<![CDATA[ruminatingonremedies.com - Blog]]>Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:15:17 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[It's Never Too Late, part 2: Balance]]>Sat, 03 Jun 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/its-never-too-late-part-2-balancePicture
Next up in my series on aging, "It's Never Too Late," is #2, Balance issues. 

What causes balance issues? Inner ear disorders, head injuries, neurological conditions and even medical issues such as diabetes, heart disease and thyroid problems, or, medications could be the culprit, too. In other words — it could be hard to find out what is causing these balance issues. There are a lot of avenues to investigate. It could make your head spin! Did I mention vertigo is a common cause of balance issues?

One of the beautiful aspects of homeopathy is we don’t need to know if it’s a thyroid problem or an inner ear disturbance. We only need to know what symptoms play out with these balance issues. Can it help if we know the cause? Sure, but it’s not necessary.

Let me be clear here, though. I am not suggesting to skip the investigation. Definitely figure it out with the help of a medical professional.

Signs and symptoms of balance problems include (Mayo Clinic 2018):
  • Sense of motion or spinning (vertigo)
  • Feeling of faintness or lightheadedness
  • Feeling like you might fall
  • Feeling a floating sensation or dizziness
  • Vision changes, such as blurriness
  • Confusion
​
This could become a long article with lots of twists and turns (a little vertigo-causing itself it could be, actually!) but we’re not going there. We’re going to make it simple.

We’re going to look at the top homeopathic remedies for vertigo, dizziness, falling and the sensation of falling.

Calcarea carbonica, Calc carb for short. Clumsy, awkward, falls easily. Feet may turn inward when walking. Get tired from a short walk. There may be a tendency to fall to either side, particularly the left side, or backward. Vertigo can be caused by turning the head, looking upward or going upstairs/uphill. This is an excellent remedy for the elderly in and of itself, regardless of a tendency to fall.

Cocculus indicus has a fear of falling and a tendency to fall to either side. Cocculus has an affinity for the spine, and especially of its motor nerves. “There may be a weakness in the small of the back, as if paralyzed; the small of the back gives out when walking; the soles of the feet feel as if they were asleep; the thighs ache as if they had been pounded; first one hand then the other goes to sleep; sometimes the whole arm falls asleep … These symptoms lie at the foundation of the symptomatology of the whole drug; they all seem to depend upon spinal weakness” (Farrington 2010). In most cases which respond well to Cocculus, there is some component of vertigo at play and may be accompanied by nausea which may be worse in a sitting position or when changing from a reclining to a sitting position.

Natrum muriaticum. Nat-mur has a fear of falling, too. With vertigo, this remedy has a tendency to fall forward or to the left. The vertigo feels as if they are falling and may be worse standing near a window (or looking out of a window) or on closing the eyes and is improved when lying with the head propped high. Vertigo may be worse in the morning, especially when getting out of bed and occasionally the vertigo may be accompanied by nausea or nosebleeds.

Nux vomica fears falling, too, but particularly in the afternoon. (Homeopathy never fails to amaze me with its odd specificities!) With vertigo, a person who may benefit from Nux vomica isn’t so particular which way they fall: forward, backward or to the side. The vertigo of Nux-v feels as if the brain (and other objects) turn in a circle.

Rhus toxicodendron tends to fall backward, forward, or, to the right. It’s a major remedy for the tendency to fall when rising from bed. Or, they may have the sensation as if they would fall over. There may be a fear of death or a weakness of memory during the vertigo. Vertigo may be worse when lying down. Rhus tox is also noted in a form of vertigo common in old age which gives a sensation of confusion and dullness (Choudhuri 2016).

Stramonium popped up in the search as the only remedy listed for the following: tends to fall backward while walking; tends to fall in the dark; tends to fall to the right while sitting or rising from bed from a sitting position. There is also a tendency to hallucinations that they are falling. Vertigo is worse walking in the dark or when the eyes are closed.

A few other remedies with some particular falling tendencies (single remedy rubrics):
Phosphorus for vertigo with a tendency to fall from a chair.
Causticum tends to fall to the left while looking upward.
Spigelia tends to fall while looking down.

Strength and balance training are always a good thing, despite your age. I know nothing about Elderlygym.com, but they had some good, common sense information and some clever exercises to get started on reclaiming your balance. Or, find a well-qualified yoga or pilates teacher who has experience working with people your age.

If you (or a loved one) finds yourself no longer vertical on a regular basis, get it checked out.

