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Homeopathy for Serious Conditions
The appropriateness of treating very debilitating or life-threatening conditions with homeopathy is an area of intense debate. Because science has never proven that homeopathy is any more than a placebo response, homeopathic remedies should never be used as a sole course of treatment for a serious health condition. In these cases, homeopathy should only be used as a complement to conventional medical treatment.
Cancer Treatment
There are several different means through which homeopathy is used to treat cancer patients. Some remedies are thought to target tumors and may be administered to the site of the tumor itself, through injection. Other remedies are thought to aid the elimination and detoxification process. This can include detoxification of cells and strengthening of the liver, kidneys, urinary tract, bowels, and lymphatic system.
Arsenicum Album
Arsenicum Album is a common homeopathic remedy for patients in all stages of all types of cancer. For patients with terminal, late-stage cancer, arsenic remedies are thought to ease anxiety and help the patient cope with the fear of death. For newly diagnosed cancer patients, arsenic remedies are also thought to help with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which a person’s immune system malfunctions and attacks his or her own body tissues.
Crohn’s Disease
Homeopathy is used as a strengthening supplement in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, in much the same way that steroids are often used in conventional medicine. Common homeopathic remedies for Crohn’s disease include:
- Mercurius: This is given to treat people who have foul-smelling diarrhea that may have streaks of blood. This substance is most appropriate for people who feel exhausted following bowel movements, sweat frequently, and always want something cold to drink.
- Podophyllum: This substance is for those who experience explosive, gushing diarrhea that worsens after eating or drinking. This remedy is also used for those who have painful cramps in the lower legs and feet.
Homeopaths also often advise the elimination of dairy, meat, eggs, alcohol, and caffeine from a Crohn’s disease patient’s diet, and call for the addition of probiotics and stress reduction techniques.
Multiple Sclerosis
The symptoms and severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) vary unpredictably: some people with MS have mild symptoms and little difficulty in their day-to-day lives, while others suffer from serious impairments to their functional abilities. Homeopathy for MS seeks to restore vision, coordination, speech, and other abilities that MS can weaken.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that MS responds well to homeopathic remedies, especially if the sufferer experi-ences MS-related anxiety. Diet improvements, stress reduction techniques, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy are also often prescribed alongside homeopathic remedies for MS.
Type 1 Diabetes
Several remedies are commonly given to patients with
type 1 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus:
- Phosphorus: This substance stabilizes blood sugar and energy levels.
- Codeinum: Codeinum is often given to diabetes patients suffering from depression and skin irritation.
- Syzygium: This can be used as a general remedy.
These remedies and others may be prescribed as a complement to conventional medical care. Do not continue to see a homeopath if he or she insists that you stop taking insulin during the course of treatment.
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
