If a prostate case cannot stand the heat, must put his feet out of bed because they burn, feels a sinking at eleven in the morning, and has other Sulphur symptoms, he must be given Sulphur in the first place, and Sabal serrulata may be given afterwards. Possibly sulphur will cure the whole case, including the prostate. Besides taking note of all the constitutional symptoms, the prescriber must consider the medical history and inheritance of the patient.
If there is a tubercular tendency or suspicion, he should receive infrequent dose of Bacillinum or Tuberculinum in the 30th potency, or higher; if there is a suspicion of cancer, he should receive infrequent doses of Carcinosinum, or Scirrhinum in the 100th potency or higher; if there has been vaccinial poisoning or gonorrhoea, Thuja 30 or medorrhinum 30 should be give once twice a week. The homoeopathic prescriber must act with intelligence, not like an automation.
If sabal serrulata is given to all prostate cases, some will be cured and other will not be cured, although they might be cured if the prescriber had used the necessary intelligence and industry. Under the heading of enlarged prostate Boericke enumerates forty-three remedies in his pocket materia medica, while Kent enumerates forty-eight. Homoeopathic prescribing is difficult if it is done conscientiously.
Hitherto I have found that cases of prostatic enlargement respond rapidly and easily to homoeopathic treatment, combined with a judiciously selected diet, making operation unnecessary, which are expensive, risky and occasionally involve many months in bed. I know a gentleman who had his prostate taken out when eighty years old. The operation was successful, but the patient felt ill and weak for two years afterwards.
However, he is still alive and goes about as usual. Every physician, homoeopathic and orthodox, ought to be acquainted with this from of treatment which will give to thousands of unhappy, middle-aged and old men wonderful comfort, with very little trouble and expense. Operation on the part of a first-class surgeon with nursing homes, etc., means, of course, a great expenditure, and much anxiety.