LET’S TALK ABOUT HOMEOPATHY by A HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACIST

LET’S TALK ABOUT HOMEOPATHY by A HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACIST

Let’s talk about homeopathy…

In my last blog, I described my journey to homeopathy and some homeopathic theories. (you can read it here) I would like to continue sharing some thoughts about homeopathy.

After the theory of ‘soil’, another mainstream theory that has a different interpretation within homeopathic treatment is the chemical theory. In the mainstream approach, medicines are used to work against blood readings which means if something is too low, they induce it or if the blood marker is too high, they try to reduce it. But again, logically thinking if you try to push the body in the opposite direction, how is it going to react?

In many cases, the body is going to work by pushing it back. In homeopathy, we look at why the actual state occurs and what is the root cause of for example low thyroid hormones or iron levels.

In more complicated causation like in a case of high blood pressure, it is not enough to just lower it down using medicines, neither allopathic nor homeopathic. High blood pressure indicates that our body demonstrates some kind of imbalance by elevating blood pressure and when forced by medicines to lower it down it would push back. We can see that when doctors need to increase the dose of hypertensive medicines or add another agent where often the root cause of the problem has not been detected or addressed.

Root cause- how to find it?

So, the main difference between homeopathy and allopathy (mainstream medicine) is looking for a root cause of the health imbalance and not just trying to fix it artificially which often only helps temporarily.

In the case of high blood pressure, from a homeopathic perspective, I would be interested in the condition of the adrenal glands and liver of the patient, her/his stress levels, and their origin as well as the quality of sleep. Also, any emotional events like a deep shock that could be recent or from some time ago.

Of course, also other general physical and emotional symptoms as well as unusual things that changed in that person at a similar time. The founder of the homeopathic college, which I completed, kept telling us that 10 minutes of meditation a day can be more effective to lower blood pressure than any medications! And also without side effects;)

Physical or emotional?

The next important aspect of homeopathic treatment would be a question: What can be the root cause of physical states? I would put them in two main groups, external and internal which are quite obvious.

Some of the external factors I have already mentioned before, like food and what is closely related to it, and any type of toxicity we might be exposed to. Toxicity is not only from food but also from other everyday products we may use. Just to mention a few of them, products we use to wash our bodies, clean our houses or treat our hair, nails, and …teeth. You will find more information about toxicity and food in my next blogs.

Within internal factors, homeopathy focuses its attention on our emotional state which can be recent or from many years ago, like emotional traumas from the past. Traumas to the body can be physical or emotional and we may not be able to see a direct link with our current states but it does exist and it is a role of a homeopath to recognize those as they present within the patient.

A good comparison is that treating homeopathically a person is like peeling an onion from layers and the number of those depends on all sorts of trauma that a person had and how deep they got suppressed… Yes, it may sound a bit vague but at the end of the day, every individual is different, so it is a homeopathic approach to every single case. You can check this video on what is chronic prescribing.

Going deeper

One of the emotional states which are hard for everyone is grief. In many cultures, death is not something that might be present in life or something pleasant to talk about.

However, life and death are inseparable as much as it may sound pathetic, which at the same time does not change the difficulty to go through the grieving process when it comes to our loved ones…

Like every emotional state is different for each of us, as well as homeopathic remedies to relieve it, because your way of expressing the emotion of sadness is different from that of other people. One person closes himself and stops eating, another cries and needs conversation, and another cries in secret, or feels strong anger …
So as many variations of the state there are different possible homeopathic remedies that we can use. As with many emotional states, it is different for each of us, as well as homeopathic remedies, help with it. In the state of grief or other emotional imbalances, it is important to “do something” to help our mind to deal with emotions. (You can Check this video to see what is important to help with homeopathy in an acute state.)

