Homeopathy for Holidays
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, but sometimes they can also be stressful, especially if one has to spend a lot of time with family members or if traveling to a foreign country.
Holiday gatherings often involve overindulging in too much food and alcohol. To soothe or avoid a hangover, take Nux Vomica 30C the night of the event before bed, and again three times per day on the day after the event.
After overindulgence in too much sweet and/or fatty foods, take Pulsatilla 30C, one dose before bed that same night and a few doses the day after the event.
Food poisoning can be common during the holidays, whether the culprit is foreign food or holiday party food. The most common remedy for food poisoning is Arsenicum 30C. For an acute case, take the remedy as often as every half hour for 3 doses. The day after food poisoning, repeat the remedy three times throughout the day.
Holiday shopping, hosting holiday parties and seeing long-lost relatives can often lead to a feeling of anxiety. For anticipatory anxiety with much weakness and trembling, try Gelsemium 30C, taken a few times during the day of the event. For over-excitement with insomnia, a dose of Coffea 30C can help (this remedy could be especially beneficial for kids who are having trouble sleeping due to excitement and anticipation during the holidays).
Ignatia 30C, a common remedy for grief, can be taken a few times throughout the day; Ignatia can be helpful for somebody who is missing a loved one over the holiday season. For exhaustion and sleep deprivation, try Cocculus 30C taken a few times throughout the day. If you are feeling angry and resentful of relatives but are too polite to express your thoughts, try a few doses throughout the day of Staphysagria 30C.
Another remedy that generally alleviates stress and anxiety is Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. It can be taken a few times per day during the duration of your holiday, as needed.
Vacationing Overseas
To avoid jet lag, take a dose of Arnica 30C before departure, and a few doses the day of arrival.
For fear of flying, take Gelsemium 30C if there is a lot of weakness and trembling, or Aconite 30C if there is extreme fear and panic. Take a dose before the flight, and a few doses of the indicated remedy during the flight.
Interested in the homeopathic prevention of disease during your next vacation? Read more about Travel Homeoprophylaxis
New Mandatory Flu Shot Policy for BC Healthcare Workers is a Tyrannical Violation of Human Rights
On December 1, 2012, all health care workers in BC will be forced to get a flu shot, or wear a mask while at work. Health care workers are also expected to wear a distinctive badge indicating they’ve had the shot. The BC Nurses’ Union has filed a grievance against the policy because they question the credibility of the studies used to justify it.
The Cochrane Collaboration is a not-for-profit international network of researchers, practitioners and consumers who prepare and update systematic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions. Based upon systematic reviews of 274 influenza vaccine studies between 1948 and 2007, the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that vaccines have a weak or non existent evidence base against influenza. Conclusions favourable to the use of influenza vaccines were associated with lower quality studies and industry funded (biased) studies.
When asked about the new policy, Dr. Jefferson of the Cochrane Collaboration wrote: “It is not my place to judge the policies underway in British Columbia, but coercion and forcing public ridicule on human beings (for example by forcing them to wear distinctive badges or clothing) is usually the practice of tyrants.”
References
Cochrane Review of Flu Vaccine not as Definitive as Health Officer Suggests by Dr. Tom Jefferson
Flu Shot Policy for Health-Care Workers Sparks Backlash by Rod Mickleburg
Influenzae Reviewer, Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group
and Cochrane Vaccines Field by Dr. Tom Jefferson
Nurses Demand Withdrawal of Coercive Flu Shot Policy by BC Nurses Union
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
By Ronald D. Whitmont, M.D.
Classical Homeopathic Physician
A- Demographics
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a fairly common illness in the United States today. An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from recurrent heartburn, and when it happens at least twice weekly it is designated GERD.[1] This condition has many causes, but perhaps most common is error of diet and lifestyle.
There are many symptoms of GERD including heartburn, acid indigestion, reflux, chest pain, abdominal pain, foul taste in the mouth, regurgitation, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma and sinusitis.
Conventional management of GERD typically requires long-term drug therapy that ultimately fails to control the symptoms. Treatment can cause significant long-term side effects including osteoporosis and infections. Most cases of GERD can be cured through a simple program modifying lifestyle, diet and exercise coupled with classical homeopathic treatment.
