HEADLINE homeopathy

  Silicea  is the element which we find in sand.   Those who respond well to Silicea tend to be mild mannered and shy but can be surprisingly obstinate in their own quiet way.  They can have delicate constitutions which respond strongly to even small irritants - a bit like the princess and the pea. Their bodies can find it hard to assimilate nutrients so, as infants, they can fail to thrive. Poor nails, brittle hair and a tendency to suppurating wounds and abscesses can also indicate that Silicea is needed. 

Homeopathy for Dyslexics

The results of a survey of complementary therapies used by  children with dyslexia have just been published in The International Journal of Language and Communications Disorders.  Leona Bull of Roehampton University discovered that homeopathy was used by more than a third of the children in the survey who were treated by alternative methods.  Nutritional supplements like fish oils and special diets were the most common methods used.  Although it is thought that dyslexia has a genetic cause, homeopathy can help with the myriad of emotional and physical symptoms of the condition.  For example,  anger, frustration and poor concentration can all be treated homeopathically.  Dyslexics can also experience a certain amount of  embarrassment which can lead to social avoidance and evasion.  All of these can be addressed by homeopathy.  The survey concluded that health and educational professionals should be more aware that many dyslexic children use alternative therapies like homeopathy.

   Flying Pigs

Flying Pigs is a new series in which homeopaths tells us about some of the mini miracles that occur every day in homeopathic practice.  These are cases which have convinced sceptical  patients or have greatly impressed even  seasoned homeopaths themselves.

Corinne Westacott of Herefordshire recalls a mother whose son had been suffering from an irritating cough for over a year - a cough which sounded like a seal or a dog barking "The mum kept saying how she thought it was pointless trying homeopathy because she knew it wouldn't work. In fact," says Corinne. "She thought homeopathy was a big joke and had been pushed into coming to see me by a friend. A cough like a barking seal is characteristic of Belladonna.  After one 30c pill  the son's cough disappeared completely.  But was the mother converted ?  Not at all.  She laughed it off as a coincidence and I never saw her again!" 

Summer Surfing

If you Google the words "homeopathy"  or "homoeopathy", you will find you are offered close on seven million results.  Don't be overwhelmed!  There is now a fantastic homeopathic resource out there on the world wide web and, in this newsletter, I'll guide you to some of the most interesting sites for the home user of homeopathy.

Some of you may already have the very useful homeopathic books written by Miranda Castro.  Miranda is a British trained homeopath who now lives in Florida.  Go to her website at www.mirandacastro.com and investigate her articles.  There are compelling case studies, useful home treatment information and general advice about childhood disorders, the menopause and more.  At www.homeopathyforbeginners.com is a site that guides beginners through some of the basic principles of homeopathy including the idea of the law of similars,  the law of cure and the way we judge if progress is being made in a case.  It is ideal for the interested patient who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the way homeopaths work.  The site of the American homeopath Dana Ullman, www.homeopathic.com is full of useful information for beginners and professionals alike.  Click on the free articles and learn, amongst other things, how homeopathy cured Superman of his bad reaction to kryptonite, the history of homeopathy and news of the latest research.  Another good site if you want to find our more about homeopathy is www.homeopathyhome.com.  Again, there are profiles of remedies, historical information and directories of practitioners, pharmacies and vets both in this country and in the U.S. For help with homeopathic treatment of your pets, try www.bahvs.com.  This lists vets who practice using homeopathy.  Although your own homeopath is only allowed to prescribe for humans and cannot treat animals, you are allowed to treat your own pets and this veterinary site contains a good first aid guide that may help you if your horse has colic or your cat has a grass seed in its paw.  If you need to buy remedies for home use, explore the websites of British pharmacies, Helios or Ainsworths.  Find them at www.helios.co.uk and www.ainsworths.com.  Both pharmacies sell useful books for the home.  Ebay is also still worth exploring (although it has become more expensive lately).  Always check though that what you are bidding for is not to be found more cheaply elsewhere.  This often applies to remedies and kits.  

Homeopathic Quotes  
"I have long been an ardent believer in the science of homeopathy, and I feel happy that it has got now a greater hold in India than even in the land of its origin. It is not merely a collection of a few medicines, but a real science with a rational philosophy as its base". Rabindranath Tagore , one of the greatest Indian writers of modern times. 

Sepia is made from the ink of  the cuttle-fish.  This is a hormonal remedy par excellence.  It is often needed for PMT, in pregnancy or during the menopause. The woman feels chilly, washed-out, miserable, irritable and apathetic. She can look drained and haggard with a sallow complexion.  Sepia has helped many women worn out by the demands of family and home.  Although tired, they tend to feel much better for  vigorous exercise - especially dancing, which energises them remarkably.

Murex is made from the sea-snail.  Like Sepia, it is used for female disorders with one big difference: those needing Sepia will have little or no libido whereas those needing Murex may feel overwhelmingly lascivious.  Like Sepia, it is useful for prolapse of the womb. There is a great sensation of weight and heaviness which causes the woman to sit with her legs tightly crossed. Another symptom shared with Sepia is an uncomfortable sinking sensation in the stomach.

Spongia Tosta is made from the sea sponge.  This is an invaluable remedy in cases of  dry, rasping coughs which sound like a saw cutting through wood. Think of this if someone sits up suddenly in bed with a feeling of suffocation especially if this happens before midnight.  The cough is better for taking some warm food or drink. It is one of our best remedies for croup.

Dosage guidance:: For chronic conditions and serious acute problems, always see your homeopath. In simple acute illnesses, use a 30c potency . Your homeopath will tell you how often to repeat the dose.