By “do something” I mean many things, from simple talk through meditation, Bach flower remedies (they work on emotional states) and homeopathy or some other holistic therapy. Emotions that our mind cannot deal with often get suppressed to reappear after some time in our physical body in a form of sickness. Many diseases have origin in the emotional states or are better to say most of them have an emotional factor that has its input… During homeopathic consultations, we try to recognise those links and choose the most similar homeopathic remedies to stimulate the vital force of self-healing in the patients.

Homeopathic laws and methods

You may ask what similar homeopathic remedies mean. “Law of similium” (Like cures like) is one of the principles of homeopathy which in simple words means taking into consideration the emotional and physical symptoms of an individual to select homeopathic remedies or remedies that in a healthy individual induced those symptoms.

Yes, to answer your next question homeopathic remedies are tested on healthy individuals in the process called “homeopathic proving” to know what physical and emotional symptoms they cause, because then they can be used in people presenting these symptoms.

Like cures, the rule says if something causes the symptoms presented in the patient, giving such a remedy in homeopathic form can give a signal to the body to take care of the symptoms.
To illustrate that, cutting onions may cause our tears to flow and our noses to itch or even start running. A similar presentation of symptoms we get in some people who suffer from seasonal hay fever- running, itchy nose, and streaming eyes and for that presentation Allium Cepa (onion) in homeopathic form can be a great relief. (You can check the video on What is homeopathy?)

It brings me to the other important homeopathic observation that something that directly caused our symptoms let’s say a coffee – raises blood pressure, agitation or in some cases tachycardia and racing thoughts then coffee- Coffea cruda in the homeopathic form can relieve us from these symptoms. I can already hear people saying coffee does nothing to me and I drink it every day 3 or 4… then try to stop your habit for a day and see what happens- unexplained headache, irritability, and tiredness. For those symptoms also homeopathic Coffea cruda can give some relief as well as for sleeplessness from coffee or wine overuse… This matching approach based on direct causation is called a therapeutic method which is just one of many possible methods used in the search for homeopathic remedies.

Several symptoms presented by the patient may match more than one remedy and most of the time it has more complicated causation than a cup of coffee if you know what I mean. That is why in practical homeopathy we treat the whole picture of a person on different levels using multi-method prescribing. On another hand, classical homeopathy still to this day gives one remedy and uses a wait-and-see approach whereby more progressive practical school moves to seeing 21st-century patients as more fragmented and requiring some support on multiple levels.

Conclusion

Homeopathy is such a vast subject that needs time to sink in. That is why I do not feel I want to write much more at this stage so let’s say there will be a part two of this subject in the future.

As homeopathy requires time to be processed and understood because it does not happen immediately, I will take a little pause here… Healing is an art, and let me not overdo it. Let’s talk about homeopathy!

WHEN A PHARMACIST BECOMES A HOMEOPATH

WHEN A PHARMACIST BECOMES A HOMEOPATH

Homeopathy- a short introduction

I decided to write about homeopathy to have a possibility to express what I have learned and at the same time, I am thinking about a few other burning subjects…

So, what is homeopathy without using complicated definitions and words? It is a part of medicine that originated over 200 years ago and it has been around ever since. A part of medicine that encompasses so much and so little at the same time comes to our internal vital force doing a healing process with just some stimulation from a homeopathic remedy.

Here comes the difficult part to understand how homeopathic remedies work, but we will get there. What is important to remember is that at the time Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy, was experimenting and changing his views on homeopathy, the technology to prove the mechanism of its action in our body did not exist!

Nowadays we can finally understand how homeopathic remedies act, which I will explain later.

You can watch a video I made about what is Homeopathy here.

My journey…

Just to start this discussion I want to share my journey to homeopathy. I am a pharmacist who always would advise more natural ways of treatments since I can remember. As well as I used to and even more so today I advise against the overuse of antibiotics.

I never was comfortable just dispensing medicines and with the progression of my role in the hospital, as a clinical pharmacist, I gained some influence in the prescribing process. Seeing a lot of irresponsible antibiotics prescribed in the hospitals my dislike for them turned into almost hate and war! You would probably ask why? What is wrong with antibiotics then that it pushed me away from working in the clinical setting?!

