., M.L., CH.B., F.F.HOM
36
2.3
A CASE OF TUBERCULINUM - BY J. BAUR ........................................................................................... 40
2.4
SYPHILINUM - BY G. V. KELLER ........................................................................................................... 43
2.5
MEDORRHINUM--A SUMMARY OF THE MENTAL SYMPTOMS- BY DR.EUGENIO F. CANDEGABE
44
2.6
THERAPY WITH NOSODES - BY B.HAAS .............................................................................................. 48
2.7
CARCINOSIN - BY M.SALVEY ................................................................................................................. 56
2.8
ADDITIONS TO KENTS REPERTORY .................................................................................................. 59
2.9
CANCER RUBRICS- AHMED N.CURRIM, M.D., PHD .............................................................................. 63
2.10
PROBLEMS IN REPERTORISATION ..................................................................................................... 65
2.11
KENT RUBRICS FOR TREATMENT OF ASTHMA - BY DR.R.BOURGARIT .......................................... 67
2.12
IN THE SMALL RUBRIC IN THE REPERTORY.................................................................................... 72
2.13
THE DISADVANTAGES OF REMEDY WEIGHITIG IN HOMOEOPATHIC ....................................... 75
2.14
CORRESPONDANCE .............................................................................................................................. 78
2.15
TWO METHODS OF REPERTORISATION ............................................................................................ 79
2.16
SYMPTOM "AS IF" .................................................................................................................................. 81
2.17
REPERTORISATION VITH THE LARGE RUBRICS ............................................................................. 82
2.18
MEIERES DISEASES - A CASE REPORT BY DR.K.H.GYPSER .............................................................. 84
2.19
IS KENT THE FINAL .............................................................................................................................. 87
3
QHD, VOL.III, NO.3, DECEMBER 1986 ...................................................................................................... 89
3.1
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA BY G.V.KELLER ............................................................................................ 90
3.2
ASA FOETIDA .......................................................................................................................................... 92
3.3
VIBURNUM OPULUS .............................................................................................................................. 94
3.4
PEYOTL –ANHALONIUM LEWINII – MESCALIN .............................................................................. 96
3.5
ANHALONIUM PEYOTL BY ................................................................................................................. 100
3.6
BOTHROPS LANCEOLATUS ............................................................................................................... 102
3.7
COMPARISION OF ASTERIAS RUBENS AND CONIUM MACULATUM ....................................... 113
3.8
CONIUM IN TONSILLITIS AND GRIPPE ............................................................................................ 116
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1 QHD, Vol.III, No.1, March 1986
Dear Doctor,
The 'Quarterly Homoeopathic DIGEST' enters its third year, with this number.
The purpose of the DIGEST is to obtain for our practical purposes, the collective
experiences of the homeopathic world. No commercial or business thoughts have motivated this
venture, which is unique. It was thought that there will be enthusiastic welcome and
encouragement from the homoeopathy practitioners in our country, and that in due course we
will be able to add from the French, Spanish etc. Sadly these hopes have been belied so far.
However, hopes are still there.
As much possible care is taken that I do not give articles which have already been given
in other Indian Journals.
In this number are given some remedies which are generally not used much in the daily
practice though the cases frequent the clinics; for example, Natrum fluoratum, Tellurium,
Selenium. A careful study of the articles will reveal much of practical value like Tellurium in
Spondylitis.
It would be most worthwhile if the reader reports cases by way of verifications. Only so
can we progress. Holding back what will be of positive use to the profession is condemnable.
Come, let us join hands.
31
st
March 1986.
Yours sincerely,
K.S. SRINIVASAN
1253, 66
th
Street,
Korattur,
Madras 600 080
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1.1 CURES BY RARE MEDICINES - By S.Garzonis, I.Bachas,
S.Paterakis and J.Karavis.
(Phellandrium_Menyanthes, Jacaranda caroba, Kali arsenicicum, Ambra grisea)
This has come out of group-discussion of difficult cases held regularly at the
"Homoeopathic Seminars" of the Hellenic Association of Homoeopathy.
The special interest of these cases are that they all presented most peculiar symptoms
which were completely eliminated after the simillimum was given, which brought about a
general regeneration of the patient.
The reason that these cases are presented is that some of those peculiar symptoms were
not in the Repertories. The purpose of this communication is on the one hand to increase the
pathogenesis of these drugs and on the other hand to be added in the Repertory in case they are
confirmed by a second or third experience.
1st Case:
Mrs.T.N., age 44, rather stout, with black hair and black eyes. Complete nervous
exhaustion since last year. It started during the time of holidays. Feels continuously exhausted
and sleepy. Severe pain on right mamma extending along the course of milk ducts. So severe that
it keeps awake. Falling of hair Menses intermittent. Yellowish leucorrhoea. Pain on left
hypochondrium. Rumbling in abdomen. Dryness of mouth. Horrible visions on closing the eyes.
A feeling that the head is empty. Can sleep only on right side. Delusions that somebody is on her
back. Fear of being alone in the night. Aversion to milk. She is worse with coffee. If she drinks
coffee she has a fainting feeling as if she were going to die.
Only one dose of Phellandrium aquaticum 200 was given. She was seen one month later.
She was feeling psychologically well and much energetic but the pain in breast was stronger than
ever but only before the menses. Prescribed placebos. She was seen again when she brought to us
her sister and assured us that she was feeling fine, free from any pain, fear or delusion really
regenerated.
2nd case:
Miss M.S., age 24. She is 1.58 meter and weighs only 42 kg. No appetite. Continuous
tiredness. She cannot put on weight. Vertigo with nausea. She has difficulty in walking. This
going on for 5 years now. Vertigo looking from high places. Tonsils operated. Numbness and
swelling of left leg. Dryness of conjunctivas. Pain on left side of abdomen. Acne around mouth
(before menses). Menses always late. Drawing pain in genitals during the first day of menses.
Falling of hair. Complete absence of thirst. Desires sugar and sweets. Aversion to beans peas, to
butter and to fat of meat. Desires fish. Very cold fingers. Fear of being alone in the night.
Dreams of war.
Menyanthes 30, 1 dose and placebo.
She was seen after a month when she said that she was feeling well from every point of view, her
appetite was good, her strength came back. She wanted now the normal amount of water, had no
QUARTERLY HOMOEPATHIC DIGEST
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fears or dreams, no falling of hair. No vertigo and no pains; in the face appears a slight eruption
resembling acne but already subsiding. She remains very well till this day, 6 months later.
3rd case:
Mrs.R.A., 43 yrs old. When she was 25 yrs.old menses stopped. Took a lot of hormones.
Operated for cyst in the ovary (right). Discharged pus for a whole year after the operation. The
operation was done at the age of 24. Present symptoms: Fears and colitis. She cannot remain in
closed places: cinemas or churches. When she is in any other house, apart from her she own, she
has the feeling that she will fall from her chair, holds on to her chair tightly in order not to fall. Is
not vertigo. It is a fear that she is going to fall. She feels much worse when is looked at. Cannot
do anything in presence of others. Trembling in any new circumstances. Anxiety about health.
Anxiety about others. Fear of being alone in the house. Fear of doctors. Thinks only the black
side of things. She is much worse when she feels that she is away from her house. Since 18 yrs.
pain on rt. hvpochondrium. worse sitting. Diarrhea alternating with constipation Mucus in stool.
All colon painful [v3-4] in different spots. Slight distention. Empty feeling in stomach. Rumbling
in abdomen.
Headache in occiput extending to forehead. Generally worse from 4 to 8 p.m. Worse
change of weather. Aversion to fat.
Lycopodium and Lachesis were given, but did not help. Ambra grisea 200 one dose
brought about a complete regeneration of the lady, after a short aggravation. The prescription
was based mainly on the symptom that could do nothing in presence of others, which is an
analogous symptom of Ambra "cannot have a stool in presence of any one".
4th case:
Female, age 45. Last year operated for cancer of the left mamma. She is now in a general
state of depression and low vitality. This case presented most peculiar symptoms. As if there
were a splinter on left side of the throat. Burning on tongue on the left side. Burning on left calf.
Numbness of lt. arm. Headache on the lt. side of head. A burning feeling in the urethra but only
on the lt. side of it. Past history. Pleurisy and TBC.
Was given one dose of Jacaranda caroba 30. All symptoms subsided after 20 days. She is
feeling very well. This also a recent case.
