Tag Archives: Homeopathy

Avoiding injury and boosting performance

Despite the prevailing criticism towards homeopathy, and much to the dismay of sceptics, advocacy for homeopathic treatment comes from an unexpected domain. Within the mother of all male sports disciplines – football – homeopathic treatment is becoming increasingly popular. Especially in Germany there is an extensive use of homeopathy in professional football. A survey conducted in 2008 among the football teams of the 1st and 2nd division of the Bundesliga (professional association football league in Germany), produced surprising results: 92% of the teams treat their players homeopathically (Meyer, 2008). This is an astonishing statement considering the persistent opposition that homeopathy is regularly subjected to. Yet it is not surprising why and how homeopathy can lend itself well to the treatment of the active sports man or woman. 

Avoiding injury & boosting performance

In professional sport, the timetable of tournaments dictates the athletes’ duration of recovery from injury while, at the same time, team-coach and club-managers demand the onset of peak performance at every match or competition (Schmaranzer, 2009). Homeopathy, as a therapeutic approach without side effects and lacking the doping restrictions that bind conventional treatment (Yarrow and Strauder, 2008), is therefore becoming increasingly more important. In a world where sport has become a financially potent business, an athlete’s physique, aptitude and general health may be a monetary factor, and the athlete needs to be closely monitored in terms of prevention, performance and recuperation. 

The few studies and trials into the homeopathic treatment of sports injuries have investigated the efficacy of homeopathic remedies for the diverse injuries that may be contracted during physical exercise. These have concentrated on single remedies such as Arnica and Rhus toxicodendron, or the complex preparation Traumeel (Mittelstadt, 2009). 

Is Homeopathy – a legal form of doping?

It is interesting that little if any attention, in clinical research or literature, has been paid to the use of homeopathic prescribing for the purpose of enhancing performance, despite this being a major objective in professional athletics and sports where players are continuously driven to peak at their performances. Conventional approaches to treating the professional athlete are affected by doping legislation and the practice of fair play. Therefore, surely, new alternative methods devoid of restriction to promote athlete efficiency would appear of interest. 

According to the world anti-doping agency (WADA), the concern is not that homeopathic remedies might breach doping regulations, as the concentration of active substance is so small, but rather the lack of labelling of the carrier ingredients and of the chemical composition of the active components of the remedy that may concern the doping authorities (www.wada-ama.org). Furthermore the question arises whether a homeopathic remedy that contains traces of substances listed as prohibited by the doping associations is still forbidden, even in the form of a homeopathic prescription (Schmaranzer, 2009).

HEEL, the manufacturer of the complex remedy Traumeel, which is indicated for joint and tissue inflammation and traumas, has had its preparations tested by an independent toxicological institute for compatibility with doping legislation. The institute concluded that HEEL formulations do not breach doping regulations as their products are made with homeopathic remedies of the potency 6X or higher, and these potencies are not effective in generating a doping effect (www.traumeel.com).

Advocates of homeopathic performance enhancement view this potential of homeopathic remedies as a means of unleashing athletes’ most inner strengths, permitting them to use their capacities to a fuller extent (Laubender, 2005). An appropriately selected homeopathic remedy may remove constitutional frailty and may harmonise the mind. Performance enhancement, therefore, may mean ‘regulation and optimisation of physical functions and disengagement from mental disturbances’ which means homeopathy could be seen as a legal form of doping (Laubender, 2005).

Can Homeopathy be used as prophylaxis?

Clinical research into homeopathy has primarily investigated the efficacy of highly diluted and succussed remedies as tools in the aid to recovery. Very little research has been conducted investigating the effectiveness of a homeopathic prescription with the aim of ameliorating the performance of the athlete or of preventing a possible injury or illness through future physical exercise (Mittelstadt, 2010). 

Two fundamental aspects of homeopathy may account for this lack of research into homeopathy’s efficacy as an enhancing or prophylactic agent. Employing homeopathic remedies for these purposes largely digresses from the doctrine of classical homeopathic treatment. In fact it opposes the homeopathic principle of individualisation and instead promotes a generalised prescribing. In aphorism #82 of the Organon (Hahnemann, 1974), Hahnemann teaches us that the patients’ individuality is of prime importance in the identification of a remedy that is aimed at healing the patient rapidly, gently and permanently (aphorism #2). Yet to administer a remedy in the absence of disease symptoms, and to give this remedy in a generalised ‘one size fits all’ manner, without taking into account patient specific aspects, contradicts homeopathy and reflects an allopathic approach to prescribing (http://nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org).

