Courtesy of Homeopathy Plus!

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People sometimes wonder if Bach flowers and homeopathy are similar. The answer is both yes and no. To understand the two systems a little better, this article will discuss the following:

• Bach flowers and Homeopathy – What’s the Difference?
• Who was Dr Edward Bach?
• The 38 Bach Flowers: Their Discovery and Development
• Edward Bach’s Death
• How Bach Flower Remedies are Taken
• Emotions Helped by Bach Flower Remedies

Bach Flowers and Homeopathy – What’s the Difference?Like homeopathy, Bach flower remedies use drop doses, are virtually tasteless, rely on the ‘essence’ of plants for their gentle healing effects, ease mental-emotional difficulties, and do this without harmful side-effects.
But there are differences.
While Bach flowers hope to treat physical problems by relieving the mental-emotional symptoms that surround and perhaps cause them, homoeopathy acts at a deeper level to treat both at the same time.
Homoeopathy also works by a specific ‘like treats like’, or Law of Similars approach.
In contrast, the principle that underpins Bach flowers is still unknown and the way they create changes in mood and emotions, unclear.
While the beneficial effect of Bach flowers may come from the homeopathic ‘like treats like’ effect or from just a simple palliation or suppression of symptoms, without a proving there is no way of knowing.
Who was Dr Edward Bach?Dr Edward Bach was born in England in 1886.
As a young man he seriously considered entering the ministry. Fortunately for Bach flower users he decided upon a career in medicine instead.
Bach commenced his training at the University College Hospital and while there held the positions of Casualty Medical Officer and House Surgeon.
He also worked at the National Temperance Hospital and practiced from rooms at prestigious Harley Street.
In 1919, Bach commenced work at the London Homoeopathic Hospital where he was highly influenced by homeopathy and the teachings of its founder, Samuel Hahnemann.
During this period he also worked on vaccines and was jointly responsible for the development of a group of remedies prepared from bowel bacteria, called the bowel nosodes.
These nosodes are still in use today.
In 1930, dissatisfied with medicine’s focus on the disease rather than the patient, Bach left a successful medical practice to explore a more humane way of treatment.
Over the course of several years he perfected a natural system of medicine that relied on 38 different flower essences from plants and trees of the surrounding countryside.
These came to be known as the Bach flower remedies.
The 38 Bach Flowers: Discovery and DevelopmentFrom Bach’s experiences in medical practice, he had come to the conclusion that most physical illness was caused by negative emotions, and that if unbalanced emotions were corrected, physical health would return.
Along with being a researcher, Bach was also a highly sensitive and naturally intuitive individual. He found that by holding his hand over certain plants his own negative emotions would resolve.
After identifying which plants resolved which emotions he began to prepare them as remedies.
Originally he collected the dew off the petals and mixed them with an equal amount of alcohol to make the tincture.
He soon found impossible to collect enough this way to treat his patients so he progressed to suspending the flowers in jars of spring water and leaving them in the sunlight for several hours.
For woodier plants, buds and sprigs were boiled in water to collect their essence.
All three of these approaches produced a mother tincture that could then be further diluted to make the Bach flower remedy.
Edward Bach’s DeathDr Bach died from cancer at 50 years of age on the evening of November 27th, 1936.
While his death was early and untimely it must be kept in mind that nineteen years earlier he had been given only 3 months to live. Bach attributed in his prolonged survival in part to the Bach flowers with which he worked.
Fortunately for us his collection of remedies was complete by the time of his death and they are now known and used around the world.
How are Bach Flower Remedies Taken?Bach flower remedies are easy to prepare and easy to use.
They are sold in dropper bottles and can be dispensed as drops straight from the bottle or as sips once the drops are diluted further in a cup or bottle of water.
The resulting liquid is almost tasteless though the stock bottle does contain alcohol used as a preservative.
Bach flowers can be taken as individual remedies or in combinations or blends. For a printable pdf list of the Bach Flower remedies and the emotions they treat, please click here.
Bach flower remedies doses may be added to food and drinks or placed directly into the mouth.
They are non-addictive, will not interact with other medications, and do not have any side-effects. They can be safely used by humans, animals and even plants.
Emotions Helped by Bach Flower RemediesThe 38 Bach flower essences treat a variety of mental-emotional states, e.g. Scleranthus for indecision, Olive for mental exhaustion, Beech for intolerance and critical mindsets, Holly for extreme jealousy, and Larch for feelings of inferiority.
Of all the Bach flower remedies, Rescue Remedy is perhaps the best known. It is a combination of five Bach flowers that help during emergency situations or times of stress, such as anticipating an upcoming exam, a job interview, after an accident, or during a panic attack.

