Ruminating on Remedies, My thoughts on homeopathy

7/4/2025

Boom!

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I don’t know many people or animals who like things that go boom in the night but some of us 2 and 4 legged creatures get a little out of sorts when they happen.
Where I live, the night time booming started a few days ago — pre 4th of July excitement, I guess.
If you or your pet are troubled by the fireworks, here are a couple of ideas to try.

Aconite, rhymes with fright, can help calm the nerves.
Bach Rescue Remedy. (See: A Remedy to the Rescue for more information.)
Borax for when the disturbance comes from the suddenness of the noise — a startled sensation.
Coffea for painful sensitiveness. The noises seem to penetrate into you… disturbing sleep.
Ignatia — fears and phobias triggered by noise. (See also: PTSD.)
Phosphorus -- is a very fearful remedy in general, including fears stemming from noise.

What else can help? Back when we still had our dog, Rufus, I would put him in an air conditioned room with all the doors and windows closed, with a nice playlist on at a pretty decent volume to help drown out the booms. I added both Bach Rescue Remedy and Ignatia in his water dish. I chose Ignatia because this poor fellow came to us in a pretty traumatized and fearful state.

I hope you have a safe, exciting, fun and joyous 4th Of July weekend and are able to enjoy the booms!

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath
#wellnessawaits

12/6/2024

On the 6th day of cell salts… Kali phos

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On the sixth day of cells salts, Dr. Schüssler gave to us… Kali phosporicum.

Kali phos is concentrated in the brain and nerves. It is known for its bright yellow discharges, as well as putridity.

Kali phos is the cell salt for nerves and nervous conditions. For oversensitivity: mental, physical, emotional. For fatigue. Kali phos is a nerve nutrient which can help calm the entire system.

Conditions which may benefit from Kali phos:

Allergies
- especially seasonal allergies
- hay fever
Headaches
- menstrual
- “nervous” headaches
- from emotions (anger, stress, etc.)
- from over studying/overwork
  - brain fag
- sensitive to noise
- neuralgic
Sleep
- insomnia
  - after worry or excitement
- night terrors
- twitching of muscles on falling to sleep
Nerves
- neuralgia
- neurasthenia
  - Kali phos and Mag phos work well together on nerves
Mouth/teeth
- sensitive teeth
- toothache
- bleeding gums
- no taste or bitter taste
- nervous chattering of the teeth
Respiratory
- asthma
- allergies
- thick yellow discharge/expectoration
- sneezing
- thick mucus hawked up
- hoarseness from over use
Incontinence
- of stool and urine
Skin
- irritating skin ailments, (e.g. shingles)
- eczema
Brain (Kali phos is a “brain tonic”)
- weak memory
- brain fog
- stress
- shock
Musculo-skeletal
- twitches and spasms
- muscular debility
  - after illness
Gastro-intestinal
- diarrhea
  - especially if caused by emotions
- putrid stool
- constipation
- indigestion
Eyes
- vision weak or blurred
- twitching eyelids
Ears
- foul discharge
- sensitive hearing
- noises in the ears

Mentally and emotionally, Kali phos may be very helpful, especially in cases of depression and homesickness. It may be useful in cases of burnout and exhaustion as well as anxiety and grief.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

7/14/2024

Quickie: News

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As seen many months ago in my news feed. I have no idea the source.

Anybody out there getting stressed out watching the news?

I suppose this post could have been written at any point in history, but 2024 seems to be gearing up for a new level of stressful watching/listening/reading.