“To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better.” Victor Hugo.
Homeopathy can help with both.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
Reference list

Choudhuri, N. M., 2016. A study on materia medica : an ideal text-book for homoeopathic students. Accessed through Radar Opus software. Noida, U.P., India: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.

Elderlygym.com, 2019. 12 Best Elderly Balance Exercises For Seniors to Reduce the Risk of Falls [online]. Eldergym® Senior Fitness. Available from: .

Farrington, A., 2010. Lectures on Clinical Materia Medica in Family Order. Accessed through Radar Opus software.

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Balance problems - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. ​

Morrison, R., 1998. Desktop companion to physical pathology. Nevada City, Calif.: Hahnemann Clinic Publ.

Murphy, R., n.d. Repertory, version 3. Accessed through Radar Opus software.

]]><![CDATA[Dandelions]]>Mon, 29 May 2023 20:42:49 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/dandelionsPicture
​I am surrounded by dandelions on this holiday weekend.

As a kid, I never understood why the adults hated them so much and I’m still a little mystified by that, actually. They’re bright and fun and, heck, if you hold one under someone’s chin, it can detect whether or not they like butter? Or, was that supposed to indicate someone who wet the bed? Who comes up with this stuff we all do/did as kids?!

Anyway, cuz I’m sitting in this rare delight of a field of dandelions, I thought I would share a little bit about what they can do, both homeopathically as well as herbally.

The entire plant is edible and nutritious, according to Nicole Apelian (Apelian 2020). Lately, I have been enjoying various dandelion teas. [a word of caution — there’s a really tasty Dandelion Chai Probiotic tea that is excellent at moving things along, if you get my meaning.] Some are made from the roots; some from the leaves; some from both. Not long ago, I mentioned the dandelion beverage that helped me kick the coffee habit years ago. 

She goes on to say that the bitter roots are good for liver and GI issues and the leaves have a powerful diuretic effect (makes you pee) and that “the plant makes a great general tonic for the entire body. Dandelion is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.” Maybe I’ll put some in my salad tonight.

Taraxacum officinale is their Latin name and homeopathically, they have been used since the days of its founding father, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. I would definitely consider Taraxacum in conditions involving a weakness in the liver. It is very useful as an organ support remedy.

Taraxacum has an affinity for both the liver and the bladder. “A symptom in connection with disordered digestion, which has proved a good guide for Taraxacum in some cases is the ‘mapped tongue.’ The tongue is coated white and clears off in patches, leaving dark red, very sensitive spots” (Murphy).

Other symptoms which might point to Taraxacum:
  • frequent urging to urinate with copious discharge of urine
  • jaundice
  • apathy, lack of reactions, “little zest for work”
  • impatient and irritable
  • an occipital headache which is worse lying
  • stitching pains, especially around the liver
  • bitterness: bitter taste in the mouth, bitter burps, hacks up sour mucus
  • debilitating night sweats

Exhaustion is part of this picture and the person wants to sit or lie down but that actually makes them feel worse. They feel better from moving or walking and being in the open air. In fact, the symptoms may come on when sitting and disappear when walking.

There you have it, a little bit of information on that ubiquitous dandelion.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
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Reference list
Apelian, N., 2020. Herbal Focus: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) [online]. Survive and Thrive with Nicole Apelian. 

Frans Vermeulen, 2011. Concordant reference : complete classic materia medica. Assesse, Belgium: B. Jain Archibel.

Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018. Geographic tongue - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Murphy, R., n.d. Repertory, version 3. Accessed through Radar Opus software.
]]><![CDATA[It's Never Too Late, part 1: Cognitive Decline]]>Sat, 27 May 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/its-never-too-late-part-1
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It’s never too late to try homeopathy. In other words, homeopathy can work beautifully in addressing those conditions/symptoms that we generally attribute to “old” people.

I don’t think people are as old as they used to be. Maybe it’s cuz I’m firmly ensconced in my middle years or, maybe, they just aren’t as old as they used to be. Wasn’t it declared that 60 is the new 40 a few years ago? I think it’s true.

Regardless, barring the worst case scenario, aging is inevitable. Though we can kick the can down the road and we can treat ourselves well and keep things at bay, generally speaking, we’re all going to get there eventually and more likely than not, we’re going to feel our age at some point in time.

What kinds of things am I talking about?

According to Vital Record, 92% of seniors have at least one chronic disease and 77% have two (Smith 2018). [Note: I tried to find an age for “senior citizen” on the internet and it appears to be not a thing. Some places say 60-65, others say when someone retires or receives social security benefits. I thought it was a definite number. Who knew!?]

