SAMBUCUS NIGRA.

THE ACTION OF THIS REMEDY IS MAINLY ON THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.

This remedy is derived from the tree called as ELDER.

 The keynote symptom of this remedy is THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.

It suits subjects, who have a hoarseness of the voice with a tenacious mucous.  It suits subjects with a suffocating cough, beginning around midnight with crying or shortness of breath.  It is a suitable remedy for spasmodic cough.

It is suitable for snuffles in infants (blockage of the nose), when the nose is dry and obstructed and the infant is forced to let go of the nipple and cannot breathe, while suckling.  This remedy suits children, when they suddenly wake up and cannot breathe out and go blue.

This remedy also suits subjects, who cannot breathe and go blue.

This remedy is useful for the bad effects of violent mental emotions, and for combating the bad effects of excessive sexual indulgence.

It suits subjects who have dry heat in the body with profuse sweating.

This remedy is useful for edema of the various parts of the body, especially the lower limbs.

It is also useful for aliments that come on during the sleep, worse from midnight, forcing the patient to sit up and making him worse on lying on the left side, or with the head low.

This remedy suits subjects who are worse from cold drinks, while over heated and worse from cold dry air.

TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 When the child has been frightened and suffocative attacks set in with bluish, bloated face, SAMBUCUS NIGRA is useful.

Dr. Krischbaum.

In the suffocating cough of children, waking them up in the middle of the night and accompanied by sibilant wheezing and great dyspnoea, but without croup, I have found small doses of SAMBUCUS Q of the most rapid service.

Dr. Bayes.

I have myself found SAMBUCUS NIGRA of great use in checking those debilitating perspirations, which often retard convalescence after delivery.

Dr. Hughes, L.R.C.P.

UNDERSTANDING THE MIND AND MEDITATING.

 More and more people are rediscovering meditation—a practice that takes you inside for an out-of-the-world experience.

 Parveen Chopra

Introduction:

What do Clint Eastwood, Richard Gere, the Canadian musician Leonard Cohen and the famous new age Indian Guru, Dr. Deepak Chopra have in common?  The answer is, they all meditate. Clint Eastwood has been practicing Transcendental meditation ™ for years. Cohen spent six months in a Zen monastery.  Richard Gere is a staunch meditating Buddhist.  Mitch Kapor was a TM teacher before he created software history by creating Lotus 1-2-3.

We are all a holistic combination of the Body, the Mind and the soul.  To be successful in life, we have to keep our bodies healthy with exercise and proper vegan lifestyle. The exercise for the mind is meditation.  Meditation is a fundamental spiritual discipline of all major religions.  Meditation may be defined as a withdrawal or the reversal of one’s consciousness from the body and the world, into the realm of the soul. It is an inward journey onto the bright path of contemplation of God.  Meditation helps one to have more awareness of oneself. It helps us experience a state of internal freedom and a sense of joy.

What is the Mind?

 The mind is just a bundle of thoughts. It is a Body within our bodies at a finer rate of vibration. The mind and the body are inter-connected.  Matter is the mind at a lesser rate of vibration and the mind is matter at a higher rate of vibration.  A disease of the body will affect the mind and vice-versa. To be successful in life one has to control the mind.  It is constantly wandering and distracting us.  Great thinkers, scientists and all the successful people on earth are innately meditative by nature.

 Why should we meditate?

 Meditation is food for the mind. It will help to still the mind and the soul force will take over our lives and the true purpose of life is revealed to us.  Meditation is a healing balm that helps us understand the chaos in this world. It is a tool for understanding the true meaning of our lives.

Several Hindu seers have compared the mind to a monkey that is innately restless in nature, which is drunken by the wine of worldly desires.  They further add that the monkey becomes bitten scorpion of jealousy and then possessed by the ghost of the past. Such is the state of our minds today. Sad! But true.

The constantly over-working chaotic mind is always preventing us from living in the present and being creative.  The mind is fear driven and always is either in the past or the future. The 21^st century mantra is BEND THE BODY, MEND THE SENSES AND END THE MIND.

Will one become a zombie if the mind ceases to work?

When one begins to meditate, anguished friends warn us against taking up this spiritual practice. They feel that people practicing meditation will become non-functional and useless to society.