If you find yourself getting upset by the news, have a think about a few of these homeopathic remedies:

Ignatia is a good place to start. (SEE: Homeopathy Can Make a Heavy World a Little Lighter)
Homeopathic Ignatia can be found in the following rubrics:

Ailments from bad news
Anger about bad news
Shock from bad news
Sleeplessness after sad news.
Mental/emotional excitement after bad news

Now, a short list of a few other remedies which may be applicable (as found in a quick look of Robin Murphy's Repertory):

Obsessive compulsive disorder (as may be acutely exhibited through an irrepressible need to keep checking the updated news feeds): Nux vomica or Argentum nitricum

Trembling with anger: Staphysagria or Gelsemium

Trembling from anxiety: Gelsemium or Argentum nitricum

Trembling as if frightened: start with Gelsemium but also Aconite, Coffea, Ignatia

Headaches following depressing or sad news: Gelsemium or Ignatia

Shock from hearing bad news: Gelsemium, Ignatia or Calc carb

Vertigo from bad news: Calc carb

Obsessed with justice: Causticum

If all these thoughts are creating anxiety: Argentum nitricum

If all of these stories and images and thoughts keep you from sleeping: Coffea

If all these thoughts are keeping you from concentrating: Nux vomica

If your mind is preoccupied with thoughts of the future: Argentum nitricum.

Persistent thoughts: Argentum nitricum is the place to start, but also: Calc carb or Nat mur.

Witnessing traumatic events: Aconite

Rapid thoughts: Coffea

Repetition of thoughts: Argentum nitricum

Shock from bad news: Calc carb, Gelsemium and Ignatia

One more thing to do, as seen on many on-line posts…

unclench your jaw.
soften your forehead.
relax your shoulders.
breathe.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

2/10/2024

Chocolate

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Chocolate. 😍 Sigh.

Such a marvelous thing, chocolate. I don’t think I will ever stop being surprised when someone tells me they don’t like chocolate.

When my youngest was turning 3, I asked him what he wanted for his birthday dinner. “Chocolate. Just chocolate,” he said in his little sing-songy voice.

I happen to agree with him. Chocolate, (100% cacao is my preference), any time of day. (Click here for a link to my current favorite.)

Just before flying to England last year I read about a study in a Mark Sisson email: “Chocolate for breakfast prevents circadian desynchrony in experimental models of jet-lag and shift-work.” I didn’t even check to see if there is good science behind this study because I am more than happy to do some self-experimentation when it comes to chocolate! Did it help? It seemed to. However, when we crossed the pond again a few months later, I forgot to bring the chocolate and I still did as well as last year on the jet lag front. NOTE: I did use homeopathic remedies on both flights, so I’m going to go out on a limb and say that was the more important factor. But, next time I make that physically painful trip, I shall do both — just in case!😉

As you may (or, may not) know, classical homeopathy loves basic information about a person — their preferred weather; if the person runs hot or cold; if they are aggravated by damp places; early bird or night owl; sensations they may experience and food likes and dislikes as well as how certain foods affect them.

This homeopathic fact-gathering point brings us to chocolate and homeopathy.

There are two main remedies associated with the desire for chocolate: Argentum nitricum and Phosphorus. Today, I shall focus on Argentum nitricum.

Arg-nit, as it is known, is a homeopathic remedy made from silver nitrate. One of Arg-nit’s keynote symptoms is a desire for sugar, which at the same time makes the person feel worse. I have written a few times about Arg-nit: Hoarseness; What goes up; Feel the Fear; Back to School.

Anxiety is a big part of Arg-nit as a homeopathic remedy picture: anxiety for health; anticipatory anxiety; anxiety when alone; anxiety in the morning on waking; anxiety about the future; anxiety when hungry; diarrhea from anxiety. So, I went looking for links to chocolate and anxiety. Turns out there are some interesting studies out there.

A tiny little study out of France found that “self-labeled ‘chocoholics’ do not seem to suffer from eating disorders, but may represent a population of psychologically vulnerable and depression—or anxiety—prone people. They seem to use chocolate as a light psychotropic drug able to relieve some of their distress” (Dallard et al. 2001).
Jackson (et al. 2019) found that those who consumed chocolate, “particularly dark chocolate, may be associated with reduced odds of clinically relevant depressive symptoms.”
Martin (et al. 2012) found eating a piece of chocolate after a meal decreased anxiety. Note: Arg-nit is also in the rubric for Anxiety while or after eating.
Take the chocolate away for 2 weeks, say Moreno-Dominguez (et al. 2012) and the anxiety increased for “high-cravers.”
In rats, Yamada (et al. 2009) concluded that chronic consumption of cacao mass did not show an anxiolytic effect. (See below for further random studies on chocolate.)

