Monday, May 28, 2007

LIVER DISEASES:HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

LIVER DISEASES

Homeopathic Medicines & Treatment for Liver Enlargement, Hypertrophy, Jaundice, Hepatitis, Gall Stones

Bryonia. [Bry]

Doses- Potency 30;200 : 4-5 granules or 2 drops a day till amelioration is noticed

When there are stitching pains in the right hypochondriac region, Bryonia is the first remedy to be thought of, though for these pains we have other remedies, such as Chelidonium and Kali carbonicum. Under Bryonia the liver is swollen, congested and inflamed; the pains in the hypochondriac region are worse from any motion, and better from lying on the right side, which lessens the motion of the parts when breathing . It is one of the chief remedies for jaundice brought on by a fit of anger. Chamomilla has this symptom, but the Chamomilla patient gets hot and sweats, while the Bryonia patient is apt to be chilly, though he appears hot. There is a bitter in the mouth and the stools are hard and dry, or , if loose, papescent and profuse and associated with a colic. Berberis has stitching pains from the liver to the umbilicus. Chelidonium is distinguished by the character of the stools. Bryonia is pre-eminently a gastro-hepatic remedy, and has pain in right shoulder,giddiness, skin and eyes slightly yellow. Hughes says it hardly reaches true hepatitis.

Mercurius. [Merc]

Dose- Potency-6x; 30 : 8-10 granules or 2 drops a day .

This remedy has much sensitiveness and dull pain in the region of the liver; the patient cannot lie on the right side. The liver is enlarged. The skin and conjunctiva are jaundiced. The stools are either clay-colored from absence of bile, or yellowish-green bilious stools passed with a great deal of tenesmus. There is a yellowish white coated tongue which takes the imprint of the teeth and there is a foetid breath, loss of appetite and depression of spirits. Leptandra has aching and soreness in the region of the liver and is especially indicated in the lazy livers of city men; but is distinguished from Mercurius in the stools, which are pitchlike and black, accompanied with no tenesmus, but rather a griping and the pains of Leptandra are dull, aching and burning in the posterior part of the liver. The character of the diarrhoea will also distinguish Mercurius from Magnesia muriatica, which is useful in the enlarged livers of puny and rachitic children. Mercurius is the remedy for jaundice arising from abuse of quinine when fever is present. It is a splendid remedy for "torpid liver." It suits well simple jaundice in children. Cowperthwaite believes that, as a rule, Mercurius dulcis 2X is the most effective preparation of mercury in catarrhal jaundice.

Podophyllum. [Podo]

Dose- Potency-Tincture;6x; 30;200;1M : 8-10 granules or 2 drops twice daily.The 200th and 1000th seem to do good work in cholera infantum,when indicated.

The principal use of Podophyllum is in liver affections. Primarily, it induces a large flow of bile, and, secondarily, great torpidity, followed by jaundice. It is indicated in torpid or chronically congested liver, when diarrhoea is present. The liver is swollen and sensitive, the face and eyes are yellow and there is a bad taste in the mouth. The tongue is coated white or yellow and the bile may form gall stones. There is a loose watery diarrhoea, or if constipation be present the stools are clay-called. It somewhat resembles Mercurius; it is sometimes called "vegetable mercury." There are a number of drugs having the symptom that the tongue takes the imprint of the teeth, namely; Mercurius, Podophyllum, Yucca, Stramonium, Rhus and Arsenic. Another symptom of Podophyllum is that the patient constantly rubs the region of the liver with the hand. Functional torpor of the portal system and the organs connected there with indicates Podophyllum. There is constipation, clay-colored stool, jaundice and langour.

Chelidonium. [Chel]

Dose- Potency – Tincture;3x;6x : 8-10 granules of 3x;6x or 15 drops of tincture twice daily till amelioration is noticed.