Posted by Steve Scrutton

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Arthritis is caused by a variety of factors. The individual’s immune system will try to fight it, in order to  heal itself. However, when arthritis becomes a chronic condition, it will have reached the stage when it is no longer able to do so.

Conventional medicine (ConMed) has little to offer arthritis sufferers other than temporary pain relief that does not get to the cause of the pain. The NHS admit this when it says:

"There is no cure for arthritis but there are a number of treatments that can help slow down the condition’s progress".

As a result, patients will too often find that in time they are taking ever-stronger pain killers, for limited and temporary relief. And most likely suffering from all the attendant adverse reactions, and Disease-Inducing-Effects (DIEs) of long-term drug taking.

Indeed, ConMed drugs may well be a major contributing cause of the epidemic levels of arthritis we are now suffering (see the 'Creation of Illness').

Homeopathy, in contrast, seeks to aid and support the body’s own defences, and to stimulate a person's own healing abilities. This more natural approach can be very effective. It can be helpful in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with the condition, and has more to offer in terms of long-term treatment. Nor are we so concerned with the many types of arthritis and rheumatism that are diagnosed now, like osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid –arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia and so on. In homeopathy we focus on individual symptoms, which vary greatly, rather than a named or diagnosed condition

There are several homeopathic remedies that can treat arthritis effectively, and some of these are listed below. Self-treatment is possible, and there are some ‘broad formula’ products for arthritis (available at stores like Boots, and Holland and Barratts). But these are generally effective only for treating acute bouts of pain rather than the underlying cause of the disease.

But with such a difficult, and varied disease, professional homeopathic treatment is usually required, especially if the condition is becoming long-term, and if you are looking for deeper, longer-lasting relief from the pain (see this website for a list of professional homeopaths in Britain).

Arnica: Chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruising and soreness. The painful parts feel worse from being moved or touched. (Herbal Arnica gels and ointments may also help to soothe arthritic pain when applied externally to areas of inflammation and soreness)

Aurum met: Wandering pains in the muscles and joints that are better from motion and warmth, and worse at night. Deep pain may be felt in the limbs when the person tries to sleep, or discomfort may wake the person up. People who need this remedy are often serious and focused on work or career, with a tendency to feel depressed.

Bryonia: This remedy can be helpful for stiffness and inflammation with tearing or throbbing pain, made worse by even the smallest motion. The condition may have developed gradually, and is worse in cold dry weather. Discomfort is aggravated by being touched or bumped, or from any movement. Pressure brings relief (if it stabilises the area) and improvement also comes from rest. The person may want to move, but has to stay completely still and not be interfered with. 

Calcarea carbonica: This remedy may be useful for deeply aching arthritis involving node formation around the joints. Inflammation and soreness are worse from cold and dampness, and problems may be focused on the knees and hands. Weakness in the muscles, easy fatigue from exertion, and a feeling of chilliness or sluggishness are common. A person who needs Calcarea is often solid and responsible, but tends to become extremely anxious and overwhelmed when ill or overworked. 

Causticum: This remedy may be indicated when deformities develop in the joints, in a person with a tendency toward tendon problems, muscle weakness, and contractures. The hands and fingers may be most affected, although other joints can also be involved. Stiffness and pain are worse from being cold, and relief may come with warmth. A person who needs this remedy often feels best in rainy weather and worse when the days are clear and dry. 