What constitutes a chronic disease? According to “an official website of the Department of Health and Human Services” (Anon. n.d.), it is a condition that lasts 12 months or longer and either limits the person or it results in ongoing medical intervention (which could certainly limit a person, but I digress). Well, you certainly don’t have to be old to have a chronic disease, but I suppose it only makes sense that we rack a few of them up as we trundle along through this thing called life.

American Senior Communities (2017) lists the following conditions as most common in the elderly.
  1. Cognitive decline
  2. Balance issues
  3. Oral health problems
  4. Heart disease
  5. Osteoarthritis or osteoporosis
  6. Respiratory diseases
  7. Diabetes
  8. Influenza or pneumonia
  9. Vision or hearing loss
  10. Cancer

Today begins a short series in addressing a few of these common “senior” conditions and how homeopathy may be of assistance.

Cognitive decline.
​
Vital Record says 47.5 million people worldwide have dementia and that number is expected to nearly triple by 2050. They also note that there is no cure for dementia, just a treatment plan and medications to manage the disease.

I’m not going to say that homeopathy holds all the answers to all the problems in the world of health, but I believe strongly that it’s a good place to start! It’s important to remember, homeopathy works beautifully alongside conventional medical treatment. 
​
Homeopathy in Dementia (Teut and Doppler 2019) is a little book (75 pages, or so) listing short write-ups of 15 homeopathic remedies which may be of help in this difficult condition, followed by case studies. While I do know of some situations where homeopathic remedies are being lauded for a complete turn-around of cognitive decline following early intervention, that’s not where I’m headed in this article.

With dementia and related conditions, there are always side issues that come along. This is where homeopathy can really shine… improving the quality of one’s life.

Common side issues in dementia include:
  • Sleep issues resulting in the “need” for sleep medication
  • Excessive saliva/drooling
  • Unusual or “out of character” behaviors:
    • aggression
    • inappropriate behavior
    • change in hygiene habits
  • Restlessness and anxiety
  • Depression
  • Constipation
  • Bladder issues/incontinence
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Loss of appetite/ weight loss
  • Gastro-intestinal problems
  • Chronic cough/other respiratory conditions

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, just a sampling of quality of life issues which may possibly be helped through the use of homeopathic remedies.

If you are noticing your own mental decline or a loved one is suffering with dementia, I strongly urge you to consult with a professional homeopath to see how homeopathy may help.

“Homeopathic treatment is always worthwhile, even in individuals who are seriously ill and in need of care where there is no hope of complete recovery of health” (Teut and Doppler 2019).


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
Reference list
​
American Senior Communities, 2017. Top 10 Health Concerns for Seniors | ASC Blog [online]. Senior Living Communities & Nursing Homes in Indiana | ASC. 

Anon., n.d. Chronic Conditions | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [online]. www.ahrq.gov.

Josh, 2022. 20 Most Common Medical Conditions Affecting Older People [online]. LifeConnect24. 

Smith, S., 2018. 10 common elderly health issues - Vital Record [online]. Vital Record. 

Teut, M. and Doppler, C., eds. 2019. Homeopathy in Dementia: Materia Medica and Case Studies. Emryss.
]]><![CDATA[Ringworm]]>Sat, 20 May 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/ringworm
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​I’ve been hearing that ringworm is going around. Is it true? I must confess, it’s getting pretty hard to tell what is true these days when you’re looking at the news.

Regardless of all that nonsense, it’s important to be pro-active and know what to do if whatever is going around is coming your way.

With that, let’s talk about ringworm.

Ringworm is a fungal rash, named because of the ring that encircles the rash — no worms are involved. It is related to athlete’s foot and jock itch and it’s important to remember that fungal infections are likely to be contagious. They can spread through contact with the infected skin of others (including animals) or objects like towels, bedding or clothing.
What to look for, according to Mayo Clinic:

  • a scaly, ring-shaped area (on the bottom, the trunk, the limbs)
  • itching
  • slightly raised rings with a round, flat patch of itchy skin
  • the rings may overlap

“Ringworm may cause bald patches and consistent scratching leads to oozing and blistering” (Alton and Alton 2021).

Sounds kind of miserable. How can homeopathy help?

My first homeopathic stop would be from the Drs. Banerji who recommend the following protocol:
  • Graphites 200c, one dose taken every 3 days
  • Kali sulph 3x, taken twice daily
  • and, if the itching is really bad, Coffea cruda 200c, every hour until better.
They also caution that if one member of the family has it, it may spread to the whole family (Prasanta Banerji and Pratip Banerji 2013), so be prepared!

