This is a truly REMARKABLE book of medical history that will blow your mind…and will teach you that medical science does not allow “follow the science” but instead, it too often “follows the money.”
This book:
• Examines the success of Homeopathic psychiatric asylums in the United States from the 1870s until 1920
• Focuses on New York’s Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital for the Insane, which had a treatment regime with thousands of successful outcomes
• Details a Homeopathic blueprint for treating mental disorders based on Talcott’s methods, including nutrition and side-effect-free Homeopathic prescriptions
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Homeopathy was popular across all classes of society. In the United States, there were more than 100 Homeopathic hospitals, more than 1,000 Homeopathic pharmacies, and 22 Homeopathic medical schools. In particular, Homeopathic psychiatry flourished from the 1870s to the 1930s, with thousands of documented successful outcomes in treating mental illness.
Revealing the astonishing but suppressed history of Homeopathic psychiatry, Jerry M. Kantor examines the success of Homeopathic psychiatric asylums in America from the post–Civil War era until 1920, including how the madness of Mary Todd Lincoln was effectively treated with Homeopathy at a “sane” asylum in Illinois. He focuses in particular on New York’s Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital, where superintendent Selden Talcott oversaw a compassionate and holistic treatment regime that married Thomas Kirkbride’s moral treatment principles to Homeopathy. Kantor reveals how Homeopathy was pushed aside by pharmaceuticals, which often caused more harm than good, as well as how the current critical attitude toward Homeopathy has distorted the historical record.
Offering a vision of mental health care for the future predicated on a model that flourished for half a century, Kantor shows how we can improve the care and treatment of the mentally ill and stop the exponential growth of terminal mental disorder diagnoses that are rampant today.
Reviews
“Sane Asylums is a brilliant stroll through medical history, showing that Homeopathic physicians were more than a hundred years ahead of their time. The Homeopathic mental health institutions were truly sane asylums; that is, they integrated Homeopathic treatment with nutritional therapy, physical exercise, play therapy, and respectful and caring personalized treatment. In terms of mental health care, we can now say that there really were the ‘good old days’ in this medical specialty.” ― Dana Ullman, MPH, CCH, author of The Homeopathic Revolution
“Mental health professionals and patients alike can take heart from this thoroughly documented description of natural cures for mental illness at the turn of the last century. The actual cures came from the timeless science of Homeopathy, whose safe and effective medicines remain in use today. In fact, we can still implement the same protocols that Jerry Kantor describes in Sane Asylums, complete with specific medicines for common diagnoses. Both scholarly and entertaining, Sane Asylums provides solid support for a more sane approach to mental illness today.” ― Burke Lennihan, RN, CCH, classical homeopath and author of Your Natural Medicine Cabinet
“In Sane Asylums, Jerry Kantor digs into the past to reveal a surprising history, one that challenges current societal beliefs. The most joyful chapter in this book tells of ‘baseball therapy’ practiced at Middletown State Homeopathic Hospital for the Insane, with the Asylums, as the hospital’s team was known, posting a surprisingly good record in competition with other local New York baseball teams. You read this and can’t help but ask yourself, what does this reveal about our mental health care today?” ― Robert Whitaker, author of Mad in America
“Jerry Kantor’s book is an amazing historical document that also provides insight into what can be done to improve the lives of those struggling with mental illness today. Homeopathy can work miracles. It is imperative that more people realize this at a time when modern medicine is increasingly harming rather than helping us.” ―Amy L. Lansky, Ph.D., author of Impossible Cure: The Promise of Homeopathy
“Sane Asylums gives us an illuminating look into a time when visionary doctors treated mental illness with care, compassion, and gentle, effective Homeopathic remedies. It is an important historical addition that will enlighten therapists as well as anyone interested in improving the treatment of those with severe mental illness. One can only hope that this history becomes better known so that all effective treatments, such as Homeopathy, will flourish.” ―Jane Tara Cicchetti, CCH, author of Dreams, Symbols, and Homeopathy
“Sane Asylums is a book that makes you want to travel back in time and go to 1875–1925 when mental asylums in the United States offered humane living conditions, compassionate care, sports therapy, and homeopathic remedies to thousands of people with mental illness and obtained successful cures. Sane Asylums shows what was possible back then and what can be achieved today if the Homeopathic approach to mental illness is made available again and we, as a society, learn to invest in sanity.” ― Vatsala Sperling, Ph.D., P.D.Hom, CCH, R.S.Hom, classical homeopath and author of The Ayurvedic Rese
“Highly recommended. Sane Asylums is an engaging, well-researched, and very much needed historical perspective on the role of Homeopathy in the evolution of medicine in the United States. Rather than the ‘scrubbed’ historical version we are accustomed to finding in our history books, Sane Asylums sheds new light on Homeopathy’s relevance for mental health care, medicine, nursing, and politics today. Well worth the read!” ― Ann McKay, RN-BC, CCH, HWNC-BC, homeopath
“In an insane world, what better than to challenge our collective cognitive dissonance around psychiatry? Homeopathy is biological intelligence and inheritance. Seems we knew this once upon a time. ‘Mad’ props to Jerry Kantor for uncovering beautiful, forgotten, misunderstood, and disavowed parts of our medical history.” ― Louise Kuo, health freedom activist and author of Vaccine Epidemic
“Do you like history, Homeopathic history? Well then, you’re sure to appreciate Jerry Kantor’s inspiring scholarship in this psychological thriller. And what’s most unsettling is that it’s all true!” ― Jay Yasgur, author of Yasgur’s Homeopathic Dictionary and Holistic Health Reference
About the Author
Jerry M. Kantor, L.Ac., CCH, MMHS, is a faculty member of the Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine and owner of Vital Force Health Care LLC, a Boston-area Homeopathy and acupuncture practice. The first acupuncturist to receive an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Anaesthesiology, Kantor is the author of Interpreting Chronic Illness, The Toxic Relationship Cure, and Autism Reversal Toolbox. He lives in Dedham, Massachusetts.
I have received numerous calls over the past few months from concerned clients, former clients, friends and relatives, since the COVID vaccines have become available. Many had questions about the safety of these vaccines, and whether I would recommend they take it. It turns out there is no simple answer. In this blog I will try to answer their questions. Now that several COVID vaccines have been rolled out, it behooves us to examine whether these vaccines are safe. The short answer to their question is, NO, these vaccines are only approved as experimental vaccines, and have not been determined to be safe. I have reviewed the research on the safety record of these experimental vaccines so far and found that the evidence shows that the COVID vaccines are harmful and can sometimes even be deadly. DO NOT TAKE THEM.