B- Causes
Reflux into the esophagus is a natural phenomenon that affects everyone on occasion. GERD is the frequent occurrence of the backward motion of stomach acids (and sometimes bile) through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and into the esophagus. The LES is the mechanical, circular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. GERD is much more common in cases of chronic disease, obesity, pregnancy as well as in smokers.
C- Physiology
The stomach relies on acid to initiate the digestive process to break foods apart. Acidification is essential for proper enzyme action and absorption but it also appears to play an important role in activating the immune system.
Stomach acid is one of the body’s first lines of defense against many infectious organisms. Acid inactivates most bacteria, viruses and fungi, preventing them from causing infections of the GI and respiratory tracts. Dysfunction of the acid barrier can lead to a cascade of events that not only alters nutritional status, but also affects immune integrity, allergy and hypersensitivity.
D- Treatment of GERD
1- Conventional Treatment
- a. Medications
The main components of conventional treatment are drugs that either neutralize acid (antacids), suppress acid production (H2Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors) or stimulate motility in the stomach. The short-term effect of these interventions provides temporary relief of GERD symptoms in about 68% of patients.[2] These medications were never intended for long-term use, particularly since their side effects can be significant.[3]
When acid production is initially suppressed, the body rapidly endeavors to restore it. Over time, the body ultimately overcomes most of the effects of these drugs and restores some acid production. The end result of this interplay between drugs and the body is that the efficacy of these suppressive medicines is reduced and more medications are needed to produce the same level of symptom relief. Stronger medicines, combination drugs or simply more frequent dosing is required to achieve the same level of symptom suppression.
Long-term side effects of acid suppression therapy include osteoporosis, hip fractures, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and infections.[4] Since stomach acid is essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients, long-term suppression will cause deficiency states. This is particularly true for calcium and vitamin B12, which rely on the presence of an acid environment for proper absorption.
Another long-term effect of acid suppression therapy is increased frequency of respiratory tract infections including sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Since the acid environment inside the stomach is one of the first lines of immune defense, it makes sense that once this chemical barrier is eliminated the door to infection swings wide open.
- b. Lifestyle modifications
Conventional wisdom advocates a series of seemingly logical, but ultimately irresponsible modifications of lifestyle that increase the risk of developing chronic GERD. These modifications include: raising the head of the bed at night, not lying down within 3 hours after eating, wearing only loose fitting clothing, eating only small and frequent meals, avoiding spicy foods, and eliminating the consumption of food in the evening before bed. Complying with these modifications actually weakens the LES and, over time, further reduces the chances of recovery from GERD. If a muscle or a sphincter like the LES is weak, then stressing it with exercise is one of the best ways to strengthen it. Avoiding exercise and eliminating stress will ultimately weaken the muscle more, leaving room for dependency on medications rather than cure.
Cold-Turkey withdrawal of these medications is usually associated with a significant worsening of symptoms. This, of course, encourages long-term adherence to these products and fosters the belief that this condition is incurable. The real reason why treatment withdrawal is so difficult is that the condition is actually made worse by these treatments!
GERD has also been found to be more common if the bacterium H.pylori has been eradicated from the stomach. When H.pylori is eliminated (through the use of antibiotics) there is an increased tendency to develop GERD and its associated complications.[5]
There is a known association between GERD and a condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus (BE). BE carries an increased risk of cancerous transformation of the esophagus and does require periodic monitoring by a gastroenterologist. GERD does not cause BE, nor does GERD cause cancer of the esophagus. One thing is certain: conventional medications do not reduce the incidence of cancerous transformation,[6] although the presence of H.pylori in the stomach does appear to act protectively against both the development of BE and cancer in the esophagus.[7]
2- Alternative Treatment
A combination of lifestyle changes can help strengthen the LES and promote a healthier digestive tract while lowering the incidence of GERD and other GI disturbances. Treatment involves dietary modification, supplementation, specific physical exercises and homeopathy. Smoking cessation and weight loss (if obese) offer universal benefit to most medical conditions including GERD.