5th case:
Mr.T.C. age 36. Had gonorhhoea at the age of 26. Since 4 years duodenal ulcer, wandering pain
on lt.side of chest (heart region) which is very annoying and causes tremendous fear that he may
die. He goes frequently to cardiologists to have a cardiogram. He is in a panic because of this
pain. Apart from this has vertigo, due to spondyloarthritis of cervical region. Cannot work. Pain
occiput. Cracking in cervical region. Chills on back, worse in afternoon. Chills also during
urination. Feels the cold very much. Aversion to starchy food, to bread and much worse after
starchy food. Desires fruits, vinegar. Sleeps only on lt.side. A dose of Kali-arsenicicum 10M was
given. He was very well after that. The anxiety, the vertigo and the headaches completely gone.
He is working all day.
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Summary:
5 cases from Athens showing rarely used remedies.
1. Phellandtium for mamma pains extending along lactiferous tubes (Kent p.846)
2. Menyanthes in a case with too many vague symptoms. The symptom guide was absolute
thirstlessness (Kent p.530).
3. Ambra in a case with many nervous symptoms. The symptom guide was: cannot undertake
anything in presence of strangers. It is an extrapolation of the known ambra sign: defecation-in
presence of strangers impossible.
4. Jacaranda in a case showing universal lt. laterality. Here the local lt. laterality of a burning
pain of the tongue (Kent p.411) was taken - a bit freely - for the whole side.
5. Kali ars. in a case of heart pains with fear of death. The guiding symptom was chill afternoon
(Kent p.1260).
[From the Zeitschrift fur KLASSISCHE HOMÖOPATHIE and Arznei-potenzierung, Band
25/1981, Heft 6. -- For private communication only.--Readers are requested to report
confirmation of the above remedies in the rubrics mentioned for improving the Repertory--
K.S.S]
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1.2 NATRUM FLUORATUM AND JOINT RHEUMATISM
(Provings and Cases reports by Dr.W.GUTMAN)
The progress of homoeopathy and research is the medicinal proving and clinical
verification. The following report of the proving of a medicine used as preventive Medline in
the health programme also depicts it as an individual curative medicine. Similarly we are
working with Acidum Sulphurosum: prevention of atmospheric air pollution also as curative in
respiratory illnesses. For this double purpose we took up Natrium fluoratum (Na.F) used for
preventive fluoridation of water, prevention of tooth caries. 22 healthy medicinal students were
the provers. As there were only purely allopathically trained students in the Faculty of the New
York Homoeopathic Medical College, it was difficult to obtain finer modalities. Six willing
provers were selected. Sixteen students took placebo. Neither the six selected students nor the
placebo group showed any symptoms. Now first 3 tablets and later 6 tablets Natrum fluoricm D6
were given for five weeks with intervals of placebo tablets, without the provers knowledge.
The essential symptoms are mentioned here:
Besides occasional itching of skin and isolated papulous eruptions and also occasional
brief periods of constipation all other symptoms are in the region of the organs of locomotion. In
many cases the ailments developed within a few hours, in others after a week, upto a month.
Collectively the pains were "gnawing" or "stitching", appearing and disappearing suddenly,
generally am. from pressure. Its location was in "nape, in the shoulder-joints (after 4 weeks),
hand-joints and in different parts of muscles. In some cases the characteristic was (in one case
after 40 days) Muscular fibrillation, light twitchings, which for the typical Fluor patients
manifest as muscle twitchings. The symptoms disappear when the medicine was replaced with
similar appearing placebo tablets from time to time and when the proving medicine was again
given the symptoms re-appeared.
As in all provings, there are specific"sensitive” provers. The symptoms of such have been
reported in detail. The prover had no symptoms during the placebo period. Three hours after the
taking of be the medicine stitching pains in the finger joints, in the shoulder region, calf and
ankle joints. On the second day elbow and knee pains. These were so troublesome that the prover
discontinued for the time being. The severe pains disappeared. After 3 days again took the
medicine and on the same day pains in shoulder-joints, followed by pains in finger-joints
muscles of calves, tolerably severe pains in the joints of the hand and elbows. The prover again
discontinued. After 3 days resumed the medicine. Muscle fibrillations appeared. Again
discontinued. During this period same ailments as after-effects. Now placebo tablets were given
which the student took only very hesitatingly. No symptoms during the following days.
TOXICOLOGY: Roholm reported that the workers in an Aluminium-Natriumfluorid suffered
from rheumatic pains.
Petro: degenerative changes in bones, tendons, muscles. Similar charges were observed in dogs
which were overfed with Natriumfluorid. Osteoplastic and osteoporotic changes were found.
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CASE REPORTS: In the following cases we use the word "joint rheumatism" since except in
purely specific cases like arthritis of venereal nature, the nomenclature are different in different
lands in different languages and classifications.
1) Mr.K.(65) joint pains since 6 months, severe pains radiating to the shoulder (x-ray:
advanced hyperostotic spondylosis). A single dose of Natrium fluoratum C200. After a month
completely pain-free, with immediate effect; can move the neck easily and without pain. The
dose was given on December 1979, until now (March 1981) no complaints.
2) Mr. H (60) Pains in nape of neck since 5 years (x-ray: spondylarthrosis), restricting
movement. In June 1980 received a dose of Natrium fluoratum C200. Occasional, little pains till
now, 26 February 1981, no ailments (earlier, had to take Aspirin many times a day, just as the
others similar).
3) Miss.L.(45): Since long, severe neck pains (X-ray: deterioration of the 6th and 7th
cervical). On 12 July 1980 one dose Natrium fluoratum C200 (by the way, the potencies were all
Hahnemann potencies). Travels and has reported on 24 October that with certainly after the dose
of C200, free from pain, similar report on 5 December 1980.
4) Idiopathic chronic polyarthritis: 23 yr.old lady; developed after a Grippe in February
1979. Shoulder, hips, low back; swelling of the rt.knee. Takes 2 aspirins every 4 hours, 8 per
day. Now 8 months later, in November 1979, one dose of Natrium fluoratum 200. Report of two
weeks: much better, required an Aspirin just now A and then. Rt. knee swelling gone. In brief:
this patient suffered repeated [v3-8] attacks of Grippe, every time followed with joint pains of
different joints which after repetition of a dose of Natr.fluoratum 200 (once in D12 potency as a
trial) disappeared. The patient received as a prophylaxis few doses of the epidemic remedy,
Gelsemium 200. Till now, 9 Feb.1981 free from ailments, remains under observation.
5) Miss G.(36) Since 10 yrs. stiffness of the finger joints and the toe joints. One dose of
Natrium fluoratum.200 on 22 May 1980 and repeated in July. Feb.1981 report: well.
6) Mr.F.(65) Since about 6 months thickening and pain of end-joints of tree fingers. 30
Nov.1970, Natr.fluoratum 200. After 14 days: definitely improved. Under observation every two
weeks (for other reasons also). Relapse of arthritis from time to time but every time relieved
from a dose of Natr. fluoratum 200. Till date remains free.
7) Mr.R(46). Pain in two joints of fingers, since 2 yrs. Sensitive to touch. Natr.fluoratum
200. Report, 25 Apr.1980: No pains. He taps the finger joints against the table to prove that it
was no more painful to touch.
8) Mrs.K.(47) Pain in jts. Of the middle finger since some months. Better after
Natr.fluoratum 200, completely gone after repttition of a dose. This case was followed up just
like other such successful cases.
9) Mrs. P(61): Arthritis in the fingerjoints since 10 yrs. Natr.fluoratum 200, one dose.
Repeated after 14 days. Distinctly improved.
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10) Miss S.(57) Since two yrs. slowly developing pains in elbows, knee, wrist joints.
Natr.fluoratum 200. Report after three weeks: Pains distinctly lesser.
11) Mrs.K. Since many yrs. arthritis of lumbar joints (x-ray), took regularly Aspirin.
Natr.fluoratum 200 at long intervals one dose whenever pain occurred with sustained
amelioration. Did not'need Aspirin anymore.
12) Mrs.D 65) Since about 10 yrs. arthritis in fingers, knees, with temporary am. from
Gold injections. Cannot turn [v3-9] her neck due to pains. Since 2 months knee pains. Natr.
fluoratum 200. 14 days after: neck pains much less. The knee pains of 10 yrs. duration somewhat
less now, can now go without the aid of a stick. No further doses. Further 2 weeks laters Finger
not-painful anymore (could not lift things earlier), knee appreciably better. Like other cases,
under observation.