Doctors are told the exact opposite, that the COVID vaccines are 100% safe and 95% effective. Apparently the truth no longer matters in medical education. Medical institutions have become advertising agencies for Big Pharma—the medical-industrial complex of drug peddling organizations.
No vaccine has ever been proven perfectly safe and effective. In my book on Homeopathic Immunizations, I present a safe method of immunization, its history, scientific research and practice—Homeopathic prophylaxis. I also invite my readers to take a good look at the history of vaccination. My readers will learn that, from the first vaccine on, the biggest problem has always been the potential harm and the dangers from the vaccines. For example, smallpox vaccine caused an increase in the number of smallpox cases. Read all about it in my book, when it will be released by Emryss. You will learn that the tetanus vaccine caused tetanus, when it was first rolled out. And the polio vaccine caused epidemics of polio, and remains the only cause of polio cases in the United States today. You will also learn that the Homeopathic alternative for immunization against infectious diseases has been proven very safe and highly effective.
Why are COVID vaccines dangerous? Firstly, the COVID vaccines are still experimental. No long-term safety studies in humans have been conducted so far. Secondly, at least two of the vaccines—Pfizer and Moderna—use the new mRNA technology, meaning they will trigger your body to grow spike proteins. Spike proteins are toxic. Once in your cells, these spike proteins can cause toxic or autoimmune reactions, meaning your immune system will begin to destroy the cells, in which it encounters these proteins. If it occurs in a vital organ, like the heart or lung or liver or kidneys, it will destroy these organs, and you can die from organ failure.
However, I would rather let you hear this from the medical experts. Please watch the following videos:
In the following interview a world-renowned doctor explains what you need to know:
Nobel Prize for medicine winner Luc Montagnier (1932–2022) considered the COVID vaccines “an enormous mistake, …a scientific error as well as a medical error. It is an unacceptable mistake…”
Dr Michael Yaedon, a former vice president of Pfizer, and a medical scientist, warned about the dangers of the experimental mRNA vaccines.
Some medical professionals have concerns that the COVID vaccine is an agenda to genetically modify humans. There is no doubt, says Dr. Kaufman, that this is happening, and he continues to speak out, even though the mainstream media have repeatedly tried to silence him.
But even if you avoid the vaccine altogether, you may be at risk. A celebrated gynecologist is telling the truth about COVID vaccine adverse reactions, giving new details on COVID vaccine shedding /transmission, especially among women, in an interview with Mike Adams:
She asks why a Pfizer vaccine study (page 67) warns that men should not impregnate women for seven weeks and women should not get pregnant for seven weeks after getting the vaccine. The study implies that the manufacturing company knows that the vaccine can be transmitted via skin contact or sexual fluids.
A study by the prestigious Salk institute published in Circulation Research found that spike proteins have caused much damage to the cardiovascular system. These are the same spike proteins that are transmitted from vaccinated persons to their loved ones via still unknown pathways.
As if all of this were not enough, a whistleblower doctor tells the health ranger that the vaccines contain exotic nanotech for tracking and bio-control:
Clearly much is still not known about these vaccines!
And it seems much has been kept secret even from medical doctors. At this point many healing professionals are looking for answers on how to counteract the risk of vaccine damage.
One of the suggestions to counter the effects of spike proteins I have encountered has been a natural tea prepared from pine needles, containing natural shikimic acid, suramin, pigments and various terpenes, to antidote some the adverse health effects.
There are many Homeopathic remedies being used to treat effects from the Covid-19 vaccine. There are pharmacodes (Homeopathic remedies made from the pharmaceutical agent) as well as nosodes (Homeopathic remedies made from the disease itself), as well as the tried and true method of matching your individual symptoms with a specific Homeopathic remedy.
I have multiple reports from persons who felt sick after taking the COVID vaccine or after being exposed to somebody who took it, felt dramatically better after taking the pharmacode in Homeopathic potency. However, not enough is known so far about the vaccines’ long-term effects, what they are, and whether these can be prevented or counteracted with any therapy.
In summary, it appears that more and more medical scientists are alarmed over the COVID vaccines’ adverse effects and their relatively high mortality. The European Injury Reporting System shows hundreds of thousands adverse events and deaths following COVID vaccines.
Many medical professionals warn that taking the vaccines it not worth the risk, and some even warn against becoming contaminated with the spike proteins from the vaccinated.
Homeopathy has an incredible track record when it comes to treating viruses. The situation can be frustrating, since conventional medicine has very little treatment for viral infections, including Coronavirus or COVID-19.
Homeopathy is a system of natural medicine that has been used globally for over 200 years, by millions of people all over the world. Homeopathy is listed and the second most widley used form of medicine worldwide by the World Health Organization (WHO). Homeopathy helps the body to heal itself, safely and effectively, without any dangerous side effects or suppressive drugs. All Homeopathic remedies are made in a standardized manner, under strict Homeopathic Pharmacopeia and FDA guidelines.
Homeopathy has a rich history in epidemics in different parts of the world.
One of the most famous being the success of Homeopathic medicine in the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic. The mortality rate of people treated with traditional medicine and drugs was over 28%, while those treated by Homeopathic physicians had a mortality rate of just 1.05%!
In epidemics, a large number of people have same symptoms. The symptoms of this group are studied and most the similar Homeopathic remedy. This remedy is selected as the Genus Epidemicus for that epidemic. This Genus Epidemicus is administered to healthy people in that particular region, to prevent or lessen the illness from that particular disease.
This same method is being followed for the current SARS-CoV2 or COVID-19 outbreak.
We now have many cases which have been treated successfully, using only Homeopathic remedies.
The virus appears to go through somewhat predictable stages of the illness.
COVID-19 symptoms may include
Coronavirus affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following:
Fever
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Loss of smell or taste
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
If you develop any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek emergency medical attention immediately:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
The CDC believes that symptoms of SARS-CoV2 or COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days to up to 24 days after exposure. This infectious period is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses. The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s web page 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Below is a list of Homeopathic Remedies reported to have treated these symptoms nicely
All remedies may be used in either a 30C potency or 200C potency. 30C is a medium strength, and is often all that is needed. 1M to 10M may be used when symptoms are more intense or severe.
If a remedy does not act or alleviate symptoms, after three doses, no closer than 15 minutes apart, then it is not the correct remedy. Retake the case and choose a different remedy.
Acute illnesses go through stages. It may be necessary to change remedies, as the symptom picture changes. In this way, we are “chasing symptoms” with remedies, so to speak, until the case is resolved.
Homeopathy works best when matched with the totality of the symptoms.
