Preparation


HOMOEOPATHIC medicines are derived from the mineral, animal and vegetable kingdoms. The vast majority, however, come from live plants and herbs, and are classified under BOTANICALS. …


HOMOEOPATHIC medicines are derived from the mineral, animal and vegetable kingdoms. The vast majority, however, come from live plants and herbs, and are classified under BOTANICALS. These include the whole plant, parts such as flowers, roots, seed, bark, twigs, leaves and the juice and, when possible, all should be gathered when fresh and succulent. Homoeopathic pharmacists obtain these botanicals from the countryside from all over the North American continent. All should be gathered at the proper peak or growth to insure the potency and medicinal quality. Many of these plants however, are indigenous to foreign soil, and as with other raw or crude substances, must be imported from far- away India, Europe, Asia and Africa, or from South American countries. (Botanicals must be gathered by professional botanists and medical experts, and preserved in alcohol or partly processed, and then finished in American pharmaceutical laboratories.)

When freshly gathered, as mentioned above, and properly processed, these potent wholesome concentrations retain both the volatile and non-volatile substances such as the enzymes, vital elements that are frequently lost in medicines made from dried plants. Wholesome purity is an outstanding characteristic of homoeopathic medicines; (but synthetic drugs are foreign to homoeopathy and should never be substituted for nature’s own healing and curative agents. In any event-unless prescribed by and used under supervision of a physician.)

Homoeopathic medicines are made in various strengths or potencies; and prepared according to official and accepted standards. Their successful use has a seasoned background of 150 years of professional medical practice and experience. This century-and-a-half or research and experiments were done on healthy human beings, and known as DRUG-PROVING, and tested at the bedside of the sick, in the homes and in the hospitals all over the world. Homoeopathic medicines are free from untoward side-effects.

The HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF THE UNITED STATES was authorized by an act of Congress; and has been recognized by the United States Government since 1938, and is the official compendium which directs and prescribes the manner in which homoeopathic medicines shall be made and preserved, just as the United States Pharmacopoeia is the official compendium for non- homoeopathic drugs. These two compendiums prescribe the standards of purity, selection and preservation and manufacture of official drug products.

While skilled and experienced homoeopathic physicians prescribe a wide range of potencies, it has been found from long experience that a range of the 3x and 6x, or in some cases 2x, covers the requirements for the layman. Since individuals differ in temperament and reaction to homoeopathic remedies, there is no set rule and it cannot be determined in advance just which potency would serve best in any particular case. In general however, when a case is improving, it is well to continue with the potency chosen; but in case the improvement slows down or lags, then the next higher potency should be advised. Example : Change from 3x to 6x, etc.

SOME DO’S AND DONT’S IN USING HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE

1. Do not change drugs too often. Allow at least overnight in most cases.

2. Children react promptly to medicine. Do not expect the same rapid results with adults. Excessive use of coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol retards the homoeopathic drug action. Many household drugs such as cathartics, sedatives, analgesics, etc., may also interfere.

3. Avoid the use of nose drops, sprays, inhalers and gargles when using homoeopathic medicines, unless specifically directed. Counter-irritants containing camphor nullify the action of most homoeopathic medicines.

SYMPTOMS AND DISEASE STATES WHICH THE LAYMAN SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO TREAT

There are obvious limitations which should be recognized in employing homoeopathic medicines at home. In the first place, there are diseases which respond to the newer drugs such as penicillin, the sulfonamides, antibiotics and hormones but these drugs can be properly or safely used only under physician’s care. There are also certain mechanical methods, regional anesthesia techniques and necessary sedatives which only a physician should prescribe. There is no substitute for intelligent professional care in case of serious illness and one should be on the look-out signs and symptoms that immediately necessitate the calling of a doctor of medicine.

It avails us little to list by name those disease which are not suited to home medication because a layman, while he can feel symptoms caused by illness, is not able to diagnose the disease by its medical name.

Conditions and Diseases. In Anatomical Order, which Should NOT Be Treated By the Laity.

I. Relating to the Head

1. Persistent headache, if one has not been subject to the attacks.

2. Recurrent or chronic dizzy spells.

II. Relating to the Special Senses

1. All complaints of the eyes, with the exception of recurrent styes and marginal inflammation of the lids.

2. Most acute and chronic ear complaints should be treated by a physician.

3. Chronic obstruction of the nose may require surgical treatment. Most acute an chronic discharges (sinus) respond to homoeopathic treatment.

4. Throat: Seek professional opinion as to the need for a tonsillectomy. Acute conditions respond rapidly to penicillin or sulfonamides as a rule, but homoeopathic remedies are effective also.

External Throat: Any swelling of the external neck or glands should have professional attention at once.

5. With the advent of civic centers for chest x-ray, the discovery of early TB. is possible. Avail yourself of this service by your country or city health authorities.

Cough that is chronic may be early cancer of the lungs and frequent blood spitting is a serious sign. See your physician at once.

Wheezing, especially on lying down at night may be due to a weak heart and not to lung trouble.

Pain through the chest is seldom due to lung trouble and indicates heart trouble if brought on by smoking, eating, exposure to cold and to exercise.

6. Heart : Palpitation, “skipped” heart beats are not as a rule serious but it is wise to consult a physician. Homoeopathy can do much for the so called “functional” heart ailments once we rule out any serious disease. For shortness of breath, even on mild exercise, also especially if awakened by difficult breathing at night, one should seek professional advice.

7. Abdomen : Any swelling that has become evident in a short time. Any painful area which is tender to pressure, above or below the navel, especially with indigestion. See pamphlet on Indigestion and Dyspepsia.

Vomiting, pain in the pit of the stomach and fever, later localized on the lower right side, suggest appendicitis.

Any “bunch” or localized mass, with or without abdominal swelling or distention, requires medical examination. It might be rupture, or in women, any number of pelvic complications.

8. Lower abdomen and pelvis: In pregnant women any abdominal complaint, especially if localized.

In both sexes, severe radiating pain to groin suggest kidney complications.

9. Any changes in bowel habits, especially past 50. Narrow or painful stools, a dull ache in the rectal area.

Any bleeding whatever, from rectum or in stool. Also black stool. Red-tinged bowel movements may be due to simple hemorrhoids but should be investigated.

10. Urinary complaints: Excessive frequency of large amounts, with thirst and excessive appetite suggest investigation for diabetes. Frequency at night only, (usually not significant in elderly males) should be investigated for high blood pressure and urinary tract disease, especially prostrate enlargement.

GENERAL SYMPTOMS AND STATES

1. Excessive weakness at any age. Blood count necessary and other tests suggested by the physician.

2. Any lump or enlarged gland, anywhere, breast, armpit, groin or neck.

3. Continuous loss of weight. Follow suggestions under 1.

4. Excessive pallor, sallowness or any growths on skin.

5. Backache, if severe or continued in either sex.

For dosage and time of administration, see page 8.

Garth Boericke
Dr Garth Wilkinson BOERICKE (1893-1968)
American homeopath - Ann Arbor - Michigan.
Son of William Boericke.
Books:
A Compend of the Principles of Homeopathy.
Homoeopathy