- a. Dietary Modification
Refined carbohydrates have been found to directly contribute to the incidence of GERD. Elimination of refined sugars and highly processed foods, while substituting complex carbohydrates and whole grains significantly reduces the risk of GERD. Whole food based diets assist in preventing GERD.
A diet high in complex carbohydrates and low in simple sugars is helpful in maintaining LES integrity. Whole foods that include the skins of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds and foods with high fiber content in their natural state are beneficial. Highly processed and refined foods, low in fiber should be avoided altogether.
High fiber diets not only assist the LES, but they also stimulate gastric motility and peristalsis, leading to more rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestines. When food is emptied more rapidly from the stomach into the intestine, it is less likely to regurgitate backwards through the LES into the esophagus.
Eating meals slowly is also an effective means for reducing the risk of developing GERD, since gastric emptying can be outpaced by the process of overzealous eating and swallowing. Food may back up in the stomach and lead to regurgitation if it is consumed too rapidly without pause.[8]
There also appears to be evidence that consumption of spicy food including cayenne pepper reduces the symptoms of chronic indigestion and GERD. Capsaicin, a chemical in red peppers, can block nerve signals and lead to diminished pain sensation. Evidence suggests that spicy foods relieve symptoms of GERD, even though they don’t cure it.[9]
b. Supplementation
Several supplements have been found to be helpful in correcting GERD naturally without inducing the common side effects of conventional medications. It is important to understand that these supplements are not just milder, more natural forms of conventional therapies, which is so often the case with natural medicines, but they act differently in the GI tract, which makes them more effective. Because their mode of action is altogether different, they support the function of the stomach rather than erode it. They promote healing from GERD rather than prolongation of it.
Raw organic apple cider vinegar (1-2 teaspoons daily) is extremely effective in reducing the incidence of GERD. At first glance, the use of this supplement appears counter-intuitive, since vinegar is a weak acid (5% acidity). Supplementation with a weak acid in a hyperacidic situation is, by definition, “homeopathic”.[10] Adding a small amount of acid back into the system (in the form of vinegar) can strengthen the tone of the LES.
Supplementing with a variety of probiotics and a diet rich in probiotics reinforces this biological symbiosis and fortifies digestion.
- b. Exercise
Doing the proper exercises is extremely important to ensuring recovery from GERD. These exercises are primarily oriented toward strengthening and reinforcing the LES. Conventional treatments weaken the LES, but if the LES is stressed though the proper procedures it can recover function and end the cycle of GERD. The following exercises are recommended to strengthen both the LES and diaphragm and thus ensure the long-term recovery from GERD.
Since the diaphragm surrounds and augments the LES, and it is under voluntary control, it is the focus of most of these exercises. Strengthening the diaphragm involves the voluntary conscious exercise of “diaphragmatic breathing”. Diaphragmatic breathing means expanding the abdomen and forcing the abdominal muscles to relax while inhaling and doing the opposite, contracting the abdominal muscles and forcing the air out, while exhaling. Both inhalation and exhalation should be used actively and forcefully to alternately flex and relax the diaphragm. These techniques are counter-intuitive and opposite to the way in which most people naturally breathe. Most people breathe unconsciously, utilizing the muscles of the chest wall, and allow the diaphragm to remain inactive until it is atrophied.
Conscious, forced abdominal breathing reinforces the activity of the LES and also stimulates mechanical emptying of the stomach and peristalsis of the intestines. Other benefits of abdominal breathing include improved biliary activity, regulation of bowel activity and stimulation of the gastro-colic reflex, promoting regular bowel movements.
Other important exercises that help strengthen the diaphragm include inversion exercises. These can be accomplished either on an inversion table or through certain carefully executed yoga postures including the “plough”, the shoulder stand and the headstand. These exercises should only be performed with proper supervision and training. They should always be utilized in conjunction with deep abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing. These postures force the diaphragm and the LES to contract more tightly under pressure and against added postural stress. The results of these exercises impart greater strength and integrity of the LES in normal everyday conditions.