Calcarea fluorica: This remedy is often indicated when arthritic pains improve with heat and motion. Joints become enlarged and hard, and nodes or deformities develop. Arthritis after chronic injury to joints also responds to Calcarea fluorica.

Dulcamara: If arthritis flares up during cold damp weather, or after the person gets chilled and wet, this remedy may be indicated. People needing Dulcamara are often stout, with a tendency toward back pain, chronic stiffness in the muscles, and allergies.

Kali birch: When this remedy is indicated, arthritic pains may alternate with asthma or stomach symptoms. Pains may suddenly come and go, or shift around. Discomfort and inflammation are aggravated by heat, and worse when the weather is warm.

Kali carb: Arthritis with great stiffness and stitching pains, worse in the early morning hours and worse from cold and dampness, may respond to this remedy—especially if joints are becoming thickened or deformed. People who need this remedy often have a rigid moral code, and tend to feel anxiety in the stomach.

Kalmia: Intense arthritic pain that flares up suddenly may responds to this remedy—especially when problems start in higher joints and extend to lower ones. Pain and inflammation may begin in the elbows, spreading downward to the wrists and hands. Discomfort is worse from motion and often worse at night.

Ledum: Arthritis that starts in lower joints and extends to higher ones may respond to this remedy. Pain and inflammation often begin in the toes and spread upward to the ankles and knees. The joints may also make cracking sounds. Ledum is strongly indicated when swelling is significant and relieved by cold applications.

Pulsatilla: If the arthritis pain is changeable in quality, or flare-ups move from place to place, and gentle motions relieves the pain, this remedy may be useful. The symptoms (and the person) feel worse from warmth, and better from fresh air and cold applications. People who need this remedy usually are emotional and affectionate, sometimes having tearful moods.

Rhododendron: This remedy is strongly indicated if swelling and soreness flare up before a storm, and continues until the weather clears. Cold and dampness aggravate the symptoms. Discomfort is often worse toward early morning, or after staying still too long. The person feels better from warmth and gentle motion, and also after eating.

Rhus tox: arthritis, with pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning and worse on first motion, but better from continued movement, may be helped with this remedy. Hot baths or showers, and warm applications improve the stiffness and relieve the pain. The condition is worse in cold, wet weather. The person may feel extremely restless, unable to find a comfortable position, and need to keep moving constantly. Continued motion also helps to relieve anxiety.

Ruta grav: arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness and lameness, worse from cold and damp and worse from exertion, may be helped with this remedy. Tendons and capsules of the joints can be deeply affected or damaged. The arthritis may have developed after overuse, or from repeated wear and tear.

There are many other remedies, and as always with homeopathy, it is important to match the right remedy with the right person.
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Courtesy of Homeopathy Plus!

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Homeopathy has medicines that can help to palliate the symptoms associated with food allergies. Each day there are more and more people who are allergic or intolerant to specific foods.
In order to maximise the effectiveness of our homeopathic treatment, we need to ensure that our homeopathic physician prescribes the appropriate background treatment for our particular food allergy.
We also need to be subjected to an allergy test, in order to be able to ascertain which foods to avoid.
Homeopathic remedies for food allergiesWhilst we are waiting for our appointment with our homeopathic physician, we should take Apis 15C and Puomo histamine 15C. 5 granules of each medicine should be taken twice a day.
This treatment should be added to the background treatment that has been prescribed by our homeopathic physician.
If there are hives / food allergies, the following medicines are used:Antimodium crudum 9C: If the hives appear after excessive food consumption, especially if the food in question is a meat product. Gastric irritation usually occurs.
Apis 9C:
When the spots are pinkish, inflamed and relieved by exposure to cold.
Arsenicum album 9C:
If the hives appear when the patient is in the sea. The patient improves when he is warm and is restless and anxious.
Astacus 9C:
If the hives appear as a result of eating crayfish.
Dulcamara 9C:
When the hives appear after ingesting milk.
Fragaria 9C:
For hives that appear as a result of eating strawberries.
Homarus 9C:
When the hives appear after eating lobster.
Kalium carbonicum 4C:
For hives that occur during menstruation
Manganum 15C:
When the patient feels a prickling, itching sensation in the joints.
Natrum muriaticum 9C:
For hives that occur after sunbathing.
Pulsatilla 9C:
When the hives appear after eating pork.
Staphisagria 15C:
When the hives are itchy. The itch moves to a different place when the patient scratches it.
Urtica urens 5C:
When the hives appear after eating shellfish or fish or after bathing or exercising excessively.
We should choose the appropriate remedy and take 5 granules three times a day