13) Mrs.S (55) Arthritis of almost all joints since years. Takes daily 8 Aspirins. After a
dose of Natr.fluaratum 200 no need for Aspirin any more. Emigrated to another town end .hence
no follow-up possible.
14) Woman 48 yrs. Since yrs. suffering from arthritis which progressively attacked
affecting all the joints with partial deformities. In this case nothing was expected from the very
commencement but however, I gave a dose of Natr. fluoratum 200. Naturally no change. When
asked about her recently affected and inflamed big toes, she replied: "Yes, they are better", and
in fact it was less swollen. This case shows that as much recent the case is so much better the
remedy would work. Hence the necessity for early treatment of the arthritic process at the very
beginning itself. In the last case the drastic measures taken were of no help and finally she had to
be put in a nursing home, due to other circumstances.
15) Mrs.A.(69) Progressive arthritis of all joints since an attack of rheumatic fever at 7
yrs. age with much pain. As in similar cases, needed Aspirin many times a day. One dose of Natr
Fluoratumm 200. 14 days later could reduce the Aspirin to half. Under placebo, further relief 14
days later. One dose repeated. This case shows that even in long-standing and advanced
conditions a therapeutic result is possible.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE ON THE BASIS OF THE NATRUM FLUORATUM PROVING:
Anti-fluoridation groups in small numbers who studied our provings took up through Press and
mass media for a poll on the fluoridation of water in South Portland in Maine, USA, thrice in 9
yrs. First by lesser and lesser fluoridation and finally to reject fluoridation. Seldom have I seen
such rapid success no sooner a homoeopathic remedy was given in a much chronic or less
chronic case. As in other remedies newly introduced, further clinical and reprovings must be
done so that more exact modalities may be obtained. The arthritic diseases are of a uniform
nature symptomatically with relatively least characteristic modalities. Hence the same remedy
helped in all the cases without any symptom-differentiation. These are 'fixed' disease like
epidemics for why Hahnemann recommended specific remedies through all cases. Jt.rheumatism
in all its forms belongs to this classification and perhaps this remedy is the 'specific' one to arrest
the process in the early stages itself. This has been my observation (finger joints), as of now in
some cases.
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[From the ' Zeitschrift für KLASSISCHE HOMÖOEPATHIE and Arzneipotenzierung' Band
25/1981--Nov./Dez.Heft 6, translated by Dr.K.S.Srinivasan, Madras, for private communication
only]
Members are requested to communicate experiences with Natr. fluoratum 200 in arthritis of
finger-Joints.--K.S.S]
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1.3 A WHOOPING COUGH SYMPTOM OF NUX VOMICA - By
Hauptmann.
On 24.11.1980 the child Sebastian (DOB 11/8/1979) was brought for paroxysms of
cough. He had contracted bronchitis with fever a week ago which was treated with penicillin.
The fever declined but the cough however became worser. It began particularly at nights in
paroxysms and ended with vomiting of sour mucous. No appetite, merely thirst. Angry and
resistant to examination, rattling sound over the lung area, clean tongue. Ipecacuanha D12, 4
hrly. 5 drops in water and asked to come again on 26.11. with the hint "suspicion of whooping
cough".
On 26.11 condition became worse; continuous vomiting, without preceding cough,
without much choking. Ipecacuanha D12 continued and then a dose of Sulphur LM VI for effects
of suppression by penscillin. Next day the cough was somewhat [v3-11] lesser, but there was
severe epistaxis and in addition a little bleeding in the conjunctivae began. The boy was
peculiarly in-tolerable and weepy; he wept mostly either during or after the attacks of cough
which increased during nights. No perspiration, chilliness, peculiar restlessness: "cannot find the
right position in bed". The leucocytes count was 22750 cells; whooping cough was thus
confirmed. Arnica D12, 4 hrly. 5 drops in water. Ipecacuanha stopped.
1.12. after 5 days, new image. Cough and vomiting worse. The boy appears frightened.
The conjunctivae, left more than the right, are tense with blood filled up, as if may burst any
moment. The picture appeared like chemosis. Also the upper lid and the swollen lower lid were
blue-red. The boy is irritable, excited, weepy and constantly rubbing the eyes. The mother, a
medical-technical assistant, is understandably worried and to me also it was so. Examination by
Opthalmologist did not point out anything more than what had already been found by me. For
decisive diagnosis to exclude leukaemia, a total blood count was made. Result: Ery.: 7.7;
Hb.89%; leuco.13300; Eos.2;. Segm.5; lymph 92; mono 1, all mature cells 20000 Thrombo.
BKS.10/22. The diagnosis of whooping cough was confirmed and the remedy changed from
Arnica to Nux vomica D12, 4 hrly.
On the next day, 2.12. the mother reported that Sebastian had slept relatively better
during the night, only once during this forenoon vomited what he had eaten, which. was not the
case from the beginning;. Further Nux vomica D12.
Report on 5.12.: Cough only a little bad, occasional vomiting, disposition less weepy, the
effusion of blood in the eyes, specially in the conjunctiva was clearly receding. Examination now
showed a clear picture. Leuco. 10450. Nux vomica D12 further 4 hrly. On 15.12.: dry cough and
rarely vomiting, blood residue in eyes and conjunctiva normal. General condition good.
On 22.12.: the mother reported again: She had stopped the Nux vomica after the last
consultation a week ago, very early, and since yesterday the cough, vomiting and coryza [v3-12]
began again. Nux vomica D12 again 5 drops in water until completely well.
DISCUSSION:
The catarrhal state of whooping cough of Sebastian was not recognised but as often is,
diagnosed as bronchitis and treated with penicillin. This upset. Ipecacuenha then given for
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vomiting from cough, loss of appetite, clear tongue, rattling breathing. The medicine was
wrongly chosen. The '-pointer' symptoms of this whooping cough indicated Sulphur particularly,
the disposition to bleeding and the weepy, irritable and intolerant conduct as also the continuous
vomiting. Arnica was chosen now for the disposition to bleeding, epistaxis as also conjunctiva
bleeding, weeping during and after the cough spell, also that the bleeding was possibly as a
consequence of over-exertion due to the jolt from violent whooping cough attacks. Belladonna
was not indicated from the beginning. The further course then indicated the right similia as Nux
vomica; "bleeding in eyes in whooping cough". As a local diagnosis one can definitely say that
blood would naturally come because of the violent paroxysm of whooping cough. After failure
of Arnica over a period of 5 days, Nux vomica gave great relief. General amelioration. The
normal period of 3 to 6 weeks of convulsive state was in the 3rd stage within 14 days due to Nux
vomica; the worse part of the whooping sough was scarcely three weeks, a very happy result.
The case impresses that Kent's repertory contains authentic in-formation. The low grade
symptom "bleeding from the eyes in whooping cough” (p.235) has been clinically verified.
Perhaps colleagues may also be able to add their similar experiences with Nux vomica in
whooping cough so that Nux vomica can be elevated to the 2nd grade.
[From the 'Zeitschrift fur KLASSISCHE HOMÖOEPATHIE and Arznei-potenzierung', Band
26/1 982--Heft 3, Mai/Juli 1982; Translated from German by Dr.K.S.Srinivasan, Madras, for
private communication only. DIGEST members are requested to send in their experiences of
Nux vomica in whooping coughs--K.S.S.]
-------------------
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1.4 A SKETCH OF TELLURIUM by H.Dorner.
A Tellurium patient is difficult to be understood. He works nervously, excitedly,
apathetically and is also unsociable. Forgetful, his paralysing mental weakness makes him
incapable of thinking and working. He is physically un attractive and works clumsily while in
company, either unfriendly, refusing and excited or uncommunicative, serious, silent, anxious
and hopeless.
Various physical inadequacies torment him: unpleasant smelling physical exhalations,
copious perspiration with garlic-like smell, acid, stinking discharges which cause sores,; weak
sensation in stomach, nausea, colics, audible and bad smelling flatulence; loss of appetite
alternating with fits extreme hunger, much thirst for small quantities, increased urging for
urination; delayed menses or absent; increased sexual instinct, genital infections and leucorrhoea.
Vertigo, flushes, partial internal chilliness and shivering, shuddering, palpitation and sleep
disturbances.