Nothing is further from the real truth. It is well known that when one goes into deeper states of meditation, one goes into the alpha levels in the brain (as recorded by the Electro Encephalogram – EEG) and meditative people become more creative, error free, intuitive and highly successful.

Medical benefits of Meditation:

 Medically speaking, regular Meditation and Prayer helps us in the following way:

• It reduces stress.
• It bolsters the immunity of the body.
• It increases the memory and will power.
• It can slow down the progress of cancers and certain forms of degenerative diseases.
• It prevents the premature aging of the body.
• It helps fighting psychosomatic disorders.
• It helps fight depression, phobias and fears.

Meditation can make you a successful and creative person. It can be a valuable modern medical tool in many branches of Medicine such as; Psychiatry, Cardiovascular Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Geriatrics, Gastro-enterology, Skin and Connective tissue diseases, Sports and Aviation medicine. Meditation can also be a valuable tool in terminal diseases like cancers and AIDS and help in alleviating pain in the terminal stages of such diseases.

References:

 www.lifepositive.com.

 www.dailymantra.com.

SALICYLICUM ACIDICUM.

This remedy is suitable in Meniere’s disease, where there is ring and roaring in the ears, with deafness and vertigo.

This remedy is suitable for subjects with Vertigo with a tendency to fall of the left side.

This remedy is also suitable for subjects with Retinal hemorrhage.

This remedy is also useful in mouth ulcers with burning in the mouth with a fetid breath.  This remedy is useful when subjects have hot and sour belching with flatulence.

This remedy is useful in subjects, who have painful and swollen knees with sciatica with burning pain that is worse at night.

This remedy is useful when the skin is hot and burning and itching vesicles and pustules, which are better while scratching.

TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 Our main experience with SALICYLIC ACID has been in a few cases of Meniere’s diseases, where its action, in the usual small doses of Homeopathy, has been prompt and satisfactory.

Dr. M. L. Tyler, M.D.

 The 3^rd trituration of SALICYLIC ACID is becoming quite a favorite medicine with me for simple deafness and tinnitus.

Dr. Claude.

 For inflamed or ulcerated corns, NITRIC ACID is good; also locally for painful corms, a solution of SALICYLIC ACID 1 in 5 to be painted on the corn at bed time every 2 or 3 nights is often successful.

Dr. Pettit.

Introduction:

 Recently some researchers in the UK created a huge scare by claiming that antiperspirants used by women caused breast cancer. They claimed that the aluminum used in the antiperspirant mimics estrogens and thus increases the risk of breast cancer.

Does using antiperspirants retain the harmful toxins within the body?

Most experts assure us that there is no reason to be worried; as the body does not sweat out toxins and antiperspirants do not alter the body’s ability to sweat. The liver and kidneys remove more than 95% of the toxins.

There are about 2 – 5 million sweat glands around the body. Antiperspirants affect the sweat glands only in the armpits. Antiperspirants work by dissolving the sweat and produce a thin coating on the skin that temporarily reduces sweating in the armpit.  Sweating is the body’s way to regulate body temperature and sweat essentially consists of water, some sodium and little fat and these are not toxic.

There is not evidence that the ingredients such as Aluminum or Zirconium salts damage the cell DNA and damage the breast tissue. Human beings are exposed to aluminum everyday and antiperspirants only contribute about 2.5% of the total exposure. Much of the exposure comes from our food and exposure to airborne particles. Studies do not support fears that antiperspirants affect hormone levels. Even the use of parabens in cosmetics has been cleared by health and cosmetic regulating authorities.

You can smell good naturally:

Excessive armpit sweating is known as axillary hyperhidrosis.  All people past puberty experience armpit sweat and odor, and these are normal bodily functions and it is but a variation of the normal sweating process.  It is a distressing problem for those that suffer from it.  If you are worried about aluminum and parabens toxicity, it is better to go natural.

Make your own Deodorant cream:

 Melt three tablespoons each of baking soda, petroleum jelly and orrisroot powder (you may also use cornstarch).  Add a few drops of scented oil to this mixture. Viola! Your natural deodorant cream is ready.