The liver symptoms of Chelidonium are very prominent. There is soreness and stitching pains in the region of the liver, but the keynote for this drug in hepatic diseases is a pain under the angle of the right shoulder blade, which may extend to the chest, stomach, or hypochondrium; there is swelling of the liver, chilliness, fever, jaundice, yellow coated tongue, bitter taste and a craving for acids and sour things, such as pickles and vinegar. The stools are profuse, bright yellow and diarrhoea; they may be clayey in color. It is remedy to be used in simple biliousness and jaundice, and in hepatic congestion or inflammation the character of the stools will distinguish Bryonia.Chelidonium is perhaps our greatest liver remedy; it causes the liver to secrete thinner and more profuse bile than any remedy; it is a useful remedy to promote the expulsion of gall stones, and to prevent their formation. It was Rademacher's great remedy for gall stones, and Cowperthwaite finds it his best remedy. In simple catarrhal jaundice it is often all sufficient. It affects the left lobe of the liver much less than does Carduus marianus.

Digitalis. [Dig]

Dose- Potency- 3x; 30 : 8-10 granules or 2 drops a day till amelioration is noticed.

When jaundice arises from cardiac diseases, Digitalis may be the remedy. There is no retention of bile, nor obstruction of the ducts, but the jaundice is due to the fact that the liver does not take from the blood the elements which go to form bile. There is present drowsiness, bitter taste, soreness , enlargement and bruised feeling in the region of the liver. Sepia has the yellow sallow face with the yellow saddle across the nose, with stools of bright yellow or ashy color. Digitalis is useful in the worst forms of jaundice if the pulse be irregular and intermittent, and if there be rapid prostration of the strength.

Myrica cerifera. [Myric]

Dose- Potency-Tincture ;3x : 8-10 granules or 2 drops a day till amelioration is noticed.

Myrica is an important liver remedy. There is first despondency and also jaundice due to imperfect formation of bile in the liver, and not to any obstruction, comparing here with Digitalis. There is dull headache, worse in the morning, the eyes have a dingy, dirty, yellowish hue, the tongue is coated yellow. The headache is worse in the morning. The patient is weak and complains of muscular soreness and aching in the limbs; there is slow pulse and dark urine. It is more superficial in action than Digitalis. The jaundice calling for its use is catarrhal and this is the form produced by the drug. The throat and nasal organs are filled with an offensive, tenacious mucus. Dull pain in right side below the ribs no appetite, and desire for acids; unrefreshing sleep.

Nux vomica. [Nux-m]

Dose- Potency- 30;200 : 8-10 granules or 2 drops a day twice daily.Its effect is best,if given in the evening.

In liver affections occurring in those who have indulged to excess in alcoholic liquors, highly seasoned food, quinine, or in those who have abused themselves with purgatives, Nux is the first remedy to be thought of. The liver is swollen hard and sensitive to the touch and pressure of clothing is uncomfortable. The first remedy in cirrhosis of the liver. Colic may be present. Jaundice induced by anger also calls for Nux, also jaundice from abuse of quinine, in the former cases reminding of Chamomilla , which is an excellent remedy for biliousness of nervous, irritable women. In the enlarged liver of drunkards, Sulphur, Lachesis, Fluoric acid, Arsenic and Ammonium muriaticum must also be borne in mind, together with Nux. Juglans cinerea causes a jaundice like Nux vomica, with stitching pains about the liver and under the right scapula, bilious stools and occipital headache. Nux must be compared with China, Pulsatilla in liver affections from over-eating. Iris seems to have a solvent action upon the bile, it is especially useful in torpid liver and when gastric disorders result from perversion of hepatic and intestinal functions. Jaundice and constipation. Aloes has biliousness from torpor of the portal system, distension of the liver, bitter taste and jaundice.

Lycopodium. [Lyc]

Dose- Potency-6x; 30;200 : 8-10 granules or 2 drops a day .Higher potency is not taken too frequently.

Lycopodium acts powerfully on the liver. The region of the liver is sensitive to the touch, and there is a feeling of tension in it, a feeling as if a cord were tied about the waist. Cirrhosis. The pains are dull and aching instead of sharp and lancinating, as under Chelidonium. Fulness in the stomach after eating a small quantity. There are no real icteric symptoms, but there is a peculiar sallow complexion. Natrum sulphuricum is useful when the patient has a bad, slimy taste in the mouth and "thinks he is bilious." There is apt to be weight and aching in the liver; he can lie on that side, but on turning to the left side the liver seems to pull and draw. Natrum sulphuricum is the greatest Schuessler specific for liver affections, and clinically it has often worked well. Dr. Alfred Pope claims that Lycopodium is more useful than any other remedy in old hepatic congestions. Pain in back and right side from congestion will often yield to the remedy.

