CLASSICALLYPRACTICAL.COM

Ruminating on Remedies

Picture

Julia Coyte, CHom

My thoughts on a few of the many thousands
of homeopathic remedies available.
​Where, when and how they may be applied in everyday life.

#wellnessawaits

To subscribe to Ruminating on Remedies via Substack, click here. Thanks!
Note: My Substack subscription is free of charge.


Or, follow me on any of the following social media sites…

Telegram: t.me/wellnessawaits
Facebook: @JuliaCoyteHomeopath
MeWe: mewe.com/i/juliacoyte
Gab: @Bobthepeacock​
Gett'r: Classically Practical Homeopathy @ jcoyte
CloutHub: @JuliaCoyte
Locals: https://rollinwithmyhomeys.locals.com
I use Substack to email my latest articles. To subscribe, click above or go to homeopathy.substack.com.

  • Home
  • In a nutshell …
    • Like, what? >
      • Classical? Practical?
  • Blog
  • contact
    • About
    • FAQ
  • Book appt
    • Before first appt >
      • Choosing a homeopath
      • Useful info >
        • References & Resources
  • Research

5/20/2023

Ringworm

Read Now
 
Picture
I’ve been hearing that ringworm is going around. Is it true? I must confess, it’s getting pretty hard to tell what is true these days when you’re looking at the news.

Regardless of all that nonsense, it’s important to be pro-active and know what to do if whatever is going around is coming your way.

With that, let’s talk about ringworm.

Ringworm is a fungal rash, named because of the ring that encircles the rash — no worms are involved. It is related to athlete’s foot and jock itch and it’s important to remember that fungal infections are likely to be contagious. They can spread through contact with the infected skin of others (including animals) or objects like towels, bedding or clothing.

What to look for, according to Mayo Clinic:

  • a scaly, ring-shaped area (on the bottom, the trunk, the limbs)
  • itching
  • slightly raised rings with a round, flat patch of itchy skin
  • the rings may overlap

“Ringworm may cause bald patches and consistent scratching leads to oozing and blistering” (Alton and Alton 2021).

Sounds kind of miserable. How can homeopathy help?

My first homeopathic stop would be from the Drs. Banerji who recommend the following protocol:

  • Graphites 200c, one dose taken every 3 days
  • Kali sulph 3x, taken twice daily
  • and, if the itching is really bad, Coffea cruda 200c, every hour until better.

They also caution that if one member of the family has it, it may spread to the whole family (Prasanta Banerji and Pratip Banerji 2013), so be prepared!

Now, let’s look at these remedies individually and see why they might help.

Graphites is a big skin remedy. In this instance, it can be helpful for moist, crusty eruptions and has thick borders. Blisters which itch and ooze. Skin that comes off in scales or flakes. It is well indicated for eruptions which burn or itch as well as “smarting” — they just hurt. Itching skin, with the need to scratch it until it is raw. It’s also helpful for spots of falling hair (bald patches).

Kali sulph is the primary cell salt which is indicated in ringworm, according to Natural Healing with Cell Salts ((Weintraub 1999). I’ll just let George W. Carey, MD sum up the skin conditions noted in his book, The Biochemic System of Medicine (1896):

“All sores on the skin, when exuding a thin, yellow, watery matter, sometimes with dryness and desquamation of the surrounding skin. Skin scales freely on a sticky base… This salt also greatly aids desquamation in eruptive diseases and assists in the formation of new skin.” [author’s emphasis, not mine]

Coffea cruda, a homeopathic remedy made from raw coffee, helps to keep one’s mind off of things. In my mind, I have somehow squashed the squirrel from Hoodwinked with the dog from Up to represent this remedy. The squirrel becomes hyper-focused when he has coffee and Dug the Dog’s attention leaves whenever there is the mention of a squirrel. So, my mind justifies this craziness in this way… when your mind is hyper-focused on the itching (think: squirrel from Hoodwinked) take the Coffea cruda remedy and it can remove the attention of the itching to the “squirrel” over there (think: Dug the Dog). In other words, the remedy removes the hyper focus and allows your mind to go elsewhere.

Here’s to being prepared for the real stuff as well as the (possibly) over-hyped stuff. May we one day be able to easily decipher truth from fiction again.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits



Reference list

Alton, J. and Alton, A., 2021. The survival medicine handbook : the essential guide for when help is NOT on the way : a Doom and Bloom guide. United States? Doom And Bloom Llc.

George Washington Carey, 1896. The Biochemic System of Medicine. F. August Luyties.
Lockie, A., 1993. The family guide to homeopathy : symptoms and natural solutions. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Ringworm (body) - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Morrison, R., 1998. Desktop companion to physical pathology. Nevada City, Calif.: Hahnemann Clinic Publ.
​
Prasanta Banerji and Pratip Banerji, 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

Weintraub, S., 1999. Natural healing with cell salts. Pleasant Grove, Ut: Woodland Pub.

Share

12/11/2022

Tis the Season for… Sore Throats

Read Now
 
Picture

Sore throat complaints are keeping me busy this month! Some people have the dreaded Covid, some have the flu, some may have strep throat and some people just have a sore throat.

What to do about this pharyngitis? (Pharynx is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity and “itis” for inflammation.)

Well, at the first sign of feeling unwell, I like the Banerji protocol of Aconite 200c mixed with Bryonia 30c. Taking this right away can often nip things in the bud and send the yucks away before they can settle in.

Another option for those who are quick on the draw is Ferrum phos 6x. This, too, can often turn things around in short order.

Once the yucks have made themselves at home and one is definitively feeling unwell, let’s look at a few homeopathic remedies which may help. (Note: There are many remedies which can be helpful for sore throats, these are just a few of my favorites.) See also: Calming the Cold; Some Flu Remedies to Consider and Tis the season for the crud.

Baptisia
Extremely painful, dark red throat, where swallowing liquids is the only option and even that is very difficult, despite being thirsty; tiny bites of food gags them. They may have swollen glands and/or bad breath.

Belladonna
The sore throat appears suddenly and generally hurts more on the right side with burning or throbbing pain. The throat and the tip of the tongue may be red. Pain is worse from turning the head, touching the throat and swallowing, especially liquids. Face will often be red and hot but the hands and feet tend to be cold.

Gelsemium
Burning and rough sore throat with pain that extends from the throat to the ear. May feel like there’s a painful lump in the throat that cannot be swallowed. Pain in the sternocleidomastoid — the long muscles on either side of your neck. Paralysis of the vocal cords. Swallowing solid foods is difficult.

Hepar sulph
Homeopathic Hepar is known for a sticking sensation in the throat, like a splinter or a bone. Pain extends to the ear on yawning and swallowing. May hawk up thick, yellow, sticky mucus. Wrapping up the external throat feels good. Cold drinks or becoming cold makes them feel worse but warmth in general and warm drinks can help. There may be a pulsation felt in the throat and they may feel worse in the evening and at night. Very sensitive to the pain and sensitive to everything else, too, actually and they may be irritable and impatient.

Lachesis
A purple throat, often on the left side (or starts on the left and moves to the right) and feels worse when swallowing liquids — even saliva is difficult — empty swallowing makes the throat hurt even worse (though they may have a constant desire to swallow). Swallowing solids may be easier. May have a disturbing constricting sensation, causing them to loosen clothes around the throat. Ear pain with sore throat. There may be a sensation of breadcrumbs or a painful sensation of a lump or plug which is not relieved by swallowing. They may choke easily, especially on falling to sleep and may have a suffocative feeling. Often feel worse on waking.

Lycopodium
Often on the right side with a dryness in the throat and they may not be very thirsty. A stitching pain on swallowing which is better with warm drinks and worse with cold drinks. Choking on swallowing. They may feel like there is a lump or a plug in the throat. They are chilly but they also want fresh air but are worse becoming cold or eating/drinking cold things. May have digestive issues at the same time as the sore throat.