Although this is a controversial issue, it has been proven that homeopathic remedies may act beneficially, even if a selected remedy is given prophylactically to numerous healthy individuals in the absence of disease symptoms. Aphorism #102 on genus epidemicus provides us with a possible justification for prophylactic prescribing.

Studies and trials on the homeopathic prevention of injuries are scarce. Most information on prophylactic homeopathic prescribing is experiential and anecdotal and largely not associated to sports. Only one study was found that investigated the efficacy of the preventative action of homeopathic remedies for sports related injuries. Sao and Delaunay (1983) conducted a study with the aid of a Karate team. They split the team into treatment and placebo group, neither of which knew if they were taking the remedy or the placebo. The treatment group was given Arnica and China for ten days preceding a sports contest. On the eve of the contest the members of the treatment group received an individually selected remedy following a classical homeopathic case-taking. The study results showed that the treatment group had improved adaptation reactions, superior physical recuperation, and subjective symptoms were considered better than those of the control group. Whilst this is a study conducted with very few participants, as there were only 20 members in the team, the results may provide the grounds for further investigation into the preventative actions of homeopathic remedies. 

With regard to the homeopathic complex formula Traumeel a consensus – recommendation of leading sports physicians to multiple German national and league teams of diverse sports and athletic disciplines – suggests that Traumeel is an effective prophylaxis for durable sports activities that have a high burden on muscles and joints of the athletes (Steinbach-talk III, 2007). This complex preparation has in clinical trials been found to equal conventional NSAIDs in its efficacy for sports injuries and trauma (Birnesser H, Oberbaum M, Klein, P & Weiser M, 2004; Schneider C, Klein P, Stolt P & Oberbaum M, 2005; Schneider C, Schneider B, Hanisch J & van Haselen R, 2007), and has proven to be of greater patient tolerability than the conventional products (Schneider C, Schneider B, Hanisch J & van Haselen R, 2007).

As suggested above, the use of homeopathic prescribing for prophylactic purposes has been practised for some time in the prevention of illnesses other than those linked to physical exertion. Prescribing for other ailments, diseases and infections may also be of relevance to sportsmen and woman. The highly trained physique of the professional athlete who is subject to strenuous exercise and peak performances in a very costly business may become a monetary loss in times of sickness. Therefore, preventative prophylaxis for flu, cold and other infections is of high priority to clubs, their managers and team coaches. It is not just the absence of a player from actual games that may cost dearly if a match is lost, but also the consequence of missed training and loss of achieved performance levels that subsequently need to be regained. Homeopathic prescribing for the prevention of illness may indeed play a major role. 

Can performance be improved with homeopathic remedies?

One would have imagined that performance improvement is a major benefit of any approach such as homeopathy in the treatment of injuries. Yet, only one study has been found that investigated homeopathy and its efficacy on performance enhancement. The study by Barrois (1988), a randomised placebo controlled trial with 21 athletes, investigated the oxygen consumption of participants at a sports camp. Absorption of oxygen is directly proportional to the extent of physical exertion. The participants of the treatment group received homeopathic treatment for seven days. Placebo and treatment group had their maximum oxygen volume measured on day one and day seven. The homeopathic treatment consisted of a prescription of Arnica given daily before and following physical exercise; China was given once every two days and Natrium muriaticum was given in alternation with the remedy China once every two days. The result showed that in the placebo group there was no significant change, while in the treatment group there was a very significant improvement in oxygen volume consumed. Barrois (1988) concluded that upon completion of the trial the treatment and placebo group were two very different groups. He reasoned that a simple, not individualised, homeopathic treatment could significantly modify, in a much shorter time than would normally be required, the physiological characteristics of athletes. The subjective parameters that had been monitored were also reported to have improved. Athletes were less tired and concluded that they were less affected by muscular troubles; they also felt they could recuperate better from exercise. There have been no recent trials or studies that confirm Barrois’s results. 

Another account of the enhancement of performance in sports with
homeopathic remedies is reported by Kayne (1992) who refers to
Arsenicum album, tissue salts and trace elements having been
administered to a boxing team. Apparently the team succeeded at
subsequent contests following the regular ingestion of homeopathic
remedies. Kayne further mentions the remedies Vanadium, Ferrum
metallicum and Cobalt for the promotion of neural
responses. Kayne’s description is vague and he states no research
in support of this report.