Make your own Deodorant spray:

 Take one and a half cups of water (200 ml) and to it add one tablespoon of powdered alum, one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and finally add this to 15 ml of scented oil.   Put this mixture in a spray bottle and use it.

Make your own perfume naturally:

 Take three cups of vodka and add half a cup of your chosen essential or perfumed oil and then add half a cup of finely powdered orrisroot. Mix well and pour it into small ornate bottles and store them in a cool dark place.

Other methods to beat body odor:

• Just take a bath as usual but add some baking soda to the water.
• Borax put into your shoes fights foot odors.
• Eating plenty of green vegetables can help your body stay clean and minimize odor. Green vegetables such as spinach and lettuce contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is helpful in reducing the body odor the perspiration.
• If you make a strong infusion of tea with lovage or sage, you can apply this under your armpits or add it to your bath and keep body odor away.
• Apple cider vinegar can be a good natural deodorant. Just add the apple cider vinegar to some water and place it on your armpit. The vinegar smell will disappear in a few minutes.
• Use deodorant crystals.  These crystals are a natural rock that absorbs odor without clogging skin pores or staining clothes.

Conclusion:

Experts say that 8m people in the US suffer from primary axillary hyperhydrosis. The deodorant industry is huge and runs into billions of dollars and people will spend anything to smell good.  It is better to rely on cheap and holistic ways, while choosing cosmetics and deodorants.

References and links:

www.antiperspirantsinfo.com.

www.cbsnews.com.

www.associatedcontent.com.

www.allnaturalbeauty.us

Herbal Home Remedies by Jude C. Todd.

SABINA.

THIS REMEDY HAS AN AFFINITY FOR THE UTERUS.

This remedy is derived from a shrub called as Savine or Juniperus Sabina.

 This remedy is pre-dominantly a female remedy and has a special affinity to the uterus.

It is also useful in gout.  It is useful whenever there is pain extending from the sacrum to the pubic region.

It suits subjects who find MUSIC INTOLERABLE and who are extremely nervousness.

This remedy is suitable in female subjects with vertigo with suppressed menstruation.

This remedy suits subjects who have a sense of fullness in the rectum with constipation with pain in the back to the pubis.  This remedy is also useful in piles, which bleed copiously with bright red blood.

It suits male subjects who have inflammatory gonorrhea with pus like discharge, with Sycotic excrescences (warts). This remedy suits male subjects, who have a burning sensation and pain in the glans penis.  It is also useful, whenever the prepuce (the foreskin of the penis) is painful with difficulty in retracting it.

This remedy suits subjects, who have bloody urine, with inflammation of the bladder with a throbbing sensation all over, with inflammation of the urethra.

This remedy suits female subjects who have a profuse menses, which are too early; with bring red blood and uterine pains that extend up to the thighs. It also suits female subjects, who have menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation), where the vaginal bleeding is partially clotted, with a tendency to abort.  This remedy is useful in threatened miscarriage and also in habitual abortion, where the sexual desire is increased. This remedy is also useful in leucorrhoea after menses, which is corrosive and offensive.  This remedy is useful in expelling the retained placenta and also is useful in expelling Moles from the uterus.  This remedy suits female subjects, who have an inflammation of the ovaries and uterus after abortion.

This remedy is suitable when there is pain from the sacrum to the pubis and from below upward, shooting up the vagina.

This remedy suits female subjects, who have a bruised pain in the anterior portion of the thighs and shooting to the heels and the metatarsal bones. This remedy suits subjects, who have arthritic pain in the joints and gout, worse in a heated room.

This remedy also suits subjects, who have fig warts with intolerable itching and burning with exuberant granulation.

This remedy suits subjects, who are worse with the least motion, heat and warm air. It also suits subjects who are better in cold air.

TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 My big ‘5’ in obstetrical hemorrhage are MILLEFOLIUM, PHOSPHORUS, NITRIC ACID, and SECALE CORNUTUM AND SABINA.

Introduction:

The vaccination controversy is very sticky.  But consider these facts dispassionately. It is a well-known fact that ever since mass vaccinations of infants began, there have been endless reports of serious brain, cardiovascular, metabolic disease like diabetes.  In fact, the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine has been used to induce encephalomyelitis, which is characterized by brain swelling and hemorrhage in the brain.  Indiscriminate vacation has also been incriminated in the increase incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and increased cases of autism.