Now, let’s look at these remedies individually and see why they might help.

Graphites is a big skin remedy. In this instance, it can be helpful for moist, crusty eruptions and has thick borders. Blisters which itch and ooze. Skin that comes off in scales or flakes. It is well indicated for eruptions which burn or itch as well as “smarting” — they just hurt. Itching skin, with the need to scratch it until it is raw. It’s also helpful for spots of falling hair (bald patches).

Kali sulph is the primary cell salt which is indicated in ringworm, according to Natural Healing with Cell Salts ((Weintraub 1999). I’ll just let George W. Carey, MD sum up the skin conditions noted in his book, The Biochemic System of Medicine (1896):

“All sores on the skin, when exuding a thin, yellow, watery matter, sometimes with dryness and desquamation of the surrounding skin. Skin scales freely on a sticky base… This salt also greatly aids desquamation in eruptive diseases and assists in the formation of new skin.” [author’s emphasis, not mine]

Coffea cruda, a homeopathic remedy made from raw coffee, helps to keep one’s mind off of things. In my mind, I have somehow squashed the squirrel from Hoodwinked with the dog from Up to represent this remedy. The squirrel becomes hyper-focused when he has coffee and Dug the Dog’s attention leaves whenever there is the mention of a squirrel. So, my mind justifies this craziness in this way… when your mind is hyper-focused on the itching (think: squirrel from Hoodwinked) take the Coffea cruda remedy and it can remove the attention of the itching to the “squirrel” over there (think: Dug the Dog). In other words, the remedy removes the hyper focus and allows your mind to go elsewhere.

Here’s to being prepared for the real stuff as well as the (possibly) over-hyped stuff. May we one day be able to easily decipher truth from fiction again.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
Reference list

Alton, J. and Alton, A., 2021. The survival medicine handbook : the essential guide for when help is NOT on the way : a Doom and Bloom guide. United States? Doom And Bloom Llc.

George Washington Carey, 1896. The Biochemic System of Medicine. F. August Luyties.
Lockie, A., 1993. The family guide to homeopathy : symptoms and natural solutions. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Mayo Clinic, 2018. Ringworm (body) - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic.

Morrison, R., 1998. Desktop companion to physical pathology. Nevada City, Calif.: Hahnemann Clinic Publ.

Prasanta Banerji and Pratip Banerji, 2013. The Banerji protocols : a new method of treatment with homeopathic medicines. India: Pratip Banerji.

Weintraub, S., 1999. Natural healing with cell salts. Pleasant Grove, Ut: Woodland Pub.
]]><![CDATA[Feel the Fear]]>Sun, 14 May 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/feel-the-fear
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​“Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.”
Rudyard Kipling
​The other day, driving slowly over a speed bump not far from home, I noticed a woman I have met before but I don’t know. Given her house is right next to the speed bump, I’ve had occasion to notice her many times over the years. This time, she was standing next to her dog who was lying under an opened umbrella propped on the ground next to him, and her stance said she was concerned about the dog. What was really memorable about this woman in the beginning days of May of the year 2023, however, was that she was outside, by herself with not one, but wearing two (!) masks on her face. I have since seen her a couple more times, still donning both masks.

I have nothing but compassion for this woman who is clearly frightened beyond comprehension. What makes you think she is frightened? Maybe she is protecting herself from allergens? Remember, I’ve seen her over the years, standing in the same place in her yard, yet the masks are relatively new.

This is not an article about the pros and cons of masking. This is an article about that extremely powerful emotion which I am surmising lies behind the masking: fear.

According to Louise Delagran, writing for the University of Minnesota’s “Taking Charge of your Health & Wellbeing,” fear and anxiety impacts us in the following ways:
  1. Fear weakens our immune system, can cause cardiovascular damage, GI problems and decreased fertility and lead to accelerated aging and even premature death.
  2. Fear can impair memory and cause damage to certain parts of the brain which can, in turn, make it even more difficult to regulate fear and leave the person with chronic anxiety. “To someone in chronic fear, the world looks scary and their memories confirm that.”
  3. Fear can disrupt the processes which allow us to regulate our emotions which, in turn, impacts thinking and decision making. 
  4. Long-term fear can lead to fatigue, clinical depression and PTSD.
This, she says, is the case despite the threats being real or simply perceived.

The mind is a powerful thing!