Maybe we chocoholics are just self medicating? 🧐

Back to Arg-nit and chocolate…

Homeopathic Argentum nitricum may be helpful for people who suffer abdominal pain or diarrhea after eating chocolate. Additionally, if a pet gets into chocolate, I have been told that giving them some Arg-nit ASAP can be very important!

Those who experience acne as a result of eating chocolate may also benefit from Arg-nit. Note: the chocolate/acne connection is disputed in conventional science. See (Daszkiewicz 2021), (Goh et al. 2011), (Vongraviopap and Asawanonda 2015). Regardless of the scientific controversy, Argentum nitricum may benefit those who suffer ill-effects after eating chocolate, regardless of what those effects are.

For those who have chocolate cravings, that tendency could be addressed through a number of remedies, but Arg-nit and Phosphorus are particularly well indicated*.

If there is a tendency to become addicted to chocolate, homeopathic Chocolate may be the remedy to turn to.

Chocolate as a homeopathic remedy was proven** by Jeremy Sherr after seeing frequent complaints from patients resulting in adverse effects after eating chocolate as well as “the impressive” number of his patients who were seriously addicted to chocolate.

There’s not a lot in this remedy that stands out in terms of symptoms, actually. In my never-to-be-humble opinion, it’s because they didn’t actually do the proving on the important part of the chocolate. For the proving, Sherr used the “purest form of processed chocolate” (Sherr 2015). That, to me, is like doing a proving on a Starbucks Caffeè Mocha instead of doing a proving on the important ingredient which, in this case would be the coffee bean. (Note: we have good information on Coffea cruda, the raw coffee bean, which was originally proved by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann and again in modern times.)

Similar to Arg-nit, anxiety is also part of the Chocolate remedy picture: anticipatory anxiety as well as anxiety about health and money and anxiety in the morning.

Frans Vermeulen in his Synoptic Reference (2011) notes that homeopathic chocolate has an affinity for the reproductive system, the central nervous system and hormones.

I’ve never used homeopathic Chocolate with a client. Maybe I will have to try it out on myself one day to get a better feel for it. But, I eagerly anticipate reading a full proving on Cacao one day. I have no doubt it would be a much more impressive remedy than Chocolate. (Cacao does appear in "Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica" by T. Allen but all that is stated is about the separating out of theobromine from the butter of cocoa and no actual symptoms are listed.)

So, the good news on chocolate is, according to the above listed studies, it appears we chocoholics have nothing to fear with a daily indulgence of our favored treat. Phew!

“It was like having a box of chocolates shut in the bedroom drawer. Until the box was empty it occupied the mind too much.” --Graham Greene
Perhaps Mr. Greene could have used a dose of Argentum nitricum? 🧐

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

** for more information on provings, see: The Original Drug Testing.
Provings are a little like a box of chocolates, I suppose … You never know what you’re going to get! 💝

Reference list:

Chocolate Class, 2016. Understanding The Chemical Compound that Confirmed Chocolate was Consumed by the Maya [online]. Chocolate Class.

Dallard, I., Cathebras, P., Sauron, C. and Massoubre, C., 2001. [Is cocoa a psychotropic drug? Psychopathologic study of a population of subjects self-identified as chocolate addicts]. L’Encephale [online], 27 (2), 181–186.

Daszkiewicz, M., 2021. Associations between diet and acne lesions. Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny [online], 137–143.

Fusar-Poli, L., Gabbiadini, A., Ciancio, A., Vozza, L., Signorelli, M. S. and Aguglia, E., 2021. The effect of cocoa-rich products on depression, anxiety, and mood: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62 (28), 1–13.

Goh, W., Kallianpur, K. J., Chow, D., Almeida, P. G., Brown, A. C., Pager, S. and Sil, P., 2011. Chocolate and acne: How valid was the original study? Clinics in Dermatology [online], 29 (4), 459–460.