Materia medica

The above trials and reports gave only examples of different remedies without giving indications as to why the selected remedies may be applicable as a means of preventative prescribing or promoting fitness. Below is a short summary of the sports-related correlation of symptoms to remedies as found in materia medica and literature.

Traumeel

‘Traumeel‘ has been used to aid recovery from sprains, strains, bruises, nerve pain, swelling, and post-surgical pain’, it is able to remove inflammation by producing an anti-inflammatory effect and is devoid of the adverse effects of conventional medicines for similar situations (www.traumeel.com).

Arnica

Arnica is the first remedy for trauma injuries and their consequences. The pain in extremities and body is as if beaten and bruised, and in the joints as if sprained. There is pain from overstraining (Boericke, 2000). There is muscular weakness in the neck, the back feels raw. In the upper extremities there may be the sensation of pins and needles. In particular in the knee there may be tenseness and strain, soreness and swelling. Pain is worse for motion (Clarke, 1994).

China

This remedy is indicated for all sorts of weaknesses but especially for those coming from the loss of body liquids. In sports this is most likely related to sweating. Exhaustion may be accompanied by headaches, pallor, faintness and extreme sweating. Pain is felt most in the extremities and joints, with a sensation as if there were spraining. Soft touch aggravates and firm pressure ameliorates. There is swelling and weakness in the joints (Boericke, 2000).

Natrum muriaticum

Fatigue and frailty according to Boericke (2000) are aspects of this remedy. Backache is ameliorated by firm pressure. There is weakness in the extremities that is particularly felt in the knees and ankles. Tension and stiffness of head and neck, shooting and tearing in the upper extremities with the feeling of pins and needles and prickling are part of this remedy according to Clarke (1994). Hips, thighs, knees, legs, calves, feet may all be affected by pains and spasms (Clarke, 1994).

Arsenicum album

There is ‘violent and burning pain in the back, powerfully aggravated by touch’ (Clarke, 1994). The pain may be cutting and may also be experienced between the shoulder blades; lying down ameliorates. Boericke (2000) states that pains are burning, and little strain leads to great prostration. There may be cramping and swelling, feebleness and heaviness in the extremities.

Vanadium

Boericke describes the actions of Vanadium as such: “Its action is that of an oxygen carrier and a catalyser, hence its use in wasting diseases. It increases the amount of haemoglobin, also combines its oxygen with toxins and destroys their virulence. It also increases and stimulates phagocytes” [18] (n.p.). In Clarks´ Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica [19],
Vanadium is termed “an energetic excitant of nutrition” with an “oxidant stimulating organic combustion” (p.1502).

Ferrum metallicum

Ferrum has stiffness of muscles that becomes ameliorated through slow movement. It is frequently indicated in pains of the heels and soles, the tibia and hip-joint [18]. The shoulder may be particularly affected with shooting pains and cracking in the shoulder and heaviness and weakness in the arms. The arms may have tearing and stinging at night. There may be feebleness in thighs and knees. The feet, joints and knees may have swelling and there may be spasms in the lower extremities, even in the soles and toes [19].

Cobaltum

In Clark [19], Cobalt is indicated for the characteristic symptom of “very pronounced backache” (p. 537), pain in the lumbar area, small of back and between the shoulders that is better for movement and reclining, and worse for sitting. There are stitching pains in the upper limbs; the wrist-joints in particular are involved. There is a bruised sensation in all limbs. Trembling and tingling may be perceived in the lower limbs, possibly accompanied by hot flushes along the legs, and the knees may be subject to excessive feebleness. 

Our materia medicas have many more remedies for the prophylactic treatment of sports injuries or for the enhancement of performance. In particular, from reports on practical experience, we know that the number of remedies that offer relief and recuperation of injuries acquired through physical exercise or exertion has grown well beyond the few types that have been subject to clinical trials and studies. The above trials and reports on preventative prescribing and the promotion of fitness are too few to be able to make definite statements on efficacy and application of prophylactic or enhancement prescribing. More research and experiential accounts from homeopathic practice are needed. 

Taking into account individualised characteristics of each patient is, as becomes evident by the approach to prophylactic prescribing, not always a prerequisite for a homeopathic prescription. This fact enables a broader spectrum application which allows for generalised, non-individualised, remedy selection and prescribing.