Fear & Homeopathy

Frederik Schroyens in his Synthesis Adonis repertory, lists 1,400+ rubrics listed under: Mind, Fear. Some examples: Fear of being alone. Fear of cancer. Fear of cats. Fear of crossing a bridge. Fear of disease. Fear of being neglected. Fear of liquids. Fear of open spaces. Fear of thunderstorms. And, fear of death is a big one, with nearly 100 sub-rubrics listing all sorts of ways people fear they might die.

Using homeopathic remedies to address your fear can help your body help itself to avoid the fear taking root and taking control of your physical and mental well-being.

With over 1,000 homeopathic remedies which may be indicated in various manifestations of fear, where does one start?

The beginning of the alphabet, of course!

Aconitum napellus or Aconite for short. This is a good and easy one to remember because “Aconite” rhymes with “fright.” If you have a scary experience, Aconite is an excellent place to start. Even if that scary experience was in the past, Aconite is indicated in ailments from frights and can help clear out the fear “residue,” if you will. Fear of death, fear of doctors… overpowering fear. Sudden fear and panic attacks also may be helped with Aconite. Physical ailments may begin suddenly.

Argentum nitricum can be particularly helpful with the nervous system — people who anticipate everything that could go wrong. Fear of accidents; being alone; losing control; claustrophobia. Argent-nit is part of a very helpful combination remedy known as "AAA." (See: "What Goes Up" for more info on AAA.) Argentum nitricum sufferers often have gastro-intestinal issues: nervous diarrhea as well as impressive belching. 

Arsenicum album is particularly good for fears about one’s health. Fear of disease and germs; fears of being incurable; fear of being poisoned; fear of suffering. Physical ailments may have a burning quality to them as well as a general restlessness. 

Calcarea carbonica is for the worrier. They are overwhelmed, over-worked, over-burdened and they worry about their health, too: cancer, germs, infection and contagious, epidemic diseases. Fear of insanity; fear of rats, insects and monsters. Physically, they get worn out easily and may have a sensation of inner trembling. 

Lycopodium clavatum is particularly well indicated when low self-esteem and low confidence come into the fear picture. Lycopodium fears: failure and humiliation; public speaking, or, the undertaking of anything. Physically, Lycopodium is another good gastrointestinal remedy, this time with bloating and loud abdominal rumbling.

Phosphorus is more indicated for a sort of free-floating anxiety and for those who are over-sensitive to external impressions, especially when they are alone. Fear of the dark; ghosts; noise; thunderstorms. Physically, there may be a tremendous thirst or excessive bleeding, including nosebleeds.

It’s important to remember that all of these remedies are considered polycrests or, very large homeopathic remedies, which cover a great variety of symptoms, both physical and mental and these are just tiny snippets to help give a sense of the remedies and how they relate to fear.

Dr. Edward Bach, the homeopath who discovered the Bach Flower Essences a century ago, said it was “our fears, our cares, our anxieties and such like that open the path to the invasion of illness” (Mcintyre 1996).

There are a number of Dr. Bach’s flowers which could apply here, (especially if we were to compare them to the homeopathic remedies listed), but I am just going to briefly focus on a small handful.

Aspen to address a fear of the unknown or the supernatural — the faceless fears that go bump in the night… The generalized, nameless anxieties.

Cherry Plum is for the fear of losing control.

Crab Apple addresses a fear of contamination, by a disease, for example.

Mimulus is for the fear of “known” things. If you can put a name to what you are afraid of, Mimulus is your flower. 

Red Chestnut for the fear or worry for the well-being of others, especially loved ones.

Rock Rose for terror, as such following an accident or nightmares.

Don’t be afraid to address your fears. After all, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Whether you choose to try homeopathy or flower essences or cognitive behavioral therapy, (or, even better, a combination of all 3!), feel the fear and do it anyway**!


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits

** Full disclosure, I’ve never read this book, but I’ve always loved the title!
Reference list
Delagran, L., 2012. Impact of Fear and Anxiety | Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing [online]. Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing. 

Jeffers, S., 2023. Feel the Fear... and Do It Anyway. Harvest.
LeDoux, J., 1998. Fear and the brain: where have we been, and wwww.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(98)00282-0/fulltexthere are we going? Biological Psychiatry [online], 44 (12), 1229–1238. 

Mcintyre, A., 1996. Flower power : flower remedies for healing body and soul through herbalism, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and flower essences. Holt.

Schroyens, F., n.d. Synthesis Adonis. (accessed through Radar Opus software).