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Anxiety
Anxiety encompasses many different, probably more primary emotions, including a feeling of uneasiness, apprehension or fear. apprehensive, or fearful. Anxiety is usually experienced at times when we feel we are not in control of events, or about events we consider to be threatening or dangerous. We can, for example, feel anxious about entering new or strange social situations, doing exams, making a speech, or attending job interviews. Often anxiety is closely associated with fear, or some future threat, and the need to escape a situation.


Often, anxiety can be accompanied by physical problems, such as sweating, muscle tension, insomnia, headaches, nausea, even heart palpitation


Normal life is anxiety creating, so everyone feels anxious at some time. Indeed, anxiety can be helpful, or even motivational, spurring us on to succeed in what we choose to do. So anxiety is not  necessarily a problem. However, anxiety can also become overwhelming, and prevent us doing anything, and certainly not succeeding in anything. This is when anxiety becomes a problem, and requires treatment. Anxiety is then often divided into several different types.


     Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
People with GAD feel anxious most of the time. They are chronic worriers, about most things concerned with daily life. Usually they can recognise that their anxiety is irrational, or out of proportion, but they remain unable to do anything about it.


     Phobias
Phobias are excessive, enduring and usually irrational fears about ordinary life events or situations. The fear can be about heights (Acrophobia), about closed spaces (claustrophobia), insects, travelling by plane, fear of social situations, and much else.


     Panic Disorder
Panic is produced by an intense and overpowering moment, or period of fear. Sometimes panic attacks are unpredictable, and they can be associated with palpitation, trembling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nausea.


     Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD occurs when people have obsessive, intrusive, and often unwanted thoughts or images, and as a result, they feel compelled to perform certain behaviours, repeatedly.


     Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD happens when an individual goes through a traumatic or catastrophic events. It is closely associated with soldiers following warfare, or with serious accidents, or with physical or sexual assaults. Whatever events, the individual is unable to prevent regularly reliving the experience, or they are plagued with flashback.


What all anxiety conditions have is restricting the ability of the individual to live their lives fully and openly. They can become insular, introverted and closed, and unable to venture out fully into society. Anxiety is often associated with depression, and with alcohol /smoking issues, and substance misuse generally.


Conventional Medical Treatment for Anxiety
The NHS Choices website has been used here as the source of information about the conventional medical treatment of this condition. As we will see below, conventional medical drugs for anxiety have proven to be so harmful to patients that now psychological therapies are now recommended initially.


NHS Choices confirms this, saying that doctors will usually recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Applied Relaxation Therapy in the first instance. These therapies are useful, often effective, and certainly they do not have the dangerous side effects of drug treatment.


However, conventional medicine will use drug treatment if the psychological treatments have not helped, or if they are not available.


Yet before any drug is mentioned, NHS Choices says that it is important for patients discuss the options with their doctors, including the lengths of time drugs should be taken, the need for regular appointments, and the need to report any side effects that might be caused. This caution and uncertainty reflects the known dangers of all these drugs, and the harm they can cause to patients.