Below you will find links provided to Homeopathic Materia Medica, in order to differentiate which remedy is needed, using guiding symptoms such as:
The character of the sensation (tight, burning, raw), the mood or mental state of the patient (fear, anxiety, restless, irritable, does not want to be questioned, lethargic), generalities (hot, cold, sweaty, dry, flushed, pale, air hunger, thirst), desires (warm vs. cold drinks, foods, fresh air, etc.) and modalities such “What makes it better?” and “What makes it worse?”
Preventative
Camphora
CIMEX LECTULARIUS
Phosphoric-acid
Arsenicum-album
Bryonia-alba
Coronavirus Covid-19 nosode
Oscillococcinum
Genius Epidemicus
There is no agreed upon Genus Epidemicus as of this writing.
India ~ The Indian government recommended the Homeopathic remedy Arsenicum-album-30C, as a prophylactic to Coronavirus or COVID-19. The results are still preliminary, but so far, India is showing remarkably low infection rates, despite its close proximity to China.
*I am currently suggesting that this remedy may be taken daily, for 3 days in a row, and once-a-week, thereafter. Daily, to be continued, if you have an outbreak in your area or were knowingly exposed.
Other Homeopaths are suggesting Bryonia-alba-30C as the prophylactic or genus epidemicus. This is also a strong contender. This remedy would be also be used in a 30C potency, in the same way.
CHAMPHORA
This information is derived from about 50 case reports with symptoms, that were collected by an Iranian doctor working with diagnosed COVID-19 patients, in Iran.
Those cases reports were sent to renowned Homeopath Dr. Rajan Sankaran who, based on the symptoms provided, suggested the Homeopathic remedy Camphora as a treatment.
Information from approximately 8 of the cases – their symptoms and treatment responses were provided in detail in the document below.
Those given the remedy recovered much more quickly than expected from their exhaustion and collapse.
Some were able to return to work within the week.
As a result, the document recommended Camphora-1M, twice a day as a preventative and 10M every 3-hours, once symptoms begin.
CIMEX LECTULARIUS
Proposed Genius Epidemicus according to research conducted by world renowned Homeopath Dr. Divya Chhabra is a lesser known remedy called Cimex Lectularius:
This information is for educational purposes ONLY.
Please see your Homeopath for proper prescribing.
Homeopathic products are classified as drugs under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). Specific regulatory guidance for the marketing of Homeopathic drugs is given in a U.S. FDA Compliance Policy Guide. Homeopathic medicines must comply with FDA labeling requirements and be manufactured in accordance with Current Good Manufacturing Practices. Manufacturers of Homeopathic products must also register with the FDA and may be subject to FDA inspections.
Homeopathic remedies can be purchased at many local natural food grocers and online.
Vitamin C: Based on the work of Dr. Thomas Levy Vitamin C proved to be successful in China for COVID-19. Patients were given 24 grams of intravenous (IV) Vitamin C per day, at 1 gram per hour to prevent cytokine storm – which a bad immune response.
1,000 milligrams (mg) = 1 gram
Liposomes are tiny, nano-sized bubbles that mimic the body’s own cell membranes and are designed to protect the Vitamin C as it travels through the body. Liposomes also have the ability to travel through the body’s cells aiding and accelerating absorption.
The liposomal form of Vitamin C is similar to IV Vitamin C in terms of absorption.
We recommend adults take 1,000 mg Vitamin C daily, as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate or the liposomal form for overall immune health.
We also recommend the use of megadosing of the liposomal form of Vitamin C during illness.
Intravenous (IV) Vitamin C has long been considered a superior form of Vitamin C, especially when it comes to megadosing. However, more recent studies on Vitamin C bioavailability and liposomal technology have proved to yield similar results.
Although an IV method does provide a higher dose of Vitamin C, liposomal products demonstrate that more of the nutrient is actually delivered to the tissue cells since liposomal Vitamin C is a lipid substance and act to fully protect the nutrient it encapsulates. Since it is the amount of the nutrient absorbed that determines the effectiveness of the treatment, liposomal vitamins are quickly becoming a cost-effective and safe alternative to IV Vitamin C megadosing.
*During illness 24 grams per day, at 1 gram an hour, for 7 days is suggested.
Elderberry is excellent, and medically sound, as an antiviral for many flu and respiratory issues. However, for the Coronavirus, its best to AVOID Elderberry at this time. As an immune stimulant, it can cause your lungs to damage themselves with this particular virus.
Elderberry increases cytokine response, so when the body is already attacking itself in a cytokine storm, the Elderberry further strengthens the response.
We understand Elderberry mechanisms very well, and we know that the COVID-19 is seeing a lot of cytokine damage, in the more acute cases and fatalities. This virus has not been known long enough for more solid science on the direct interactions yet.
Since Elderberry is known to feed this immune response, and this immune response is causing harm with Coronavirus, I am recommending that it not be used at this time.
*Consider the use of Usnea and Reishi mushroom, in place of Elderberry.
Tina is a Classical Homeopath in Portland, Oregon. She is currently accepting new patients located anywhere in the United States by phone or Skype. As a graduate of the American Medical College of Homeopathy, Tina studied under the acclaimed author, physician and Homeopath, Dr. Todd Rowe. Her advanced education also includes extensive studies under other world-renowned Homeopaths including Jeff Baker of Hawaii and Massimo Mangavalori of Italy. She has over 30 years of experience as a homeopath and is currently accepting new patients. Call 503-877-4325 or email: tina@classichomeopath.com
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!
– Tina
This material is provided below is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be considered medical advice.
For a diagnosis and/or medical treatment relating to Coronavirus or other infectious disease(s), you must contact a licensed medical professional, clinic or hospital.
If you suspect yourself to have Coronavirus infection, please consult the concerned medical authorities in your country immediately.
The FDA is positioning itself to be able to impose action on Homeopathy, but it is not actually proposing those actions at this stage. How are they positioning themselves? By removing the CPG 400.400.
This is a critical document that has guided the FDA on how they enforce Homeopathic regulations, and the FDA is saying that it will withdraw this document as soon as the final guidance comes out …and by doing so, they liberate themselves from what has been a clear line of enforcement principles in the regulation of homeopathy. We need to nip this in the bud!
Our time is limited, and we need your help. We have until March 15, 2018 to submit comments to the FDA.
The FDA’s prejudiced actions could make a mess out of the Homeopathic industry.
Find your voice!
Find your power!
This is a time sensitive issue as the FDA has opened up a public comment period, which closes March 15, 2018
As of December 2017, the FDA is currently introducing new draft guidance for “Drug Products Labeled as Homeopathic” that announces the FDA’s intent to completely withdraw the Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) 400.400.
