Homeopathy & Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, in its general sense, refers to the treatment of disease by chemicals that kill cells, specifically those of micro-organisms or cancer. Chemotherapy acts by killing cells that divide rapidly (one of the chief properties of cancer cells, hence its use as part of cancer treatments). This means that it also harms cells that divide rapidly under normal circumstances: cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract and hair follicles; these results in the most common side-effects of chemotherapy–myelosuppression (decreased production of blood cells), mucositis (inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract)and hair loss.
Other examples of the uses of chemotherapy treatments are the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis and the suppression of transplant rejections.
People who are undergoing chemotherapy may find some relief from the nastier side effects in homeopathic remedies. Such remedies should NOT be sought as a substitute for treatment, nor be considered part of the therapy. Below is a list of some of the homeopathic treatments that can provide relief for people undergoing chemotherapy:
Cadmium Sulphuratum is effective when used on people who have really debilitating nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy. Such persons may also feel extremely chilly and exhausted after undergoing the chemo.
Gelsemium, sometimes called "yellow jasmine" (though it is not part of the jasmine family) is a climbing vine with yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers. This homeopathic remedy tends to be most helpful for people who are feeling ill in anticipation of stress (such as that caused by chemotherapy treatments),the anticipated stress manifesting itself by trembling and general feelings of weakness.
Ipecacuanha is a remedy that works best when nausea and vomiting continue to persist well after the chemo treatment has concluded. The person may also salivate quite a bit.
Kali phosphoricum is made from Potassium dichromate, a common inorganic (i.e. mineral) chemical reagent. This remedy can be helpful for exhaustion and weakness after any kind of illness or extended stress. The person may be oversensitive to light and noise, and may also feel very chilly.
Nux vomica, also known as poison nut, is prepared from the seeds of an evergreen tree which is native to Australia, India, Thailand and China. The seeds have a bitter, unpleasant taste that contains strychnine. A person who feels nauseous, but is unable to vomit may benefit from this treatment. Headaches,and extreme sensitivity to light and/or noise may also be present where nux vomica is recommended.
Sepia (ink from cuttlefish) is best used when there is nausea accompanied by headaches (particularly left-sided ones). There is also often a drawn-out feeling of general weariness.
Homeopathic physicians typically recommend the following procedure when deciding on an appropriate remedy. Take one dose and wait for a response. If there is visible improvement, keep waiting and let the remedy work, however If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, then try another dose. The dosage frequency will vary with the actual condition and the individual. If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
Related topics about homeopathy
Common Homeopathic Remedies
They are said to be over 1000 homeopathic remedies known, and 50 of which are available over-the-counter. The following remedies are considered the most commonly used today. Although all remedies are said to help treat a variety of symptoms, the following are categorized into their most common uses.
Homeopathy and regulations
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates homeopathic remedies in the United States. Since the 1930s, the FDA has treated homeopathic remedies in a manner similar to non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs; meaning that people can purchase them at local drugstores and a prescription is not required.
Homeopathic Hospital
You've been searching medical facilities to find the best care for a loved one, and aren't satisfied with the treatments that are being offered at conventional hospitals. If you know a little about naturopathy, or think that homeopathic medicine may be a realistic option, you may want to find a homeopathic hospital in your area that will serve your family well. The treatments that you will receive will most likely be much more customized than in a 'regular' hospital, and this could help in disease prevention as well.
Homeopathic Practitioners
If you've made the decision to live a more natural lifestyle, chances are you're searching for homeopathic practitioners in your area that can give you the guidance that you need to live a life that is free of traditional medicine. And, if you're interested in going into the field of naturopathy yourself, you will need to know what types of training homeopathy professionals should complete in order to legally practice medicine.
The use of flowers in homeopathy
Bach's flower remedies are likely the most famous when it comes to homeopathic medicines that use flowers to cure. The Bach Flower Remedies – created by the homeopathic Doctor Ed Bach in the 1930s – total 38 in number and are designed to address particular characteristics or emotional states.
Standard Homeopathic
Do you want to take a more natural approach to living? Are you tired of being on prescription medications? If so, you may want to consider standard homeopathic remedies that may give you the tools you need to change your life and improve your health. There are some major adjustments that you may have to make over time, but many people have reported having much more energy after switching to homeopathic medicine, and have even reported the elimination of sicknesses such as cancer and diabetes.
Homeopathy & the Common Cold
A cold is essentially a viral infection that attacks the body when resistance is low due to fatigue, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. Typical cold symptoms include stuffy/runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat fever, "achiness", and a feeling of general, all-around lethargy.