…against the antibiotics and…

Antibiotics can stop life-threatening infections but they do not come without a price, which is the destruction of good bacterial flora and suppression of infection into deeper levels of our body.

To rebuild a good flora inside of our gut it takes around 6 months and in most cases support from probiotics or even better from a variety of probiotics foods. Good gut flora is essential for our digestive system to work properly and it is essential to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

The infections being pushed deeper in our body means it can weaken our vital organs and also often we see recurring the same infection in a short time. Also, overuse of antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics in indications when you can avoid giving them, is in my opinion a big crime against humanity!

Yes, I am not joking! Poor compliance to follow guidelines in prescribing antibiotics which in a return can become useless (bacteria is becoming resistant) is irresponsible and dangerous for everyone, not only for the patient itself!

Serious side effects after intravenous antibiotics, especially in compromised patients, include Clostridium difficile infection which is a life-threatening condition and it can lead to even more complicated chronic states. All of this has been a huge problem that is on the rise because more and more resistant bacteria exist. Logically, if you try to “kill” bacteria it normally tries to change a form, shape, or mechanism of action to survive. Therefore, it is important to use antibiotics with a narrow spectrum of action to allow unnecessary changes (mutations).

… a place for antibiotics

So yes, antibiotics have usage in life-threatening states and that is how we should think of them! It is not a quick solution for our common colds,  sore throats, or earaches! You can read about them in my previous blogs.

Anyway, the origin of those is normally viral so antibiotics are pointless and they can only cause side effects. Sorry for the prolonged antibiotic discussion but I feel not many people are aware of that I am sorry but I have no trust in most of the doctors’ deeper understanding of it….

In many cases, the use of antibiotics is like using a shortcut. Our body has a natural ability to fight infections if we support them properly and homeopathy stimulates the vital force to regain balance and changes the environment so that the bacteria cannot multiply. In many cases, rest, lots of fluids, vitamin C, and homeopathy mean that our body stops being a place where infectious bacteria can thrive any longer!

One of the reasons I could no longer bear a clinical pharmacy setting was the lack of responsibility for prescribing medicines that have so many side effects. I started to look for ways and alternative treatments which can do less harm to patients. At the same time, I wanted something where I can use my previous experience as a pharmacist.
And that is how I found homeopathy shortly after I quit my last hospital job.

My homeopathic journey begins…

When I found homeopathy, I may have thought similar, so it is not surprising that for some people homeopathy seems to be not very scientific.
Often people say that homeopathy does not follow rules or theories, but that is not true.

There are theories and methodologies behind homeopathy which have a very scientific background. It might be hard to understand some of them because they are not mainstream medicine theories.

For example, within homeopathy, we believe that there is “soil” which can make us prone to infections and it is not the actual bacteria that cause them. By soil, it is understood our body and all that comes with it, like imbalances of nutrients or vitamins or not managing stress which can lead to states of diseases.

All of this at some points may cause our immunological system to miss intruders or not be able to deal with a possible overgrowth of less friendly bacteria or candida. It is very important to keep your “soil” nourished to prevent it from being prone to infections! That is why in homeopathy we pay great importance to “the soil” and “building blocks” meaning the food we eat because homeopathic healing sees those things as a possible obstacle to a full cure.

…and continues in a homeopathic pharmacy

My journey then continues and shortly after I started Homeopathic college I joined a homeopathic pharmacy. In my next blogs, I will continue my discussion about the different aspects of homeopathy I learned through college and the homeopathic pharmacy I worked as a homeopathic pharmacist.

For now, if you are curious to know some insight into homeopathic pharmacy you can listen to the Podcast with me by Mary Greensmith below.

Thank you for listening and sharing. Let’s speak about homeopathy.

SUMMER AILMENTS- SUMMER COLDS

SUMMER AILMENTS- SUMMER COLDS

Summer snuffles

Hello and welcome.