This is reckless and unwise because now the Homeopathic industry would no longer have a clear set of compliance guidelines and would be subject to arbitrary enforcement actions by the FDA, at the sole discretion of it’s deputies. This could set dangerous precedent, limiting the rights of individuals to choose their own appropriate healthcare.
Americans for Homeopathy Choice represents the interest of 6 million citizens, especially Mothers, who use Homeopathy. The letters and documents on our website have been drafted with the help of Homeopaths, educators, and Homeopathic manufacturers. We see this action by the FDA as a danger to our freedom to choose our own health care options. We want to keep our freedom to choose Homeopathy for our families–and limiting our access to Homeopathic medicine can be devastating to this industry.
The FDA should not rescind the CPG 400.400, a guidance that has proven itself effective to both the industry and consumers. We question the intent behind this action and note the inevitable damage it would cause to the Homeopathic industry and our free access to it.
If you are bothered by this proposition, click here to see how you can help.
1. NO HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS
A special preparation process called potentization refines the medicines to remove any toxic side-effects. It is safe for babies and during pregnancy and menopause. However it is advised to be under the care of a qualified Homeopathic practitioner if you are pregnant.
2. GENTLE
Homeopathy works by stimulating the body’s own natural defense mechanism to heal itself. Although gentle the results may be powerful and long lasting.
3. HOLISTIC
Homeopathy takes into account the whole person. Often only one remedy may address all your complaints.
4. INEXPENSIVE
Homeopathic medicines cost surprisingly less than allopathic prescription medication. The Homeopathic medicines are intended to boost the immune system, making you stronger and less likely to get sick.
5. PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT
By boosting the body’s immune system, homeopathy can help improve a person’s resistance to illness and infections.
6. NO ANIMAL TESTING
Humans respond differently to medication than animals do. All Homeopathic medication is tested on healthy humans. The symptoms that a substance taken over time elicits in a healthy person, are shown to be exactly those that can be cured in a sick person suffering from those symptoms.
7. EASY TO TAKE
Homeopathic medicines are given either as small pleasant tasting tablets which dissolve in the mouth, or in liquid form. Granules, powders or drops are available for babies and children.
8. PERSON’S INVOLVEMENT
The Homeopath will ask many questions, not only about the symptoms which are bothering an individual, but how they react to the condition, as well as wanting to know about general health and lifestyle.
9. INVALUABLE FOR FIRST AID
Homeopathic medicines can be safely used in the home or workplace to treat simple problems-such as bruises, minor burns, sprains, insect bites and gastric upsets. However more serious or chronic complaints should be treated by a qualified Homeopathic practitioner.
10. THE MEDICINE OF THE FUTURE
With over 6000 Homeopathic medicines in existence and new Homeopathic medicines being discovered all the time, Homeopathy is a growing art. However unlike allopathic medicine that takes drugs off the market every year as new side-effects are discovered, Homeopaths still use the same medicines they were using 200 years ago with new medicines to broaden their scope. Scientists are only now discovering breakthroughs in quantum physics that helps us to develop a deeper understanding of Homeopathy, as it was used 200 years ago.
Clarification of the Basic Homeopathic Principles Including Reference to Worldwide Practice.
A Synopsis of the Basic Principles of Homeopathy for those just learning Homeopathy.
This article was written with the patient in mind and for those who wish to learn more about Homeopathy. For this reason, some of the terminology has been simplified as far as possible, to make for ease of understanding.
The Organon and Homeopathic Philosophy
The Organon of Medicine, written by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of Homeopathy is the cornerstone of Homeopathic principles and practice. The first edition was written in 1810 in aphoristic style (paragraphs with numbers.) The book lays out the doctrines of Homeopathy in a logical sequence of thoughts, philosophy and practice. In total there were 6 editions, five of which were published in Hahnemann’s lifetime, the 6th completed in 1842, but he sadly passed away in June of 1843 before it could be published. Thanks to the efforts of William Boericke. the 6th edition was published in 1921.
In order to fully embrace Homeopathy, it is helpful to understand basic Homeopathic philosophy. With patients, and those that wish to learn, I repeatedly refer to the mind/body connection and how symptoms should be treated in their totality as opposed to being seen as separate problems. The fundamental tenet of Homeopathic medicine is to treat the imbalances of ‘the vital force’ leading to ill health as a whole, ideally with one remedy which matches the symptoms of the mind, body and spirit (this remedy is known as the Simillimum.)
The Vital Force is an undefined energy, capable of fueling an organism, it is inherent in all living things, which if disrupted or disturbed can result in disease. “The material organism without the vital force is capable of no sensation, no function, no self preservation; it derives all sensations, and performs all functions of life solely by means of the immaterial being (the vital force) which animates the material organism in health and disease.” (Aphorism 10, The Organon)
Hahnemann refers to it also as ‘dynamis’, ‘vital principle’ and ‘vital energy’. James Tyler Kent refers to it as ‘The Simple Substance,’ which is the dominating force in the organism; the absence of this force, is death. To help with an understanding of this, energy parallels can be found in various cultures; the Ancient Chinese know The Vital Force as ‘Chi, the Japanese and Koreans as ‘Ki’ and in the ancient Sanskrit writings of India it is known as ‘Prana.’
Underlying this, there are 4 basic principles which govern Homeopathy; each of which will be discussed.
The first principle; the Law of Similars
The derivation of the word ‘Homeopathy’ (originally homoeopathy) comes from the Greek homoeo, meaning ‘similar’, and pathos, meaning ‘suffering’.
This leads on to the first principle which is ‘Similia Similbus Curentur,’ translated from the Latin as: ‘like cures like.’ This principle predates Hahnemann and in fact, goes back to ancient ayurvedic scripts.
The idea/concept of ‘The Law of Similars’ had first been mentioned by Hippocrates (The Father of Medicine, 460-377 B.C.) then by P.A. Paracelsus (1493-1541) although Hahnemann was responsible for creating ‘Homeopathy’ as we now know it, a complete system of medicine.
Through much research and hands on practice, Hahnemann proved that a substance that can cause disease in a healthy person, can actively heal the same or similar disease in another. For example, Belladonna, a well known homeopathic remedy is used to treat high fevers, redness in the face and tongue. Were belladonna to be ingested in its raw form, the symptoms of the poisoning would be exactly this. Also, think of what happens when you are exposed to a raw onion. Your eyes water and nose burns. The Homeopathic remedy Allium-Cepa (made from onion) can relieve these symptoms, once again, treating ‘like with like.’