Besides many features of so-called Sycosis the tendency shows syphilitic diathesis.
Accordingly three systems are dealt with, namely, the skin, the nervous system and the
protective tissues with bones and joints. But, first the drug itself:
With Oxygen, Sulphur, Selenium and Polonium, Tellurium metallicum makes the Group
VI. An interesting group, it contains Oxygen, the element without which we cannot exist and on
the other extreme the Polonium, a product of radio-active disintegration from Uranus, finally the
Sulphur the great homoeopathic medicine. Selenium and Tellurium are considered as half metals
and Polonium as purely metal.
Muller von Reichenstein discovered in 1762 in demolished ore a peculiar element. Martin
Heinrich von Klaproth defined and named 16 yrs. later Tellurium. This discovery was in the pre-
homoeopathic era of Hahnemann but in Hahnemann's later meteria medica it has not been
mentioned. Provers were [v3-14] Metcalf, Hering and some more physicians mentioned by
Allen.
TOXICOLOGY:
In its element form Tellurium is not toxic but. Tellurium hydrogen and the different
Tellurium salts (Tellurite, Telluride and Tellurate) indeed are. Chronic poisoning from inspiring
Tellurium fumes expresses itself to headaches, vertigo and dryness of the mouth with metallic
taste. The expired air has an unpleasant smell like garlic. Dryness of skin, diminished
perspiration end loss of colour of hair. Further stomach and intestinal ailments and loss of
appetite, vomiting wasting away and somnolence.
The symptoms of acute poisoning are similar as from selenium and Arsenicum.
Diarrhoeas and somnolence come over a phase of increased excitement with fibrillous spasms,
tachy-cardia and finally central respiratory paralysis and diastolic arrest.
PHARMACOLOGY:
Tellurium, and its components are used in anthydrotica and hair-removers remedy.
Kalium tellurat inhibits secretion of perspiration, with unpleasant side actions, that is the volatile
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Methyl tellurite becomes toxic to the organism and the expired air is endowed with the typical
garlic smell. Medical provings report on the unpleasant exhalations from the body of the provers
and their bad smelling perspiration so that the provers had to avoid the nearness to other persons.
We see the secluded nature and declining relation of the Telluric patients and understand the
decisive and deep changes which such an apparently small symptom can bring about.
SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES: Characteristics are vesicular skin eruptions due
to inflammations; in groups often circular or garland form, with itching which Increases in
warmth the bed. These vesicles secrete an acrid, watery matter which characteristically smells
like fish brine and can cause fresh vesicles in places where the secretions moisten the skin. The
localisation of the skin ailments are the large joint bends, retro-auricular folds, auditory canals,
margins of hair, chin and perineum region. Indications: Eczema, herpes, pityriasis versicolor
Often there is dryness of skin with a stitching, pricking sensation as from fleabites.
Mostly it is with patients who have been neglected with bad body smell and weakness of liver.
On the other hand, copious perspiration with garlic odor.
The inflammatory changes are also found in ears, from eczema of the auditory passage to
chronic stinking ear discharges. Also dull, beating pain day and night. Vesicular dermatitis of the
external auditory canal and the ear auricle but Telluriun was successfully used in chronic
discharges in otitis media (Nash). It should be used more often.
In eye, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, stye with purulent, stinking secretions, pain from touch,
disposition to eczema of lids, copious whitish secretions in angles of the eyes, pterygiuem.
Catarrh of the nasal mucous membrane and in larynx. Fluent coryza from staying in the
open air, accompanied by flow of tears hoarseness and soreness behind the sternum. Pain from
empty swallowing the sensation of dry soreness is better by eating and drinking. The gingiva
may be affected, with inflammation of the gums and guff bleedings.
NERVES: Neuralgias are predominant. Pains in os sacrum which radiate to the sciatic nerve and
travel down, more on the right than left. Pains appear suddenly and disappear equally suddenly.
They become worse from pressure and therefore from lying on the affected side. They are
aggravated from pressing, sneezing, coughing, laughing and stooping. Moving about
ameliorates. It must be rewarding, from these symptoms, in post-traumatic, post-operative or
degenerative convalescents
A peculiar and. extremely sensitiveness of the vertebral column may be there and
particularly in the region from left throat up to the 5th dorsal vertebral. The patient has anxiety of
touch and fears if anyone approaches. From actual touch the pains shoot into distant parts of the
body. Also pains between shoulder blades.
Headaches as if the brain has been beaten. Headache in a circumscribed spot above the
left eye.
Facial neuralgias.
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BONES AND JOINT'S: Spondylarthrose, as already explained, particularly of the cervical bones
extending unto the lower dorsal vertebrae and in the lumbar bones upto the os sacrum with that
peculiar sensitivity to touch, sometimes with aggravations from jar.
Pains in the hip or in knee joint, be it as a result of chronic inflammations or suppurations
due to bone sequestrum or fistulous formations, be it post-traumatic or as due to wear and tear.
Straining of the capsule of the joint, knee pain, also contraction of the flexor. Spohdylopathia
thoracalis and Coxarthrosis are reckoned as well-established indications. In the organs of
locomotion it deals with consequences of chronic inflammations and suppurations of bones,
consequences of injuries. Pains become worse from touch, pressure, coughing, sneezing and
straining and are ameliorated from moving about.
[From the ALLGEMEINE HOMEOPATHISCHE ZEITUNG, Band Heft; Translated from
German by Dr.K.S.Srinivasan, Madras, for private circulation only]
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1.5 SOME FRENCH CASES
Imberechts,Z.:CAS CLINIQUE.CAHIERS GROUPEMENT HAHNEMANNIEN:(1982)19:317-
-318;
1. 30 YRS. old lady: complete loss of sense of smell after septum operation. Symptoms for
choice of medicine were: weeping from music, hearing better in noise, loss of sense of smell,
reddening and swelling of lids, tightly fitting clothes cause inconvenience, stinking stools,
tendency, to inflammation and unhealthy skin. The repertorisation indicated: Graph .Complete
restoration of sense of smell in a month.
2. 13 yr. old boy who had convulsion during birth, suffered from second year from attacks of
epilepsy which lasted a minute. Retarded growth; anti- convulsives given. General symptoms
elicited were not interesting nevertheless the symptom "laughing during convulsions" was
peculiar. The question regarding reaction to music lead to the choice of Graph., as the child was
very sensitive to music. After this medicine, complete disappearance of the fits.
Menou, J; CATHERS GROUPEMENT HAHNEMANNIEN (1981) 19:339--340.
Girl of 11 months with hydrocephalus, surgical intervention under consideration. The
child does not react to environment. The family thought fit to consult homoeopathy, Repertory:
Apis, Calc., and Sil. in CH 7 each one dose in 10 days intervals with instructions to report each
time. Apis did not produce results From Calc came drainage of the fluid. 8 days later the child
could see something. Because of the progressive improvement under Calc, with reduction of
circumference of the head the idea of surgical operation was abandoned as one did not hope for a
better result thereby. Though no question of cure, the social life of the child has been improved.
-------------------
Seror, Robert: HECLA LAVAMONTIS : CLINIQUE ET PATHOCENISIE: L,
HOEMOP.FRANC (1982) 70: 577—598.
The author perceives in the 'genius' of this medicine the similie for spur in the heels .The
first patient treated, 50 yrs came with the sensation as if he was standing on something pointed
and the pain come after a long walk. The second patient is 70 yrs. and complained of pain in the
heels when he moved on feet; later this prevented him from long walks. In both the cases the two
typical conditions indicated were confirmed by x-rays. Hecl. 4CH thrice a day 2 glob. [v3-18]
every 4 to 5 days for a period of 5--6 months with instructions to stop when improvement set in.
In the 10% in which cure did not commence, a further Hecl, 4 CH trit, twice a day every 5 to 7
days for some months, gave the desired results. In the appropriate constitutions Calc.p., Aur-m.,
should follow as indicated.
[From the ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLASSSICHE HOMOEPATHIE AND
ARZNEIPOTENZIERUNG V0l.27, No.2/1983 -March--April ;for private communication only.
Clinical results of HECLA LAVA in spurr in heels may kindly be communicated.K.S.S]
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1.6 A CASE OF CROTALUS HORRIDUS; by H.Leers
A 58 yrs old man came on 23.12.1980 with following complaints chronic offensive
secretions from the left ear, dull occipital pain. worse after a glass of beer or wine, attacks of
weakness, vertigo , stitching heart pains extending to left arm, fullness after eating, pressure
upper right abdomen, so that the pant and the bed-sheets caused inconvenience. The ear
discharge has been in existence since 38th year the heart since 28th yr.