Mercurius sol
Lots of saliva and a raw, rough and burning feeling in the throat. Lots of slime gets stuck in the throat and there may be drooling while sleeping. Swollen glands. A bad or metallic taste in the mouth and may have bad breath. The throat may be copper colored. Throat pain on coughing. The throat may be worse at night and they may also experience night sweats. Finding the right temperature is often difficult.

Rhus tox
Body aches and restlessness may accompany the sore throat. The tip of the tongue may be red. The throat becomes irritated and the voice becomes hoarse and is often worse from talking. The pain is worse from swallowing at first, but improves with more swallowing. Warmth is helpful and moving around may help, too — feeling worse when they are resting. Like the swallowing, they may feel worse when first moving around but better as they keep moving.

When to see a doctor?
According to the Mayo Clinic, see a doctor if:
  • sore throat is accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands
  • sore throat lasts longer than 48 hours
  • a fever
  • sore throat is accompanied by a rash
  • there are problems breathing or swallowing
  • if strep has been diagnosed, a lack of improvement after taking antibiotics for 48 hours

TONSILLITIS
A few quick notes relating to tonsillitis. (Note on type: Most highly indicated, highly indicated and indicated.) Again, there are many homeopathic remedies for tonsillitis and I am just focusing on the throat remedies already mentioned for sore throats.

Tonsillitis, in general — in order of importance: Belladonna, Ferrum phos and Mercurius. Hepar & Lachesis. Baptisia and Lycopodium.
Tonsillitis with pus: Hepar, Mercurius. Belladonna, Lycopodium, Lachesis
Hardness of hearing with tonsillitis: Hepar, Lycopodium and Mercurius
Chronic or recurring tonsillitis: Hepar, Lachesis and Lycopodium
Painless tonsillitis: Baptisia
Burning pain in tonsils: Belladonna and Mercurius
Purple tonsils: Hepar and Lachesis
Bright red tonsils: Belladonna and Ferrum phos
Dark red tonsils: Baptisia and Lachesis
Tonsillitis in children: Ferr-phos, Lachesis, Lycopodium and Mercury
Sharp pain in tonsils: Belladonna, Lachesis, Lycopodium and Mercury
Tearing pain in tonsils: Belladonna
Throbbing pain in tonsils: Belladonna

STREP THROAT
Strep throat is another possibility and can lead to long term problems in rare cases. Unlike most sore throats, strep is caused by bacteria. Strep A is big in the news this year, especially in the UK, but there are other strains of strep which can cause throat problems, too (A, C & G are the primary throat culprits).

I never messed around with strep throats when my kids were young because I know two people who suffered terribly as a result of untreated strep. “Untreated strep throat can cause an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks its own tissues and may lead to rheumatic fever, chorea and kidney damage” (Berkow et al. 1995).

How can you tell the difference between a sore throat and Strep throat?
Ultimately, for a full diagnosis of strep throat, you need to see a doctor and get a throat culture.

According the the Merck Manual and the Mayo Clinic, strep throat symptoms typically appear suddenly and include:
  • sore throat
    • throat is “beefy” red
    • tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) (see photo above)
  • lymph nodes in the neck may be enlarged and tender
  • tonsils are swollen
    • sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
  • general feeling of being unwell
    • chills
    • fever
    • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • rapid heart beat
  • rash
A cough, laryngitis and stuffy nose are not common in strep infections.

In very young children (under 4), the only symptom may be a runny nose. (When my kids were little, I learned that strep infections in littles may present with only stomach problems, so keep that in mind.)

“People with strep throat generally get better in 2 weeks, even without treatment. … antibiotics can shorten the duration of symptoms in young children and prevent serious complications such as rheumatic fever” (Berkow et al. 1995). (Note: There are homeopathic remedies which can be helpful in strep throat, but that is beyond the scope of this article.)

If you are suffering from a sore throat, try one of these homeopathic remedies so you can get back to some painless Fa La La-ing before the festive season is behind us.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits


Reference list:
Berkow, R., Beers, M. and Fletcher, A., 1995. The Merck Manual Home Edition. Merck Research Laboratories.

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Strep throat - symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Share

11/23/2022

Gobble Gobble

Read Now
 
Picture
It’s turkey time!

If it were only the turkey, overeating probably wouldn’t be much of a thing. Add in the mashed potatoes and the stuffing (the name alone says it all!), the sweet potatoes covered in marshmallows  (I’ve never tried it, but it doesn’t sound like my thing) and all the pies… now, we’re getting somewhere that ends up in overeating!

There’s not much sense in suggesting to go easy at the Thanksgiving table, but let’s see what we can do to mitigate the damage, shall we?

Before we get to homeopathy, let’s start with some Bach Flowers and see what we can do to pre-empt the debauch.

Cherry Plum to help control your behavior (both food-wise AND inter-relationally!)

Elm, especially if you’re the one cooking and preparing and hosting the big day -- there's a lot to do!

Honeysuckle if you find yourself stuck in memories of the past and having a hard time being present.

Olive if you’ve been over-doing it in the pie-making department and need a little more oomph to get you through.

OK, we’ve made it through the meal prep and the food itself and you didn’t have your Cherry Plum handy to help keep your appetite in check. What now?

Nux vomica for too much. Too much food. Too much football. Too much familial politics. All that too much has left you irritable!

Carbo veg is full of gas. Lots of burping, and that helps but, it’s not enough. Stepping outside for some fresh air helps, too.

Pulsatilla if you’re overdoing it was focused on ice cream, whipped cream, dairy and fats.

Nat phos for indigestion.

Arsenicum album if the indulgence has left you with burning pains. Or, if you find yourself suffering from food poisoning.

Lycopodium for bloating and gas. Better out than in!

Let’s take these last two remedies one step further and use the Banerji protocol of Lyco/Ars. Lycopodium 200c mixed with Arsenicum album 3c. It does wonders!

I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

Share

3/28/2022

Garbage in, Garbage out

Read Now
 
Picture
Practicing homeopathy is a lot like doing a puzzle or decoding a mystery  — there is a lot of sleuthing to figure out the right remedy. In taking a classical homeopathic case, accurate details are the key — the more, the better!

Practical homeopathy is often much easier — the majority of the puzzle has been worked out already through tried and true symptom/remedy matches and often you just have to fill in the blanks, so to speak.

What both of these homeopathic methods have in common is the gathering of symptoms… which makes sense since homeopathy is a methodology based on symptoms, symptom gathering is very important!

So, though practical or clinical homeopathy has made figuring out the correct homeopathic remedy for a given situation much easier, (especially when it comes to the Banerji Protocols!), details are still very important.

For instance, headaches.

What’s in a headache? An awful lot, as it turns out. 

Headaches can be very difficult to treat because no two people experience the same headache pain. What one person calls a sinus headache is often very different to what another person calls a sinus headache. Sometimes people say they have sinus headaches and, yet, their sinuses don’t seem to be involved in the pain … at all. According to the Mayo Clinic, many people (up to 90%!) who claim to have sinus headaches may actually be suffering from migraines (Mayo Clinic 2018). I have come to understand that when someone tells me they suffer "sinus headaches", they just mean that it’s worse than their “normal” headache, or what they interpret to be a "normal" headache. 

Regardless of whether it’s a sinus headache or a migraine or a tension headache, getting the details on how a person experiences their headaches can be difficult. In the moment, the pain can be too great to be able to get much detail. After the fact, many people don’t even want to go there — to put themselves back into that pain — to remember what the details were. 

A while back I encountered a young man who asked if I had any headache medicine. He was looking for mainstream over-the-counter meds, but, I being a homeopath, began down the homeopathic road, instead.

He proceeded to tell me about his usual headaches that he has been experiencing for years, which he described as “sinus headaches.” So, I started to question the quality of the pains and the location of the pains, etc.