The task of the Homeopath is to match the patients’ symptoms to the correct Homeopathic remedy, specifically those that are characteristic to the patient. This is explained in Aphorism 26 in the Organon, where Hahnemann states: ‘In the living organism a weaker, dynamic affection is permanently extinguished by a stronger one which although different in nature nevertheless, greatly resembles it in its expression.’ The simillimum is just that, totality; not partial, but a complete reflection of a state that is mentally, physically and spiritually in alignment with its subject.
The second principle; The Single Remedy
The second principle of Classical Homeopathy is The Single Remedy. Hahnemann was forceful in his opinion in prescribing with one remedy for the totality of symptoms, using words such as ‘it is inadmissible’ to prescribe more than one remedy at a time (Aphorism 273, The Organon.) The reasoning and thinking behind this lies in the fact that if many remedies were prescribed at once, it would be impossible to ascertain which remedy was actually working and could massively confuse a case. It is simple common sense when we consider that each remedy is ‘proved’ individually, the combined interaction of many remedies’ at once has not been. This obviously has many similarities to where a GP of conventional medicine, prescribes single drugs for single complaints, the interaction of all these drugs, collectively untested, at times, with devastating consequences. Why should Homeopathy be any different, given the powerful effects of so many of the remedies?
It remains the case that there will always be one remedy that resonates with a case more than another; wherever possible, the Homeopath should go with this. However, as ever in life, there will always be grey areas and flexibility at times is necessary as long as a remedy is given sufficient time to act, and if there is a definite change in the presenting symptoms and aspect of the Vital Force. In this instance Hahnemann, in the 4th edition of the Organon suggested that remedies could be alternated, given in short succession, and condones the use of tissue salts, in specific cases that demanded a different approach. Catherine Coulter, in ‘The unfolding of Experience’ sums up the ideal situation in prescribing, by stating that: ‘the strongest, deepest current in Classical Homeopathy – the tug that pulls the stream to the river and the river to the sea- is to address the multiple manifestations of the single disordered life-force with a single remedy; in a phrase, to shape unity from multiplicity.’ (Coulter, C: 2008:100)
It remains the case that if this pure, philosophically appropriate method of prescribing can be attained and in whilst doing so, promotes healing without other remedies being involved, we have demonstrated the dynamic power of pure, Classical Homeopathy.
The third principle; The Minimum Dose
Healing according to Hahnemann should be done ‘rapidly, gently and permanently; to remove and destroy the whole disease in the shortest, surest, least harmful way, according to clearly comprehensible principles.’ (Aphorism 2.) The minimum dose of a remedy, (one of these principles) simply means the minutest amount of a substance to nudge the vital force in the direction of healing. Too high a potency of a remedy or unnecessary repetition can result in unwelcome aggravations. In homeopathy, less is more. The body has a way of signaling through the manifestation of symptoms, when a higher potency is needed or more frequent repetition of a remedy.
If there was one ‘principle’ in Homeopathy that people had a problem with understanding, it would be the infinitesimal doses of a remedy given; in other words, the perception is, there is nothing in a remedy.
This has been said to me on many occasions. However, it remains the case that empirically, and in thousands of studies, both observational and through clinical outcome and randomized controlled trials, Homeopathy has been seen to heal many people worldwide.
For those who cannot come to terms with the fact that Homeopathic remedies do not contain any active material because of the molecular limits of Avogrado’s number, the current scientific evidence suggests that Homeopathic remedies are nanoparticles and not ordinary conventional bulks of source material.
Given this, intense scientific consideration must be seriously focused now on how nano particles can act in the body to stimulate a healing process. Much of this research is headed by Dr Iris Bell (MD, Ph.D.) from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, and for those who would like more detailed information, please read and study the research: (Bell, I, Koithan, M, 2012.) Research in this area is ongoing and is constantly being updated, by various eminent scientists and Homeopaths throughout the world.
The fourth principle; The Potentized Remedy
Homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances such as plants, minerals and animals but the process of their manufacture is unlike that of any other medicine.
A remedy made from a specific substance is put through a process of serial dilution, the end result being a very dilute extract is made. Each step of this dilution involves the substance being shaken with force; Homeopathically this is referred to as ‘succussion.’ It has been found that by succusing in this way the remedy becomes active and dynamic (generally latent in its crude form) and the degree of the succussion produces a final potency of a remedy which will be given in accordance with the presenting vital force.
Fundamentally, potentization means that a substance has been prepared according to Homeopathic philosophy and Homeopathic pharmaceutical standards, through serial dilution and succussion.
To Conclude:
To show the extent of its popularity, even in the wake of fanatical sceptisism by institutions of often dubious repute, over 200 million people worldwide use Homeopathy on a regular basis, which undoubtedly is testament to its effectiveness.
It is included in the national health systems of a number of countries e.g. Brazil, Chile, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Switzerland, United Kingdom. 10% of people in the UK use Homeopathy, an estimated 6 million people.
There are over 400 doctors in the UK that use Homeopathy, regulated by the Faculty of Homeopathy and promoted by the British Homeopathic Association. In the NHS approx. 40,000 Homeopathic prescriptions are provided to patients per year by doctors working within the Homeopathic service.
There were originally 5 Homeopathic hospitals (Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Bristol and Tunbridge Wells). Tunbridge Wells closed in 2007 and in 2010, the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital changed its name to the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine.
There are more than 1,500 professional Homeopaths (non-medically qualified Homeopaths) in the UK, regulated by the Society of Homeopaths (65%), Alliance of Registered Homeopaths and Homeopathic Medical Association. They largely operate in private practice outside the NHS. In addition, there are many vets that use Homeopathy as an integral part of their practice.
Randomised controlled trials, clinical outcome studies and observational studies are ongoing via The Clinical Outcome Research in Homeopathy data base (CORE-hom). It currently comprises over 1015 clinical trials in Homeopathy and is updated regularly as new trials are completed. (Source: Homeopathy Research Institute.) In addition, there are many other research projects continuously being performed throughout the world by a variety of eminent institutions.
The objective of summarizing the underlying Homeopathic principles was to help and clarify philosophy and practice, whilst also discussing the extent of its popularity as a system of medicine world wide.
Even though Homeopathy is over 200 years old, confusion still exists as to its foundations, its underlying philosophy, and its role in health care; hopefully any grey areas are now clearer.
Please feel free to share if you think others would benefit!
References:
Bell, I.R. Koithan, M. (2012) A model for homeopathic remedy effects: low dose nanoparticles, allostatic cross-adaptation, and time-dependent sensitization in a complex adaptive system. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012; 12(1):191(epub) Available at:
http://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-12-191 [Accessed: 20th May 2016]
Coulter, C (2008) Homeopathic Education, The Unfolding of Experience Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, Ninth House Publishing
Hahnemann, S. (2003) The Organon of Medicine, London: Orion (New Translation Kunzli, Naude and Pemberton)
Here are a few key Homeopathic remedies to have on hand to help you through any bad storm or hurricane.