Jackson, S. E., Smith, L., Firth, J., Grabovac, I., Soysal, P., Koyanagi, A., Hu, L., Stubbs, B., Demurtas, J., Veronese, N., Zhu, X. and Yang, L., 2019. Is there a relationship between chocolate consumption and symptoms of depression? A cross‐sectional survey of 13,626 US adults. Depression and Anxiety [online], 36 (10), 987–995.

Martin, F.-P. J., Antille, N., Rezzi, S. and Kochhar, S., 2012. Everyday Eating Experiences of Chocolate and Non-Chocolate Snacks Impact Postprandial Anxiety, Energy and Emotional States. Nutrients [online], 4 (6), 554–567.

Martin, F.-P. J., Rezzi, S., Peré-Trepat, E., Kamlage, B., Collino, S., Leibold, E., Kastler, J., Rein, D., Fay, L. B. and Kochhar, S., 2009. Metabolic Effects of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Energy, Gut Microbiota, and Stress-Related Metabolism in Free-Living Subjects. Journal of Proteome Research [online], 8 (12), 5568–5579.

Martinez-Pinilla, E., Oñatibia-Astibia, A. and Franco, R., 2015. The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption. Frontiers in Pharmacology [online], 6.

Moreno-Dominguez, S., Rodríguez-Ruiz, S., Martín, M. and Warren, C. S., 2012. Experimental effects of chocolate deprivation on cravings, mood, and consumption in high and low chocolate-cravers. Appetite [online], 58 (1), 111–116.

Sathyapalan, T., Beckett, S., Rigby, A. S., Mellor, D. D. and Atkin, S. L., 2010. High cocoa polyphenol rich chocolate may reduce the burden of the symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome. Nutrition Journal [online], 9 (1).

Sherr, J., 2015. Homoeopathic Proving of Chocolate. B Jain Pub Pvt Limited.

Vermeulen, F., 2011. Synoptic reference. B Jain Publishers Pvt Ltd.

Vongraviopap, S. and Asawanonda, P., 2015. Dark chocolate exacerbates acne. International Journal of Dermatology [online], 55 (5), 587–591.

Yamada, T., Yamada, Y., Okano, Y., Terashima, T. and Hidehiko Yokogoshi, 2009. Anxiolytic effects of short- and long-term administration of cacao mass on rat elevated T-maze test. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry [online], 20 (12), 948–955.

9/4/2022

What goes up…

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… must come down. Our evening on the mountain, part 2.

While we were waiting to board the tram for our return trip down the mountain, there was a woman who was absolutely terrified. She made the trip up, so I thought maybe she was playing things up a bit. She was really over the top in her demeanor.

We were on the tram together on the way down and it turned out that she was not putting on a show. I was next to her as she buried her head into her husband’s shoulder and held on tight to him.

I asked her if she would like a homeopathic remedy for fear.

To my pleasant surprise, she did. So, I reached in my purse and gave her 2 pellets of AAA.

AAA — a combination of three really excellent fear Remedies: Argentum nitricum, Ambra Grisea and Anacardium.

In an ideal world, I would have been able to ask the person what she was afraid of. I didn’t know if she was afraid on the way up. I didn’t know how she felt walking around up there. Is she generally afraid of heights? Is it the tram, suspended over nothing that worried her? Was she afraid for her safety or her family’s safety?

In a regular homeopathic consultation, I would have inquired about an awful lot of things: where did she feel the fear? What else brings about such terror like she was experiencing? If it’s heights that freaks her out, is it a fear of falling? Or just a general fear of high places? Or, was she fighting an urge to throw herself from the edge?

Does she experience vertigo when at height? If so, is it a falling sensation? If so, which direction does it seem she is falling? Does she experience vertigo in other circumstances?

Back to the fear: does she feel the fear in her stomach? Does she get chattering teeth with the fear? Does she experience panic attacks? Does she shiver with the fear? Does she get heart palpitations? Does she have trouble breathing when in this state?

Is it being in the small, enclosed tram car that troubled her? Is it being in a crowd that troubled her?

These are just the first things that come to mind — there were a lot of questions that could have been asked, if the situation had allowed for such things.