Past history: 1943, injury with perforation both eardrums and splinter in lt. ear which
despite its removal continuously discharging pus. Since August 2980 lt. facial paralysis
Acknowledged war sufferings.
Findings: Offensive thin exudate from the lt. ear, lt. facial paralysis with incomplete
closing of the lids, tongue trembles when protruded; blood pressure fluctuated between 105 and
120 systolic. Liver swollen Tympanic rt. upper. Cold forefoot both sides (constipation) varicose
veins. General muscular rheumatism.
Because of Lycopodium symptoms the patient was given as constitutional medicine a
dose of D200 and again on 16.1.1981. The headaches had almost gone on 20.2.1981. The ear not
improved even by Naja D12. Repertorisation: predominant local symptoms: "ear discharge
offensive" "tongue trembles", "facial paralysis”.” alcohol agg.," "heart pains ext. to lt. arm",
"pulse alternate very much" and "abdomen sensitive to dress" . Only remedy covering all is Crot-
h. It also "septic processes” and debility. With LM XII, 5 drops daily for 8 days then twice a
week, the ear discharge was clearly decreased, lids closure complete. Since 11-4-1981 to date the
ear remains dry.
[From the KH Sept, Oct 5/ 1983 for private communication only]
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1.7 PARTS PER MILLION--The minimum dose--with special reference
to Selenium:
by V. S. Shuttleworth, MBBS., MRCS.,LRCP.
Trying to visualize a million is difficult. In Homoeopathic terms, remember 6x or 3c is a
dilution of one in a million. On the metric system, one microgram is a millionth part af a gram. It
was thinking in terms of parts per million that logically led me to have faith that homoeopathy
was no so unbelievable.
It was in July 1945 when we were in Hong Kong to start the evacuation of the POW. One
afternoon a middle aged white woman dressed in a faded Cotton with gross oedema of both came
to me. Flash diagnosis----wet beri beri. She was non communicative, surly simmering with
resentment, and said she wanted something for her legs. She got one single 3 mg. thiamine
(aneurine hydrochloride) tablet. I only had five left, and had been keeping them in reserve for the
Sister Superior of the local Convent.
A few days later, this woman reappeared. She was smiling, agreeable, grateful, and
gracious; a totally different person I gave 2 more tablets of my precious vitamin B1 and never
saw her again. This experience was a watershed. From that moment I questioned the official
dose of everything became a half dose man". I reduced the number dispensed. After taking up
homoeopathy, I actually prescribed for six months_ without using a single sleeping, tablet; not a
practical thing to do, but an interesting challenge. So, a result of my experience with, one POW,
my prescribing habits were radically altered. I did not hear about iatrogenic diseases until about
1971 and surprised that the problem existed as such.
The next milestone must have been in 1960. I was visiting a farm. In the kitchen on the
table I noticed a small slate blue cylindrical object, thumbnail in size. The farmer said "It's
cobalt". He explained that it was squirted down the sheep’s' throat and hoped that by its weight
and size it would settle in the reticulum for one year and slowly dissolve, thereby protecting the
sheep against cobalt deficiency. He added: "The vet thinks the cows and the sheep are cobalt
deficient”. This was a complete.[v3-20] A girl was of 18 months was an inveterate earth eater
and was subsequently found to have iron deficiency aneamia and achlorhydria. She had fickle
appetite and lived mainly on cow’s milk from the deficient cows. From the analogy of the
mineral deficient cows and calves licking walls and paint work I suggested quite speculatively
and not very seriously that the child might be cobalt deficient too. A chain reaction followed
culminating in the co-operation of the veterinary surgeon, a soil chemist and animal nutritionist
and myself. Within the limits of the laboratory facilities available at the time, we were able to
demonstrate cobalt deficiency in cows, sheep, hay and potatoes on the farm. The child was given
1 mg of cobaltous chloride a day in blackcurrant syrup. Within a week she stopped eating earth,
and at the end of the month was sleeping soundly, having previously suffered badly from
insomnia. Clinically we had hit the target, and as far as we knew we were the first in the world to
describe cobalt deficiency in human. The cobalt had no effect on the iron deficiency anaemia,
which resolved satisfactorily with iron fumarate during the second month.
Cobalt deficiency occurs in cattle and sheep when the amount of available cobalt is below
0.025 parts per million, or 1/10 of a part per million in dry hay.
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The recognized treatment of earth-eating "pica" children is by iron salts, a well-known
and established fact. Iron salts are contaminated with cobalt and other trace elements. Indeed, it
is difficult to manufacture analytically pure ferrous sulphate for laboratory work. I think that
explains the success of iron salts in treating pica.
For a year of two after this experience I experimented with micro doses of cobalt and
copper with some inconclusive results, and minor triumphs were interesting to me. Vitamin B12
contains 4% of cobalt. Cobalt deficient calf was given B12 injection 250 microgram and was
found to have brought about good improvement in its coat and I later found that B12 can
enhance the colour of human hair, particularly on the nape of the neck. Unfortunately it had no
effect on white or grey hair. However, it was useful in restoring flexibility to the finger and toe
nails in elderly people. Not important, but worth knowing, and not in the books:
Similar experiments with-Vitamin B12 injections in the pregnant ewes proved that the
lambs were 'protected against cobalt deficiency. I transferred' this knowledge to my antenatal
care and, by chance, one- patient 7/12 pregnant remarked that her varicose veins were not only
More comfortable, but had actually gone down a' bit after Vitamin B12 injections. I was able to
confirm this in other-patients. The next step was to treat piles, with 1000 micrograms of B12
once -a week for three weeks. Believe it-or-not, 90% of patients were relieved, and only half
came back-after a year for a second course. An incredibly cheap, effective and convenient
treatment. At this stage of microgram treatment I had become homoeopathic without knowing it.
Now, nearly 20 years later my experiences with trace elements have turned full circle with an
enthusiasm for selenium. Cobalt, Copper and Selenium deficiencies are inter linked because they
generally occur in same soil.
My interest in selenium came by chance. A substantial number of animal experiments
have demonstrated the protective effect of selenium in cancer. In fact, scientific opinion seems to
range from the enthusiastic assumption that selenium is the breakthrough of the century, down to
a grudging admission that there is a link between selenium and cancer. There is an inverse ration
between selenium in the soil and cancer morbidity. Low selenium correlates with higher cancer
rates.
This year I have been treating selected patients with Selenium in potency, based on the
clues provided by the animal nutrition research. Very briefly I will relate the essence of cases
that show positive results.
SELENIUM AND CANCER:
1. Patient 5 years after a mastectomy, a secondary in the lung and large pleural effusion.
Presenting symptom an irritating cough. She is being treated with Tamoxifen. On her own
initiative she takes 1000 units of vitamin E daily and one tablet of Selenium 8x a day. The
effusion has cleared in 12 months. The secondary deposit is unchanged. Feels very well.
2. Patient had a lung cancer removed 2 years ago. Felt vaguely unwell, chesty and
apprehensive about himself. Tab Selenium 8x daily restored his appetite and well-being quite
quickly. When he finally, reported progress, he said he had constructed two flower beds, and felt
"euphoric”. He takes an occasional Selenium 8x tablet and remains well.
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3. Patient in the terminal stages of ovarian cancer with secondaries and weight 5 stone.
For the last 6 months of her life she had been admitted to hospital once a month for cytotoxic
drug therapy. This made her vomit for 3 weeks, and she had barely recovered when she was due
to start the cycle again. Tab. Selenium 8x stopped the vomiting in a few days, and her vitality
improved to the point that she could hold a newspaper, or a book, and enjoy reading. Regrettably
she died in six weeks.
This patient was one of three unmarried sisters, two of whom have died from cancer.
They led a unique and cloistered life, living on the farm, and off farm, produce completely, all
their lives. This farm is in the selenium-deficient area Was it a coincidence that two women
apparently living an ideal, simple, survival, back to nature type of life should have cancer?