The parental dilemma:

Parents are always in a dilemma. If they do not vaccinate their children and if the children get a disease like polio, they face a lifetime of grief and guilt.  There are legal issues that can also accrue.  The state may take charge of the children and the parents can face imprisonment in some countries.

On the other hand, vaccination reactions take place within seven days of vaccination and the symptoms can include paralysis, convulsions, nausea, diarrhea, fever, central nervous system disorders, brain inflammation, permanent brain damage and even death of the child.

Homeopaths use nosodes:

Nosodes belong to those classes of remedies that are prepared from disease products.  Many homeopaths use nosodes to try and protect children from illness and these serve as an alternative to immunizations

Some examples of nosodes are:

• Pertussin made from the infected sputum of a case of whooping cough. This nosode is useful in preventing and treating whooping cough.
• The nosode used in Measles is Morbillinum.
• In Mumps –
• In tetanus prevention – Ledum palustre.

Different homeopaths prefer different potencies. But, most use the 200C potency, which act as good homeopathic vaccinations.

Other homeopathic remedies for common childhood infections:

Homeopathy heals in all realms of life including the physical, mental, emotional as well as inherited or genetic weaknesses.  It is possible to prevent diseases in homeopathy by giving nosodes. It is also possible to correct and prevent vaccine reactions and prevent many childhood diseases with this marvelous system of alternative therapy.
Aconitum Napellus: This is a grand remedy in the early stage of fever where the fever is associated with fear and anguish of the mind. It relieves physical and mental restlessness.

Apis Mellifica: this is a good remedy for swelling, puffiness, edema, stinging pain, soreness, and intolerance of heat, touchiness and red rosy hue of various body parts. This remedy is also useful in hives and after bee stings.

Chamomilla: This remedy is useful for children with peevishness, restlessness and who have abdominal colic. This remedy is suited for children who are extremely sensitive to pain..

Hypericum Perforatum: This remedy is useful in ameliorating the excessive pain after punctured wounds.

Ledum Palustre: This considered to be a homeopathic anti-tetanus vaccine. This is a specific remedy for puncture wounds produced by sharp-pointed instruments or bites.

Pulsatilla: This is a great remedy for stuffy cold, where the child is weepy and temperamental.

Silicea: This is a specific remedy for ill effects of vaccinations. The child who requires silicea will lack vital heat and has prostration of the body and the mind.

Thuja Occidentalis: this is another specific remedy for ill effects of vaccinations. It counteracts any adverse skin reactions and diarrhea or brain damage after vaccinations. In addition it has a specific anti bacterial action.  It is also useful in neuralgias after immunizations.

A word of caution:

It is better to consult a competent homeopath before taking an informed decision either for or against immunizing your children.  These remedies can be taken individually or found in a formula for a broader therapeutic spectrum against vaccination reactions.

These remedies will cover the broad variety of symptoms associated with vaccination reactions, which include inflammation at the site of vaccination, , swelling, edema, hives, restlessness, sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, headaches, nervous changes, fear and anxiety.

Conclusion:
When parents decide to use homeopathy for their children, they have the better of the two worlds. They can be free of fear of getting into legal trouble with the state and they can also give the vaccines, knowing fully well that the use of homeopathy will ward off adverse reactions.

As an allopathic physician who has learnt alternative medicine, I find it very difficult to take a stubborn stand against vaccination. I prefer the middle path. I advise my patients to judiciously immunize their children and then take homeopathic remedies to prevent vaccine reactions.

But, deep in my heart I do believe that we should not unduly tamper with the immune system with indiscriminate vaccination. Naturally occurring diseases confer much better immunity than the immunity conferred by vaccines.

References and links:

www.holos-homeopathy.com.

www.thinktwice.com.

www.trusthomeopathy.org.

www.cdc.gov.

SABADILLA.

IT IS A SUITABLE REMEDY FOR THE SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER AND WORM INFESTATION.

This remedy is derived from a Mexican plant, Sabadilla officinarum.

This remedy has a marked action on the mucous membranes of the nose and the lachrymal glands producing symptoms like Hay fever.

