 |
Available
at our Lahore Facility
contact us
Homeopathy
Homoeopathy is a system of
medicine that treats the whole person, taking into account
mental and bodily types
as well as the symptoms of the disease.
One of its main principles is that 'like cures like', in
other words the symptoms of an illness caused by a
substance will be cured by the same substance given in
homoeopathic form.
Homoeopathy is often referred to as an alternative medicine,
but it is better thought of
as 'complementary' because it can be used alongside
conventional antidepressants.
The remedies are made by grinding plants or other substances
and then dissolving them in
alcohol to produce the 'mother tincture'.
From the mother tincture the remedies are made by a process
of dilution (usually 100:1) in
alcohol or water and succussion (a process of repetitive
violent shaking that is believed to
energise the medicine).
The dilutions are usually repeated many times, and one of
the scientific criticisms of
homoeopathy is that the preparations are so dilute that they
can hardly contain any of the original substance.
A number of theories have been advanced to overcome this
criticism, one of which is the 'memory of water'.
Depression
If you are experiencing a
transient episode of depression, homeopathic remedies can be
useful in alleviating the blues. These remedies are
prescribed based on the similarity of their characteristics
to those symptoms that you are experiencing. Treatment will
be constitutional, and there might be dietary advice as well
as changes in lifestyle.
Take the 6c strength three
times daily for up to fourteen days. Specific remedies which
may be useful include:
Ignatia is often
prescribed for depression caused by grief, with wildly
fluctuating moods and inappropriate behavior such as
bursting into tears or laughing for no reason.
Pulsatilla is
recommended for depression caused by hormonal changes. The
person bursts into tears at the slightest provocation,
wanting a lot of reassurance and attention.
Sepia is useful if you
feel depressed and irritable, dragged down by
responsibilities and worries.
Arsenicum if the person is restless, chilly, exhausted,
obsessively neat and tidy.
Aurum if the person
feels totally worthless, suicidal and disgusted with himself
or herself.
If you are experiencing a
moderate to severe depressive episode, you should visit a
trained homeopath rather than try to treat yourself. We
recommend that you use homeopathy as a complement to other
treatments, such as psychotherapy and conventional
medication.
Remedies that may
help in the treatment of depression
Arsenicum album
Made from white
arsenic, this remedy is
indicated for people who worry
unduly about their health, or
who are perfectionists and
overly critical of themselves
and others. They are at risk of
depression if they fail to reach
their own high standards. People
who respond to Arsenicum album
are often physically worse in
cold weather, very sensitive to
pain and suffer most between
midnight and 2am.
Aurum metallicum
Made from gold
and used for people who are
workaholics with an excessive
sense of duty. This renders them
prone to despair, feelings of
worthlessness and suicidal
thoughts following a perceived
failure in their work or
personal life. People who do
well with Aurum metallicum often
feel better by walking outdoors.
Calcium
carbonicum
Suits people
whose outward strong, dependable
and industrious appearance hides
a shy and introverted nature.
Such people can be left feeling
fatigued, anxious, withdrawn and
self-pitying by overwhelming
work pressures. People who
respond to this remedy, which is
made from the inner layer of an
oyster shell, are chilly people
who sweat easily, who
periodically feel sluggish and
suffer with insomnia -
especially when away from home.
Ignatia amara
Suits those who
become depressed after trying to
suppress feelings of grief,
despair or emotional upset at
the expense of outbursts of
hysteria or mood swings. People
who respond to the homoeopathic
form of the St Ignatius bean may
suffer from a lump in the throat
and frequent bouts of yawning.
The remedy is often used after
bereavement.
Kali phosphoricum
Benefits people
who are normally clear sighted
and extrovert, who suffer from
the effects of exhaustion from
overwork by becoming shy,
seeking their own company and
flinching at sudden noises.
Alongside the change in mood
they often develop muscular
weakness, yellow discharges and
may wake early with hunger pangs
Lachesis muta
This remedy made
from snake venom can help
depression caused by repression,
jealousy or suspicion. Suits
people who hate commitment and
confinement. They may worry
about world affairs and be very
talkative. Lachesis may treat
menopausal depression,
particularly if the woman feels
worse on waking and suffers with
hot sweats.
Natrium
carbonicum
Gentle, unselfish
people who care deeply for their
family and friends may become
depressed after a loss or
disappointment. They try to hide
their feelings from others,
which does not help their
condition. Constitutionally,
they have weak digestive systems
and a marked intolerance to
dairy products. When suffering,
they isolate themselves and may
listen to sad music. Natrium
carbonicum may help in these
cases.
Natrium muraticum
This remedy is
helpful for sensitive, refined,
serious-minded people, whose
inner feelings are strong and
may be of anger, grief or fear
of losing control. The manner in
which they bottle up these
feelings may lead to depression.
They dislike consolation from
others and appear stoical and
controlled. They need to be
alone to cry and can be moved to
tears by music. People
benefiting from this remedy
often suffer from migraines and
are fatigued by the sun.
Pulsatilla
nigricans
People needing
this remedy appear childlike
with emotions that vary from
moody and clingy to yielding and
sensitive. When depressed, they
cry readily and enjoy
consolation and need the support
of others. Pulsatilla is a
useful remedy for depression due
to hormonal changes after
childbirth or menopause. The
woman will often crave sweet
foods and put on weight.
Sepia
Sepia is made
from cuttlefish ink. It is used
for weary, irritable people -
especially when overwhelmed by
their responsibilities to family
members. They direct their
irritability towards loved ones,
and have trouble in explaining
their symptoms. The remedy is
used for postnatal depression,
loss of libido and menopausal
symptoms, especially when
accompanied by a sagging feeling
in the pelvic area.
Staphysagria
Suppressed
emotions, particularly rage,
that can erupt under severe
pressure, can be helped with
this remedy. When the person is
well they are mild and yielding,
but they can be addicted to
work. A high sex drive is often
present. Stress related
headaches, toothache and
stomachache are pointers to the
use of this remedy.
Dosage guidance
The potency (C) of
the remedy is determined by the
number of dilutions and is described
by a number. To select a dose,
either seek advice from a homoeopath
or start on a lower potency such as
6C or 12C. The potency can be
increased, but it is not necessary
or advisable to take potencies above
30C without consulting a homoeopath.
How to take the
remedies
Always read the
instructions and listen to any
advice given. The basic rule is to
take one tablet as directed and
observe the effects. The dose may be
repeated two or three times a day
without danger. In marked contrast
to conventional remedies for
depression, the advice is to stop
taking homoeopathic remedies as soon
as an improvement is seen. If no
improvement is seen in 10 days,
rather than switching to a different
remedy, seek qualified advice to
obtain a better match or see your
GP.
About the author
Hilary Anne Stewart
MRPharmS, FBIH, DHPh has practised
as a pharmacist for 35 years. She
qualified as a homoeopathic
pharmacist in 1997 and runs a
pharmacy specialising in
complementary medicine.
|
|
|
For a short-term problem,
tissue salts can help restore order. Take 4 tablets under
the tongue three times daily for two to three weeks.
Kali phos helps
nervous depression from grief and worry. It is the principal
tissue salt for the nerves and should be used alternately
with other remedies.
Nat mur is indicated
for depressed spirits and feelings of hopelessness. This
sadness is typically accompanied by headaches and
constipation.
Nat sulph relieves
depression following an injury to the head.
Calc phos helps with
wandering thoughts and poor concentration.
Next Topic: |
Nanotech Medical Center Lahore Pakistan Leading Facility in
Disease Prevention , treatment.
|
|