For the health conscious sportsman or woman, professional or lay athlete, sports related injuries can, like many other ailments, be treated with this gentle alternative approach, and are in fact becoming increasingly important in the quest to find a means of avoiding illness and of boosting fitness. In particular, in the professional field this is an already long established practice, as shown in the 2008 survey (Meyer, 2008). 

The conventional approach to health care is one that is not without flaws. The side effects to medication and the restriction by doping legislation confine the use of allopathic treatment. Homeopathy is therefore a valuable adjunct in the treatment of athletes.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) mission is to lead a collaborative worldwide campaign for doping-free sport.

WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency composed and funded equally by the sport movement and governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the World Anti Doping Code (Code) – the document harmonizing anti-doping policies in all sports and all countries. WADA is a Swiss private law Foundation. Its seat is in Lausanne, Switzerland, and its headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

WADA works towards a vision of a world where all athletes compete in a doping-free sporting environment. (http://www.wada-ama.org/)

References

Hahnemann S (1974) Organon der Heilkunst (2. Auflage) 6B Heidelberg: Karl F Haug Verlag.

Laubender (2005) Aktuell im Gespräch … mit Dr. med. Dr. med.dent. Eberhard Laubender über Homöopathie für Sportleraccessed 20 March 2010 at http://www.dzvhae.com

Meyer D (2008) EM-Profis setzen auf sanfte Medizin accessed 13 August 2009 at http://www.spiegel.de 

Mittelstadt U (2010) The homeopathic treatment of sports-injuries accessed 03 May 2012 at http://hpathy.com

NCH (2006) Homeopathic Prophylaxis: Fact or Fiction accessed 03 May 2012 at http://nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org

Schmaranzer I (2009) Homöopathie im Sport accessed 20 March 2010 at http://www.apoverlag.at

Yarrow A & Strauder D (2008) The Benefits of Homeopathy in Sports Medicine accessed 03 November 2009 at http://www.irishhomeopaths.com

WADA (2012) What about homeopathic products and alternative medicine? accessed 03 May 2012 at http://www.wada-ama.org

Sao V & Delaunay M (1983) ‘Médicine douce et sport dur: Un mariage heureux’ Homéopathie française, Vol.71

Steinbach-talk III (2007) Therapieempfehlungen aus der Sportmedizin accessed 03 May 2012 at http://www.schuster-pr.de

Birnesser H, Oberbaum M, Klein P & Weiser . (2004) The homeopathic preparation Traumeel S compared with NSAIDs for symptomatic treatment of epicondylitis accessed 17 January 2010 at http://www.helhetsmedisin.net

Schneider C, Klein P, Stolt P & Oberbaum M (2005) ‘A homeopathic ointment preparation compared with 1% diclofenac gel for acute symptomatic treatment of tendinopathy’ Explore Vol.1, No.6, article from Elsevier, accessed 08 November 2009 at http://sciencedirect.com 

Schneider C, Schneider B, Hanisch J & van Haselen R (2007) ‘The role of a homeopathic preparation compared with conventional therapy in the treatment of injuries: An observational cohort study’ Complementary Therapies in MedicineVol.16, article from Elsevier, accessed 08 November 2009 at http://sciencedirect.com 

Barrois D (1988) ‘Entraînement du sportif en homéopathie’ Homéopathie française, Vol.76 No.6

Kayne S (1992) ‘Homeopathy in sports medicine’ British Homoeopathic Journal, Vol. 81, 

Traumeel (2012) Mechanism of action of Traumeel on the inflammation process accessed 03 May 2012 at http://www.traumeel.com

Traumeel (2012) Traumeel: a natural medicine free of doping concerns accessed 03 May 2012 at http://www.traumeel.com

Boericke W (2000) Homeopathic materia medica last accessed 03 May 2012 at http://www.homeoint.org

Clarke J (1994) A dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

This article was first published: HIP Summer 2012

An ancient therapy for circulatory complaints celebrating a revival – Blood-letting with leeches

As part of the ancient ‘mainstream’ medical practices that have existed since antiquity, Hirudo-therapy, as a form of blood-letting to cure patients of ailments and diseases, has, throughout the millennia, been used to treat almost any infliction with illness. Only with the birth of what we today define as conventional medicine, has the medicinal use of leeches as therapeutic agents fallen into oblivion. Until then, leech-therapy was widely spread across Asia, Africa, America, the Middle-East and Europe.