The Basics: Rescue Remedy | Arnica
These two little remedies will see you through a lot of hurricane stressors. You can purchase them everywhere including your local CVS/Walgreens, Whole foods, Sprouts, New Season, etc.
Rescue Remedy (in spray, drops or lozenges form) is brilliantly helpful and calming for pets, kids and grown ups who are anxious or fearful at any time for any reason. Use as often as you’d like, you can put a few drops in every drink (or your pets water bowl) for as long as it’s needed.
Arnica will help with any injuries—bangs, bumps, bruises before, during or after the storm. It also helps with aching after any kind of exertion/heavy lifting, again, before (preparing) or after (clearing up). Take a few doses here, or there backing off, as it helps and repeating it as needed.
These are for some of the common emotional stressors that accompany a bad storm or hurricane If you have a first aid kit these are included. If you don’t have a kit they are available at any store that has a range of Homeopathic remedies. I suggest 30C for all remedies including Arnica. Take a few doses of the best indicated remedy backing off as the remedy helps and repeating it as needed. Switch to another remedy after 3-6 doses if it doesn’t help.
For those who are tremendously anxious leading up to the storm. Gelsemium becomes anxious and exhausted and can’t think. Wants to lie down and close their eyes.
Before the storm Arsenicumis anxious and restless and has to tidy up and can’t think until everything is clean and in its place.
Aconite is for those who become fearful and/or panicky (before during or after the storm)—and especially if they are afraid of dying (it doesn’t matter if the fear is rational or not). For people in shock after the storm this is a great remedy.
Phosphorus is for everyone but especially for kids and pets who become frightened during the storm itself—who are terrified of the noises and cannot be alone.
Ignatia is also for shock and those who become emotionally upset or even distraught after the storm—especially if they lose something important (it doesn’t matter what it is).
Let’s look at Homeopathic Immunization (homeoprophylaxis)
We are struggling to manage two problems at once but could be a lot cleverer about it.
The first problem is that people, including children, still die from infectious diseases such as malaria, whooping cough, and other epidemic diseases.
The second is that, from the homeopathic standpoint, vaccines have several drawbacks.
Vaccines are expensive, slow to produce, offer variable rates of protection, and are complicated to distribute and administer. They also produce minor to serious side-effects, and in some instances, death. For some diseases, no vaccine exists.
So, to manage these problems better, why don’t we look at the Homeopathic alternative?
Homeopathy has been repeatedly used for protection AND treatment during world epidemics and outbreaks. It is inexpensive, quickly distributed, easily administered and safe. Remedies exist for all epidemic diseases.
Homeopathy first rose to prominence through its effective treatment and prevention of cholera and typhoid. 200-years later it is still doing the same; governments of today are using Homeopathy to prevent, treat, or break epidemics within their countries.
Some examples are:
The Indian government controls epidemics of malaria, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, and epidemic fever with Homeopathy.
The Cuban government now depends on Homeopathy to manage its leptospirosis epidemics and dengue fever outbreaks!
The Brazilian government funded two large trials that successfully reduced the incidence of meningococcal disease in those given the Homeopathy prophylactic.
The governments of Thailand, Colombo and Brazil use Homeopathy to manage dengue fever outbreaks and epidemics.
Isn’t it time we ‘wised up’ and researched the Homeopathic option further? Under the circumstances, it is a reasonable and sensible thing to do.
Let’s look at Homeopathic immunization (homeoprophylaxis) Realistic rendering of bacteria – in red colors. We are struggling to manage two problems at once but could be a lot cleverer about it. The first problem is that people, including children, still die from infectious diseases such as malaria, whooping cough, and other epidemic diseases. The second is that, from the Homeopathic standpoint, vaccines have several drawbacks. Vaccines are expensive, slow to produce, offer variable rates of protection, and are complicated to distribute and administer. They also produce minor to serious side-effects, and in some instances, death. For some diseases, no vaccine exists.
So, to manage these problems better, why don’t we look at the Homeopathic alternative?
Homeopathy has been repeatedly used for protection AND treatment during world epidemics and outbreaks. It is inexpensive, quickly distributed, easily administered and safe. Remedies exist for all epidemic diseases. Homeopathy first rose to prominence through its effective treatment and prevention of cholera and typhoid. 200-years later it is still doing the same; governments of today are using homeopathy to prevent, treat, or break epidemics within their countries. Some examples are: The Indian government controls epidemics of malaria, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, and epidemic fever with Homeopathy The Cuban government now depends on Homeopathy to manage its leptospirosis epidemics and dengue fever outbreaks The Brazilian government funded two large trials that successfully reduced the incidence of meningococcal disease in those given the Homeopathy prophylactic The governments of Thailand, Colombo and Brazil use Homeopathy to manage dengue fever outbreaks and epidemics
(References and sources for these and other instances are found at: http://homeopathyplus.com/Homeoprophylaxis-Human-Records-Studies-Trials.pdf)
Isn’t it time we ‘wised up’ and researched the Homeopathic option further? Under the circumstances, it is a reasonable and sensible thing to do.
The Swiss government has a long and widely-respected history of neutrality, and therefore, reports from this government on controversial subjects need to be taken more seriously than other reports from countries that are more strongly influenced by present economic and political constituencies. When one considers that two of the top five largest drug companies in the world have their headquarters in Switzerland, one might assume that this country would have a heavy interest in and bias toward conventional medicine, but such assumptions would be wrong.
In late 2011, the Swiss government’s report on homeopathic medicine represents the most comprehensive evaluation of homeopathic medicine ever written by a government and was just published in book form in English (Bornhoft and Matthiessen, 2011). This breakthrough report affirmed that homeopathic treatment is both effective and cost-effective and that homeopathic treatment should be reimbursed by Switzerland’s national health insurance program.
The Swiss government’s inquiry into homeopathy and complementary and alternative (CAM) treatments resulted from the high demand and widespread use of alternatives to conventional medicine in Switzerland, not only from consumers but from physicians as well. Approximately half of the Swiss population have used CAM treatments and value them. Further, about half of Swiss physicians consider CAM treatments to be effective. Perhaps most significantly, 85 percent of the Swiss population wants CAM therapies to be a part of their country’s health insurance program.
It is therefore not surprising that more than 50 percent of the Swiss population surveyed prefer a hospital that provides CAM treatments rather to one that is limited to conventional medical care.