Carduus marianus. [Card-m]

Dose- Potency- Tincture;1x;3x : 8-10 granules or 2 drops twice a day till amelioration is noticed.

This remedy is indicated in jaundice with dull headache, bitter taste, white tongue with red edges, nausea and vomiting of a greenish fluid. There is an uncomfortable fullness in the region of the liver, the stools are bilious and the urine golden yellow; there is sensitiveness in the epigastrium and right hypochondrium. Burnett regards a dark brownish patch over the lower part of the sternum as a useful hint for Carduus, and in such cases he observes that both the liver and heart are at fault. The presence of "liver spots seems to be a special indication for the remedy. Biliousness following la grippe has been cured with Carduus. Hydrastis has a bitter taste and chronic torpor of the bowels, lack of appetite, coated tongue and yellow urine. Carduus resembles Aloes. Hale says that it stands between Aloes and Hamamelis in its action on the veins. It has been used in gall stone colic successfully in the tincture, and it deserves a trial before restoring to opiates.

Sulphur. [Sulph]

Dose- Potency-12x; 30;200;1M;CM : 8-10 granules or 2 drops a day .Acts in all potencies from lowest to highest.some of the best results are obtained from higher potencies and not from the frequent doses.Chronic cases be treated with higher potency.

Sulphur is suitable to chronic affections of the liver; it increases the flow of bile and there is much pain and soreness in the liver. Sulphur often completes the cure commenced by Nux. Liver complaints from abuse of mercury will oftentimes call for Sulphur. If the stools are colorless and if much jaundice or ascites be present Sulphur is contra-indicated. Lachesis, however, has jaundice, as do all snake poisons, and is useful in the enlarged livers of drunkards, with tenderness on pressure and throbbing in the right side. Jaundice from sexual excesses call for Cinchona. Dr. Thayer, of Boston, recommended Cinchona in biliary calculi,and Dr. Williams,of Augusta has had success with Ipecac in this connection. Burnett claims that Hydrastis is the best remedy in gall-stone colic. Berberis vulgaris is also an important remedy in gall-stone affections.

Phosphorus. [Phos]

Dose- Potency-3x; 30 : 8-10 granules or 2 drops a day .Should not be given too low or in too continuous doses,especially in tuberculous cases.It may act as Euthanasia here.

Phosphorus is homoeopathic to fatty degeneration of the liver, with well marked soreness and jaundice. The stools are grayish white. Cirrhosis and atrophy may also call for Phosphorus. The jaundice is indicative of organic diseases, and the remedy is a useful one in malignant diseases of the liver. Digitalis has also been recommended in acute yellow atrophy. Jaundice accompanying pneumonia may also call for Phosphorus.

Taraxacum [Tarax]

Dose- Potency-Tincture;3x : 15 drops thrice a day till amelioration is noticed.
This is a decided liver remedy, and the indications are a mapped tongue and a bitter taste in the mouth, chilliness after eating, pain and soreness in the region of the liver and bilious diarrhoea. Kali bichromicum also has a mapped tongue. Yucca filamentosa has a pain going from the upper region of the liver to the back and a bad taste in the mouth. The stools are loose and bilious, accompanied with much flatus. The face is yellow and sallow and the tongue takes the imprint of the teeth. Another remedy used in bilious troubles is Euonymus; it has intense heavy, wearing, occipital headache, the stools are deficient in bile, and it is useful in cardiac disturbance from inaction of the liver. Euonymus 2X is an admirable remedy in hepatic congestion. Dr. Wm. E. Leonard says: " In the case of torpid livers with tendency to attacks of biliary colic, it anticipates and prevents the colic." Chionanthus has biliousness, sick headache, coated tongue, nausea and complete anorexia. It is remedy highly recommended for biliary calculi. Jaundice and hepatic pain are its indications. It overcomes catarrh, liquifies the bile, prevents the formation of calculi and promotes the discharge of those already formed. Sluggish circulation in the liver with the long train of symptoms resulting therefrom are indications. Ptelea has sharp pains in right hypochondria, distress in liver and constipation.