These exercises are the opposite of conventional recommendations since they foster increased muscle tone and greater sphincter control.
d. Homeopathy
Homeopathy can be very effective in achieving full recovery and in preventing recurrence. Proper evaluation and repertorization of each individual case is important. Classical Homeopathy requires individualization of treatment and attention to rare, peculiar and constitutional details. Evaluation is best performed by individuals trained in classical homeopathy. Generic homeopathy and combination remedies have very limited application, thus the best results are obtained if the remedy is selected individually to match to the particulars of each case.
Conclusion
Modifications of lifestyle include a group of exercises, dietary guidelines and supplements that, when used in combination with classical homeopathic treatment can restore normal gastrointestinal functioning and relieve the symptoms of GERD. These techniques are inexpensive, simple, and effective. Adherence to these guidelines not only relieves symptoms of GERD, but also prevents recurrences and helps maintain health.
[1] http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/07/30/recognize-heartburn.aspx
[2] Kirn TF. Few GERD Patients Find Full Relief, Even With Prescription. Int Med News. Aug 1, 2005:64.
[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton-pump_inhibitor#Adverse_effects
[4] Landers SJ. Long-term use of acid reflux drugs weighed. Am Med News. September 1, 2008:27.
[5] Schiezer J. H Pylori May Protect against Asthma, Other Respiratory Conditions. Int Med World Rep. December 2007: 15.
[6] Chang JT, KLatzka DA, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Barrett Esophagus, and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Arch Intern Med, July 26, 2004, 164:1482-88.
[7] Kuznar W. H pylori May Protect Against Esophageal Cancer. Int Med World Rep. July 2003:12.
[8] Evans S, McNeill H. Quantum Sufficit. Just Enough. Am Fam Phys. Feb 1, 2004. 69(3):474.
[9] Evans S. McNeill H. Quantum Sufficit. Just Enough. Am Fam Phys. Aug 1, 2002.66(3):367.
[10] Homeopathy is based on the principle of Similars: “Let Likes be Cured by Likes”. In this case, an “acid” condition being treated with a mild acid.
Vidatox for Cancer: 2012 Update
About a year ago I introduced the followers of this blog to the Cuban homeopathic medication Vidatox: A Scientifically Proven Treatment for Cancer
On September 26, 2012, in Havana, Cuban scientists presented the benefits of the homeopathic drug Vidatox 30 CH, in cancer therapy, which has raised life expectancy and quality of life to a group of patients. During the 2012 LABIOFAM International Congress Dr. Eva Solomon, head of the Cancer Control Group and the Center of Disease in Havana, said the drug was administered to 845 people with cancer in advanced stages in breast, lungs, colons, prostate and cervix, with favorable results.
The drug is administered in five sublingual drops every 12 hours, and after six months 87 percent of patients improved their appetite and felt pain had decreased, so they stop taking morphine, said Solomon, who works as a researcher at the LABIOFAM Business Group, which develops the product obtained from the venom of the Rhopalurus junceus scorpion.
It also reduces swelling and improves overall mental and emotional conditions of patients and families, Solomon stressed.
The drug has proven effective and is used after concluding the traditional therapy (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy), said the specialist, who participated in a Symposium on Natural Products in Cancer Therapy, being held as part of this congresss.
Meanwhile, Master in Experimental Pharmacology at LABIOFAM, Alexis Diaz, announced that in the trials with that scorpion venom, endemic to Cuba, from which the homeopathic product is made, checked for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and has wide demand in the international market.
The expert pointed out that the experiences with this scorpion toxin, show great efficacy on tumors of epithelial origin, and not on lymphomas and leukaemia. Patients suffering from tumors in the pancreas, bone marrow, prostate, lungs and other organs have dramatically improved their quality of life thanks to the use of Vidatox 30CH, the scorpion venom product with no known side effects.
As part of the scientific evidence, congress attendees watched footage of the venom, destroying tumoral cells. Studies allowed for the isolation of five peptides armed with the ability to inhibit the growth of tumoral cells and induce cell death through an apoptosis mechanism. This inhibiting action confirms the certainty of using this substance as a complementary treatment for tumoral diseases.