This was not a formal consultation, just a casual encounter. I tried a headache combo remedy for him, but nothing happened. Then, based on his description, I moved to the Banerji Protocol for “sinus headaches with acute pain,” Sanguinaria 200c mixed with Belladonna 3c, taken every 30 minutes (Banerji and Banerji 2013, p. 118). Well, that did something, but it did the wrong something and he soon began to feel nauseous.*

Then, I learned the all important missing piece to this particular headache puzzle. He had a few too many drinks the night before. It didn’t matter that he thought he was experiencing his “usual” headache pain because on top of that usual pain was sitting a few alcoholic drinks which likely had a causative effect. 

More importantly, homeopathically speaking, he left that detail out of the information he provided. If he had included that little nugget, my homeopathic questioning most likely would have stopped abruptly and I would have given him a dose of homeopathic Nux vomica.

The go-to remedy for one who has had “a few too many” is Nux vomica. According to Schroyens Synthesis repertory (2012), there are 102 remedies applicable to symptoms following intoxication, with Nux vomica (and one other) being the most highly indicated homeopathic remedy.

Why? Because Nux vomica is very highly indicated in the following headache symptoms, according to Murphy’s Repertory:

  • A heavy sensation in the head, especially in the morning
  • When your head feels as if you are intoxicated 
  • A pulsing/throbbing sensation on the top of your head.
  • As if your head is being squeezed
  • Pain when shaking your head, particularly a sharp pain in the temples when shaking your head
  • A headache that feels better by wrapping your head
  • A headache with chills
  • Pain in the eye with a headache that is felt in the back of your head 
  • Headache during vomiting

Nux vomica is also one of the largest liver remedies in homeopathy and as the medical literature has taught us, the liver is involved to help you cope with ridding your body of the toxins from the alcohol (Jung and Namkoong 2014).

Homeopathic Nux vomica is very highly indicated in the following liver symptoms, again, according to Murphy: pain in the liver, atrophy of the liver, enlarged liver, a sensation of fullness in the liver; hepatitis infection, jaundice; congestion in the portal system. **If you are experiencing chronic liver issues, please work with a professional homeopath alongside your physician.

What other symptoms does homeopathic Nux vomica address which may be experienced after “tying one on?” — according to Phatak (2005):
​
  • Stool issues: Diarrhea, constipation, (see also, The Eagle has Landed) or frequent stools
  • Feeling better following bowel movement (after all, you're bound to feel better when you get that poison out of your system!)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Irritability and bad temper — little things irritate
  • Aversion to food
  • Lying in bed makes you feel better, but rolling over in bed makes you feel worse
  • Moving makes everything feel worse — with an inclination to sit
  • Offensive breath
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • “Dull, beclouded, difficult comprehension, stupefied” — thinking is difficult.
  • Sour burps
  • Gas, and/or noisy guts
  • Heartburn
  • Feeling lethargic
  • Noise makes everything feel worse
  • An acute sense of smell 
  • Feeling worse in the morning
  • Trembling
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Vomiting — (better out than in!)

These keynote symptoms for Nux vomica sound to me like a pretty comprehensive list of symptoms which follow intoxication (Jung and Namkoong 2014; Mayo Clinic 2017).

Getting an accurate account of one’s symptoms is imperative to getting the best-matched homeopathic remedy. Without the details, well, it’s GIGO (TechTerms.com) — “garbage in, garbage out.”

On that note of garbage, I recommend you keep the garbage out of your body, too, but if you find yourself in this compromised position, Nux vomica may well help set things back in order.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits



* REMEMBER, when you take a remedy which is not well indicated, the homeopathic remedy can actually cause you to experience some of the symptoms the remedy is intended to treat.

Reference list
Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

Jung, Y. and Namkoong, K., 2014. Chapter 7 - Alcohol: intoxication and poisoning – diagnosis and treatment [online]. ScienceDirect. 

Mayo Clinic, 2017. Hangovers - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Sinus headaches - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Murphy, R., n.d. Repertory, version 3. Accessed through Radar Opus software.

Phatak, S. R. and C Jeevanandam, 2005. A concise repertory of homoeopathic medicines : alphabetically arranged. New Delhi: B. Jain Pub.

Rozencwajg, J., 2010. Organotherapy Drainage & Detoxification. Emrys Publisher.

Schroyens, F., 2012. Synthesis : repertorium homeopathicum syntheticum. Accessed through Radar Opus software. London: Homeopathic Book Publishers.

TechTerms.com, n.d. GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out) Definition [online]. techterms.com. 

Share

12/14/2021

Jack Frost is nipping

Read Now
 
Picture
I have no affiliation with this Etsy shop, but here's the link in case you would like to purchase one.
Picture
Example of Frostnip (Mayo Clinic 2021)
Picture
Example of chilblains (Mayo Clinic)
Picture
Stages of Frostbite (Mayo Clinic 2018)
It’s a cute song, The Christmas Song. But, when Jack Frost actually comes nipping, it’s no longer cute. It hurts. Sometimes it hurts even years later.

I grew up in frosty Minnesota. Now that I live in the desert southwest, I take it as a personal affront when it’s cold outside. (I left the cold. How did it find me?) My nose is my tenderest spot. The mercury doesn’t have to dip too far for my nose to feel it. Yesterday, it was about 45 degrees when we took the dog for a little walk. Within 5 minutes my nose was talking to me. Within 10 minutes my nose actively hurt. The answer to this problem is a true conundrum. Scarves and neck gators get in the way of breathing, plus they get wet from the breath and then the whole thing is worse. I did resort to a little nose warmer (like the one in the photo) for a short time, but that, too, gets wet and is quickly untenable. 
​
I throw around the term "frostbite" quite willy-nilly when I'm talking about my nose, fingers and toes; but, actually, frostbite is a severe condition which requires medical attention. 

Frostnip is the first rung on the cold skin ladder and can cause redness and possibly numbness but does not cause permanent damage to the skin.

Chillblains are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels as a response to repeated exposure to cold, not freezing air. Though they tend to clear up in warmer weather, seasonal recurrences may happen for years (AlMahameed and Pinto 2008; Mayo Clinic).

Frostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and the underlying tissues. When skin temperature is 25 degrees Fahrenheit, ice crystals form in the blood (Knapic et al. 2020). (Yikes!) Exposed skin is (not surprisingly) most vulnerable, but frostbite can occur under gloves and clothing, too. And, of course, the colder it is, the faster frostbite can occur (Cleveland Clinic).

** Important! ** When re-warming your skin, do so gradually, but rapidly. (Confusing, I know.) The rewarming should occur quickly, but a gentle method should be employed. Don't submerse the cold limb in hot water or expose it to a hot heat source (Cleveland Clinic). Use tepid* water to begin (Golant et al. 2008). Strohecker and Parulski (1997) recommend 100-108 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't rewarm the skin unless the patient can remain in a warm environment. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles cause further injury (Knapic et al. 2020).

Conventional medicine uses calcium channel blockers (Tlougan et al. 2011) which relax the muscles of the heart and blood vessels (Drugs.com 2021) as well as rewarming therapies. (Yes, side effects are a definite possibility with these drugs.)

In addition to a gentle rewarming of the skin, homeopathically speaking, the answer to this problem is Hamamelis virginiana 200c mixed with Arnica montana 3c, twice daily for mild cases and every few hours for severe cases. This Banerji protocol works for any coldness to the extremities, including Raynaud's. 

Why have the Banerjis chosen these remedies? They are both beautiful remedies for circulation and circulatory disorders.

Homeopathic Hamamelis' affinity is for the veins (Vermeulen 2004) and is primarily known as a hemorrhagic remedy including: blood vessels and veins, and phlebitis (inflammation of the walls of a vein). In the skin, it is known for prickling sensations and stinging pains (Murphy).