Antidepressants.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRI drugs, like sertraline, escitalopram or paroxetine, are usually the first drug patients are offered for anxiety. Patients are warned that they can take several weeks to start working, that low doses are used at first ‘until you body adjusts’ to  the drug. The outline the side effects of SSRI antidepressants as follows:
     •     feeling sick
     •     low sex drive
     •     blurred vision 
     •     diarrhoea or constipation 
     •     dizziness
     •     dry mouth
     •     loss of appetite 
     •     sweating 
     •     feeling agitated 
     •     problems sleeping (insomnia)


But for a more comprehensive list of side effects, go to the 'Dangerous Pharmaceutical Drugs' website.


Yet when patients survive the side effect they then have to be careful about withdrawal symptoms. NHS Choices says that patients “have your dose slowly reduced over the course of a few weeks to reduce the risk of withdrawal effects” and that patients should “never stop taking your medication unless your GP specifically advises you to”.


Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRI antidepressants, like venlafaxine and duloxetine, are used if SSRIs do not work. Again, NHS Choices outline the side effects as:
     •     feeling sick 
     •     headaches
     •     drowsiness 
     •     dizziness 
     •     dry mouth 
     •     constipation 
     •     insomnia 
     •     sweating


Patients are also warned that SNRI drugs can increase blood pressure, and that blood pressure has to be monitored regularly during treatment.


For a more comprehensive list of side effects, go to this website.


Pregabalin
If both SSRIs and SNRIs fail to work patients are offered pregabalin, an anticonvulsant drug usually used for conditions such as epilepsy, but “it has also been found to be beneficial in treating anxiety”. Again, NHS Choices outlines a few of this drug’s side effects”
     •     drowsiness
     •     dizziness
     •     increased appetite and weight gain
     •     blurred vision
     •     headaches
     •     dry mouth
     •     vertigo (the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning)


However, this is another inadequate outline of the harm this drug can cause.


Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, like chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and lorazepam, are the next drugs mentioned by NHS Choices for the treatment of anxiety. They are described as sedatives ‘very effective in treating the symptoms of anxiety’ on a short-term basis ‘particularly a severe period of anxiety because they help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking the medication’.


Only then does NHS Choices mention the down side of this class of drug, with a series of unsatisfactory warnings.


     “Although benzodiazepines are very effective in treating the symptoms of anxiety, they cannot be used for long periods of time because they can become addictive if used for longer than four weeks. Benzodiazepines also start to lose their effectiveness after this time.


The side effects of benzodiazepines are also seriously misrepresented by NHS Choices. I include the list here because it needs to be compared with the real problems caused by these dreadful drugs: 
     •     drowsiness
     •     difficulty concentrating
     •     headaches
     •     vertigo
     •     tremor (an uncontrollable shake or tremble in part of the body)
     •     low sex drive


For a more realistic description of Benzodiazepine drugs, go to this link in ‘Dangerous Pharmaceutical Drugs. A comparison between the information given here, and by NHS Choices, demonstrates clearly that the conventional medical establishment do not want patients to know the full dangers of the drugs they give to them.


If patients get this far, NHS Choices says that the next step is a referral to a specialist!




Homeopathic Treatment of Anxiety
Homeopathy is a medical therapy that will avoid some of the side-effects and adverse reactions of conventional medical treatment. Homeopathy is the second most popular medical therapy in the world, and the most popular holistic system of medicine. Homeopathy is based on remedies made from a variety of different substances, all of which are known to cause symptoms of illness if taken in their normal form. However, homeopathy has discovered that substances that cause symptoms of illness can also cure those same symptoms of illness.


This is the principle of “Like cures Like” on which all homeopathy is based.


The task of the homeopath is to find a remedy whose symptom picture matches the symptoms of a person’s illness. These remedy symptom pictures have been developed over the last 220 years.


The selection of a homeopathic remedy is based on the individual’s symptoms of illness, not on any broad conventionally-defined illness. It is important to stress this. Homeopathy does not treat illness or diseases. Instead it treats an individual who has been diagnosed with a particular illness or disease. The distinction is important, and if you wish to read more about this, click on the chapter “Illness Diagnosis”.