Vidatox has now been tested with positive results on 65,000 cancer patients. “Unlike any other, Vidatox crosses the blood-brain barrier,” said the president of Labiofam, Jose Antonio Fraga Castro.
Already Vidatox is being used in South & Central America, Europe, Asia, Cuba, and the Caribbean region. However, knocking down the barriers of incredulity that stand in the way of traditional medicine as opposed to conventional treatments, is a challenge on the road ahead.
References
“Cuba apresenta vacina contra câncer de próstata” Terra
“Cuban Natural Drug for Cancer Has Proven Efficacy, Scientists Say” Radio Cadena Agramonte
“Cuban Research Institute to Introduce Cancer Treatment Protocol” The Malay Mail
“Cuba’s Cancer Fighting Drug from Scorpion Venom” St Lucia Star
Drug & Alcohol Detox & Withdrawal
Little Mountain Homeopathy Client Testimonial
I had been suffering from long time debilitating depression and anxiety over the last few years. Out of desperation I had tried several anti-depressants which all made me violently ill as I am extremely sensitive and the withdrawal being worse than being on the drug lasted for weeks and months. I recently became desperate again and allowed myself to be convinced that it’s just a matter of finding the right medication and trying another. Again I became very ill after being on one only 10 days and trying another for only 3 and again the withdrawal a week later an unbelievable hurricane of symptoms (in the meantime a new gynecologist treated me for perimenopausal symptoms and quickly resolved the depression and anxiety with bioidentical hormone replacement). AGAIN I was so sick with nausea, vertigo, headaches, extreme GI pain upset, only to name a few of the horrible things I was experiencing. I was beside myself because I knew I was in for it for several weeks from past experience. I had a gut feeling to try homeopathy and found another woman’s story online that had a similar experience and said she was helped dramatically by homeopathy. I was determined not to suffer any longer and found Sonya on a web search and I got very lucky she fit me in for a short phone consult right away, and told me what to buy locally since I am in US . She said I should see some improvement by the next morning. Well the next morning I woke with the same gut pain I had the last several days and thought “oh no it’s not working” and feared getting out of bed to face the dizziness and nausea all day. Well I found my symptoms to be dramatically better by late morning and by late afternoon had a much more pleasant day than I ever thought possible, it’s only the second day so I’m excited for tomorrow. I found her fees very reasonable and I will continue with her treatments to resolve a number of other issues no one has yet helped me with.
Forever grateful,
Audra K.
Cave Creek, AZ
*Practitioner’s note: Audra contacted me 2 days after she submitted the testimonial to report that she is still experiencing dramatic improvements from the remedy and she is now experiencing almost no adverse effects at all from the prescription drug.
Homeopathic treatment is a holistic form of healing, meaning that it deals with the healing of both the mind and the body simultaneously. We treat the physical damage done from the abuse of drugs and alcohol as well as the mental and emotional difficulties linked with detoxing from drugs and alcohol. Recreational drugs can effectively be detoxed from the body using classical homeopathy, including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines. Pharmaceutical drug addiction can often be more damaging than recreational drug addiction. We treat the damage and side effects caused by pharmaceutical medications such as painkillers, cholesterol lowering drugs, blood pressure medication, thyroid medication, antibiotics, diabetes medication, and more.
All synthetic drugs take their toll on the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs and heart. They also take an emotional toll. People who have used or are using drugs and alcohol currently or in the past need to cleanse their body and mind. Those who need to stay on pharmaceutical medications can use homeopathy as complementary therapy to minimize emotional and physical damage.
Colon Cleanse
Classical homeopathic treatment detoxes the entire digestive tract. Symptoms of a toxic colon include constipation, chronic diarrhea, gas and abdominal bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, Celiac disease and Chrohn’s disease are conditions involving bowel toxicity. Our remedies address food allergies, intestinal parasites, and candida infections. As complementary therapy, our remedies can be used to treat and prevent colon cancer.
Our remedies also address other symptoms of a toxic digestive tract including acid reflux, nausea and vomiting.
Cleanse the colon gently without invasive colonics. Our remedies are always safe and have no side effects. They will not interfere with your daily routine. Our remedies are easy to use and administer and are completely safe for pregnant women and children.