We are still in the summer in the northern hemisphere and summer colds tend to linger around.

Lots of my friends and family caught a cold despite the warm weather. However, the changeability of weather or trying to cool down too much can cause us to fall with some cold or coryza.

So, which are some of the remedies to consider for recurring summer colds?

Homeopathic solutions

Some remedies at home prescribing in sudden states of cold or cough.

ACONITE– sudden colds after exposure to cold winds or cold air. The symptoms are scanty nasal discharge with a stuffy nose with a great thirst for cold water. Sneezing, restlessness, and anxiety might be also present.

GELSEMIUM– symptoms of cold in sunny, hot, warm, or cold damp weather accompanied by headache. The patient also feels feverish with dullness and sleepy. Sneezing is accompanied by water discharge with the absence of thirst.

DULCAMARA– hot days and cold nights can lead to the presentation of dry coryza, stuffed up when there is cold rain. Cough worse cold, wet weather. Colds from being chilled while hot. Summer colds with diarrhea.

ARSEN ALB– summer colds after sea bathing with the thin watery discharge with sneezing which causes burning of the skin. Presents in a warm room and having sips of warm drinks gives relief, worse in a cold room.

ALLIUM CEPA– colds caused by the damp cold wind causing profuse watery discharge with sneezing. Hacking cough on inhaling cold air. Worse in damp weather. Sinusitis. Tickling in the larynx.

You may want to consider these remedies in case you catch a cold before the end of summer, especially when we have a change of the seasons.

Deeper change

Sometimes we can observe susceptibilities we have to cold air or drafts. Working on our susceptibility is one of the ways of reducing our chance to catch a cold even when we are exposed to the triggers.

This work requires a combination of miasmatic remedies and often different nosodes to change our health on a deeper level.

Any recurring infections are you struggling with right now? Any homeopathic input do you need?
I am happy to help. Let’s speak about homeopathy.

RECURRING INFECTIONS- UTIs ASSOCIATED WITH KIDNEY STONES

RECURRING INFECTIONS- UTIs ASSOCIATED WITH KIDNEY STONES

Have you ever suffered from recurring UTIs?

Kidney stones might be one of the causes of recurrent UTIs.
There are few reasons why kidney stones may form causing pain, inflammation and urine retention which can lead to symptoms of urinary tract infections.

What are some of the causations of kidney stones?
– Acidic diet
– Limited water intake
– Unbalanced intake of calcium and phosphates
– Overweight

How homeopathy can help?

CANTHARIS– kidney stones on the left side with intolerable urging. Nephritis with blood in the urine. Violent paroxysms of cutting and burning in whole renal region with painful urging to urinate by drops. Worse from urinating, drinking cold water or coffee.

BERBERIS VULGARIS– kidney stones on the left side with burning pains. Urine bright-red with thick mucus. Pain in the back and in bladder region. Pain in the thighs and loins on urinating. Bubbling, sore sensation in kidneys. Worse standing.

LYCOPODIUM– kidney stones on the right to the bladder. Pain in the back before urinating, ceases after flow, slow in coming, must strain. Heavy red sediment. Better by motion. Worse right side, from right to left.

PAREIRA BRAVA– kidney stone on the left with bruised pains in region of kidneys. Constant urging, great straining, pain down thighs during efforts to urinate. Black, bloody, thick mucus urine.

OCIMUM CANUM– kidney stone on the right. Sore pain in ureters. High acidity, brick-dust red or yellow sentiment in the urine. Urine foul-smelling with odor of musk.

Other changes:

– Increasing alkaline foods and drinks
– Increasing fluid intake
– Balancing diet to normalize balance between calcium and phosphates

Are you having UTIs associated with kidney stones? Any other recurring infections you may need help with? Please ask away and let’s see how homeopathy may help.