Although never quite lost in the CAM realm, in more recent times, conventional medicine has instigated a revival of this ancient treatment practice, having found evidence of its efficacy for diverse diseases, such as circulatory and cardiovascular disorders, cancer, infectious and inflammatory diseases, arthritic and rheumatic processes, for surgical interventions, as in replantation and breast augmentation surgery and, yes, as anti-aging and cosmetic treatment.

Varicose veins, thrombosis, hypertension and coronary artery disease, arthrosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism and gout have found a benefit from the treatment with leeches. Ailments such as herpes zoster, otitis media, asthma, hyperlipidemia, ophthalmic diseases, septic shock, cerebral infarction, ovarian cysts, dental diseases, and wound-healing disorders are further indications for the treatment with leeches. 

The treatment with Hirudo medicinalis officinalis, the leech, generally sees the leech placed on the skin of the affected area, where it bites and sucks blood, in doing so, releasing a number of bio-active substances secreted from its salivary glands. Within the saliva of the leech are contained blood-thinners, anti-coagulants, vaso-dilators, enzymes, and amino-acids, to name a few. There are about 20 therapeutic ingredients in the saliva of leeches. Hirudin and Eglin are the two scientifically most investigated substances. Eglin is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and Hirudin an anti-coagulant, and anti-spasmodic.

The individual leech will suck around 10 to 20 ml of blood and will ‘fall off’ the site of the bite, when it has finished feeding, after 30 to 90 minutes. The bite-wound will continue bleeding for up to 12 to 24 hours, which is part of the benefit of the therapeutic blood-letting. A treatment will usually consist of an application of 2 to 6 leeches.

Traditional Chinese medicine has yet another approach to leech therapy. The ‘Shui Zhi’ is used as an orally administered drug. The leech is dried and ingested for the treatment of blood stasis, uterine growths and traumatic injury. As a homeopathic remedy Hirudo medicinalis, is referred to as Sanguisuga officinalis. It is indicated for hemorrhages, in particular those of the rectum.

Today leeches are cultivated in farms. This is done for hygienic purposes, and due to the fact that the extensive use of leeches throughout the 18th and 19thcentury has made the medicinal leech become almost extinct. A leech is never applied to more than just one patient.

A look at its historic use almost commends Hirudo-therapy as a universal cure-all. Its importance in history, emphasized by the denotation of the physician as ‘leech’ and his materia medica as ‘leechdom’, shows just how leech therapy dominated the treatment of patients in the old days. The efficacy, increasingly supported by research, returns Hirudo-therapy into the conventional medical sphere, and at that brings with it great potential for a range of diseases.

 

 

 

References:

Michalsen A, Moebus S, Spahn G, Esch T, Langhorst J, Dobos GJ. (2002) ‘Leech therapy for symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis: results and implications of a pilot study.’, Alternative Therapies, 8(5),[Online]. Available at:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12233807 (Accessed: June 2016).

Bapat RD, Acharya BS, Juvekar S, Dahanukar SA. (1998) ‘Leech therapy for complicated varicose veins.’, Indian J Med Res., 107, pp. 281-284 [Online]. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9701897 (Accessed: June 2016).

Hyson JM (2005) ‘Leech therapy: a history.’, J Hist Dent., 53(1), pp. 25-27 [Online]. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15926663 (Accessed: June 2016).

Chinese Herbs Healing (2012) Chines Herbs Healing – Medicinal Leeches (Shui Zhi), Available at: http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/medicinal-leeches/ (Accessed: June 2016).

Zentrum der Gesundheit (2016) Blutegeltherapie – Eine tierisch gute Heilmethode, Available at: https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/blutegeltherapie.html (Accessed: June 2016).

Clarke, JH (2000) A DICTIONARY OF PRACTICAL MATERIA MEDICA – Sanguisuga, Available at: http://www.homeoint.org/clarke/s/sngs.htm (Accessed: June 2016).

Strophanthus: A cardio-protective remedy of old

One of the most widely researched plant remedies comes from an African climbing plant and is a most formidable remedy for heart disease and vascular disorders [1, 2, 3]. This gem has been largely removed from the annals of conventional medicine and has almost been forgotten. However, the need of the current times may call for its much needed resurgence.
Its most potent medicinal effect and the absence of side effects may make it a savior for the ever rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases and beyond.

Rose Quartz – A remedy for the emotional heart

Rose quartz, has always been associated with the theme of love, in one way or another. It has even been referred to as the stone of universal love, and has been likened to a symbol of beauty, gentility and peace, to harmony and balance, the heart and healing.

