Chapter 6: Preparation of Homeopathy Remedy

CHAPTER6Homoeopathic Remedies

Abstract: In this chapter, a list of polychrest remedies that are commonly used for wide range of symptoms of diseases and their uses is given. Sources of homeopathic remedies and examples of each type are outlined. In addition, the three stages involved in the preparation of homeopathic remedies (preparation of the mother liquor, potentisation and medication) as well as the quality control criteria for both the prepared remedies and their potencies will also be detailed.

6.1. Homeopathic remedies:

6.1.a. Homoeopathy as Polychrest;

Samuel Hahnemann named remedies which are effective in the treatment of a wide range of symptoms of diseases as Polychrest remedies. The word is derived from the Greek words – ‘poly’ and ‘crestos’, meaning ‘many uses’. They are ‘Polychrest’ because in their individual provings they induced not only a large number of symptoms, but these symptoms included several symptoms that are common to several common diseases. Thus, by the Law of Similar, these remedies have a great potential therapeutic application for a wide range of similar symptoms in the patient.

Polychrest include many of the great classical homoeopathic medicines, which are central to the whole Homoeopathic Materia Medica, such as Atropa Belladonna, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Calcarea Carbonica, Arsenicum Album and Sulphur. Listed below are few of the most common homoeopathic medicines. (for further examples on remedies commonly used for common diseases please refer to appendix 1)

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Table 1. Common homoeopathic remedies

Abbreviations Full Name Common name

Common uses

Aconite Aconitum napellus

Monkshood Effects of fear and fright ;sore throat chicken pox neuralgia.

Allium cepa Allium cepa Onion Common colds with sneezing and watering eyes

Belladonna Atropa belladonna

Deadly Nightshade

Throbbing pains; facial neuralgia; sore throat; measles; mumps.

Berberis Berberis aquifolium / berberis vulgaris

Barberry Anxiety ; fear and depression.

Calc.carb. Calcarea Carbonica

Calcium carbonate

Excessive appetite ; profuse periods , acne cramp.

Calendula Calendula officinalis

Marigold Healing cuts and sores.

Chamomilia Chamomilla Wild chamomile

Teething infants ;nausea ; migraine

Euphrasia Euphrasia officinalis

Eyebright Inflamed, watering eyes; conjunctivitis; measles ; German measles.

Ferr.phos. Ferrum phosphoricum

Iron phosphate Nose bleed ; hot flushes ; varying appetite; fear .

Gelsemium Gelsemium semprvirens

Yellow jasmine Influenza; sore throat; measeles;runny nose; examination or interview nervous.

Graphites Graphites Black lead Cracked , wheeping eczema ; chapped , unhealthy skin ; constiupation .

Hamamelis Hamamelis virganica

Witch hazel Chillblains ; varicose veins ; heavy periods ; bleeding piles .

Hypericum Hypericum perforatum

St. john’s wort Blows to fingers and toes ; very painful cuts and wounds; bleeding piles

Ignatia Ignatia amara St. Ignatius Bean

Bravement; shock ; weepiness; hysteria; Piercing headaches.

Kali Phos. Kali Phosphoricum

Potassium phosphate

Exhaustion ; indigestion ; weakness during convalescence and after influenza.

Ledum Ledum palustre Wild Rosemary Respiratory and rheumatic conditions ;puncture wounds.

Merc Sol. Mercurius Solubilis

Soluble mercury (quicksilver)

Bad breath; body odour ;diarrhoea ; chickenpox ; mumps.

Nat.Mur. Natrum Muriaticum

Sodium Chloride (salt)

Exhaustion; sinus troubles ; cold sores ;sneezy colds ; runny nose .

Nux Vom. Nux Vomica Poison nut Nervous indigestion; hangover ; itching piles; constipation ;stomach pain .

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Continue….

Table 1. Common homoeopathic remedies

Abbreviations Full Name Common name

Common uses

Plumbum met. Plumbum metallicum

Lead Muscle spasm ; Muscle weakness.

Rhus tox. Rhus Toxicodendron

Poison Ivy Rheumatisim; strains of joints and tendons ; lumbago; sciatica; herpes of lips.