​Homeopathic Arnica's affinity is for the blood, blood vessels and nerves (Vermeulen 2004) and is highly indicated in chilliness, coldness and shivering (even rigors) in the body. Arnica is also a remedy for bleeding, blood vessels and veins. It is one of only 10 remedies noted for chilblains (Murphy). Arnica is also indicated in complaints which should be painful but are not. (This brings to mind the numbness which may accompany the advanced stages of injuries resulting from the cold and in severe cases, the cold is no longer felt.)

Arnica is also noted for shock. A quick look on PubMed shows us that one form of shock is microcirculatory in nature 
(Kanoore Edul et al. 2015) resulting from decreased blood flow through an organ. The organ in the case of frostbite being the skin (Zook et al. 2021).

Discoloration of hands, blueness in 
particular (think Raynaud's).

If you have to go out into the cold (I know, I know -- some people LOVE going out to play in the cold, I'm just not one of them anymore!), bundle up and keep a tube of Hamamelis + Arnica in your pocket to help keep that blood flowing. Or, there's certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a good book and a nice cup of bone broth by the fire.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits



* finding the actual temperature range of tepid, warm, Luke-warm, hot proved to be difficult. Here are the best sources I found: Peshin 2018, Leverette 2019 and Wash.com 2018.
Reference list
AlMahameed, A. and Pinto, D. S., 2008. Pernio (Chilblains). Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine [online], 10 (2), 128–135. 

Cleveland Clinic  Frostbite: Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Treatment & Prevention [online]. Cleveland Clinic. 

Drugs.com, 2021. Nifedipine Uses, Dosage & Side Effects [online]. Drugs.com. 

Fudge, J., 2016. Exercise in the Cold. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach [online], 8 (2), 133–139. ‌

Golant, A., Nord, R. M., Paksima, N., and Posner, M. A., 2008. Cold Exposure Injuries to the Extremities. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons [online], 16 (12), 704–715. 

Kanoore Edul, V. S., Ince, C., and Dubin, A., 2015. What is microcirculatory shock? Current Opinion in Critical Care [online], 21 (3), 245–252. 

Knapic, J., Reynolds, K., and Castellani, J., 2020. Frostbite: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals [online], 20 (4). 

Leverette, M. M., 2019. Hot, Warm, or Cold Water for Laundry? [online]. The Spruce. .

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Frostbite - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Mayo Clinic, Chilblains - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Mayo Clinic, 2021. Frostnip [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Murphy, R., 2015. Keynote Materia Medica. Blacksburg, Virginia: Lotus Health Institute.

Murphy, R., n.d. Homeopathic Remedy Guide. accessed through Radar Opus software.

Peshin, A., 2018. What Is Lukewarm Water? How Hot Is It? [online]. Science ABC. 

Raducan, A. and Tiplica, G., n.d. Cold Injuries -Chilblains and Frostbite Е В Р О П Е Й С К А Д Е Р М А Т О Л О Г И Я [online]. 

Strohecker, B. and Parulski, C. J., 1997. Frostbite Injuries of the Hand. Plastic Surgical Nursing [online], 17 (4), 212–216. 

Tlougan, B. E., Mancini, A. J., Mandell, J. A., Cohen, D. E., and Sanchez, M. R., 2011. Skin Conditions in Figure Skaters, Ice-Hockey Players and Speed Skaters. Sports Medicine [online], 41 (11), 967–984. 
‌
Vermeulen, F., 2004. Prisma : the arcana of materia medica illuminated : similars and parallels between substance and remedy. Haarlem, Netherlands: Emryss.

Wash.com, 2018. Washer Water Temperature Guide | WASH [online]. Wash.com. 

Zook, N., Hussmann, J., Brown, R., Russell, R., Kucan, J., Roth, A., and Suchy, H., 2021. Medscape: Medscape Access [online]. Medscape.com. 
‌

Share

11/27/2021

Seasickness

Read Now
 
Picture
“Seasickness: at first you are so sick you are afraid you will die, and then you are so sick you are afraid you won’t die.”   – Mark Twain

(For the purposes of this article, I will use “seasick” as a general term for all motion sickness.)

Boats. Planes. Cars. Ohhhhh. There isn’t a word for what travel sickness feels like. Many authors have made valiant efforts at describing the feeling of seasickness, but having experienced it myself, I’m not convinced they have nailed it.

Diana Gabaldon’s Jamie Fraser when crossing the ocean “thought then of nothing but death, and that with a fervor of longing.”

Spike Milligan, the British-Irish actor, comedian and writer suggested, “A sure cure for seasickness is to sit under a tree” (Anon. 2021). (According to this website, many authors have expressed the same sentiment in similar ways.)

The Motion Sickness Guru** (Anon. 2021) has some unusual recommendations to cure seasickness, including taking a bit of earth or mud with you and to sit on it during the voyage. (Even if this one worked, it sounds a little messy.) 

I have a better suggestion, with no mess of any sort. Homeopathy!

The World Traveller’s Manual (Lessell and Greenwood 1993, p. 39) talks about beginning treatment two days before traveling for maximum efficacy. Their prescription is a mixture of a few remedies and I’m sure it works well. The authors state their focus with this protocol is on prevention of established seasickness.

But, the Banerjis, as usual, have simplified things with their protocol.

Tabacum 200c, one dose every hour before starting a journey; three doses to be taken (Banerji and Banerji 2013, p. 122). By beginning the remedy prior to travel, the Banerji's goal is also to stop the seasickness before it starts, but if those initial doses weren't sufficient, take the remedy again.

Homeopathic Tabacum makes so much sense! Just think about all those cartoons and old TV shows where we would see someone take their first drag of a cigarette and they would turn green and double over with nausea — it’s like seasickness on land! 

"Nausea, giddiness, deathly sinking, vomiting, icy coldness and sweat … prostration of the entire muscular system" — those are the first symptoms mentioned in Murphy’s Materia Medica (2006, p. 1896) under homeopathic uses for Tabacum.

Is Tabacum the only homeopathic remedy for travel sickness? 

Nope. For starters, as mentioned above, 
The World Traveller’s Manual suggests using a combination of remedies: Cocculus indicus 30c and Petroleum 6c as well as Tabacum 6c. 

Are these remedies only useful for nausea as a result of travel sickness?

Nope. These homeopathic remedies are for nausea of any kind, from any cause. Run of the mill nausea, morning sickness, nausea as a result of anxiety, nausea as a result of vertigo … even nausea caused from smoking tobacco!


What’s the difference between these remedies? 

All three of these remedies are strongly indicated in seasickness with nausea, but Tabacum is a little more indicated.

Tabacum is more highly indicated when:
 - Seasick with nausea
 - During vertigo*
 - During vertigo with noises in ear
 - SEVERE motion sickness and nausea
 - Empty, weak, “goneness” sensation in the stomach
 - With horrible anxiety
 - With vomiting
 - During pregnancy
 - With cold sweats*
 - Constant desire to swallow saliva

Cocculus indicus: is more highly indicated when:
 - Seasickness is better closing the eyes
 - Sensitive hearing, or noises make it worse
 - During a headache
 - During vertigo*
 - During labor 
 - From sleeplessness (think jet lag!)
 - Air travel*
 - From the smell of food
 - Looking at moving objects makes it worse
 - Riding in a car*
 - Sitting up in bed
 - While smoking
 - During a cough
 - Great salivation*
 - For those who get seasick while swimming*

Petroleum is more highly indicated for nausea when:
 - Air travel*
 - Riding in a car*
 - Accumulation of saliva in the mouth* 
 - With increased appetite
 - Eating helps
 - With cold sweat*
 - Constant nausea
 - While standing
 - During stool
 - Sudden nausea
 - For those who get seasick while swimming*

* (If the same symptom is mentioned under multiple remedies, that symptom is equally indicated in both remedies.)