SELENIUM AND HEPATITIS: An elderly patient was still icteric after hospital treatment for
infectious hepatitis, and feeling very weak etc. She had been told the condition might vary for a
year before recovered. Within a few days of taking Selenium 8x daily she felt more energetic,
and walked a few yards from the front door to the garden gate and back. This, she related as an
achievement. The jaundice steadily disappeared and she thought she had recovered. Within a
few weeks she detected a relapse--stools pale. She took more Selenium and this time she
recovered completely. She also combined her Selenium with vitamin E, 100 units a day.
SELENIUM AND ALLERGIES: Strangely, effective in children, but not so successful in adults.
I find myself in danger of using it as a "homoeopathic antihistamine", because the reults are
comparable, and it’s all too easy.
Case. Small boy has asthma and hay fever--responded quite well to House Dust Mite nosode,
Medorrhinum, Calc.phos., Euphrasia, etc. but treatment was a continuous struggle, and
unsatisfactory to me.
Selenium cleared his eye irritation and stopped his asthma, and he put on muscle bulk.
Even more strangely, for the first time in his 8 years, he developed a handsome sun-tan, without
burning. Photographic enthusiasts will appreciate the connection between selenium photo-
electric cells and light. Perhaps we have a treatment here for vitiligo and solar dermatitis, end
even freckles. He maintains excellent health on periodic 5-day courses of Selenium. My dosage
schedule has settled to one Tab. Selenium 8 x a day for 5 days, then rest from treatment for 5
days and repeat; principally because Selenium does cause aggravations. The choice of Selenium
8x was simply due to its availability and I am told higher potencies are definitely contra-
indicated in cancer patients.
[From the BRITISH HOMOEOPATHIC JOURNAL, Vol.73, No.1, Jan.1984; slightly
condensed; for private communication only.--Very valuable practical tips are available in this
article. Kindly communicate clinical experiences with Cobalt and Selenium--K.S.S.]
WHAT IS THE CURE
[From the Editorial of the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN. INSTITUTE OF
HOMOEOPATHY, Vol.77, No.3/1984]
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Year 1986
21 / 116
The Editor had the privilege to meet and talk with Dr.Jacques Imberechts. Dr.Imberechts
has his H.Q. in Belgium. Dr.Imberechts trained as a pathologist became a classical homoeopath.
He is a best known teacher in the world today in homoeopathy. Discussing “what is to be
perceived to be cured in a given patient - Organon Para (2)" Dr.Imberechts said that after the
entire anamnesis had been made, the physical examination done, the laboratory tests received
and a pathological diagnosis arrived at, the physician came face to face with the objectives of
treatment.
What, with this particular patient, is my goal? He must ask himself. Am I interested in (i)
palliation? (ii) Cure? (iii) Substitution? Or (iv) suppression? And one might add (unfortunately)
Do I know the difference?
Many of us cajole ourselves into thinking we are bringing about cure when in reality all
we are doing is watching symptoms recede into some murky background. To try for core means
to see so deeply into the patient’s illness that one can discern the obstacles to cure. And what are
these obstacles?
*Repeated exposure to an unknown allergen, e.g. the patient who is allergic to wheat and
may not know it and keeps eating wheat, thereby antidoting his remedies.
*Working in a noxious atmosphere, i.e., a coal mine, where the lungs are compromised.
*Living with a cruel, abusive partner who takes a perverse delight in beating the patient.
*The patient who never got enough quality love as a child and youngster having grown
up in an orphanage.
*Psora.
*Sycosis.
*Syphilis.
The physician must deal with these obstacles to cure. He must see to it that his patient
avoids wheat, gets out of the mine, leaves the abusive partner, and learns how to love himself
with sufficient intensity so that the emotionally deprived childhood can be forgotten.
The physician must recognize the miasms and treat with anti-Psorics, anti-sycotics and
anti-syphilitics--and do so in the proper order.
So going in for cure is a VERY big deal. Palliation is giving relief WITHOUT the
illusion of cure. Substitution is using homoeopathic medicines in place of allopathic drug: in
order to provide relief. And suppression is getting rid of certain symptoms only to watch worse
ones manifest later on. At the very least, Imberechts pointed out, we can try to be aware of what
we are doing. Imberechts ended by orging the physician to ask himself another three questions
PRIOR to instituting therapy:
Is what I am about to do useful?
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Is what I am about to do necessary?
Is what I am about to do being done in a spirit of goodwill with the patient's best interest
at least? "If the answer is not 'yes' for all three questions" said Imberechts,"then give
sac.lac."
[Abstract from the 'Guest Editorial' of the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF
HOMOEOPATHY, Vol.uu, No.4, December 1984]
[Presented by Dr.Henry N.Williams, M.D. before the Southern *************
Englewood, Ohio.]
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1.8 SELENIUM
by V.S.Shuttleworth, MBBS, MRCS, LRCP.
Selenium deficiency: white muscle disease: Selenium is a trace element in human and animal
nutrition. In all trace element deficiency diseases the threshold between sufficiency levels is in
the soil, and inadequate, or deficiency levels, only amounts to 2--3 parts per million. The level
for adequate availability for selenium is thought to be 3 ppm. One ppm is inadequate, and leads
to deficiency states. Too much selenium, 5--20 ppm, causes toxic disease and death in horse and
cattle.
Selenium deficiency in lambs: The commonest symptom of selenium deficiency in lambs is
limp, particularly affecting one or both, hind legs. As the animals hobble along, the impression is
given that the effected leg is "frosen". The animals to observe are those that are loath to move,
tardy when moving, or definitely limping. The limp is caused by a degeneration of blocks of
muscle, the cut surfaces of which are white to the naked eye, hence the name white muscle
disease. Microscopically, the muscle fibres are collapsed and degenerate.
Cardiomyopathy, causing sudden death in apparently healthy lambs, is quite common in a
deficient flock, and can account for a 6% death rate in some years. Supplements of sodium
selenite given to pregnant ewes can prevent the disease in lambs. The protection is temporary,
lasting a few weeks only.
Selenium deficiency in horses:
White Muscle Disease occurs, in horses grazing a deficient land. In race horses the symptoms are
detected earlier because of the extreme efficiency end fitness demanded by training. A common
clue is liability of the horse to kick itself, or unaccountably to sprain an ankle. Weakness in
hamstring or shoulder muscles. Clinically the symptoms are relieved in a few days by selenium
supplements, although it is obvious that regeneration of muscle, and scarring end fibrosis, must
take several weeks.
Selenium deficiency in humans--Keshan disease: The most interesting reports are from China,
where a cardiomyopathy in children and young women can be prevented by sodium selenite
supplements. The common clinical signs of the disease are gallop rhythm, heart failure, [v3-26]
abnormal ECG recordings and enlarged heart. It is not claimed that selenium deficiency is the
sole and absolute cause of the myopathy, but the association is very strong. Sodium selenite
supplement definitely decreased the morbidity and improved the prognosis, e.g. out of 21 cases
in the supplemented group, 3 died and one became chronic. The selenium content of human hair,
maize, beans and sweet potatoes was always found to be reduced in the Keshan endemic areas.
Invariably so when the selenium content of hair was below 0.12 ppm (unaffected areas--hair
content 0.2 ppm).
Antidoting deficient in animals: The assessment of a slow-release depot injection which will
maintain normal selenium blood levels for months on end is proceeding in the field. Sea fish are
e convenient source of selenium. Another source of trace elements, including selenium, is kelp,
preferably harvested from unpolluted are seas.
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Homoeopathic selenium: Normally used in low potency. The main indication is muscular
weakness, very remarkable observation when one considers that modern research is just coming
to grips with white muscle disease. Selenium is recommended in alopecia secondary to skin
disease of the scalp, e.g. seborrhoeic dermatitis; not necessarily alopecia areata. The atomic
relationship to tellurium and sulphur makes this understandable. Obviously a remarkable
opportunity exists to test homoeopathic selenium against sodium selenite or other compounds.
Association with vitamin E: Selenium is, known to be an essential component of glutathione
peroxidase, an enzyme that protects cell walls. Vitamin E has the same protective property, but a
different mechanism--hence the common use of the selenium compounds and Vitamin E together
in veterinary practice.
Possible clinical uses: In toxicity due to cytotoxic drugs, or heavy metals. Protection of cell
membranes following coronary thrombosis, multiple and in chronic degenerative disease such as
multiple sclerosis. Selenium deficiency, with or without Vitamin E may possibly contribute to
some cot deaths.
[From the BRITISH JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY, Vol.72, No.2, April 1983; Slightly
condensed; Private communication only--Dr.K.S.S.]