HOW TO TAKE HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Remedies:

The potency of a homeopathic remedy is its strength. Potencies range usually from 3x or 3c progressively up to M, CM, and LM potencies. When self-prescribing without the benefit of professional advice, use lower potencies like 12c.

Remedies are available in tiny round sugar pellets or globules and tablets made of sucrose or lactose. For those oversensitive to a tiny amount of sucrose or lactose, remedies can be ordered in liquid form containing alcohol. For those avoiding even small amounts of alcohol or sugar, LM potencies must be used, but these must be prepared in liquid form by a very knowledgable homeopath.

Taking the remedy:

Try not touch the pellets as they can be antidoted by something you've touched earlier. First, pour them into the cap or the extra cap found inside the tube. Then, pour these into your mouth and under your tongue and allow them to slowly dissolve there.

Adults: Take 4 pellets.

Children: Give 3 pellets under the tongue or crush them in a clean paper and pour into mouth.

Infants: Dissolve 3 pellets in 1/2 glass of water and give two teaspoons as prescribed.

Important:

- Homeopathic Remedy Antidotes -

Homeopathic remedies are essentially vibrational medicine, and they are easily overwhelmed by other strong material vibrations.

Try to avoid anything with coffee flavor, mint, camphor, menthol, large quantities of caffeine, or chamomile externally or internally. For example: avoid mint flavored toothpastes, chewing gums, and mouthwashes (mint and menthol); menthol lozenges and candies; coffee, even decaffeinated or coffee flavored ice cream or candies. If you must have caffeine get it from tea or caffinated soda. Avoid Noxema products and Tiger Balm (camphor); etc. Try also to avoid very strong aromatics or toxic odors like eucalyptus, wintergreen, peppermint, essential oils like patchouli, strong perfumes, strong after-shave and soap, smelly chemicals, moth-balls. If you drink alcohol, avoid extremes. If you smoke marijuana, try to avoid it during treatment because it is a high and aromatic. Do not place your remedies in close contact with magnets. It is best to avoid drugging of any kind, but especially steroids and opiates. These can overpower and antidote your remedy. If you will not or cannot avoid these factors, it is best to use LM potencies.

Much to my amazement very few homeopathic practitioners or the pharmacies that sell homoeopathic remedies give patients correct or thorough information for taking homeopathic remedies. This leaves most homeopathic users unaware that they may be unknowingly blowing their remedies, that is stopping their action by antidoting them with common substances without even knowing it.

When to take the remedy:

Whenever possible take a remedy at bedtime, as the body is at rest. During the day try to take the remedy away from meals, at least 1/2 hour before eating, and at least one hour after eating because while the body is busy digesting food there can be a digestive upset with certain remedies. In an acute case, such as an injury, take the remedy immediately no matter when you have eaten. The mouth should also be free of any strong tastes. You may drink liquids shortly before and after taking a remedy. If you are taking a remedy several times a day, try to schedule some of the doses before bed, upon waking and during the day.

Homeopathic Recovery:

According to Hering's homeopathic "law of cure," in the course of cure during homeopathic treatment, the symptoms improve from the inside outward, from above downwards, from the most vital to the less vital organs, and in the reverse order of their original onset of appearance. The vital force, energy, and the most commonplace symptoms such as general emotions, improve before physical symptoms. It is common during homeopathic treatment for the earlier suppressed symptoms to reappear briefly. This is actually beneficial because the re-emergence of old symptoms shows that they are no longer suppressed and can indicate the original factors of the recent illness and be treated. The chronic longstanding symptoms take longer to cure than recent and acute maladies.

How Long to Take a Remedy:

As long as the symptoms persist the remedy should be taken providing that some changes are beginning to happen.

When to Stop or Change the remedy:

While the remedy is acting on your symptoms, you do not repeat the dosage. You must wait to take the next dose until the remedy has stopped acting (that is, when you experience the dip). If your symptoms disappear, you do not need the remedy any longer. If the symptoms change, you may need a different remedy. You must therefore become aware of what is going on in your body. So, be more aware than usual. This is not the usual pill-popping.