Sepia Sepia officinalis Cuttlefish( juice)

Change of life ; morning sickness; suppressed or delayed periods.

Silica Silicea Pure flint Boils; abscesses ; Sinus troubles ; chronic headaces.

Sulphur Sulphur Sulphur Skin troubles ;boils ; burning and itching piles.

Thuja Thuja Occidentalis

Tree of life Warts ; body odour ; morning headaches with lack of appetite .

Urtica Urtica Urens Stinging nettle Urticaria; burns and scalds; insect bites; sunburn; gout.

Veratrum alb Veratrum album White hellebore Neuralgia; menstrual tension; mental illness.

6.1.b. Sources of homoeopathic remedies;

According to the law of similars, every substance on earth capable of including disease symptoms in a healthy person is potentially a homoeopathic medicine.

There are now more than 3,000 known medicines (remedies) available to the homoeopath, almost all of which are derived from natural sources.

These sources may be categorized as follows:

1. Plants; including flowering plants, shrubs, vegetables, bulbs or corms, and the barks of trees.2. Animals; derived from the whole animal, fish or insect, or from specific organs, glands or tissue of healthy specimens.3. Minerals; including naturally occurring mineral ores and chemical elements – metallic, non-metallic and metalloids (chemically, part metal and part non-metal).4. Biological sources: derived form healthy or diseased tissues of human or animal organisms.

Note: there are more than 500,000 known plant species on earth, yet less than 10% have been tested for their therapeutic properties. furthermore,it’s reported that with the destruction of the rain forests , pollution ,etc. at least ten plant species become extinct every day and their potential for the relief of human suffering is lost forever.

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1. Plant Source

The plant sources from the largest group, accounting for more than 60% of all homoeopathic medicines.

Although the whole plant, including the roots, is sometimes used in the preparation of homoeopathic medicines .more usually selected parts are used. These parts may be:

a) Flowersb) Leavesc) Stemd) Rootse) Budsf) Seedsg) Fruitsh) Young Shootsi) Berriesj) Bulbs k) Cormsl) Barks

WHOLE PLANTS

Collected in the flowering season in sunny weather, the fresh succulent plants are identified botanically and cleaned of dust. Insects. Etc.by gentle shaking in hot water. Examples of remedies prepared from whole plants are:

Pulsatilla Nigricans (Pulsatilla, Wind flower, Meadow Anemone, Pasque flower). The entire fresh plant is used to prepare the mother tincture.

Aconitum Napellus (Aconite, Monkshood, wolfsbane). Tall plant with flowers shaped like a monks’ cowl: grows in mountainous areas.

Calendula Officinalis (common or garden Marigold). Sometimes the roots are excluded.

Chamomilla (wild Chamomile) .an annual herb growing m Europe, Northern Asia and India. One of the original remedies proved by Samuel Hahnemann.

LEAVES

Leaves are collected when fully developed, shortly before the flowering season or after sunset examples are:

Rhus Toxicodendron (Rhus tox., Poison Ivy). Very poisonous shrub growing on east cost of the United States.

Sabina (Juniperus Sabina, Savin). Evergreen plant found in central Europe. The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh picked leaves.

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FLOWERS

Collected in dry weather, just as they are beginning to open. Flowers alone are rarely used in homoeopathy.

ROOTS

Roots of annual plants are best lifted after the seeds have ripened in the early autumn. Biennials are best lifted in the spring and perennials in the second or third year. They must be washed thoroughly and carefully inspected for signs of mould growth or woody appearance. Examples are:

Cimicifuga Racemosa (Actaea racemosa, Bugbane, Black Snake Root, Macotys). The mother tincture is prepared from the dried roots.

Ipecacuanha (Ipecac.). Contains several alkaloids (Poisonous organic compounds containing nitrogen), mainly emetine.

Bryonia Alba (Wild Bryony). Climbing hedgerow plant, growing in Europe. One of the original remedies proved by Samuel Hahnemann. Another sub-species, Bryonia Dioica, have a similar therapeutic action.