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Year 1986
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1.9 MANY ARE THE PATS ASCENDING IN THE SHADOW BUT FROM
THE WUMMIT ALL SEE THE SELF SAME MOON.
A Zen Buddhist statement has been with me many years and like many such meditative words
opens up unexpected vistas when held in the mind's eye:
The apparent proliferation of methods of prescribing homoeopathic remedies over the last
few years makes me think of paths to the goal of alleviation of the patient's illness. Our success
is in direct proportion to our optimism, single-mindedness and willingness to study, A good
proportion of our patients come to us after multiple previous attempts to help them have failed.
Without the faith that homoeopathy can cure where other methods have failed, we will not be
successful. We must take time to hear the patient out then to probe for clarification of the
symptoms chronological relationships and possible causes of acute and chronic illness in the
mental, emotional and physical spheres. Homoeopathy only reveals its deepest secrets to those
disciples who prove their devotion.
For homoeopathy, like any other branch of science and art cannot be learned in a course
but is an expanding field of universal proportions. No one knows it all. It is only by continue,
study and a desire to better our approach and understanding that we can increase our success rate
and satisfaction. Part of this is remaining open to the suggestions, experience and sights of
others. Today we have a growing interest in the so-called 'classical Kentian' methods taught by
George Vithoulkas, William Gray and many others. This year for the first time approach of
Dr.Eizayaga of Buenos Aires was taught as a variation in the classical approach He advises using
lower potencies and treating the acute condition as separate from the chronic--an approach taught
by Dr.Hubbard and Dr.Sutherland. There has been an increase in the use of the 50 millesimal
potencies. I personally am finding these potencies helpful in selected cases where the simillimum
is clear but where the decimal and centesimal potencies are not effective. We must also hear in
mind that it has been the sale of combinations which has kept afloat a number of homoeopathic
manufacturing pharmacies during the past lean decades. The use of combinations the Schuessler
cell salts, and the Bach flower remedies have brought [v3-28] many lay people and some
physicians to homoeopathy.
I have found three areas where I have had great difficulty in satisfactory results more than 50%
of the time. One is in the area of mental illness. If the disturbance has become so deep that it
affects the mental level, then to relieve it may cause a major disturbance in the emotional and
physical realms. Vithoulkas has quoted a case where he was persuaded, against his best
judgment, to prescribe for a family’s schizophrenic son. He did so and the boy became rational.
But he then developed tuberculosis of a fulminating type that would not respond to treatment,
and the boy died. Thus in the treatment of deep seated mental conditions we as practitioners are
between Seyella and Charybids. Another area is in deep degenerative diseases of the nervous
system such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Scheloris (MS) The third
category is the group of patients who come in with set patterns of though--fixed delusional ideas
concerning their own illness. In conclusion I would like to stress that in my experience there are
areas of illness where homoeopathy usually so universally successful meets real problems. Here
we may find professional colleagues in other areas helpful in elucidating metabolic problem and
possible treatment.
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MANY ARE THE PATHS ASCENDING IN SHADOW BUT FROM THE SUMMIT
ALL SEE THE SELF-SAME MOON.
ACUTE MEDICINE
Case1: One year male dog: inordinate desire for affection very gentle worse beat aversion to
fatty foods, esp. butter. One dose Pulsatilla 200. Within 2 days the dog became very nervous and
anxious disobeyed previously well-known commands and howled incessantly even during sleep.
This continued for 1 week than a profuse ocular discharge appeared which lasted 24 hrs. 2 to 3
days later the dog’s feet appeared sore and upon examination the large foot pads were sloughing.
The toe pads were normal. The foot pain became so intense that for 24 hr, period the animal
could not stand. Full recovery occurred within 5 days of that. The dog has been perfectly healthy
for 5 years now. He has had only one to two fleas per year has not been wormed and his coat is
beautiful. Although he has undergone 3 general anesthetics [v3-29] for trauma repair, his level of
health has not decreased. He is exuberant and happy, but still craves attention. I feel this case
demonstrates several facets of homoeopathy:
1. Anyone who saw this animal before and after Pulsatilla could not deny that homoeopathic
remedies act.
2. Constitutional prescribing is occasionally possible in animals
3. Hering’s law is valid in animals.
4. High potencies can produce severe reactions in animals
Robert A. Anderson, DVM
Case 2: 36 yr. old woman: "bladder infection for past 6 weeks. All symptoms, she said, were
worse in the morning on waking. These were "calding" in the urethra throughout the act of
micturition; frequency about once an hour; urging. Pain in both flanks, worse night. Restless
night. Urine sent for analysis. She was started in the meantime, on Ampicillin as that was her
wish Next day urinalysis came negative. Ampicillin was stopped and a fuller history taken: She
had been experience lower physical energy since the onset of her urinary symptoms in August.
No explanation as to why it began at that time. In May 1984 her mother had died unexpectedly
following surgery for brain tumor. In August her father announced he was remarrying, which
triggered a quarrel between her father and brother. She felt herself in the middle of this most
unpleasant quarrel and her urinary symptoms began about this time--"when my brother was
everyday complaining about our father."
Other symptoms: Photophobia (1); sun headache (old); weakness from sun exposure (old);-
decreased appetite for past 6 weeks; aggravation from the summer heat(new); increased 'thirst for
tap water and a recent awareness that salty foods '"taste too salty". She said that she had sighed a
lot soon after her mother's death but that it had ceased. Now, however, she said, “I have been
breathing high in my chest." prescription: Nat.mur 30 twice daily. Follow up, 4 days later: Felt
much better for the first 3 days, but 4th day "agitated". Wanting to go outside to walk to relieve
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this restlessness agitation. Advised to stop the remedy. Two days thereafter: A day after stopping
the medicine she awoke feeling happy. The urinary symptoms however were worse but only for
[v3-30] a few hours. Today they were gone 90%. Appetite returned last night. No longer
breathing high in her chest and no photophobia. Discussion: This case is unusual in that she had
symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection (urging, frequency, burning yet had no
infection. Her bladder was the recipient of her grief and stress. As such it was the targer organ of
her psychic upset. But why the urinary bladder urethra? At the follow up interview she suddenly
exclaimed,"I know why it’s my bladder! When I was 6 yrs old I was hospitalised for a kidney
infection. I remember they waited until my mother had left for the day and then they catheterized
me. It was simply horrible. I’ll never forget how upsetting it was."
Case 3: 17 Oct.84: For the previous 2 months this 38 yr.old woman had been visiting doctors. In
early August she developed a bladder infection for which she received antibiotics. The sequela: a
vaginal yeast infection for which she was prescribed an anti-fungal agent. Throughout the
summer she complained of feeling tired and gaining weight uncontrollably. She went to a D.O.
who ran thyroid function tests and placed her on 3 grains of thyroid a day. She was also given an
appetite suppressant. She felt okay for about 3 weeks on this regimen and then developed
dizziness headaches and weakness which symptom she still complains of. The vertigo and head
aches began around labor Day together with hot flashes. She went to another D.O. who told her
she had the flu and gave her a shot. Her symptoms continued to worsen. She went to one of
Presbyterian Hospital Urgent Carecentres and was told she had a possible goitre and referred to
an internist. The internist said her ESR was31 (very slightly elevated). He heard a heart murmur
and an abnormal sound in her rt. carotid artery.
As for the dizziness he suggested she see an ENT specialist which she accordingly did.
This M.D .said her problem was in her temperomandibular joints and placed her on the steroid
Dexamethasone 75mg daily. Not only did she improve but she developed some numbness in her
rt.arm. The numbness lasted about 2 minutes and was followed by some tingling in her lt.arm.
The dizziness she said was more a wooziness than a true vertigo. It came on in bed in the
mornings and continued on rising. It was constant. "I feel my head is too big for my body".
When walking, she feels she is leaning to the lt. Also had had some pain the neck for which she
went to a chiropractor. "He didn't help, but it's going away by itself".
In June, her daughter was about to deliver and nearly died from toxemia of pregnancy. A
child was born but only lived 9 days. She experienced great grief over her daughter's near death
and the death of the grandchild. "Right after that I started getting sick" she said. Averse to salty
foods (2), milk (1), meat (1), sweets (1), fat (1), eggs (1) and raw oysters (2).
Desires: hot spicy (2); lemon & lime (1), bananas (1) and fried foods (1).