The remedy suits subjects who are prone to chills and who are extremely sensitive to cold.

It is suitable for roundworm and pinworm infestation.

It suits subjects who are nervous, timid, easily startled and have erroneous notions about themselves and imagines that he is very ill, or that all parts of the body are shrunken. This remedy suits female subjects, who feel that they are pregnant, or for those who imagine that they have cancer and intermittent delirium.  This remedy suits subjects, who are sleepless due to excessive thinking.  This remedy is also useful in Hysterical subjects, who have a feeling that something is hanging loosely in the throat and must swallow over it.

This remedy suits subjects, whose eyes burn with excessive watering and difficulty in hearing.

The keynote symptom of this remedy is SPASMODIC SNEEZING WITH A RUNNING NOSE.

This remedy is useful when subjects have coryza (cold) with severe frontal pains, redness of the eyes with watering and copious nasal discharge.  This remedy suits subjects with a chronic sore throat.

This remedy suits subjects who have no thirst and have a canine appetite for sweets and fat foods and desire hot things.

This remedy also suits subjects, who have cracking beneath the toes with inflammation under the nail bed. This remedy also suits subjects whose skin is dry like a parchment membrane and the nails are horny, deformed, thickened and if it is associated with itching in the anus.

This remedy suits subjects who have sore throat, which begin on the left side, and feel better with warm foods and drinks.

This remedy suits subjects who are worse with cold and cold drinks and during the full moon and who are sleepless from too much of thinking.

It also suits subjects, who are better with warm food; drink wrapping up and in open air.

TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 SABADILLA one drop thrice a day in water- the administration of the drug by olfaction (through the nose) several times daily in Hay Asthma, by this means that I have cured many severe cases and made numerous converts to our system.

Dr. Hughes, L.R.C.P.

 SABADILLA follows BRYONIA well in pleurisy and has cured after ACONITE and BRYONIA failed.

Dr. H.C. Allen, M.D.

One thousand Americans stop smoking every day – by dying.  ~Author Unknown.

 Introduction:

Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.  ~Author Unknown.

Did you know that the smoking related diseases claim about 438,000 American lives every year. Smoking costs the United States over $167 billion each year in health-care costs including $92 billion in mortality-related productivity loses and $75 billion in direct medical expenditures or an average of $3,702 per adult smoker.

Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that currently there are 3.5 million deaths a year from tobacco. That figure is expected to rise to about 10 million by 2030. 70% of tobacco related deaths will occur in developing countries.

The tobacco industry is worth US $400 billion and it is difficult to stop their aggressive promotion.

Among children the facts are startling:

• 36% of high school students smoke.
• 25% of high school males use smokeless tobacco
• Every day 6,000+ kids have their first cigarettes; 3,000 of them will become regular smokers
• 500 million packs of cigarettes are sold illegally to kids every year.
• 15.5 million kids are exposed to secondhand smoke at home.
• Today 3,000,000+ kids smoke almost one billion packs of cigarettes a year.
• Over 5,000,000 kids under 18 alive today will ultimately die from tobacco use
• Kids are three times as sensitive to tobacco advertising as adults
• 86% of kids buy one of the three most heavily advertised brands (Marlboro, Camel or Newport)
• Kids are more likely to be influenced by tobacco advertising than by peer pressure (the tobacco industry spends $5.2 billion every year in the US on advertising and promotion)

The dangers of this addiction are:

• Addictiveness.
• Back Pain.
• It is the major cause of cancers such as; Lung cancer, mouth, laryngeal, esophageal cancer, breast cancer in women, gastrointestinal cancer, cervical cancer, blood cancer, kidney and bladder Cancer.
• Childhood Respiratory Ailments and Ear Infections are commoner in children whose parents smoke.
• Diabetes.
• Emphysema. Smoking causes about 85% of all deaths from emphysema.
• Heart Disease. Smokers have about 4 times more risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who don’t smoke.
• Infertility. Couples in which at least one member smokes are more than 3 times more likely to have trouble getting pregnant.
• Low Birth Weight — Women who smoke as few as 5 cigarettes per day during pregnancy have a significantly greater risk of giving birth to a small, and underweight baby.
• Nutrition.  Smoking causes lower levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol.
• Osteoporosis. Women smokers tend to have menopause 5 to 10 years earlier than expected, causing increased bone thinning at an earlier age.
• Premature Aging. Constant exposure to tobacco smoke prematurely wrinkles facial skin and yellows teeth and fingernails.
• Recovery From Injury Or Surgery.  People who smoke have delayed healing of wounds and bones.
• Stroke risk increases manifold with smokers.
• Tooth Loss.  Use of snuff or chewing tobacco causes gum recession and tooth loss. .
• Fires.  Smoking is the leading cause of fire in homes, hotels, and hospitals.