As you can see, there is a good deal of crossover between these remedies. If one doesn't work for you, try the next one.

Ugh. Just thinking about all this makes me feel a little queasy.

The next time you are planning an ocean voyage (or a plane trip or car trip if you’re sensitive to them), be sure to slip a tube of homeopathic Tabacum 200c in your bag and a few pellets in your mouth (always follow manufacturer's directions) a couple of hours before your travel begins. It will likely make your trip much more pleasant.

**This website does have some homeopathic suggestions, too, I was happy to see!

​Safe travels!

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
​
​

REFERENCES

Anon., 2021. A Sure Cure for Seasickness Is To Sit Under a Tree – Quote Investigator [online]. Quote Investigator. 

Anon., 2021. Motion Sickness Trivia - Outlandish cures, quotes, barf bag fun... [online]. www.motion-sickness-guru.com. 

Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

Gabaldon, D., 2002. Voyager. New York, New York: Bantam Dell A Division Of Random House, Inc.

Lessell, C. B. and Greenwood, L., 1993. The world travellers’ manual to homoeopathy. Essex: Saffron Walden.

Murphy, R., 2006. Nature’s materia medica : 1,400 homeopathic and herbal remedies. 3rd ed. Blackburg, Va.: Lotus Health Institute, November.

Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy. Kander, Germany: Narayana Verlag.

Share

11/11/2021

Homeopathy in Dystopia

Read Now
 
Picture
Dystopian fiction used to be one of my favorite genres… until 2020 happened and we found ourselves living in an actual dystopia! A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to return to normal and re-visit this type of fiction. 

One Second After by William R. Forstchen came to me via an enthusiastic recommendation and it turned out to be a well-written, plausible scenario of the after effects of an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) being dropped on the United States. The result? All electronics ceased functioning: no phones, no running water, no refrigeration, no cars. Supply lines stopped. Stores looted and emptied in the first days. Medical help was dependent on the knowledge of the local doctors, nurses and veterinarians and whatever supplies they happened to have on hand.

You know what was missing in this scenario? Somebody with some homeopathic knowledge! Homeopathy is an essential skill to have if you are living off the grid, whether by choice … or through a fictional EMP being dropped.

The main character got a life-threatening infection after cutting his hand.  A number of remedies come to mind for a really bad infection*: Calendula (Parente et al. 2012; Givol et al. 2019; Preethi and Kuttan 2009), Gunpowder (Casey 2011) or, the  Banerji protocol of Hypericum 200c mixed with Arsenicum album 200c (Banerji and Banerji 2013). 

*This article is based on a fictional situation. If you find yourself in any of these situations in real life, seek medical attention immediately!

His daughter had Type 1 diabetes (NOT a good thing to have when the supply lines are cut and there is no more insulin to be found) and though homeopathy may help control some of the symptoms, it isn’t going to do much to help that situation. There are certainly medical conditions for which pharmaceutical drugs are absolutely necessary to keep people alive. But, this dystopian novel made me think about all the people dependent on pharmaceutical meds for non-life-threatening conditions. You don’t want to be dependent on these things when this fictional EMP is dropped (or even if there is a breakdown of the supply chain)!

The coming to grips with their new reality? Ignatia could certainly help with that. It is so good at addressing emotional shocks and for those suffering ill effects from hearing bad news or from fright and "disorders of the mind, particularly if actuated by grief, sadness, hopelessness, hysterical variableness, fantastic illusions" (Murphy 2006, p. 973).

The diarrhea that spread through town? Arsenicum album (Rafferty and Kayne 1994), Veratrum album (Banerji and Banerji 2013) or Camphor ​(Banerji and Banerji 2013; Leary 1997; Perko 2005). [An interesting read on the use of homeopathy in cholera epidemics.]

The psychiatric patients in town who no longer had their meds… Homeopathy has a good track record for helping mental and emotional conditions of all sorts and certainly could have helped to keep some of these conditions at bay, but these are better suited to an individualized classical homeopathic remedy. (Check out Homeopathy and Mental Health Care by C. K. Johannes for a place to start.)

Another beautiful aspect of homeopathy is it doesn’t require much of a supply chain. It is completely possible to make your own homeopathic remedies as long as you have either the raw materials or the homeopathic remedy itself. If you have blank pellets, you can create more pellets as needed, or, you can make essentially limitless liquid remedies from a couple of pellets and treat the whole town at once!

What else could these people have used? A good First Aid Kit** and the knowledge of how to use it.  When your local hospitals and clinics are no longer of any use to you, a medium-sized accident can leave you in a world of hurt. Remember, in this fictional account, there was no electricity, no internet, no phones to help you figure out how to use your first aid kit. It does you no good to have something downloaded on your now defunct tablet; you need to have good, old-fashioned books to guide you, like US Army First Aid Manual or Herbal medic : a green beret’s guide to emergency medical preparedness and natural first aid.

I know some people find these catastrophic topics disturbing. I like the problem solving that comes along with reading these kinds of books; to think about the worst case scenario and figure out ways to tackle the problems — being prepared (in my mind, at least) brings me a sense of calm.

I’m happy to have this genre back in my life. I wonder what the next dystopian scenario coming my way will be? Regardless of what it is, I bet homeopathy would be a useful skill to have!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

** I have no affiliation with this company or any products listed here, I just like their products.

Picture
‌​​Forstchen, W. R., 2009. One Second After : John Matherson, Book 1. New York: Forge.

REFERENCES

Anon., 2020. Instructions For Turning Pills Into Liquid Remedies [online]. Homeopathy Plus. 

Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.
‌
Camerlink, I., Ellinger, L., Bakker, E. J., and Lantinga, E. A., 2010. Homeopathy as replacement to antibiotics in the case of Escherichia coli diarrhoea in neonatal piglets. Homeopathy [online], 99 (1), 57–62.
‌
Casey, S., 2011. Gunpowder! Little-Known Remedy Packs a Wallop Against Wounds - Shirley Casey [online]. Hpathy. 

Coyte, J., 2021. Homeopathic potency briefly explained [online]. CLASSICALLYPRACTICAL.COM. 

Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., and Harats, M., 2019. A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration [online], 27 (5), 548–561.

Jacobs, J., Jiménez, L. M., Gloyd, S. S., Gale, J. L., and Crothers, D., 1994. Treatment of acute childhood diarrhea with homeopathic medicine: a randomized clinical trial in Nicaragua. Pediatrics [online], 93 (5), 719–725.

Johannes, C. K., 2010. Homeopathy and Mental Health Care. The Netherlands: Homeolinks Publishers.

Leary, B., 1997. The homoepathic management of cholera in the nineteenty century with special reference to the epidemic in London, 1854. Medizin, Gesellschaft, Und Geschichte: Jahrbuch Des Instituts Fur Geschichte Der Medizin Der Robert Bosch Stiftung [online], 16, 125–144.
‌
Murphy, R., 2006. Nature’s materia medica : 1,400 homeopathic and herbal remedies. Blackburg, Va.: Lotus Health Institute, November.

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. 

Perko, S. J., 2005. The homeopathic treatment of influenza : surviving influenza epidemics and pandemics past, present and future with homeopathy. San Antonio, Tx: Benchmark Homeopathic Publications.

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

Rafferty, A. and Kayne, S., 1994. The use of Arsenicum album 30c to complement conventional treatment of neonatal diarrhoea (“scours”) in calves. British Homeopathic Journal [online], 83 (04), 202–204.
‌

FIRST AID BOOKS

Coffman, S., 2021. Herbal medic : a green beret’s guide to emergency medical preparedness and natural first aid. North Adams, Ma: Storey Publishing.
‌
Pareek, R. S. and Pareek, A., 2012. Homeopathy for Acutes and Emergencies. Kandern, Germany: Narayana Publishers.

Ratera, Dr. M. M., 2016. First Aid with Homeopathy.