Beginning in 1998, the government of Switzerland decided to broaden its national health insurance to include certain complementary and alternative medicines, including homeopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, anthroposophic medicine, and neural therapy. This reimbursement was provisional while the Swiss government commissioned an extensive study on these treatments to determine if they were effective and cost-effective. The provisional reimbursement for these alternative treatments ended in 2005, but as a result of this new study, the Swiss government’s health insurance program once again began to reimburse for homeopathy and select alternative treatments. In fact, as a result of a national referendum in which more than two-thirds of voters supported the inclusion of homeopathic and select alternative medicines in Switzerland’s national health care insurance program, the field of complementary and alternative medicine has become a part of this government’s constitution (Dacey, 2009; Rist, Schwabl, 2009).
The Swiss Government’s “Health Technology Assessment”
The Swiss government’s “Health Technology Assessment” on homeopathic medicine is much more comprehensive than any previous governmental report written on this subject to date. Not only did this report carefully and comprehensively review the body of evidence from randomized double-blind and placebo controlled clinical trials testing homeopathic medicines, they also evaluated the “real world effectiveness” as well as safety and cost-effectiveness. The report also conducted a highly-comprehensive review of the wide body of preclinical research (fundamental physio-chemical research, botanical studies, animal studies, and in vitro studies with human cells).
And still further, this report evaluated systematic reviews and meta-analyses, outcome studies, and epidemiological research. This wide review carefully evaluated the studies conducted, both in terms of quality of design and execution (called “internal validity”) and how appropriate each was for the way that homeopathy is commonly practiced (called “external validity”). The subject of external validity is of special importance because some scientists and physicians conduct research on homeopathy with little or no understanding of this type of medicine (some studies tested a homeopathic medicine that is rarely used for the condition tested, while others utilized medicines not commonly indicated for specific patients). When such studies inevitably showed that the homeopathic medicine did not “work,” the real and accurate assessment must be that the studies were set up to disprove homeopathy… or simply, the study was an exploratory trial that sought to evaluate the results of a new treatment (exploratory trials of this nature are not meant to prove or disprove the system of homeopathy but only to evaluate that specific treatment for a person with a specific condition).
After assessing pre-clinical basic research and the high quality clinical studies, the Swiss report affirmed that homeopathic high-potencies seem to induce regulatory effects (e.g., balancing or normalizing effects) and specific changes in cells or living organisms. The report also reported that 20 of the 22 systematic reviews of clinical research testing homeopathic medicines detected at least a trend in favor of homeopathy.* (Bornhöft, Wolf, von Ammon, et al, 2006)
The Swiss report found a particularly strong body of evidence to support the homeopathic treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Respiratory Allergies. The report cited 29 studies in “Upper Respiratory Tract Infections/AllergicReactions,” of which 24 studies found a positive result in favor of homeopathy. Further, six out of seven controlled studies that compared homeopathic treatment with conventional medical treatment showed that homeopathy to be more effective than conventional medical interventions (the one other trial found homeopathic treatment to be equivalent to conventional medical treatment). All of these results from homeopathic treatment came without the side effects common to conventional drug treatment. In evaluating only the randomized placebo controlled trials, 12 out of 16 studies showed a positive result in favor of homeopathy.
The authors of the Swiss government’s report acknowledge that a part of the overall review of research included one negative review of clinical research in homeopathy (Shang, et al, 2005). However, the authors noted that this review of research has been widely and harshly criticized by both advocates and non-advocates of homeopathy. The Swiss report noted that the Shang team did not even adhere to the QUORUM guidelines which are widely recognized standards for scientific reporting (Linde, Jonas, 2005). The Shang team initially evaluated 110 homeopathic clinical trials and then sought to compare them with a matching 110 conventional medical trials. Shang and his team determined that there were 22 “high quality” homeopathic studies but only nine “high quality” conventional medical studies. Rather than compare these high quality trials (which would have shown a positive result for homeopathy), the Shang team created criteria to ignore a majority of high quality homeopathic studies, thereby trumping up support for their original hypothesis and bias that homeopathic medicines may not be effective (Lüdtke, Rutten, 2008).
The Swiss report also notes that David Sackett, M.D., the Canadian physician who is widely considered to be one of the leading pioneers in “evidence based medicine,” has expressed serious concern about those researchers and physicians who consider randomized and double-blind trials as the only means to determine whether a treatment is effective or not. To make this assertion, one would have to acknowledge that virtually all surgical procedures were “unscientific” or “unproven” because so few have undergone randomized double-blind trials.
In my view, for a treatment to be determined to be “effective” or “scientifically proven,” a much more comprehensive assessment of what works and doesn’t is required. Ultimately, the Swiss government’s report on homeopathy represents an evaluation of homeopathy that included an assessment of randomized double blind trials as well as other bodies of evidence, all of which together lead the report to determine that homeopathic medicines are indeed effective.
The next article will discuss further evidence provided in this report from the Swiss government on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of homeopathic care.
_____
Statement of correction (9/18/2013): The report on homeopathy (2012) that was described above has now been verified to be a second edition of a report that was initially commissioned by the government of Switzerland, but it was not a report that was issued by the Swiss government nor endorsed by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. Therefore, it is my intention here to state clearly that the first publication listed in the “References” section was not commissioned by the Swiss government, but the second reference that was written by most of the same authors as the first reference was commissioned by Swiss government. The conclusions of this publication (2006) are the same as those asserted in more detailed in both book forms, 2005 (ref. Bornhöft G, Matthiessen PM (Eds.). Homöopathie in der Krankenversorgung – Wirksamkeit, Nutzen, Sicherheit und Wirtschaftlichkeit. Frankfurt/M. 2006 VAS Verlag für Akademische Schriften.) and 2012. The conclusions of the commissioned report and the more detailed books are basically the same in the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of homeopathic medicine.
REFERENCES:
Bornhoft, Gudrun, and Matthiessen, Peter F. Homeopathy in Healthcare: Effectiveness, Appropriateness, Safety, Costs. Goslar, Germany: Springer, 2011. http://rd.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642-20638-2/page/1 (This book is presently available from the German office of the publisher, and it will become available via the American office as well as select booksellers in mid- to late-February, 2012.)(NOTE: When specific facts in the above article are provided but not referenced, this means that these facts were derived from this book.)