It is a stone said to balance the heart chakra, to open the heart to giving and receiving unconditional love, and to connect with and extend self-love.

Kindness, compassion and empathy are keywords, and someone ‘in-tune’ with Rose quartz is gentle, emotionally balanced, calm, strongly inclined towards positivity, and exudes a subtle loving and healing energy.

As a homeopathic remedy, Rose quartz is a healer of the emotional heart. All types of heartache from emotional trauma, unrequited love, disappointment, separation or loss, respond very well to Rose Quartz. It is a remedy for grief where, for example, the love to a married person, is not answered. There is a strong feeling of responsibility towards loved ones lying on the shoulders of people needing this remedy. It is also a remedy indicated where there is an unhealthy addiction to a love relationship, and it is helpful in releasing the trauma from sexual abuse.

It’s need can also bee seen where children, who suffer from parental conflict in the home, want to please and appease both their mother and father in, for example, a family where a divorce is looming. These children are stressed and in a constant state of anxiety.

Rose Quartz purifies and harmonizes, and promotes self-love and inner healing.

A true remedy of and for love.

Glonoinum for Angina Pectoris – an explosive drug

Angina Pectoris – what is it?

Angina Pectoris is a symptomatology that in 2009 affected an estimate of 30 000 to 40 000 people per 1 million of the European population [1], and approximately 9.8 million people in America, with tendency rising [2].

It is a syndrome that is characterized by precordial discomfort; pressure, squeezing, burning or fullness located centrally about the chest. This is frequently accompanied by pain extending through to the back, or into the shoulder and arm, and may radiate to the throat and jaw, the upper abdomen and at times the right arm [3]. The onset of symptoms is usually due to physical exertion or stress [3], heavy meals or extreme heat [4].

The etiology of Angina Pectoris is commonly an underlying condition called myocardial ischemia [3]. Myocarial ischemia refers to a reduction of the volume of blood passing through the arteries, as a consequence of which the amount of oxygen transported to the heart is also decreased [5]. This is usually due to yet another underlying more severe issue, namely coronary heart disease, where the coronary arteries are obstructed as in the case of atherosclerosis [3]. Other causes of myocardial ischemia are spasms of the coronary arteries, or an embolism caused by the plaque formation of artheriosclerosis that then ruptures and forms a clot that blocks an artery [5].

Attacks of Angina Pectoris commonly subside after a few minutes and are relieved by rest [3]. The most important element in the treatment of Angina Pectoris is the removal of the causative factors, at least the prevention of further progression of the underlying condition [4].

First aid treatment, and the most common prescriptions in Angina Pectoris, are drugs containing nitroglycerine [4]. Nitroglycerin dilates the arteries and as such permits an increased volume of blood to flow through the vessles [4].

Nitroglycerine – an explosive drug!

In 1846 the Italian chemist Asciano Sobrero sought to create a new kind of substance that had blasting power. He synthezised Nitroglycerin by combining nitric and sulphuric acid [6, 7]. In 1867 then Alfred Nobel, the scientist and initiator of the Nobel prize, patented Nitroglycerin as a explosive [6].

The first physician to suggest nitroglycerin as a treatment for Angina Pectoris was British born William Murrell (1853 – 1912) in 1879 [7, 8]. He and few of his colleagues dared to experiment with Nitroglycerin, and trialed this explosive substance in highly diluted form on themselves. Murrell had taken Nitroglycerin 30 to 40 times before using it in the treatment of patients [8].

From experiential reports and his own findings, Murrell identified Nitroglycerin to be an instantly acting substance. The ingestion of a tiny quantity sufficed to induce a sensation of fullness about the neck, slight nausea, mental confusion and drowsiness. A rushing noise in the ears was described, a heaviness in the stomach and frequently a tensive headache that was felt over the eyes and could extend to the nose and ears [8, 9].

Murrell prescribed Nitroglycerin for patients that experienced symptoms of sudden onset of intense pain about the chest that was triggered by slightest physical exertion or emotional excitement. Patients described a sensation of heat and burning in the chest that was succeeded by an acute, painful pressue. This pain could radiate to the back, between the shoulders, and along the inner side of the arm down to the elbow. Murrell points out that this pain only rarely passed below the elbow towards or into the fingers. Shortness of breath, an increased pulsation, and a sensation of coldness in an attack were also described [8].