As it was, I didn’t know anything else about this woman except that she was completely freaked out.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I keep a few remedies in my purse and just through happenstance, I still had AAA with me (and, I think it will now forever live in my little bag of goodness).

Why was AAA a good fit for this lady?

Homeopathic Argentum nitricum — Fear of:

heights as well
fear of falling from a height
claustrophobia
impending danger
accidents
anxiety in a crowd

Homeopathic Ambra grisea for:

fear of impending danger
anxiety felt in the stomach
vertigo

All three remedies are indicated in:

trembling
lacking in confidence
feelings of despair
nervous people

Homeopathic Anacardium, in addition to the symptoms listed above for “all three remedies” is also indicated for anxiety with fear as well as lack of emotional control.

Yep. AAA was a really good remedy choice for this poor woman. By the end of the short trip, she thanked me and said that this journey was better and easier than the trip up.

In the end, I forgot to bring my homeopathic Coca, but that would have been a decent choice, too: fear of accidents, fear of downward motion, fear of falling and fear of heights.

What else happened during our little excursion to 10,000 feet? My youngest son, who is prone to nosebleeds, could feel one coming on, or, rather, he could taste one coming on. He could taste blood in his mouth like he said he gets when a nose bleed has started. The other thing I keep in my little bag is Ferrum phos. One dose of Ferr-phos 3x and a few minutes later, the taste and the feeling had passed -- no nosebleed ever arrived.

Other than that, it was a delightful evening out with a beautiful sunset shown above.

I truly hope our frightened fellow traveler heard the word “homeopathic” and decided to investigate further what this marvelous medicine can offer her.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

8/20/2022

Bach to School

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Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

Summer goes by shockingly fast regardless of whether you travel or stay put; whether you’re busy or busy doing nothing. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone complain about “the long summer” like they do about the winter. It’s funny, the days are longer but the weeks are shorter. How does that work?

Where I live in New Mexico, school is already under way. While I suspect the return to the classroom will not be as alien and fraught as it was last year (see, Back to School in the Year 2021), I’m sure there are plenty of classrooms still filled with the jitters.

This year I have some added suggestions on remedies for the nervous students.
Flowers.
Flowers?
Yup. Bach Flower Remedies are perfect for anxious kids (and, their parents!)

Walnut supports change… Like, a new school year. Or, a change in the home: a new sibling, a new home — any change in circumstances. An excellent remedy for puberty (cuz we all know that's a big change!) Walnut helps them move forward and adapt to their new circumstances. Walnut is also helpful for any younger siblings who will be having to get used to not having their big brother/sister at home with them.

Mimulus is for fears that can be named. If the child is afraid of meeting the teacher or afraid of being away from home; worried about bullies or that they’re not going to be able to make friends; worried they’ll be laughed at or not know what to do. If they can put a name to what is worrying them, Mimulus can help them reach a state of calm neutrality and go forth with confidence and courage.

Aspen if they can not name the fear. If they are suffering from nightmares or generalized anxiety without knowing why, Aspen can help bring a sense of calm.

Larch is for a lack of confidence. The student thinks they’re not good enough and they give up saying they can’t do it. Larch is particularly good before a test or before the big game.

Crab Apple is for those who feel there is something wrong with themselves. If your child is worried about starting school because they think they don’t fit in physically because they are too tall, too fat, too zitty… try some Crab Apple.

Chicory for a clingy child. It helps them be independent.

White Chestnut for when their worry or anxiety keeps them from sleeping. For those thoughts that keep repeating, White Chestnut helps to calm the mind and helps find focus.

Rescue Remedy is a mix of 5 different Bach Flowers and is particularly helpful during acute stress. If the student is crying and unable to calm themselves, for example.

What about Mom and Dad?

Walnut to help deal with this big change.
White Chestnut to help stop the repetitive thoughts.
Red chestnut for the worry they have for their kids.
Chicory when it’s hard to let go.