As far as (disease) is concerned, homeopathy has highlighted a number of remedies that have been found to be useful in its treatment. The following remedies provide a guide to the kind of anxiety symptoms they will treat, and they have been taken from the similima.com website. All the remedies mentioned are safe, and any remedy that matches the patient’s symptoms will be effective. These simple remedy pictures give some indication of the types of symptoms they will treat.


Many of these remedies can be found in simple home-use remedy kits that can be obtained from these Homeopathic Pharmacies.


However, for an accurate, individualised remedy section, patients should consult with a qualified homeopath. This increases the likelihood of matching an individual with a remedy that will work for them. A remedy that does not match the symptoms of an individual’s illness will not work!


Aconitum napellus

A panic attack that comes on suddenly with very strong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy. A state of immense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing of the face. Sometimes a shaking experience will be the underlying cause. Strong feelings of anxiety may also occur when a person is just beginning to come down with a flu or cold.


Argentum nitricum

This remedy can be helpful when anxiety develops before a big event: an exam, an important interview, a public appearance or social engagement. Dizziness and diarrhoea may also be experienced. People who need this remedy are often enthusiastic and suggestible, with a tendency toward peculiar thoughts and impulses. They often crave sweets and salt (which usually make their symptoms worse).


Arsenicum album
P
People who are deeply anxious about their health, and extremely concerned with order and security, often benefit from this remedy. Obsessive about small details and very neat, they may feel a desperate need to be in control of everything. Panic attacks often occur around midnight or the very early hours of the morning. The person may feel exhausted yet still be restless—fidgeting, pacing, and anxiously moving from place to place. These people may also have digestive problems or asthma attacks accompanied by anxiety.


Calcarea carbonica

This remedy is usually indicated for dependable, solid people who become overwhelmed from physical illness or too much work and start to fear a breakdown. Their thoughts can be muddled and confused when tired, which adds to the anxiety. Worry and bad news may agitate them, and a nagging dread of disaster (to themselves or others) may develop. Fear of heights and claustrophobia are also common. A person who needs this remedy is often chilly and sluggish, has a craving for sweets, and is easily fatigued.


Gelsemium

Feelings of weakness, trembling, and mental dullness (being “paralyzed by fear”) suggest a need for this remedy. It is often helpful when a person has stage-fright about a public performance or interview, or feels anxious before a test, a visit to the dentist, or any stressful event. Chills, perspiration, diarrhoea, and headaches will often occur with nervousness. Fear of crowds, a fear of falling, and even a fear that the heart might stop are other indications for Gelsemium.


Ignatia

A sensitive person who is anxious because of grief, loss, disappointment, criticism, loneliness (or any stressful emotional experience) may benefit from this remedy. A defensive attitude, frequent sighing, and mood swings are other indications. The person may burst unexpectedly into either tears or laughter. Headaches that feel like a nail driven into the side of the head, and cramping pains in the abdomen or back, are often seen when this remedy is needed.


Kali phos
When a person has been exhausted by overwork or illness and feels a deep anxiety and inability to cope, this remedy may help. The person is jumpy and oversensitive, and may be startled by ordinary sounds. Hearing unpleasant news or thinking of world events can aggravate the problems. Insomnia and an inability to concentrate may develop, increasing the sense of nervous dread. Eating, warmth, and rest often bring relief. Headaches, backaches, and nervous digestive upsets are often seen when this remedy is needed.


Lycopodium

Individuals likely to respond to this remedy feel anxiety from mental stress and suffer from a lack of confidence. They can be self-conscious and feel intimidated by people they perceive as powerful (yet may also swagger or be domineering toward those with whom they feel more comfortable). Taking on responsibility can cause a deep anxiety and fear of failure, although the person usually does well, once started on a task. Claustrophobia, irritability, digestive upsets with gas and bloating, and a craving for sweets are often seen when this remedy is needed.