Thirst is slight. Prefers cold drinks.
Cold-natured (1), Cold air agg. (1), Stuffy rooms agg.
Said she had been sighing a lot. (Note: I did not observe this)
Her whole body tends to get hot under an electric blanket and she will stick her feet out.
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Sensitive to criticism (1). "I cry, but I don't let anybody see me," she said. "I cry when I'm
angry." Wants to be left alone when upset. (1). Most people do not discern how sensitive she is,
"I keep; everything inside," she said.
Bears a grudge, (1),"I get even," she said.
Married three times. Divorced from first two husbands.
Prescription: Natr.nur:200 at bed-time for two nights.
22 Oct.84: The day after the remedy, she became very short of breath, a new symptom. This
lasted about 3 hours and' ceased.
The second day she felt worse--very dizzy and nauseated. It lasted the whole day. Since
then, doing much better "....almost 100% better." "I 'm emotionally much better". No dizziness,
no headaches, no numbness or tingling. Less cold; still sticks feet out from under blanket at
night. Less depressed; still sighed.
Case 4: Patient, a long-standing asthmatic, had done very well in the past on Calcarea
phosphorica, prescribed infrequently, currently she complains of low physical energy, irregular
menses difficulty falling asleep and a constant cough.
On waking in the morning she feels very tired. "I drag and it lasts until early afternoon," she said.
Yet she cannot go to bed before 1--2 as she doesn’t feel tired before then, Her cough is her main
problem. It is an 'asthmatic cough' worse on rising at 7-8 a.m. When she uses her Medihaler
(isoproterenol) .Cough is worse cold air, worse between 11a.m. and 1 a.m. better warm drinks.
Larynx is sensitive to touch.
Exhaustion and heaviness of the body from slight exertion. Hot flushes on the anterior chest from
time to time.
Sensation of rawness deep in the bronchial tubes. The upper anterior chest hurts, extending to the
back.
Expectoration is profuse and brown. Her air passages feel "caked'. Occasionally she wakes in the
night frightened feeling suffocated. “I don’t feel I can breathe,” she said "I am not getting any
air"
Physical examination, auscultation of the lungs revealed slight expiratory wheezes. Prescription:
Spongia 30 every 4 hrs.
Follow up: 2 days later: shortly after beginning the remedy she began to improve . No need to
use the inhaler. Energy excellent. Sleep is good. No flashes in the anterior chest.
Follow up one month later; Respiratory problem has not reappeared. Menses were late and she
had premenstrual symptoms.
[From the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY, vol.77, No.4,
December 1984]
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2 QHD, Vol.III, No.2, March 1986
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2.1 THE USE AND ABUSE OF NOSODES IN HOMEOPATHIC
TREATMENT M.E.HARLING, B.K., B.CH., M.F.HOM.
HOW SHOULD NOSODES BE USED?
All writers on this subject are agreed that there is only one homoeopathic way of using
nosodes and that is homeopathically i.e.by proving them on healthy subject and then using these
provings to treat similar symptoms in sick patients. All of the great nosodes have been proved
and can in theory be used in this way which is no different that a disease is a natural drug picture
of its nosodes and this is taken into account as well as the provings.
In practice nosodes are not given to treat acute attacks of the disease from which they are
derived but they can be given for similar acute conditions e.g. DIPHIHERINUM for a sore throat
with fever white patches on the fauces, swollen neck and offensive breath or PYROGEN in
septicaemia when there is a high temperature with a slow pulse rate or vice versa or
ANTHRACINUM for carbuncles.
They may also be given as constitutional remedies in chronic disease. For instance where
a patient appears to need SULPHUR but is inordinately chilly and hungry one would think of
PSORUINUM especially if he feels particularly well before an exacerbation of his complaint.
In addition to their true homoeopathic use nosodes are also prescribed,
1. Where there is a past history of some complaint which may have a bearing on the present
illness. Thus in the case of a patient whose upper respiratory catarrh dated back to an attack of
measles, one would give a dose of MORBILLNUM.
2. Where there is a family history of illness, especially syphilis, tuberculosis or cancer.
CASE: A lady of 61 consulted me for misshapen finger nails which she had had for 18 years. A
fungus infection had been diagnosed, but the nail had not responded to anti-fungal treatment. She
told me that her father had died of loco-motor ataxia, and that her nail condition had appeared in
the year before his death. I gave her several apparently indicated remedies, but it was not until
she had a dose of LUETICUM 30 that the nails began to improve, and six months later they were
perfect with the exception of the one thumb. I saw her intermittently over the next five years,
illness and emotional stress would cause the nails to deteriorate, but LUETICUM always put
them right.
3. PROTHYLAXIS. Although there is no scientific evidence that nosodes confer immunity they
are sometimes given during an epidemic to patients at risk. The commonest example of this
practice is the use of Nelsons Common Cold and Influenza virus A several strains, B, and 1918
with Bacillinum, all in the 30 potency. It is brought up to date whenever a new strain appears,
and in my experience it seems to have protected many patients with previously bad records of
colds and flu.
4. The late Dr.Leon Vannier of Paris recommended that expectant mothers should receive
monthly doses of the major nosodes, to insure that their children would be born free of miasms. I
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have only recently persuaded one English patient undergo this procedure, and am not yet in a
position to describe results.
This is not prophylaxis so much as Constitutional Treatment in the French style a subject which
demands a lecture on its own .Very briefly the French School divides humanity into three basis
constitutional types, Carbonique, Sulfurique and Phosphorique corresponding roughly to
Sheldon’s Endomorphs, Mesomorphs and Ectomorphs and each subject to a predominant miasm,
Sycosis, Psora and Tuberculosis respectively. There is a fourth pathological constitution the
Fluorique or Sphyliptic which may be super imposed on any of the other three.
Treatment is given within this structure, and the nosodes are very important, being regarded as
leading or key remedies. However, that French authors stress the primacy importance of
homoeopathic similitude and the Materia Medica.
5. The Bowel Nosodes represent the most scientific clinical study yet made in Homoeopathy.
6. Lastly autogenous therapy, the practice of treating a patient with a potency of his own
pathological material (sputum, pus, blood, urine, etc.). It could be said that this is isotherapy, and
not Homoeopathy; but the best people, including Hahnemann, argue that potentization alters a
substance so that the potency becomes similar to, and not identical with, the original source.
My first experience with autogenous therapy was traumatic. It concerned a boy of five
years with recurrent tonsillitis. BELLADONNA cured the attacks, but they continued to recur, so
at my suggestion he was taken to see homoeopathic paediatrician, who gave a dose of
CARCINOSIN 200. A few days later he developed the worst attack of tonsillitis of his life, and
his mother insisted that something else should be done. I was fairly new to Homoeopathy then,
and less than confident, so I took a throat swab and sent it off for preparation of an autogenous
nosode. By the time it came he had of course recovered, and he only had two very minor sore
throats in the next twelve year.
That was the end of autogenous therapy for me until I heard a very straight forward talk
by Dr. Runcie at the British Homoeopathic Congress in Glasgow in 1967.' He reported
remarkable results with a do-it-yourself formula involving tap-water a ½-oz bottle, and S.V.R.
When I got home I tried it out on the next suitable case, who happened to be a lady of[v3-36]66
with chronic sinusitis which improved but did not clear with HEPAR SULP. She has taken a pill
of autogenous nasal secretion (approximately) 30 every fortnight during the winter for five years
now, and when we come to the last pill in the bottle we repotentize it. A lot of other things have
happened to her, but her sinus has remained painless.
I should now like to tell you of some personal impressions of the major nosodes:
PSORINUM:
The best modern equivalent of the word Psora is allergy. (This incidentally would confirm the
source material of the nosode, for what is a scabies vesicle but an allergic reaction to the acarus?
In Hahnemann's day scabies was considered to be a venereal disease.)
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The drug picture of PSORINUM is sometimes described as a "chilly SULPHUR". I think
of it as a mixture of SULPHUR, SILICEA, HEPAR SULPH and AURUM. The patient is very
like SULPHUR, but he feels the cold intensely, is probably even dirtier and more depressed, with
despair of recovery, has a voracious appetite, and often experiences a feeling of extra well-being
just before an attack of his complaint, whatever it is.
In private practice one does not see many typical PSORINUM patients, and yet the
remedy is often used, for instance in hay fever in clean, tidy, well-dressed