Steimer, T., 2002. The biology of fear- and anxiety-related behaviors. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience [online], 4 (3), 231–49. 

]]><![CDATA[Gemmotherapy!?]]>Sun, 07 May 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/gemmotherapy
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Hubele, L., 2016. Gemmotherapy for Everyone: An Introduction to Acute Care, Emryss Publishers.
​I am just dipping my toe into using Gemmotherapy. I got really excited when I first learned of their existence a couple of years ago. Recently, I have been soaking up as much information as I can find in the on-line and print world of Gemmotherapy and I have to say, I’m liking what I’m seeing.

“Gemmo-what” I hear you say? … Gemmotherapy is a branch of Phytotherapy. (I’ll continue explaining in case that word is new to you, as it was to me a couple of years ago.) Phytotherapy is the use of plant-derived medications. Phytoembryotherapy (or, embryophytotherapy) is the use of plant embryonic tissues — and that’s what Gemmotherapy is. I think of it as plant stem cell therapy. 

Gemmos are made “from the first buds and shoots of select trees and shrubs each spring that contain the growth material for the entire plant.” Cool, huh?!

“These cells possess all the power of the future plant and all the genetic information as well as the energetic imprint. Due to this, Gemmotherapy extracts are able to clean and fortify human cells simultaneously.”

A relative newcomer to the world, they have been studying the biochemical properties at the university level for over 50 years in Europe and Gemmotherapy has been approved as a medicine by the EU. (In the US, the FDA considers it an Herbal supplement.)

“Due to ongoing research, we know this gentle yet powerful therapy can be used on newborns to geriatric clients.” Sound familiar? "Gentle and powerful," just like homeopathy! And, they work beautifully together!

Gemmotherapy for Everyone: Introduction to Acute Care by Lauren Hubele provides case examples, including: croup, anxiety, UTIs, postpartum mastitis and acid reflux of an infant as well as information on 20 individual Gemmo extracts and how they can be used successfully in acute conditions. 

She divides her protocols by bodily systems: respiratory, elimination, adrenal/immune response, circulatory, musculoskeletal, nervous system as well as inflammation in general.

Lauren dedicates a page to the description of each individual Gemmo, including a brief history of the plant’s use as an herb or homeopathic remedy or a Bach flower essence. Following that, she lists: 

  • Indications for use
  • Organ system(s) affected
  • Other Gemmos it may be paired with
  • Contraindications
  • and, finally, the growth and cultivation of the plant.

Chapter 5 begins by teaching us how to dose the Gemmo and then dives into the protocols with an explanation of what each Gemmo’s role is in resolving each acute condition. 

Coughs, Diarrhea, Earaches, Headaches (she makes mention this protocol is not helpful for migraines, in case you were wondering), Nausea and vomiting, and Seasonal allergies are just some of the helpful protocols found in the book. 

Gemmotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with homeopathy. And, bonus (!), it’s tasty, too, so kids will happily take their doses.

Gemmotherapy for Everyone wraps up its 128 pages with a really helpful FAQ section, including the all important “is it safe for pets” question. (Yep!)

The author points out that this book and its protocols are for the “treatment of acute symptoms, those that appear suddenly and are not recurring.” Like homeopathy, Gemmotherapy for chronic conditions is highly individualized.

For more information, laurenhubele.com is a great place to spend some time to get to know the Gemmos. She also sells individual Gemmos, as well as kits.

If you are interested in exploring the use of some Gemmos in your healing journey, book a free 15-minute chat and we’ll see if it sounds like a good fit for you.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
Gemmotherapy for Everyone: An Introduction to Acute Care is available for purchase on Amazon for $28.95, or, directly from her website, laurenhubele.com: $12 for an E-book and $20 for paperback (though the paperback is out of stock on her site at the time of this writing).
]]><![CDATA[The Buzz on Apis]]>Sat, 29 Apr 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/the-buzz-on-apis
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A quick and positive response to homeopathy can often open the door for people to discover further benefits of this marvelous modality.
​
Last fall, we were at a gathering and somebody mentioned having been stung by a bee the day before. She had a hard, hot, red, painful lump on her leg, just above the knee.

Well, I always have homeopathic remedies with me, so I offered a dose of Apis mellifica. Not long after, the site was a little softer and a little less painful. We repeated the Apis. She was pleased.

I sent her away with the tube of Apis. A few days later I heard from her that she had been stung again. “Those little bee pellets of yours really work. I’m impressed! The bees have been vicious and I’m keeping this nearby.”