With Bach Flowers, you can choose one remedy at a time or a few (up to 7). Two drops can be taken directly from the bottle (please be advised that they contain alcohol unless the non-alcoholic version is being used -- All Bach remedies are available in alcohol free versions), or, the easiest way is to put 2 drops of the chosen remedy or remedies in a bottle of water and sip throughout the day. (For Rescue Remedy, use 4 drops.) Note: You can purchase a mixture of your chosen remedies from places like Rebecca's Herbal Apothecary* for less than the price of purchasing just 1 bottle on its own.)

Bach Flower Essences are safe and can be taken alongside medications with no interference (The Dr Edward Bach Centre 1995).

So, some Bach Flowers for you and your anxious student and maybe a nice little posy for the teacher to get the year off to a good start.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their stuff.

Reference list
Bach Centre, n.d. The history of Dr. Bach [online]. The Bach Centre. Available from: .

Info at Bach Flower, 2022. FAQ [online]. [email protected] * 1-800-214-2850.

The Dr Edward Bach Centre, 1995. The 38 flower remedies : an introduction and guide to the 38 flower remedies. London: Wigmore Publications.

11/4/2021

Brace Face

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I probably should have had braces “back in the day” but after watching 2 of my kids suffer these things, I’m glad I didn’t. Their mouth issues are not cosmetic, though, or we wouldn’t have gone this route. Thing One suffered terrible headaches and ringing in the ear that we suspect was a result of the braces. We swapped orthodontists for Thing Three and this ortho has a different approach — so far, so good.

Regardless of the reason someone has a mouth full of metal, the results can understandably be quite uncomfortable.

Sore, aching mouth: Like most dental work, homeopathic Arnica is a good bet for sore, aching muscles from having to hold your jaw open for the work to be done and for the actual moving of the teeth and also for any bruising that may occur. A dose of Arnica prior to the appointment and as soon as practicable following the appointment should help. If the pain persists, and the Arnica is helping, keep taking if and when the pain returns.

If Arnica doesn’t help, try Ruta.

Cuts: those painful little cuts from the wires are best met with Staphysagria or Calendula. Homeopathic Staphysagria has a good history for “cutting” pains as well as pains caused by actual cuts. Additionally, Staphysagria is a terrific remedy for humiliation and shame — perhaps as a result of name calling. I’m not sure kids today face the ridicule of old for having a mouth full of metal and that’s a good thing. But, if they do suffer some mental and emotional problems as a result of having braces, that may make Staphysagria an even better choice.

Calendula has the reputation of being “the great herbal anti-septic” (see studies below) and is very useful for cuts and lacerations, especially those that hurt more than they “should” and it is very helpful in removing the local pain and suffering.

Calendula in its herbal form can be very helpful for mouth sores, too. Here are couple of suggestions: Healthy Gums Anti-gingivitis Rinse is made with Calendula and other ingredients and is very soothing for a sore mouth**. Celebration Herbals** makes a nice tea whose only ingredient is Calendula officinalis.

Toothache: Homeopathic Chamomilla is one of the best remedies for teething children. Think of the pain of toddlers cutting teeth and the accompanying grumpiness and irritability. Teenagers (and their family members!) suffering from the pain (and grumpiness!) of braces, especially right after an adjustment will appreciate this remedy.

Anxiety before appointments: Homeopathic Gelsemium has a longstanding reputation to assist in anticipatory anxiety. A dose of Gelsemium 6c prior to the appointment should help.

Nerve pain: homeopathic Hypericum for shooting/nerve pain following adjustments or during the use of palatal expanders.

Keep on smilin’ and if you need more tailored assistance for the pain of braces, contact me here.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

** I have no affiliation with these companies, I just like their product.

STUDIES related to this article:

Calendula:
Jahdi, F., Khabbaz, A. H., Kashian, M., Taghizadeh, M., and Haghani, H., 2018. The impact of calendula ointment on cesarean wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care [online], 7 (5), 893–897.

Khairnar, M., Pawar, B., Marawar, P., and Mani, A., 2013. Evaluation of Calendula officinalis as an anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 17 (6), 741.

Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M., and Merfort, I., 2017. In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology [online], 196, 94–103.