BARKS

Non-resinous barks are collected form young trees in the late autumn. Barks form resinous trees are collected during the development of blossom and leaves. Example of remedy prepared from the bark of a tree:

Cinchona Officinalis (china, Peruvian bark). The bark of the quina tree has high quinine content. It’s indigenous to South America. It was the first homoeopathic, used and

proved by Samuel Hahnemann in his original ‘proving ‘experiment.

BERRIES, FRUITS AND SEEDS

Perfect specimens are gathered when ripe, with only a few exceptions. Dried seeds may be stored in a closed container in a cool place in laboratories. They are inspected for mouldiness, bad smell or discolorations. Examples are;

Nux Vomica (Nux Vom., Poison Nut). Dried seeds from the orange berries of the poison nut tree with a crooked trunk, growing trunk, growing in Northern Australia. The seeds contain several alkaloids, mainly strychnine, and are very poisonous.

Phytolacca Decandra (Phytolacca, Virginian Poke). Tall herbaceous plant with clusters of purple/black berries and greenish/ pink flowers. Native plant of America. The whole

plant, including the berries, is used to prepare the remedy.

Ignatia Amara (ignatia, St. Ignatius Bean). Prepared from the seeds of the plant, that are indigenous to the Philippines.

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BULBS AND CORMS

Bulbs and corms are lifted form the soil in March and April. Example:

Cochicum Autumnate (Colchium, Autumn Crocus). Large corm, about 3.5 cm in diameter, with a white or pale rose flower, growing in damp meadows. The main

constituent is the poisonous alkaloid, colchicine.

Allium cepa (Allium, Red onion).

BUDS AND YOUNG SHOOTS

Buds and young shoots of plants, trees and shrubs are rich in growth factors, including vitamins, hormones, auxins and gibberellins. These remedies belong to a branch of homoeopathy known as Gemmotherapy, developed in France. Examples are:

Ribes Nigrum (black current buds). Prepared from glycerin / alcohol macerates of fresh buds, which are rich in vitamin C, anthocyins and flavenoids.

Pinus Montana (mountain Pine buds). Prepared from glycerin macerates of fresh buds of the tree.

2. Animal Sources

Homoeopathic medicines derived form animals include a wide variety of sometimes-exotic sources, including marine animals, snakes and insects. These medicines, which

may be parts of, or whole animals are obtained only from perfect, healthy specimens. They are collected in the wild, from abattoirs or from zoos.

Animal sources of homoeopathic remedies are the second largest group, accounting for about 20% of all remedies. Specimens must not be mixed with other substances and they should be stored in well-sealed containers in a cool dark place. Some examples are as follows:

Apis Mellifica (Apis Mel, Honey bee). The mother tincture is prepared from the fresh whole honey bee , including the sting .

Cantharis (Spanish fly, Blister Beetle). A small, brilliant blue-green beetle about 2 centimeters in length, with a strong odour. The dried, powdered insect is used to prepare

the mother tincture.

Sepia Officinalis (Sepia, Cuttlefish juice). Prepared from the brown, inky juice exuded by the cuttlefish on the approach of a predator. Sepia is the pigment used by artists for

centuries.

Lachesis muta (Lachesis, Lachesis mutus, Bushmaster snake, Surukuku).Prepared from the poisonous venom of the Bushmaster snake. Indigenous to S.America.

Tarantula Hispanica (Tarantula Hisp. Spanish Spider, Lycosa Tarantula). A bite from this poisonous spider was thought to cause hysteria for which dancing was the cure.

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Thyrodea (thyroid). Prepared from the healthy thyroid gland of cattle, sheep or pigs. Belongs to the group of homoeopathic remedies called Sarcodes, usually classified under the biological sources.

4. Chemical elements and minerals

Sources of medicines in this category are sub-divided into those substances which are soluble in alcohol or water, and those which are insoluble .Mother tinctures of insoluble elements and minerals are prepared by trituration.

MINERALS

Where possible, minerals from naturally occurring ores are used, rather than synthetic minerals. Substances may be organic or inorganic compounds.

e.g.:

Arsenicum Album (Arsen Album., Arseneous oxide). Insoluble, white powder,formula; As2O3.