Some Complementary therapies for nicotine:

• AROMATHERAPY.  Essential oils, which help make the nicotine withdrawal easier, are with specific oils aimed at calming the nervous system. Such oils are basil, cypress, marjoram, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and tangerine.
• Mood swings and over-sensitivity occur in a person trying to quit tobacco. In these conditions, chamomile, cypress, geranium and lavender essential oils are useful. For lack of concentration, essential oils such as basil, peppermint and rosemary are useful.  Anger is eased by chamomile and ylang ylang, while panic and hysteria are calmed by chamomile, clary sage, neroli and lavender. In tobacco addicts with shortness of breath will benefit from fennel, frankincense and lavender.

• 
• ACUPUNCTURE has helped many people to give up smoking. Within 3 to four weeks. The body points are chosen to target symptoms of dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, indigestion, nausea, cough and a tight chest.
  
• REFLEXOLOGY would target the lungs to eliminate toxins and give general stress relief.
• COLOUR THERAPY: The blue color has been recommended for relaxation and relief from irritability.

• HOMEOPATHY.
• Several medications used synergistically are useful in conferring relief from headaches and irritability that can be caused by nicotine withdrawal. Prominent among those remedies are Lobelia inflata, Nux vomica, Ignatia, Caladium, Avena Sativa and Passiflora.
•  Plantago is another useful remedy for smoking withdrawal by stopping the craving for tobacco. It also relieves the withdrawal symptoms and helps the addict to sleep well and prevents depression.

Conclusion:

Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man. When quitting smoking it is important to realize that we are not trying to break a bad habit but we are overcoming an addiction that is controlling our lives. You may try nicotine patches, complementary therapies and even counseling.  But at the end of the day it is only your will power and your awareness of the dangers of tobacco will help you overcome this deadly addiction.

Reference:

 www.cancer.org.

www.aafp.org.

www.cdc.gov.

www.who.int.

www.tobacco-facts.info.

RUTA GRAVEOLENS.

This remedy is derived from a common European plant called as “Rue”.

This remedy is useful because it acts on the periosteum, cartilages, eyes and uterus.  It is useful whenever there is a tendency to formation of deposits in the periosteum, tendons, and joints and around the joints especially around the wrist.  It suits subjects, where all the parts of the body appear bruised.

It is a useful remedy for the over-strain of the ocular muscles.  It is useful to combat eyestrain followed by a headache, where the eyes are red, hot or painful, worse after reading or sewing.  It suits subjects who have disturbances of accommodation of vision.

This remedy suits subjects, who have INTENSE LASSITUDE, WITH WEAKNESS AND DESPAIR.

It is useful whenever the bone is bruised or injured.

It is useful whenever there is a headache where the head feels as if a nail is bored in.

It is useful to combat alcoholic hangover.

It suits subjects who have a bruised feeling on their tarsal cartilage.

It is useful whenever the subject feels a pressure over the eyebrows.

This remedy is also indicated in Warts, Cancer of the rectum, in patients with hives after eating meat and also in cases of Ganglion of the wrist.

TIPS FROM THE MASTERS…

 RUTA GRAVEOLENS has a marked action on the rectum and should be remembered in cases of inoperable cancer of that region.

Dr. Ruddock, M.D.

I have used RUTA generally in the 50M potency in GANGLION. It will remove it almost without fail.

Dr. Woodbury, M.D.

 After manipulating subluxations of the pelvis, it seems to be good practice to give a dose or two of RUTA.  So far as one has observed the pain sometimes felt for a day or two after such manipulations, may be this lessened or obviated.

Dr. M.L. Tyler, M.D.