Parente, L. M. L., Lino Júnior, R. de S., Tresvenzol, L. M. F., Vinaud, M. C., de Paula, J. R., and Paulo, N. M., 2012. Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Animal Models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil [online]. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Preethi, K. C. and Kuttan, R., 2009. Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 20 (1).

Gelsemium:
Bellavite, P., Bonafini, C., and Marzotto, M., 2018. Experimental neuropharmacology of Gelsemium sempervirens: Recent advances and debated issues. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine [online], 9 (1), 69–74.

Bellavite, P., Magnani, P., Zanolin, E., and Conforti, A., 2011. Homeopathic Doses of Gelsemium sempervirens Improve the Behavior of Mice in Response to Novel Environments. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM [online], 2011, 362517.

Magnani, P., Conforti, A., Zanolin, E., Marzotto, M., and Bellavite, P., 2010. Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on anxiety-related responses in mice. Psychopharmacology [online], 210 (4), 533–545.

Marzotto, M., Olioso, D., Brizzi, M., Tononi, P., Cristofoletti, M., and Bellavite, P., 2014. Extreme sensitivity of gene expression in human SH-SY5Y neurocytes to ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens. BMC complementary and alternative medicine [online], 14, 104.

Olioso, D., Marzotto, M., Moratti, E., Brizzi, M., and Bellavite, P., 2014. Effects of Gelsemium sempervirens L. on pathway-focused gene expression profiling in neuronal cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology [online], 153 (2), 535–539.

Venard, C., Boujedaini, N., Mensah-Nyagan, A. G., and Patte-Mensah, C., 2011. Comparative Analysis of Gelsemine and Gelsemium sempervirens Activity on Neurosteroid Allopregnanolone Formation in the Spinal Cord and Limbic System. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM [online], 2011, 407617.

10/24/2021

PTSD

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Rufus was acting strangely tonight. He was pacing back and forth from the door to his bed to the other side of me and back again. I talked to him. I opened the door for him. He went out once, walked around the house and came back in through his personal door and then he continued this strange behavior. I petted him. I gave him water. He didn’t seem particularly distressed, just really restless.

Additionally, he was panting. The panting is not unusual, in and of itself. He’s a big dog with a lot of hair and we live in a desert. But, tonight, it’s a cool autumnal evening, so it was definitely out of the ordinary behavior. Panting can be a sign of anxiety in dogs (Helmer 2020) and we have seen other signs from him showing some anxiety over the years.

What to do?

Homeopathic Ignatia 200c delivered to him in a small bowl of bone broth. Within a few minutes the pacing stopped and he was lying on his bed. The panting stopped and started for a few more minutes but then stopped all together and he eventually settled into a nice, rhythmic breath.

How did I come to the idea of giving him Ignatia?

Ignatia Amara 200c is part of the Banerji protocol for mental shock, both immediate and in the past, making it an excellent remedy for PTSD — for dogs and for humans.

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be an absolutely debilitating condition stemming from any number of situations: abuse of all kinds and occurring at any age, now or in the past; being in or witnessing an accident; experiencing a natural disaster; combat exposure; physical assault or any life-threatening event. As renown homeopath Dr. Robin Murphy says, a person has a toxic memory that haunts them; they can’t eliminate it. The person is on heightened alert and the toxic memory is overwhelming their life.

PTSD can lead to depression and anxiety; substance abuse; eating disorders; sleeplessness; irritability or angry outbursts; overwhelming guilt or shame.

Farokh Master, MD and homeopath notes that stress causes disease and disease causes stress leading to a vicious circle. Dr. Master cited a study finding that individuals diagnosed with a stress-related disorder were more likely to be diagnosed with an auto-immune disease*. It's important to address these mental and emotional issues before they lead to further physical or emotional degeneration.

If PTSD is the diagnosis, try Ignatia 200c and Coffea cruda 200c, each twice daily until significant improvement is seen. (Note: this may take many weeks or even months). Ignatia is not the only remedy for PTSD. If you do not see any improvement, work with a professional homeopath to find a better suited remedy.

Coffea cruda is an excellent remedy for insomnia in general and those repeating thoughts that plague in the night… when you just can't shut your brain off.