Let’s speak about homeopathy 😊

RECURRING INFECTIONS- DEBILITY POST INFECTIONS

RECURRING INFECTIONS- DEBILITY POST INFECTIONS

How is your energy today?

Have you had some recurring infections in the recent weeks?

How has it made you feel?

How is your energy level and general feeling post infections?

It is quite common to have lower energy levels post active infection and depending on your vital force it may take quicker or longer to recover them.

Homeopathic solutions.

Some remedies which may help recover post recurring infections:

KALI PHOS– Greatest nerve remedy. Prostration, weak and tired e.g. from gangrenous conditions. Symptoms are better warmth, rest, nourishment. Worse excitement, mental and physical exertion.

NAT SULPH– Great remedy for post influenza exhaustion. Feels every change from dry to wet. Better dry weather, pressure and changing position.

PHOS AC– Mental debility then physical weakness whenever the system has been exposed to the e.g. ravages of acute diseases. Better from keeping warm. Worse exertion, loss of vital fluids.

CHINA OFF– Debility from profuse exhausting discharges and loss of vital fluids. Weakness post food poisoning, blood loss with weakness. Worse after eating, slightest touch.

BAPTISIA– Extreme prostration especially after debilitating illness like septic conditions of the blood. Confusion as if intoxicated.

Holistic support

If you go through recurring infections quite often then your vital force may need some additional support and organs like spleen and liver may need some tuning.

It is quite debilitating for the body to go through recurring infections so supporting your immune system and eliminating organs is important.

Constitutional and organ support prescribing helps to achieve better energy levels overall which can lead to milder and less frequent infections.

Constitutional prescribing is based on totality of the physical symptoms including mental and emotional state of the patient to find the most similar remedy to it.

Let me know if you experience any recurring infections, I can help you with?
Let’s speak about homeopathy. 😊

RECURRING INFECTIONS- ADENOIDITIS

RECURRING INFECTIONS- ADENOIDITIS

Hello this summer!

After a blog about sore throats, I wanted to check more in depth why sometimes may get recurring sore throats. One of the causations might be an inflammation of the glands called adenoiditis.

Adenoiditis– it is an infection and inflammation of the adenoid gland. A recurrent gland infection can lead to the state of being debilitated.

The risk factors for adenoiditis to occur include:
• IV drug use
• Contact sports
• Animal bites or scratches
• Infection in your mouth and throat
• Recent surgery or hospital stay

So, what happens if we are diagnosed with adenoiditis? You may experience pains in the throat, ear or just swollen glands which can cause mouth breathing and/or snoring. Unpleasant smell from the mouth and acrid or metallic taste might be present. Excessive salivation or dry mouth are possible symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies

Some homeopathic remedies to take into consideration:

CALC CARB– obese children who sweat a lot at night and take cold easily, stiches on swallowing, difficult swallowing. Worse from milk, worse from dentition.

CALC PHOS – adenoid growths, chronic enlargement of tonsils, worse changes of weather. Sensation of weakness in throat. Better in summer, worse change of weather, cold weather, exposure to damp.

AGRAPHIS NUTANTS– adenoids with enlarged tonsils, throat deafness. Throat and ear troubles with tendency to free discharge from mucous membranes.

CISTUS CAN– glands swollen and suppurating, hawking of mucus. Glands inflamed and indurated. Throat very sore and dry, sore on inhaling least cold air. Worse drafts, from touch.

HYDRASTIS– enlarged adenoids with yellow mucus and general lymphoid hypertrophy. Thick, ropy secretions. Worse from dry winds, open air. Worse at night.

Long term solutions

Treating only adenoids is normally not sufficient for a complete cure. To achieve long term change is important to help with susceptibility on a deeper level. For this, prescribing on a constitutional level is needed working closely with a homeopath to monitor your progress.

Are you experiencing any recurring infections which trouble you today? Would you like to work with a homeopath to find long term solutions for them?
Let’s meet to discuss solutions for you how to go back to balance with a homeopathy. Let’s speak about homeopathy!😊