Is Apis the only remedy for a bee sting? Nope. For further information on what other homeopathic remedies may help if you’ve been stung or bitten: Summer Fun #3: Flying Things, Wasp Attack 1 & 2.

Apis mellifica is a homeopathic remedy made from a crushed honeybee and processed or, potentized into being a medicine which can help bee stings. Technically, in this instance, Apis would be considered Isopathy, not homeopathy. Homeopathy is “like cures like” and Isopathy is “same cures same.” Click HERE for more information.

Isopathy, from the Greek, “equal or same suffering.” Isopathic remedies are made from the actual substance which is causing the allergic reaction or illness.

We saw the example of Apis for the relief from the physical complaints of a bee sting, other possible isopathic uses would be potentized (for the sake of this discussion, potentize will refer to turning a substance into a homeopathic remedy) substances to help relieve allergies, (e.g. potentized cat hair to lessen the effects of cat hair on a person allergic to cat hair). The Journal of Asthma has a study evaluating isopathic treatment of allergic mice.

For further basic information on Isopathy, click here.

Where else does the potentized honeybee (the homeopathic remedy Apis mellifica) come in handy?

The quick way of remembering how Apis can help is to think about what happens when one is stung by a bee: swelling, fluid-filled, hot (sensation as well as feeling worse from hot), burning pain, stinging pain and redness. Back to homeopathy (as opposed to isopathy)… when you have a condition resulting in one or more of those symptoms, Apis mellifica may be helpful. For example:

  • the stinging pain of a bladder infection or UTI (see also: When It Hurts to Go)
  • edema, swelling, general puffiness
  • allergic reactions, in general
  • arthritis
  • stings of insects, jellyfish, etc.
  • eyes: burning pain, inflammation, redness, stinging pain, swelling of the eyelids
  • hives
  • fever blisters
  • swelling feet or the sensation of the tips of toes swelling

One other very important thing that may possibly happen when one is stung by a bee is an anaphylactic reaction, resulting in swelling of the airway, tongue or throat, causing trouble breathing. If you find yourself in this position, get to the hospital immediately and administer Apis frequently while waiting for the ambulance or while on the way to the hospital.

The blossoms are blooming, the bees are busy gathering pollen and I will catch you next time with some more homeopathic nuggets.


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Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits
Further Reading & Reference List:
Coyte, J., 2021a. Wasp Attack, pt 1 [online]. CLASSICALLYPRACTICAL.COM. 

Coyte, J., 2021b. Wasp attack! part 2 [online]. CLASSICALLYPRACTICAL.COM. 

Coyte, J., 2021c. My Little Bag of Wellness : the homeopathic remedies I carry with me [online]. CLASSICALLYPRACTICAL.COM. 

Coyte, J., 2022. Summer Fun #3: Flying Things (mainly) [online]. CLASSICALLYPRACTICAL.COM. 

Homeopathyplus.com, 2023. What Is Isopathy? | Homeopathy Plus [online]. Homeopathy Plus. 

Mayo Clinic, 2021. Anaphylaxis - Symptoms and causes [online]. Mayo Clinic. 

Mazloomi, E., Ilkhanizadeh, B., Zare, A. and Shahabi, S., 2020. Evaluation of the efficacy of isopathic immunotherapy in the treatment of allergic asthma in BALB/C mice. The Journal of Asthma: Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma [online], 57 (6), 670–679. 
]]><![CDATA[Out of the Blue Blues]]>Sat, 22 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/out-of-the-blue-blues
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Do you ever get sad but aren’t sure why? It’s a miserable and perplexing thing. You’re fine, and, then … you’re not.

The blues when there is no rhyme or reason for feeling the way you do. Nothing bad has happened. You’re caught up on your work. The kids are doing fine and dandy. But you have a cloud over your head making you feel miserable … the blues when they come out of the blue.

The person who may benefit from Bach Mustard Flower Essence is very unhappy but they cannot find a reason. A Mustard depression never has a cause. It shows up one day and hangs around for days, weeks or even months when it suddenly goes away as quickly as it arrived.

Mustard belongs to Bach’s “lack of interest in present circumstances” group of remedies. Cornelia Richardson-Boedler (2015) describes Mustard thusly:

  • The mind is overshadowed by darkness and gloom.
  • There may be a sensation of a weight or a downward pull that depresses the person as a whole.
  • The mind actually appears to receive less light, and the person cheers up in the warm, bright rays of the sun. People who crave light and sunshine are often in need of this remedy.
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She goes on to say that “the depressive character of this state makes the person turn inward, as if locked within, and the connection to the outside world is weakened.”