In the case of an acute mental shock, give one dose of Ignatia and see if any relief is found. If there is some improvement but the symptoms return, repeat the remedy until very much better. An acute mental shock could be: a parent dealing with a sick child; witnessing an accident; experiencing the death of a loved one; receiving bad news or experiencing a fright; sadness or worry; separation anxiety as well as experiencing general anxiety or any psychological stress short term.

Back to Rufus. A few years ago, Rufus came to us following what appeared to be a pretty hard life. He was only 80 pounds (now he’s about 130) and his coat was a mess and he was very itchy. His teeth were in a bad way. He stunk. He cowered easily, expecting who knows what. He was afraid of traffic. Though the vet judged him to be about 4 or 5 years old, he had to be taught how to walk on a leash. Yes, we are pretty sure he had it pretty rough before he got here.

What could have been troubling him tonight? I’m not sure. There was a particularly hyped up teenage on-line video game going on in the next room, but that isn’t completely out of the ordinary. A little wind outside tonight, but not too bad. Or, just doggie senses on high alert, perhaps.

Often when the correct homeopathic remedy is given in an acute situation, sleep follows soon after. In the case of old Rufus who spends a lot of time sleeping anyway, it’s kind of hard to tell if it was the Ignatia or if he was just doing his normal thing. But, given his odd behavior 10 minutes earlier and the almost immediate change following the Ignatia, I’m going with the idea that this was the correct remedy for him at this moment.

PTSD can put an enormous damper on living a full and happy life and homeopathy may help. Contact me to see if homeopathy could possibly help you or your loved one.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical Homeopathy

#wellnessawaits
#homeopathycanhelp

* Apologies, I was listening to this lecture and missed the details of the study to which he referred.

RESOURCES used in this article:
Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

Helmer, J., 2020. Why is My Dog Panting and Restless? Great Pet Care.

Marzotto, M., Conforti, A., Magnani, P., Zanolin, M. E., and Bellavite, P., 2012. Effects of Ignatia amara in mouse behavioural models. Homeopathy, 101 (1), 57–67.

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.

Photo by Uday Mittal on Unsplash

8/12/2021

Back to School in the Year 2021!

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Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Heading back to school under normal circumstances can be a harrowing experience for some kids. Going back to school in the year 2021 must be unthinkably stressful. Not only are these kids having to endure the usual stressors of finding their classroom and meeting their teacher/s, this year they have to worry about possibly wearing a mask all day long and worrying about how to make friends while remaining the prescribed distance apart from other human beings, lest they give or receive deadly germs to one another. That is beyond a doubt a recipe for anticipatory anxiety.

Anticipatory anxiety, (the discomfort felt when entering an unknown situation), is nicely met through homeopathic remedies.

Gelsemium sempervirens is the homeopathic remedy they used to give to the soldiers during the Civil War -- you know, the boys and men who knew they were up against nearly impossible odds? This gave them the courage necessary to step foot onto the battlefield. It can help with "nervous dread" and stage fright; fear of going to the doctor or the dentist and fear of pain, injury or even death. With this anxiety, a dull stupor may be seen or headaches resulting from nervous excitement. Tummy troubles, diarrhea in particular, or sleeplessness from the anxiety may also be present.

Homeopathic Argentum nitricum also addresses anticipatory anxiety but this may cross over into a bigger fear, even panic attacks or anxiety attacks as opposed to just being nervous. An irresistible desire for sugar may be present. Headaches resembling migraines may be seen. Tummy troubles of rumbling, gurgling and flatulence. Restless, disturbed sleep may be an issue.

Homeopathic Silicea (or Silica) presents with more timidity. This person may be feeling bashful and focusing on the minutiae, making sure every last little thing is just right. Headaches located over just one eye or a headache that is worse from exertion or even a "sick headache" may be seen. The tummy trouble in a person needing Silica can be a griping pain and they may be sleepy all day long.

Anticipatory anxiety, fear, dread, timidity, panic attacks -- nobody should have to live with that and homeopathy may help.

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