Hepar Sulphuris (calcium sulphide ). One of the original remedies proved by Hahnemann. It was prepared by heating equal parts of finely powdered oyster shell (calcium carbonate) and pure sulphur to white heat. Formula; CaS.insoluble in alcohol/water.

Kalium Bichromicum (Kali Bich., Potassium Biochromate, potassium Dichromate). An range-yellow crystalline salt prepared from naturally occurring chromium ore, with the formula K2Cr2O7, in it’s anhydrous form.

Natrum Muraticum (Nat Mur.Sodium Chloride, Common Salt). Prepared from naturally occurring rock salt as white crystals or powder. Formula; NaCl.

Silicea (Silica, Silicon Dioxide). White powder or transparent crystals with the formula SiO2. occurs naturally as flint, Quartz, Agate and sand. Insoluble in alcohol/water.

ELEMENTS

The basic chemical elements used may be metals, non-metals or metalloids. The naturally occurring form of elements is used in the preparation of homoeopathic remedies.

(i) Metals; Plumbum metallicum (Plumbum met., Lead). Symbol: Pb. Bluish white metal extracted from the natural ore.(ii) Metalloids; Arsenicum Metallicum (Arsenic). Symbol: As:

Selenium, Symbol: Se. essential trace element and a constituent of bones and teeth.

(iii) Nonmetals; Sulphur, Symbol: S. from naturally occurring deposits, this element has been used for medicinal purposes since early civilizations.

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Iodum (Iodine). Symbol: I. Occurs mainly in sea water. Crystalline flakes with metallic luster. Mother tincture of iodine is a brownish/red color.

Graphites (graphite, black lead, pencil lead, plumbago). An “allotropic” form of carbon.

5. Biological sources

There are three categories of these specialized homoeopathic medicines, fresh organs, glandular or tissue extracts, called Sarcodes; morbid or diseased tissue, called Nosodes, and tissue removed from the patient for the patient, called Isodes.

Bowel Nosodes are a special type of nosode developed by Glasgow physicians. Dr. John Paterson and Dr. Edward Bach. These are derived from cultures of stools containing intestinal bacteria.

Examples:

1. Nosodes: Influenzinum, Medorrhinum, Psorinum.2. Bowel Nosodes: Bacillus no. 7, Proteus, Gaertner.

3. Sarcodes: Adrenal gland, pancreas, Lumbar discus, cartilage, kidney.

1. NOSODES

Nosodes are homoeopathic medicines prepared from human morbid or diseased tissue, such as pus. Mother tinctures and their potencies are prepared in the usual manner. The finished medicines do not contain active or live organism.

Nosodes were originally prepared and proved in research in the 1930’s, carried out at the Glassgow Homoeopathic Hospital in Scotland by Dr. John Paterson and his wife and Dr. Edward Bach. Today, there are nearly 200 nosode preparations available.

Rarely prescribed in the acute stages of a disease, they are used primarily in prophylaxis. In this, we draw on the analogy between homoeopathy and vaccination. For example, a mixture of several known strains of influenza virus (e.g. Hong Kong B, England A, Influenza 1984, Influenza Chile 1985) in the thirtieth centesimal potency has been demonstrated to provide protection against influenza.

Nosodes are often employed when the symptom picture of the patient is unclear and where the patient claims to have ‘never been well since’ suffering from a particular diseases. Nosodes may be classified as:

1. Nosodes with a full symptom picture, fully proved and listed in the Homoeopathic Materia Medica.

2. Nosodes with a limited symptom picture not listed in the homoeopathic Materia Medica.

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Examples of Nosodes with a full symptom picture;

Tuberculinum (Nosodes from tubercular abscess-several strains, e.g. Tuberculinum Koch, Tuberculinum Klebs) indicated in renal affections. Characterized by constantly changing symptoms, succumbing easily to colds and where other remedies prove ineffectual.

Medorrhinum (nosode of the gonorrhea), often indicated for chronic conditions of gonorrheal origin and rheumatism.