Schmukler, A. V., 2006. Homeopathy : an A to Z home handbook. Woodbury, Minn.: Llewellyn Publications.
​
United States. Department Of The Army, 2009. U.S. Army first aid manual. New York: Skyhorse Pub.

Wiseman, J. and Britain., G., 2014. SAS survival handbook : the ultimate guide to surviving anywhere. New York: William Morrow, An Imprint Of Harpercollins Publishers.
‌

Share

10/28/2021

Wasp Attack! part 2, in the middle of the night

Read Now
 
Picture
I thought I was good to go with this wasp sting. I took a couple more doses of Ledum if any pain crept up and by the time I went to bed, I thought I was over it.

Nope. I guess this thing was a 1-2-3 punch!

I was awakened by a household noise about midnight. As I got out of bed, my foot pounded with pain. I took another dose of Ledum and tried to get back to sleep. Nope. I took a higher potency of Ledum and tried to get back to sleep. Nope. I tried some homeopathic Coffea cruda which is known to help sleep to come when there is pain. Nope. I was awake for about an hour trying to figure out what remedy to try next while I was trying to will the pain away and let sleep come. It really hurt badly.

I eventually decided on homeopathic Hypericum 200c. I slept the rest of the night. And, I did pretty well most of the next day.

I was sound asleep and awakened the next night at 3 am. This time with intense itching. Had someone offered to amputate it at that moment, I would have seriously entertained the idea. It was like the worst athlete's foot I have ever had, multiplied by a lot! It was miserable! Hypericum did nothing. Coffea did nothing. 

I then went to an excellent homeopathic "itchy" remedy, Arsenicum album 30c. (Arsenicum is part of the Banerji Protocol for eczema, that's how good it is for itchiness.) It worked. I slept the rest of the night. This time I awakened the next morning and the itching was still there, just not as acutely. Arsenicum only barely worked now. I ran out of the 30c and all I had left was 3c which was of no help in this situation. [REMINDER: if you don't have the right remedy on hand, it's not going to help you!] 

But, I did have the combination remedy of Hypericum 200c + Arsenicum album 200c. This is the Banerji's first line protocol for animal and human bites (Banerji and Banerji 2013). Animal and human bites are considered puncture wounds. Wasps leave puncture wounds and thus I decided it was worth a try. Relief came. But, again, only for a little while.

My toe, at this point was stiff and red and a little warm. It felt OK, and then it doesn't. There is no sign of a stinger left in there. It's localized only to that toe and it is not spreading up my foot.

At my husband's suggestion, I soaked it first in hot water with Epsom salts. Aaaahhh. That felt good. Then, I followed his next suggestion and soaked it in ice water. That, too, felt good. In short, it felt good as long as it was in the water. As soon as it came out out of the water, that's when it started to hurt. 

I reached out to a homeopath friend who recently had a bad reaction to a bee sting. She suggested Plantago Major mother tincture. Now, that is soothing stuff! I've read about it many times, but I have never tried it. (This little bottle is moving into my medicine cabinet and will now be one of the first things I grab.)

So, I have now soaked it in both hot and cold. I have doused it with Plantago major. Now, I will alternate between Arsenicum album 200c (for the itchiness) and Urtica urens 200c.

Homeopathic Urtica urens is potentized (homeopathic) stinging nettle. It is well known for allergic reaction, edema and itching. I think these three bold-type symptoms in Murphy's Repertory for Urtica urens covers what's going on in my toe. (Note: I don't know that I am having an allergic reaction, but it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility.)

About 15 minutes after the first dose of Urtica, my toe is a little less stiff, but the itching is worse … hence the decision to alternate these two remedies. The Arsenicum calmed the itching. The stiffness remains, though lessened.

I will alternate these two remedies, as needed, for the next few hours. If the stiffness goes away, I'll back off the Urtica. If the itching lessens, I'll back off on the Arsenicum album.

And, I'll cross my fingers because I have had good amelioration 2 days in a row after taking well indicated remedies and I have been surprised 2 nights in a row.

I'll keep you posted!

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical Homeopath

​#wellnessawaits

SOURCES:
Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

Murphy, R., 2003. Homeopathic medical repertory : a modern alphabetical repertory. Blacksburg, Va.: H.A.N.A. Press.

Share

10/18/2021

The Eagle has Landed!

Read Now
 
Picture
BONUS!
A few other reasons to keep Nux vomica handy when you have children …

* Infants with a stopped up nose, preventing nursing.

* Infants with hiccups (good for children with hiccups in general, but infants in particular).

* Stomach pain in children.

* Irritability in children (especially when there has been an overindulgence of any kind — good or bad. Too much candy or not enough sleep, for example.)

* Children suffering from jealousy.

Does this mean that Nux vomica is the only way to help my child with constipation or hiccups or stomach pain, irritability or jealousy? Nope. But there is a good chance this strongly associated gastro-intestinal remedy may help them.

The Eagle has Landed: “Someone or something has arrived; something been done. The phrase was famously said by US astronaut Neil Armstrong when the Eagle Lunar Lander landed on the moon in 1969” (thefreedictionary.com).

Constipation is a trying condition. Constipation in little people is a frustrating, trying and heartbreaking condition. It’s a helpless feeling when you know what needs to happen for the child to feel better, but you have no way of actually fixing the situation. There is no magic bandaid to put on an uncomfortable little person when it comes to constipation. Waiting for that eagle or eaglet to finally land is tough.

I was ignorant to the beauties of homeopathy when my kids were little (dang!). I sure wish I had known about homeopathy in general, and Nux vomica, in particular.

Some homeopaths, through their clinical experience, have found certain potencies of certain remedies act differently than the other potencies of the same remedies. For instance, The Banerjis, of the renown Banerji Protocols with their nearly unprecedented clinical experience* have found that for constipation, Nux vomica 30c, twice daily is the ticket, especially if the sufferer is an infant or child. (The twice daily dosing is if it’s a chronic problem. If it’s an unusual but uncomfortable acute condition, relief most likely will occur very quickly.)

Nux vomica is not the Banerji’s first line protocol for constipation, but it is the simplest (Banerji and Banerji 2013). That fact, coupled with a quick look through Robin Murphy’s Repertory** using homeopathy software (Radar Opus, for those wondering), searching just for “child” and “Nux vomica,” shows us a few unique/small rubrics,*** demonstrating what a good fit Nux vomica is for constipated children.

Skipping the repertory language (often written in the old, original wording which can sometimes be confusing to the modern reader) and moving right into plain English, Nux vomica is highly indicated in:

— Constipation for infants and newborns (8 remedies listed)
— Constipation alternating with diarrhea in children (16 remedies listed)
— Colic in infants (16 remedies listed)
— Constipation in children (34 remedies listed)
— Constipation in infants (17 remedies listed)

These five rubrics are a pretty clear indication that Nux vomica may help infants and children with constipation. 

As usual, homeopathy is a well-rounded medicine and Nux vomica can likely help not only an infant or child, but adults and animals, too, should the symptoms be a good fit.

If you have a child suffering from constipation, acutely or chronically, book a free introductory chat to see if homeopathy may be helpful.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical Homeopathy 

#wellnessawaits  #homeopathycanhelp

* The doctors at The Banerji Clinic in Kolkata, India see 1,000 patients a day, every day. 10 physicians/homeopaths see 100 patients every day! They record all of this information and distill all these case details to be able to share this valuable information with the rest of us.

** Repertory: the book of homeopathic symptoms, listing homeopathic remedies associated with each symptom. "The definition of word repertory [sic] originates from the Latin word 'repertoire,' which means any store or stock, (e.g. of information), that can be drawn upon. … In modern terms, the repertory represents the clinical and research database for the practice of homeopathic medicine. The general information contained in these books are derived from history, provings, clinical practice, research, physiology and toxicology" (Murphy 2003, p. VI).