Bornhöft G, Wolf U, von Ammon K, Righetti M, Maxion-Bergemann S, Baumgartner S, Thurneysen AE, Matthiessen PF. Effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of homeopathy in general practice – summarized health technology assessment. Forschende Komplementärmedizin (2006);13 Suppl 2:19-29. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16883077
Dacey, Jessica. Therapy supporters roll up sleeves after vote. SwissInfo.ch, May 19, 2009. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Therapy_supporters_roll_up_sleeves_after_vote.html?cid=670064
Linde K, Jonas W. Are the clinical effects of homeopathy placebo effects? Lancet 36:2081-2082. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67878-6. http://download.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140673605678786.pdf
Lüdtke R, Rutten ALB. The conclusions on the effectiveness of homeopathy highly depend on the set of analysed trials. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. October 2008. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2008.06/015. http://www.jclinepi.com/article/S0895-4356(08)00190-X/abstract
Rist L, Schwabl H: Komplementärmedizin im politischen Prozess. Schweizer Bevölkerungstimmt über Verfassungsartikel «Zukunft mit Komplementärmedizin» ab. Forsch Komplementmed 2009, doi 10.1159/000203073.
(Translation: Complementary medicine in the political process: The Swiss population votes on the Constitutional Article “The future with complementary medicine” http://www.ayurveda-association.eu/files/swiss_referendum_on_cam_-_forschkomplementmed_2009.pdf
*Although this Swiss government report was just published in book form in 2011, the report was finalized in 2006. In light of this date, the authors evaluated systematic reviews and meta-analyses on homeopathic research up until June 2003.
Colds and flu can make any time of the year a struggle. In this post I look at how using individually-tailored Homeopathic remedies can offer support and facilitate healing.
Using Homeopathic Remedies for Colds and Flu
‘Physician, heal thyself’
A year or so into my four-year Homeopathic training, I lay in bed in agony. I was at the last stage in my “flu journey” and had an awful pain deep in my bones. I had never experienced anything like it before and was astonished that flu could be so painful. I crawled out of bed and raided my supply of remedies. Taking the one whose profile matched my sorry state, I was relieved when the pain subsided straight away and I could sleep.
At the outset I had felt so poorly, that I reluctantly realized I did have to rest, as this was indeed proper flu. Not just a bad cold, but the kind of debilitating flu we dread. Once it set in, I took a remedy that covers the archetypal flu experience such as I was feverish, shivery, weak and tired, with a runny nose and sneezing.
I used the 6c and 30c first aid kit Homeopathic remedies I had on hand. Taking them around four times a day, and changing the remedy as the symptoms moved through their different phases.
My experience was that the Homeopathic remedies not only helped with the symptoms that I was suffering with at each stage, I also moved through the whole flu journey in a matter of days. Much less than the standard week or more that we are told to expect.
My overall approach is to use Homeopathic remedies to help myself to stay well in the first place, which is always preferable! However, some bugs do still manage to sneak through the defenses from time to time, and I will then reach for one of the thousands of Homeopathic remedies we have available.
Individually Tailored Remedies for Colds and Flu
As each and every one of us will have our own way of expressing a cold or flu, we try to make the remedy match as best we can for that individual. This is as true for self-help remedies for minor and self-limiting conditions as it is for the individually tailored deeper Constitutional support when a Homeopath is prescribing for you. It is also important to check-in with a healthcare professional if you have under-lying or chronic health issues where respiratory conditions need to be monitored and managed accordingly.
Homeopathy treats the person as a whole and considers their symptom picture as a whole, working holistically. This means that we can use the same remedy for a cold or flu, if the profile matches. That is the key to remedy selection, is that we consider the whole person, not just the label of the disease or condition.
Homeopathic Remedies for Colds and Flu
We have a huge selection of remedies that can be helpful but here are some that I have found to be useful both personally and professionally. I have given my experience for each and you can also find more general information on Homeopathic Materia Medica by following the links in the References and Resources [1], [2].
Aconite – this is the remedy to reach for even at the threat of a cold or flu, as well as at the onset. I personally find this can often help me to avoid me going down with the full cold or flu about nine times out of ten. A soon as I feel the early warning signs that a cold is coming on, I reach for this.
Arsenicum-Album – has a wide range of applications and it is often used in colds or flu where the person feels chilly, has a very watery runny nose and eyes, sneezes a lot and wants lots of little sips of water.
Eupertorium-Perfoliatum – this was the remedy I took to help myself get over the last stage of that bout of flu. It is characterized by terrible bone pain where the person will just want to be still and rest, and will be very thirsty.
Ferrum-Phos – this can be a very useful remedy to have to hand if you have a cold and may feel run down. I have also used it as a tonic after a cold or flu.
Gelsemium – this was the remedy I used as my flu took hold and is commonly used for colds and flu that present in the ‘classic’ flu way described above.
Pulsatilla – with many uses, this is also remedy that is often used in colds. There may be lots of thick yellow or green catarrh, the person will feel better for fresh air. Children may be tearful and want to be with Mom or Dad – which is quite understandable when they feel poorly!
If more than one remedy looks relevant for how you are feeling at a particular point, you can ask your Homeopath or a Homeopathic Pharmacy for advice. It is also possible to simply alternate the individual remedies throughout a day, adjusting according to how you feel.
Getting Better and Staying Well
It is also really important to take good care of yourself when you are unwell. To do everything you can think of to boost your immune system and help your system to throw off the cold or flu and to make a good recovery. Having enough sleep, eating sensibly, keeping yourself well hydrated by drinking enough water and if you find them helpful, home remedies like a hot drink of local honey and fresh lemon. If you are doing all the right things and you are not responding, see your healthcare professional, just to check something is not being overlooked.
Tina is a Classical Homeopath in Portland, Oregon. She is currently accepting new patients located anywhere in the United States by phone or Skype. As a graduate of the American Medical College of Homeopathy, Tina studied under the acclaimed author, physician and Homeopath, Dr. Todd Rowe. Her advanced education also includes extensive studies under other world-renowned Homeopaths including Jeff Baker of Hawaii and Massimo Mangavalori of Italy. She has over 30 years of experience as a homeopath and is currently accepting new patients. Call 
As each and every one of us will have our own way of expressing a cold or flu, we try to make the remedy match as best we can for that individual. This is as true for self-help remedies for minor and self-limiting conditions as it is for the individually tailored deeper Constitutional support when a Homeopath is prescribing for you. It is also important to check-in with a healthcare professional if you have under-lying or chronic health issues where respiratory conditions need to be monitored and managed accordingly.
It is also really important to take good care of yourself when you are unwell. To do everything you can think of to boost your immune system and help your system to throw off the cold or flu and to make a good recovery. Having enough sleep, eating sensibly, keeping yourself well hydrated by drinking enough water and if you find them helpful, home remedies like a hot drink of local honey and fresh lemon. If you are doing all the right things and you are not responding, see your healthcare professional, just to check something is not being overlooked.