Syphilinum (Leuticum-nosode of the syphilitic virus). Indicated for chronic skin eruptions and rheumatism.

Psorinum (Scabies Vesicle) (Psoric). Slow in its action, it is indicated for weakness and debility and skin conditions. The patients may sweat

profusely with offensive discharges (vomit, stool, pus, etc.) with eruptions around the finger nails.

Examples of Nosodes with a limited symptoms picture are;

Diptherinum (diphtheritic virus nosode), Influenzinum (all strains of influenza virus identified this century) Anthracinum (Anthrax), Folliculinum Morbillinum, Malaria Officinalis (and Malaria Tropical), Acne Bacillus, Enteritis and Paratodinum.

Nomenclature It should be noted that many Nosodes carry the suffix-inum

Dosage and Potency

Nosodes are usually prescribed as a single dose only, usually at the 30th centesimal potency (30 or 30c), but never less than the 12th centesimal potency. Many Nosodes are only available on prescription. Full details of Nosodes are given in the Materia Medica of the Nosodes (Allen).

2. BOWEL NOSODES

The introduction of the Bowel Nosodes followed exhaustive research, involving the clinical and laboratory observation of no less than 12,000 clinical cases, over 20 years, by Dr. John Paterson, a Glasgow physician, and Dr. Edward Bach, a bacteriologist. Their first paper, ‘The Potentized Drug and Its Action on the Bowel Flora’ was published in 1936. It is emphasized that the clinical and laboratory studies were not provings in the strict Hahnemannian sense. Bowel Nosodes are derived from potentized cultures of human stools containing intestinal bacteria. They are often described as the intestinal Nosodes of Bach Paterson.

Action of Bowel Nosodes:

Explaining their action, we must consider the role of B.coli and coli form organism found in the intestinal tract. B.Coli is present in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and is considered to be harmless and non-pathogenic in the healthy bowel. These intestinal bacteria break up the

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complex organic substances formed in the digestive process into simpler substances which are excreted.

In the diseased condition, the B.Coli are forced to modify their biochemistry in order to survive as the balance is upset, and are then said to be pathogenic.

Bach and Paterson found that after some patients had received homoeopathic remedies, non-lactose fermenting bacilli appeared in their stools which apparently bore a relationship with the remedy given. The concluded that these non-lactose fermenting bacilli were biochemistry related to both the disease and the Homoeopathic remedy, thus:

1. The specific organism is related to the specific disease.2. The specific organism is related to the specific homoeopathic remedy.3. The specific homoeopathic remedy is related to the specific disease.

The potentized bowel nosode can therefore be considered as a complex biochemical substance having the characteristic of the disturbed metabolism and thus be similar to the disease, and, by the Law of Similars, to have the power to restore the balance.

Use of bowel Nosodes

Bowel Nosodes are deep and broad remedies covering the totality of symptoms. Case histories should therefore take into account both past and present symptoms and when a definite symptom picture indicates a particular homoeopathic remedy, then this should be prescribed.

However, if the choice of a remedy lies between a number of possible remedies, then the associated bowel nosode may be used. For example, if Calcium Carbonate, Sulphur and graphites are all possible remedies, then the bowel nosode MORGAN PURE (Paterson) may be used, since it is associated with each of these remedies.

Bowel Nosodes are also considered to be useful remedies in the treatment of chronic diseases and in cases resistant to other treatments.

Prescribing bowel Nosodes

A single dose in the 30th centesimal potency is generally recommended. Sometimes a second dose is given, but not until after three months.

Otherwise, the general rules may be followed, that is a low potency (for example, 6c) may be given if there are marked pathological symptoms and a high potency (for example. 1M) if there are marked mental symptoms. Again, the higher the potency, the less frequent the dosage rate.

Another approach is a single dose of the bowel nosode with repeated doses of an associated remedy.

Summary of Main Bowel Nosodes

1. MORGAN (BACH)

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This is most important bowel nosode most frequently found in the patient’s stool and associated with many other remedies. The keynote for Morgan Bach is: CONGESTION.

The head is subject to congestive headaches.

The digestion is congestion of gastric mucosa and the liver.