*** Rubric: the symptom entry listed in the homeopathic repertory.

Look for upcoming articles about the details behind the Repertory and the Rubrics and Provings.

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

Murphy, R., 2003. Homeopathic medical repertory : a modern alphabetical repertory. Blacksburg, Va.: H.A.N.A. Press.

Photo by Susan Myers on Unsplash

Share

10/12/2021

A Rufus update

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Rufus’ dollops had literally dropped to nothing for a while. Then there would be another and we repeated the Aloe and they would disappear again. Then, they just kept coming, regardless of what we tried. A package was waiting every morning and sometimes 1 or 2 more times during the day and evening. 

A change had occurred, though, that could be helpful to finding another remedy. His stools became lienteric. From Merriam Webster: "containing or characterized by the passage of undigested or partially digested food — used of feces or diarrhea."

We were literally getting ready to walk out the door for a few days away, so I took a quick look at Murphy’s repertory which shows a couple of possible remedies that fit the idea of both his loose/easy stool as well as  lienteric stool.

I left 4 bowls of food in the fridge for the dog sitter to give him, each with China officinalis wedged into some pieces of meat.

There has not been a dollop since. Not the usual morning offering nor the evening drop off. And, I think he looks a little happier about life. He seems to be sleeping less. He comes to sit by us in the day rather than staying by himself. But, we've been here before… so, stay tuned! I am hopeful but not certain.

Cinchona officinalis (or, China officinalis, AKA China, or Peruvian Bark) — from which we get quinine is also the first homeopathic remedy to be “proved” by Samuel Hahnemann. He devised his theory of “like cures like,” then he tried it on himself. Thus he “proved” his theory. (Look for an upcoming article on this topic.)

At it’s worst, the Cinchona patient is “despondent, gloomy, has no desire to live, but lacks courage to commit suicide” (Allen 2017, p. 100). Could Rufus have been in that state? Dunno. “Gloomy” could certainly be a word attributed to his disposition recently.

Cinchona also has “drawing or tearing; in every joint” (Allen 2005, p. 100). We know he has this going on. You can see it and hear it when he stands up or drops down.

Cinchona is an excellent remedy for the elderly, the weak or the recuperating. We believe Rufus to be on the older side. (He has been with us for 5-1/2 years and the vet estimated he was 4 or 5 at that time.) Cinchona is part of the 3rd line Banerji Protocol for Malnutrition with loss of weight (Banerji and Banerji 2013, p. 131). That could fit old Rufus. His harness seems pretty loose these days despite our not altering his diet. When he first joined our family, he was only 85 pounds (and was missing a great deal of his fur, plus mange, plus fleas and yeast infections — I had forgotten how unwell he used to be!) Though the vet recommended a chicken and rice diet for him, we quickly learned that rice was not his friend and he has been grain free ever since and last we checked, he was about 130 pounds. But, there is absolutely no question that he was malnourished upon arrival here. Bone broth has been an amazing thing for this lovely beast and I credit that, along with cell salts and well chosen homeopathic remedies, for getting him back to health. 

Homeopathy is definitely not an exact science and it is not at all unusual to need to zigzag your way through a case. I hope we are at the end of Rufus’ dollops, but in the event that we are not, I am prepared to follow his symptoms to make sure that his remaining years are as pleasant as possible — for him, and for us!


Julia Coyte, CHom
classicallypractical.com

#wellnessawaits. #homeopathycanhelp



Allen, H. C., 2017. Keynotes : rearranged and classified with leading remedies of the materia medica and bowel nosodes including repertorial index. Noida, U.P., India: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.

Banerji, P. and Banerji, P., 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.
‌​