 Immediately bathing with water as hot as can be borne for a length of time, followed by a compress of ARNICA, ACONITE, RHUS TOX or RUTA.  This treatment employed promptly generally cures at once.

Dr. Ruddock, M.D.

 For Tennis elbow: RUTA GRAVEOLENS.

Dr. Kent.

 RUTA ointment used in conjunction with infrared radiation is useful in Teno-synovitis.

Pilgrim.

RUTA is a useful remedy for complaints arising out of straining flexor tendons.

Dr. C.C. Boericke, M.D.

“If life isn’t about human beings and living in harmony, then I don’t know what it’s about.”

 Orlando Bloom (English actor).

Introduction:

One-third of the food we eat comes from crops that need animal pollinators. Without bees, billions of dollars’ worth of crops across the United States would fail. The importance of bees as pollinating insects has increased all over the world. It is estimated that a quarter of human food depends on bee pollination.

Since 15,000 years, man has been using honey.  This has been possible because bees have been visiting flowers by the millions.  It .is estimated that that one kilo of honey is produced after bees visit 5-7 million flowers.   Bees utilize their glands to produce enzymes, which convert nectar into honey. The end result is a well-preserved, bacteria-destroying, easily digestible, readily energized food.

It is also known that bees can sting badly.  The much feared bee sting has a lot of therapeutic value. Bee venom therapy is also called as APITHERAPY.  Man has known the medicinal use of honeybee products since ancient times.  This is a very remarkable experimental therapy that is useful for humans and does not cause cruelty or death to these precious insects.

The Chemical Ingredients in Bee venom:

Honeybee venom contains at least 18 active substances.

• Melittin is an anti-inflammatory agent, which is 100 times more potent than Hydrocortisol.
• Adolapin is another strong anti-inflammatory substance, which inhibits Cyclooxygenase activity and thus exhibits an analgesic effect.
• Other substances include, hyaluronidase, Compound X, Phospholipase, A2, Histamine and Mast Cell Degranulating Protein, Neurotransmitter like Dopamine, Nor adrenaline and Serotinin.

 Research using Bee venom:

 Patients suffering from phlebitis and thrombophlebitis improved in terms of increased skin temperature and better blood circulation in their limbs.

• Good results were shown in all the sciatica cases.
• When combined with an oral therapy, such as vitamin therapy, good analgesic effects were obtained in cortisone-dependent patients suffering from rheumatoid, polyarthritis. The bee venom is applied for 4 –5 days, followed by a 2 – 3 day break. Treatment is then re-commenced again. Using this method no adverse effects were reported.
• Applying the venom as an ointment topically provided a long-lasting effect and offers significant benefits in arthritic and rheumatic conditions.

• Bee venom therapy was found to be useful in acute and chronic injuries, bursitis, tendonitis and chronic neck pains
• It is useful in dissolving scar tissues and keloids.
• It is useful in Multiple Sclerosis, where its mechanism of action is poorly understood.

How is Bee venom therapy performed?

Bee venom therapy can be performed by a beekeeper and the patient can be taught to use the bees. The bee is taken out of a hive and the number of sites, where the patient is to be stung is determined beforehand and it depends on the condition that the patient is suffering from. A simple tendonitis may respond with a few stings. A chronic arthritis may require 2 to 3 stings for about 3 months, before a favorable result is obtained.  Patients with Multiple Sclerosis take many months before they respond.  Bee venom is also extracted in sterilized vials and doctors mix anesthetic agents and to prevent the pain of the sting.

The Side effects of the treatment are:

• Inflammation
• Itching
• Rarely a severe life threatening choking may result because of an anaphylactic reaction.

Conclusion:

Bee venom therapy is an interesting alternative therapy, which has important uses. It has generated a lot of interest among medical researchers because it shows promise in refractory disease.  This therapy is an example of man using nature’s resources for his benefit, without exhibiting cruelty to the bees.

References and links:

 Abstracts from The XXIXth International Congress of Apiculture of Apimondia, Bucharest, 1983.

Elena Palos and Filofteia Popescu; Use of Bee Venom in Anti-rheumatic Drugs. (Romania).

www.beevenom.com.

www.gilbertsville.com.

www.ahealthyme.com.