These attacks commonly lasted no longer than 3 to 4 minutes, and the administration of Nitroglycerin cut an attack short. Murrell exclaimed that “the action of the medicine seems to commence the moment it is swallowed” [8, p.43]. Unfortunately the ingestion of Nitroglycerin almost always produced a throbbing sensation across the forehead, at the height of the hairline, a sensation of pulsation experienced throughout the body, and a noise like running water in the ears [8]. This concomitant symptomatology of Nitroglycerin is one that for most patients still accompanies an ingestion of the drug.

Murrell further noted of Nitroglycerin that the susceptibility to its action was more pronounced in weaker individuals and women. He stressed that a physiological effect could be excited by merely handling it, and pointed out that following an administration of the drug patients would experience “an immediate, irresistible need for sleep” [8, p.29].

The homeopathic origin of nitroglycerin as a healing agent

In 1848, long before the conventional medical sphere took note of the healing potential of nitroglycerin the German Homeopath Constantin Hering (1800 – 1880) had recognized its value as a homeopathically produced remedy for throbbing and congestive headaches.

Hering never considered Glonoinum, homeopathic Nitroglycerine, for Angina Pectoris [6], but it has found its way into the homeopathic Materia Medica as a remedy for many symptoms, including those of the symptomatology of Angina Pectoris. As such it is, amongst others, indicated for the following key symptoms:

– Surging of blood to the head and heart [10, 11].

– Violent palpitation, laborious action of the heart [10, 11].

– Throbbing and pulsating headache in forehead and between temples [11].

– Throbbing in front of the head [11], that becomes worse by exertion [12].

– Pressure and throbbing in the temples [11].

– Pulsation experienced throughout the body. Pulsating pains [10], felt as if the head would burst [12].

– Paleness of the face [12].

– Adverse effects from being in the sun, sunstroke [12].

– Confusion, heaviness about the head [10].

– Can bear no heat about the head [10].

Perhaps it was due to the skepticism of the homeopathic doctrine that the conventional medical sphere took 30 years to investigate the therapeutic potential of Nitroglycerin [7], but only due to these previous investigations did Nitroglycerin at all become a successful medicinal agent. As such Nitroglycerin was considered by some as the “ first breakthrough, on a large scale, of homeopathic remedies into allopathic practice” [6, p.25]. Until today it is a reliable treatment agent for managing Angina Pectoris, both as a highly diluted conventional drug, and as a highly diluted and succussed homeopathic remedy.

References:

[1] Schillinger, W., Hasenfuss, G. (2009) Angina Pectoris. Encyclopedia of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, pp.90-91. Available from: http://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-540-29676-8_108. [4th May 2015].

[2] Angina Pectoris (1994-2015). Available from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/150215-overview . [4th May 2015].

[3] Warnica, J.W. (2015) Angina Pectoris. Merck Manuals. Available from: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/coronary-artery-disease/angina-pectoris. [4th May 2015].

[4] Bhowmik, D., Das, B.C, Dutta, A.S. & Sampath Kumar, K.P. (2011) Angina Pectoris – a comprehensive review of clinical features, differential diagnosis, and remedies, Elixir Pharmacy, 40, pp.5125-5130. Available from: from elixirpublishers.com . [4th May 2015].

[5] Mayo Clinic Staff (1998-2015) Myocardial Ischemia. Mayo Clinic. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myocardial-ischemia/basics/causes/con-20035096 . [4th May 2015].

[6] Bruce Fye, W. (1986) Nitroglycerin: a homeopathic remedy Circulation, Vol. 73, 1, pp.21-29. Available from : circ.ahajournals.org/content/73/1/21.full.pdf [4th May 2015].

[7] Bruce Fye, W. (1994) William Murrell Clin. Cardiol., 18, pp. 426-427. Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/clc.4960180714/pdf [4th May 2015].

[8] Murrell, W. (1882) Nitro-glycerine as a remedy for angina pectoris, H.K. Lewis, London.

[9] Murrell, W. (1879) Nitroglycerine as a remedy for angina pectoris. Lancet, 1:80-1, 113. Available from: http://site.hmc.org.qa/heartviews/vol8no3/PDF/HISTORYOFMEDICINE2.pdf. [4th May 2015].

[10] Boericke, W. (1999) Homeopathic Materia Medica. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/g/glon.htm . [4th May 2015].

[11] Hering, C. (2002) The guiding symptoms of our materia medica. Available at: http://www.homeoint.org/hering/g/glon-kn3.htm . [4th May 2015].