Natrum mur

Deep emotions and a self-protective shyness can make these people seem reserved, aloof, and private. Even when feeling lonely, they tend to stay away from social situations, not knowing what to say or do. (Inhibitions sometimes leave completely if they turn to alcohol, which makes them feel embarrassed afterwards.) Easily hurt and offended, they can brood, bear grudges, dwell on unhappy feelings, and isolate themselves—refusing consolation even when they want it. However, they are often sympathetic listeners to other people’s problems. Claustrophobia, anxiety at night (with fears of robbers or intruders), migraines, and insomnia are often seen when this remedy is needed.


Phosphorus

People who need this remedy are openhearted, imaginative, excitable, easily startled, and full of intense and vivid fears. Strong anxiety can be triggered by thinking of almost anything. Nervous and sensitive to others, they can overextend themselves with sympathy to the point of feeling exhausted and “spaced out” or even getting ill. They want a lot of company and reassurance, often feeling better from conversation or a back-rub. Easy flushing of the face, palpitations, thirst, and a strong desire for cold, refreshing foods are other indications for Phosphorus.


Pulsatilla

People who need this remedy often express anxiety as insecurity and clinginess, with a need for constant support and comforting. The person may be moody, tearful, whiny, even emotionally childish. (Pulsatilla is a very useful remedy for children.) Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room often increases anxiety. Fresh air and gentle exercise often bring relief. Anxiety around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) often is helped with Pulsatilla.


Silicea
People who need this remedy are capable and serious, yet are also nervous, shy, and subject to bouts of temporary loss of confidence. Anxiety can be extreme when they are faced with a public appearance, interview, examination, or any new job or task. Worry and overwork can bring on headaches, difficulty concentrating, and states of exhaustion, oversensitivity, and dread. Responsible and diligent, they often overreact and devote attention to tiny details—making their worries (and their work) more difficult. They often have low stamina and come down with colds, sore throats, or other illnesses after working hard or being under stress.


Scientific Evidence Supporting Homeopathy
There is a significant and growing amount of scientific evidence confirming that homeopathy is a safe and effective medical therapy. However, this evidence remains only the third most important proof of this.


The most important proof for the safety and effectiveness of homeopathy is clinical experience, that is the many millions of patients who, having suffered serious illness, have been treated successfully with homeopathy. This is going on throughout the world, and been doing so for over 200 years.


Homeopathy has also developed a voluminous materia medica. This contains the intricate details of the healing properties of several thousand substances used to make homeopathic remedies. The short remedy pictures above are just a tiny part of this knowledge.


However, the following scientific studies have been undertaken on the homeopathic treatment of anxiety.


A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.
Amsterdam JD1, Li Y, Soeller I, Rockwell K, Mao JJ, Shults J.


     “We observed a significantly greater reduction in mean total HAM-A score during chamomile versus placebo therapy. Although the study was not powered to identify small to moderate differences in secondary outcomes, we observed a positive change in all secondary outcomes in the same direction as the primary outcome measure….The results suggest that chamomile may have modest anxiolytic activity in patients with mild to moderate GAD. Future studies are needed to replicate these observations”.


Dose-effect study of Gelsemium sempervirens in high dilutions on anxiety-related responses in mice
Paolo Magnani,1 Anita Conforti,2 Elisabetta Zanolin,2 Marta Marzotto,1 and Paolo Bellavite1


     “The overall pattern of results provides evidence that G. sempervirens acts on the emotional reactivity of mice, and that its anxiolytic-like effects are apparent, with a non-linear relationship, even at high dilutions”.




The information on this webpage represents the views and opinion of the author, based on his clinical experience, and the traditions of Homeopathy. This material is provided for information only, and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Always consult with a suitably qualified and registered Homeopath, or with a medical doctor for advice about the treatment they offer, especially in serious or life threatening medical conditions, or if you are already taking medical drugs.’