When the symptoms are cured, stop taking the remedy. If the symptoms change, change to another remedy according to the new symptoms. If a remedy doesn't help your symptoms it will not hurt you, but if within a day or two there is no improvement at all try a different appropriate remedy.

Orthodox/Allopathic Medical Drugs and Homeopathy:

Homeopathic remedies do not undermine the action of drugs or interact with them. On the other hand drugs may neutralize homeopathic remedies, most especially steroids such as Cortisone and Prednisone.

Self Prescribing Considerations and
The Importance of Modalities

There are so many homeopathic remedies for each disorder, that simply looking for "PAIN" will not find the most closely matching remedy for your specific pain. The fact that your ailment hurts is not sufficient to tell you which remedy to use. But the modalities of the pain – the kind of pain it is, where the pain is, and when it hurts most – will help enormously. These are some of the factors you need to address. For example: if the pain pulsates and burns in your leg in addition to having certain modalities such as worse on the left side and in the evening and better from cold applications, then you will be able to find the most curative remedy for your leg pain.

Modalities are always very important factors in choosing the most closely matching homeopathic remedy to the totality of the simillimum. They can be the deciding factors between several remedies which may be strongly indicated. Modalities are the modifying influences and circumstances which either ameliorate (influences which make the symptoms of a condition feel better), or aggravate (influences which make the symptoms of a condition feel worse). Modalities include many factors and stimuli as perceived by the patient. Modalities may have to do with temperature, weather, climate, movement, activity, time, right and left side, sensations, physical contact, foods, drinks, etc. They are the sensory manner and mode of how the symptoms are felt by the individual, and they are a most important criterion in choosing the right remedy.

Examples of the Disorders & Diseases that Homeopathy can improve or cure:

Acute Diseases & Disorders

  • Injuries & Accidents such as:
    • Sports related injuries
    • Pain
    • Strains
    • Sprains
    • Fractures
    • Blows & Concussion
    • Dislocations
    • Herniated Discs
    • Crushed Fingers & Toes,
    • Torn Ligaments & Tendons
    • Burns
    • Bruises
    • Cuts & Lacerations
    • Puncture Wounds
    • Black Eye
    • Nosebleeds
    • Emergencies
  • Acute Diseases such as:
    • Influenza
    • Colds
    • Coughs
    • Earaches
    • Fever
    • Sore Throats
    • Bell's Palsy
    • Dengue Fever
    • Surgery
    • Adverse Reactions to drugs and vaccinations
  • Acute Problems from: Insects, Animals, and Plants
    • Stings, Bites, Poison Ivy or Poison Oak
  • Sudden Problems from:
    • Trauma
    • Grief
    • Shock
    • Food Poisoning & Dysentery
    • Travel, Motion & Altitude Sickness
    • Violence

Chronic Disorders & Diseases such as:

  • Addictions to Alcohol & Drugs
  • Allergies, Hypersensitivity, M.C.S.
  • Anxiety/Fear/Phobias
  • Arthritis, Rheumatism
  • Asthma
  • Back Problems
  • Bladder and Kidney Problems
  • Bone Problems
  • Bowel and Rectum Problems
  • Candida, Yeast Infections
  • Chronic Fatigue and Immune Disorders
  • CFIDS (CFS & M.E.)
  • Dental and Mouth Problems
  • Depression
  • Ear and Hearing Problems
  • Eye and Vision Problems
  • Female Problems:
    • Menstrual
    • Menopause
  • Gastric Disorders
  • Gulf War Sickness
  • Headaches, Migraine
  • Herpes Virus Eruptions, Shingles
  • HIV, and diseases related to AIDS & ARC
  • Insomnia & Sleep Problems
  • Joint, Muscle and Nerve Problems
  • Liver Problems
  • Lymes disease
  • Malaria
  • Male Problems
  • Mental & Emotional Problems
  • Motor and Sensory Disorders
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Nose and Sinus Problems
  • Paralysis
  • Pregnancy, problems during & lactation
  • Repetitive Stress Injury
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Skin Disorders
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Throat and Vocal Problems
  • Vertigo
  • Etcetera!!