[12] Kent, J.T. (2000) Lectures on homeopathic materia medica. Available at: http://homeoint.org/books3/kentmm/glon.htm. [4th May 2015].

Iberis Amara – A homeopathic remedy for specific arrhythmia

Iberis amara is a homeopathic remedy with major characteristic symptom expressions that make it specific for particular affections of the heart. It affects the muscle of the heart, the coronary arteries, the conduction system of the heart and the peripheral circulation. As such Iberis is indicated for cardiac and coronary insufficiency, arrhythmia (tachycardia), angina pectoris, hypertrophy, myocarditis and endocarditis.

The particular heart symptomatology includes palpitation that is instigated by the slightest of physical exertion. Closing a window, coughing, laughing, or turning over in bed may suffice to produce accelerated, irregular beating of the heart. During this episode the individual may experience the sensation of dull heaviness and dragging pressure in the region of the heart, and marked shooting, darting pains that are experienced as stabbing or stitching. These symptoms promote great anxiety in the patient and may cause associated feelings of fear and nervousness. There may be marked coldness of hands and feet, while the face may be flushed with a sensation of fullness about the head and neck. Cold sweat may develop on the face. The patient desires to sigh or draw long breaths.

The heart beats faster and stronger and the actual pulsation is visible over the cardia-thoracic area. The pulse is erratic or intermittent, tremulous and not well-defined while being full and strong. The hearts action may at first be weak and is then succeeded by an increased full and strong, irregular pulse rate of +/- 100.

Concomitant to the cardiac symptoms there may be anxiety, increased salivation, dyspnea, and shortness of breath, the feeling of constriction and oppression, as well as vertigo. The patient may experience persistent eructation and bloating with an increased frequency of passing soft stool from the ingestion of food and there may be associated digestive weakness. A choking sensation may be felt in the dry throat and there may be the feeling of pressure and pain in the region of the liver. Soreness, lameness and trembling may be felt in the extremities, particular in the upper left arm and hand.

The patient feels worse for turning or lying on the left side, at night or upon rising in the morning. Altering the resting position or placing a hand on the chest above the heart does not ameliorate symptoms.

Following such an ‘attack’ there may be an increased urge to urinate only scanty quantities, and the patient may feel a general soreness and lameness throughout the body.

An interesting aspect of the therapeutic picture of Iberis amara is its association with gastro-intestinal issues. While this is not an integral part of the homeopathic remedy picture, it is so of the Materia Medica as a phyto-therapeutic agent. Iberis has been found to have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent and calming properties, which it exerts on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. As such it has found inclusion in herbal complex preparations aimed at treating an irritable stomach, functional dyspepsia or the colon irritable, the syndrome known as IBS, and ailments of the digestive tract associated with abdominal discomforts such as cramping and pain, motility disruption, diarrhea or obstipation. One such complex preparation is ‘Iberogast’, which in some countries is known by the name ‘STW 5’, and contains a combination of 9 different herbs. Research however has come to conclude that it is in particular the combination of the 9 herbs together that promote the efficacy of the complex. Iberis amara alone has not been found effective for the above mentioned gastro-intestinal issues.

References:

Allen, T. (1877) The Encyclopedia of pure Materia Medica . Internet Archive [Online]. Available at: https://archive.org (Accessed: April 2017).

Boericke, W. (2004) Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica and repertory New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

Clarke, J. (1994) A Dictionary of practical materia medica New Delhi: B.Jain publishers Ltd.

DHU (1994) Homöopathisches Repetitorium  Karlsruhe: Deutsche Homöopathie Union.

Hale, E. (1897) Materia Medica and special therapeutics of the new remedies. Internet Archive [Online]. Available at: https://archive.org (Accessed: April 2017).

Hering, C. (1879) The guiding symptoms of our Materia Medica. Internet Archive [Online]. Available at: https://archive.org (Accessed: April 2017).

Madisch, A., Holtmann, G., Plein, K. & Hotz, J. (2004) ‘Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with herbal preparations: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial’, Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther., 19(), pp. 271-279 [Online]. Available at: doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01859.x (Accessed: April 2017).

No name (1997) ‘Expertengespräch anläßlich der 51. Tagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselerkrankungen mit Sektion für Gastroenterologische Endoskopie’, Aerztezeitschrift für Naturheilverfahren, 38(2), pp. 146-149.

Rahimi, R. & Abdollahi, M. (2012) ‘Herbal medicines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: A comprehensive review’, World Journal of Gastroenterology, 18(7), pp. 589-600.