Share

0 Comments
<<Previous
Details

    Archives

    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021

    Picture
    Julia Coyte is a classically trained homeopath who is well versed in the practical application of homeopathic remedies.
    ​
    To arrange for a consultation, click here.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    AAA
    Abuse
    Accident
    Acetaminophen
    Ache
    Aches
    Aconite
    Aconite Bryonia
    Aconitum Napellus
    Activated Charcoal
    Acupuncture
    Acute
    Acute Consultation
    Acute Sickness
    Advil
    Air Sick
    Alcohol
    Allergic Reaction
    Allergies
    Allergy
    Allium Cepa
    Aloe
    Alopecia
    Altitude
    Alzheimer's Disease
    Ambra Grisea
    Ammonium Carbonicum
    Anacardium
    Anal Fistulae
    Anaphylactic
    Anaphylaxis
    Anesthesia
    Anger
    Animals
    Ankle
    Annoyed
    Antacid
    Anticipatory Anxiety
    Antidote
    Antimonium Tart
    Anxiety
    Aphthae
    Aphthous Stomatitis
    Apis
    Apis Mellifica
    Appendectomy
    Argentum Nitricum
    Arnica
    Arsen
    Arsenicum Album
    Arthritis
    Aspen
    Asphyxia
    Asteraceae
    Asthma
    Auto-immune
    Avena Sativa
    Bach Flower Remedies
    Bach Rescue Remedy
    Back
    Back Ache
    Banerji Protocol
    Baptisia
    Baptisia Tinctoria
    Bashful
    Bee
    Bee Sting
    Belladonna
    Bellis Perennis
    Bicycle Fall
    Bites
    Bite Tongue
    Bleeding
    Bleeding Nose
    Bloating
    Blocked Eustachian Tubes
    Blood
    Blood Vessels
    Bloody Nose
    Boiron
    Boiron's Chestal Cold & Cough
    Bone
    Boogers
    Book Review
    Borax
    Bordatella
    Brainfog
    Brain Fog
    Breast Feeding
    Breathing
    Broken Bones
    Broken Heart
    Bruise
    Bruising
    Bryonia
    Bug Bites
    Burning Eyes
    Burning Pains
    Burning Sensation
    Burning Urination
    Burns
    Burp
    Caladium
    Calc Carb
    Calc Fluor
    Calc Phos
    Calc Sulph
    Calendula
    Camphor
    Candy
    Canker Sore
    Cantharis
    Carbo Veg
    Carbo Vegetabilis
    Car Sick
    Cartilage
    Caterpillar
    Cattle
    Cavities
    Cavity
    Cell Salt
    Cell Salts
    Centipede
    Cercarial Dermatitis
    Chamomilla
    Chapped Lips
    Charcoal
    Cherry Plum
    Chicken
    Chickens
    Chicory
    Chilblains
    Childbirth
    Children
    China
    China Officinalis
    Chiropractic
    Chlorine
    Cholera
    Cinchona
    Cinchona Officinales
    Claustrophobia
    Coca
    Cocculus Indicus
    Coffea
    Coffea Cruda
    Coffee
    Cold
    Cold Calm
    Coldness
    Colds
    Cold Weather
    Colic
    Collagen
    Collapse
    Combination
    Comfrey
    Congestion
    Conium Maculatum
    Conjunctivitis
    Connective Tissue
    Constipation
    Control
    Convalescence
    Cough
    Coughing
    Courage
    Crab Apple
    Cracked Skin
    Cramps
    Craniosacral Therapy
    Croup
    Cst
    Cuts
    Dandelions
    Daylight Savings Time
    Death
    Dehydration
    Dementia
    Dental
    Dental Pain
    Dentist
    Depression
    Diarrhea
    Dilution
    Distrubed
    Dizziness
    Dog
    Dogs
    Dorothy-shepherd
    Dose
    Dread
    Dry-skin
    Dulcamara
    Dulcamera
    Ear Ache
    Ear Infection
    Ear Infection Research
    Ear Pain
    Ears
    Echinacea
    Edema
    Effort
    Elderly
    Elm
    Emergency
    Emotions
    Epistaxis
    Equisetum
    Eupatorium
    Eupatorium-perfoliatum
    Euphrasia
    Excitement
    Exostosis
    Eyeball
    Eyes
    Eye Strain
    Fainting
    Fall
    Fart
    Fascia
    Fatigue
    Fear
    Ferr Phos
    Ferrum Phos
    Fever
    Fever Blisters
    Finger
    Fireworks
    First Aid
    First Aid Kit
    Flatulence
    Flatus
    Flu
    Flying
    Foodborne Illness
    Food Poisoning
    Foot
    Foot-pain
    Forest-fire
    Frenectomy
    Fright
    Frostbite
    Frostnip
    Gas
    Gelsemium
    Gelsemium Sempervirens
    Gemmotherapy
    Geographic Tongue
    Glonoinum
    Graphites
    Grief
    Guilt
    Gunpowder
    Hahnemann
    Hair Loss
    Hallucinations
    Hamamelis
    Hamamelis Virginiana
    Hamstring
    Hands
    Hangover
    Hayfever
    Hay Fever
    Head
    Headache
    Head Injury
    Health Timeline
    Heart Attack
    Heartburn
    Heat Exhaustion
    Heat Prostration
    Heat Stroke
    Hecla Lava
    Heel Pain
    Heel Spurs
    Heights
    Hekla Lava
    Hemlock
    Hemorrhage
    Hepar Sulph
    Herbs
    Herd
    Hiccups
    Hip
    Hives
    Hoarseness
    Hoarse Voice
    Holly
    Homeopathic
    Homeopathic Consultations
    Homeopathic Dosing
    Homeopathic Potency
    Homeopathic Remedies
    Homeopathic Remedy
    Homeopathy
    Homeopathy Explained
    Homeopathy Research
    Honeysuckle
    Humiliation
    Hydrastic Canadensis
    Hypericum
    Hypericum Perforatum
    Hypothermia
    Ibuprofen
    Ignatia
    Illness
    Indigestion
    Infant
    Influenza
    Ingrown Toenail
    Injection
    Injure
    Injuries
    Injury
    Insomnia
    Intrusive Thoughts
    Involuntary
    Ipecac
    Irritability
    Irritated
    Isopathy
    Itching
    Itching Eyes
    Jealousy
    Jellyfish
    Jimson Weed
    Joint
    Joints
    Kali Bich
    Kali Mur
    Kali Nit
    Kali Phos
    Kali Sulph
    Keeping Notes
    Kennel Cough
    Kidney
    Kidney Stones
    Kids
    Knife
    Laceration
    Lachesis
    Lactic Acid
    Lacticum Acidum
    Ladder
    Ladybird
    Ladybug
    Larch
    Ledum
    Ledum Palustre
    Leg
    Lienteric Stool
    Ligament
    Like Cures Like
    Lithotripsy
    Liver
    Low Grade Fever
    Lycopodium
    Lyme Disease
    Magnesium Phos
    Mag Phos
    Malaise
    Mapped Tongue
    Massage
    Melatonin
    Memories
    Menopause
    Menstrual Cramps
    Mercurius Sol
    Mezereum
    Migraine
    Millefolium
    Mimulus
    Minor Burns
    Mint
    Moodiness
    Mood Swings
    Morning Sickness
    Mosquito
    Motion Sick
    Motion Sickness
    Mouth
    Mucus
    Muscles
    Mustard
    Myofunctional Therapy
    Nanoparticles
    Narcosis
    Nat Mur
    Nat Phos
    Natrum Muriaticum
    Natrum Phosphoricum
    Nat Sulph
    Nausea
    Neck
    Nerve
    Nerve Pain
    Never Well Since
    Nightmare
    Night Terror
    Noise
    Norovirus
    Norwalk Virus
    Nose
    NSAIDs
    Numbness
    Nux Moschata
    Nux Vomica
    NWS
    Olive
    Oscillococcinum
    Osteoarthritis
    Over-eating
    Overexertion
    Over-exertion
    Over Indulgence
    Over-indulgence
    Overwhelm
    Overwork
    Oxygen
    Pain
    Painful
    Painful Skin
    Palatal Expanders
    Pandemic
    Panic
    Panic Attack
    Peacock
    Performance
    Perimenopause
    Petroleum
    Pharyngitis
    Phosphoric Acid
    Phosphoricum Acidum
    Phosphorus
    Phosporic Acid
    Phytolacca Decandra
    Pigs
    Pine
    Plantago
    Plantago Major
    Plantain
    Plantar Fasciitis
    Podophyllum
    Poison
    Pomegranate
    Pool
    Poop
    Potency
    Potentization
    Provings
    PTSD
    Pulsatilla
    Puncture Wound
    Pus
    Quality Of Life
    Questions
    Rage
    Rash
    Raynaud's
    Recipe
    Recovery
    Recuperation
    Red Chestnut
    Regret
    Remedy Kit
    Remedy Kits
    Renal
    Repertory
    Rescue Remedy
    Research
    Restlessness
    Rhus Tox
    Ribs
    Ringworm
    Road Rash
    Rolf
    Rubric
    Runny Nose
    Ruta
    Ruta Grav
    Ruta Graveleons
    Ruts
    Sadness
    Samuel Hahnemann
    Sanguinaria
    Scar
    Schmukler
    School
    Science
    Screaming
    Seasick
    Sensitive
    Sepia
    Sepsis
    Shame
    Shivers
    Shock
    Shooting Pain
    Side Effects
    Silica
    Silicea
    Sinus
    Sinus Headache
    Sinus Pain
    Skinned Knee
    Sleep
    Sleeplessness
    Smelling Salts
    Sneeze
    Sneezing
    Snot
    Sol
    Sore
    Sore Muscles
    Sores
    Sore Throat
    Sorrow
    Sour
    Splinter
    Spongia Tosta
    Sprain
    Sprains
    Stage Fright
    Stagnant Emotion
    Staphysagria
    Stiff Neck
    Stimulation
    Sting
    Stings
    Stitches
    Stomach Cramps
    Stomach Flu
    Stomach Pain
    Stool
    Strain
    Stramonium
    Strep Throat
    Stress
    Stretching A Remedy
    Stuffy Nose
    Sugar
    Sulphur
    Sulphur Iodatum
    Sunburn
    Sunstroke
    Suppressed Anger
    Surgery
    Surgical Wounds
    Swelling
    Swimmer's Ear
    Swimming
    Swollen Glands
    Symphytum
    Syncope
    Tabacum
    Tailbone
    Taraxacum
    Taste And Smell
    Teeth
    Teething
    Temper Tantrum
    Tendon
    Terror
    Thanksgiving
    Thermal Shock
    Thiosinaminum
    Throat
    Throat Tickle
    Thuja
    Ticks
    Tiger Balm
    Timid
    Tincture
    Tissue Salts
    Toe
    Tongue
    Tongue Tie
    Tonsil
    Tonsillectomy
    Tonsillitis
    Tonsillolith
    Tonsils
    Tonsil Stone
    Tooth
    Toothache
    Trauma
    Traumatic Brain Injury
    Traumeel
    Travel
    Traveler's Diarrhea
    Travel Sick
    T-Relief
    Trembling
    Trituration
    Tummy
    Tylenol
    Ulcer
    Unconscious
    Unrequited Love
    Urgent
    Urinary Tract Infection
    Urtica Urens
    UTI
    Utica Urens
    Vaccination
    Varicose Veins
    Veratrum Album
    Vertigo
    Violent
    Vomiting
    Walnut
    Wasp Sting
    Water Dose
    Weakness
    Wedding
    White Chestnut
    Wind
    Winter
    Work
    Worry
    Wound
    Wounds
    Wrist
    Wyethia
    Xray
    Yeast Infection

  • Home
  • In a nutshell …
    • Like, what? >
      • Classical? Practical?
  • Blog
  • contact
    • About
    • FAQ
  • Book appt
    • Before first appt >
      • Choosing a homeopath
      • Useful info >
        • References & Resources
  • Research