A field of Mustard plants is a rather joyful thing to see. The mustard stands taller than other grasses, appearing lighter and brighter than its neighbors. Mustard seeds can lie dormant for many years and spring forth when conditions are ripe — kind of like how the blues can pop up — when conditions are ripe, even if those conditions are long forgotten and presently unknown to you.

"In all things cheerfulness should be encouraged, and we should refuse to be oppressed by doubt and depression, but remember that such are not of ourselves, for our souls know only joy and happiness." -- Julian Barnard

The best way to take Bach Flower Essences is to put them in your water bottle and sip throughout the day — like a little tap on the shoulder, reminding you everything is OK.

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, working with a professional homeopath, alongside your therapist, can often turn things around.

The Bach Flower Essence Mustard is a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark existence.


Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
​Reference list
Barnard, J., 2010. Bach flower remedies : the essence within : an illustrated guide to the bach flower remedies. West Wickham, Kent England: Winter Press.

Richardson-Boedler, C., 2015. Applying Bach flower therapy to the healing profession of homoeopathy : psychology, psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine. New Delhi: B. Jain.  ​
]]><![CDATA[Spring has sprung]]>Sat, 15 Apr 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/spring-has-sprung
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Spring has sprung around here and it has brought along with it some nasty little bits of pollen blowing around.

Homeopathic remedies can help in the sniveling, dripping moment; and, done correctly, they can help uproot the problem in the long term. Often though, the remedy that helps acutely is not necessarily the remedy that will help to address the underlying cause. For this, I recommend working with a professional homeopath.

If you are suffering the itching, burning eyes or the nose running like a faucet, check out my previous articles: “Allergies are Back” and “Hayfever” for some homeopathic remedy ideas.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath


#wellnessawaits
]]><![CDATA[Kitchen Quickies: Burns]]>Sun, 09 Apr 2023 11:30:00 GMThttp://ruminatingonremedies.com/blog/kitchen-quickies-burns
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Kitchen Quickies… Burns
As the name implies, Kitchen Quickies are short and to the point remedy suggestions to get you on your way if you have suffered any mishaps in the kitchen.

I open my oven door and pull the rack out to tend to whatever lovely thing is cooking all the time. The other day, however, I managed to singe my forearm on the rack.

What did I do?
I immediately sprayed it with something I keep in my kitchen for precisely such occasions: Similasan Burn Recovery.* (Note: Mine was a minor burn. If you have anything more serious than a superficial burn, seek medical assistance.)

This Burn Recovery bottle has pride of place in my cupboard and is standing ready and available for quick access following silly cooking errors as well as sunburned shoulders. Next to this spray is a little tube of Cantharis, which I also took shortly after using the spray. At bedtime that night, I put a little Boiron Calendula ointment* on the burn and that was that. I didn’t think about it again until my husband saw it and commented a few days later, saying, “that was a nasty burn.” I had pretty much forgotten about it because I didn’t feel it again after the first day.

This Similasan burn combination contains homeopathic Calendula, Cantharis, Echinacea, and Urtica urens. All of these homeopathic remedies would likely be just as affective if taken orally when chosen individually, based on the presenting symptoms. But, this spray feels so good! (Additionally, homeopathic pellets can be put in some fresh water and applied to the skin for a similar effect to the commercially available spray.)

Homeopathic Calendula is the first remedy I think about for any skin ouchies — big and little. According to K. Chandran (and Kuttan 2008), it’s with good reason. They found  “the administration of Calendula officinalis extract significantly decreased the serum level of marker enzymes of tissue damage….” (Note: This research was conducted using an extract of Calendula.)

Why these homeopathic remedies?
  • Calendula pains are cutting, burning or stinging in nature. Calendula can also be beneficial for neurologic or nerve pains.
  • Cantharis is the first remedy I think about for any burns (and burning pains, too). Cantharis pains are sharp and stitching and the direction of the pain is inward.
  • Echinacea according to Robin Murphy, has antiseptic qualities.
  • Urtica urens are for stinging pains and redness. (Urtica urens is one of the top choice remedies for bee stings, too.)


Keep on cooking, but mind the oven racks!



Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath




#wellnessawaits


* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products.
K. Chandran, P. and Kuttan, R., 2008. Effect of Calendula officinalis Flower Extract on Acute Phase Proteins, Antioxidant Defense Mechanism and Granuloma Formation During Thermal Burns. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition [online], 43 (2), 58–64. ​
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