Bilious attack with sever headaches.

It has outstanding action on the skin congestion of the skin with itching eruptions. There are two sub-types: MORGAN PURE & MORGAN GAERTNER

Constitutionally, the patient is concerned about his or her health, introspective, avoids company, and is irritable and depressed. Its associated remedies are Alumina, Baryta Carb., Calc Carb, Calc Sulph, Carbo Veg, Graphites, Kali Carb., Mag. Carb., Nat. Carb., Petroleum, Sepia and Sulphur. In particular, it is associated with Carbo Veg and Sulphur.

2. DYS CO.(BACH)

The Keynote is: NERVOUS TENSION.

The nervous tension is associated with forthcoming events, such as examinations, giving a speech, business meetings or a dental appointment.

The patient shows nervous tension, hypersensitivity, mental unease, restlessness, fidgetiness and is prone to frontal headaches over eyes.

Dys. Co (Bach) may be useful for the treatment of duodenal ulcer (brought on by nervous tension), disturbance of heart action (again from nervous tension), or palpitation before important events. Its associated remedies are Arsen. Alb., Argent. Nit. Kalmia, Veratrum Alb., Cadmium Met., Anarcardium and Veratrum Vide.

3. BACILLUS NO.7

The keynotes are: MENTAL FATIGUE and PHYSICAL FATIGUE.

Bacillus No.7 (so called because it was the seventh bowel nosode to be identicalfied) is similar to another bowel nosode called PROTEUS BACH.

It has a close relationship to the remedies of the elements bromine and iodine, often in combination with potassium. Symptoms are mental fatigue or brain fag, inability to make a mental effort which, in turn, produces a feeling of physical exhaustion.

The digestion system symptoms relate t lack of nerve and muscle tone, flatulence, distended stomach and full feeling in the stomach.

The respiratory system symptoms are asthma and bronchial catarrh, which compares with the symptom picture of the remedy Kali Carb. Its associated remedies are Arsen, Iod, Bromium, Calc. Iod, Iodum, Ferr. Iod, Kali Bich, Kali Brom, Kali Carb, Kali nit, and Nat. Iod.

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4. GAERTNER (BACH)

Gaertner (Bach) has a close association with phosphorus with this bowel nosode, the keynote is: MALNUTRITION. It is therefore, associated with the treatment of many children’s diseases and senility. Any emaciated condition is an indication of the use of Gaertner (Bach).

The child may be thin or emaciated, hypersensetive, with an overactive brain, but Gaertneer (Bach) is most indicated when the infant comes off its mother’s milk.

There is an inability to digest fat and chronic gastro-enteritis. Associated remedies are Calc fluor, Calc phos, Kali phos, Merc viv, Zinc phos, Nat phos, Phosphorus, Phytolacca, Pulsatilla and silica.

The combined symptom pictures of Phosphorus, Silica and Merc. Viv, accurately compares with that of Gaertner (Bach).

5. SYCOTIC CO. (PATERSON)

This remedy derives from non-lactose fermenting coccus found in the intestinal tract.

The keynote is: IRRITABILITY

Symptoms are nervous irritability, temper, twitching of facial muscles and blinking, headache from sinus infection (particularly children) and profuse sweating at night.

There is chronic irritation of the entire alimentary tract, acute or chronic gastroenteritis, diarrhea, nausea and sickness.

The respiratory system symptoms are chronic bronchial catarrh. Catarrh of the nose and throat with enlarged tonsils and adenoids in the child.

The patient always appears to be anemic. Associated Remedies of sycotic CO. are Acid.nit, Argent nit, Calc met, Ferrum met., Nat sulph., Rhus tox and Thuja. Other Bowel Nosodes are Proteus (Bach) , Mutabile (Bach) and Faecilis (Bach).

Table 2. Bowel nosodes &associated remedies

MORGAN (Bach)

(1st) Morgan-Pure (Paterson)

Alumina Graphities Baryta carb.

Kal carb. Calc.Carb. Mag. Carb.

Calc. Sulph Nat. carb. Carbo veg.

Petroleum Carbo sulph. Sepia

Digitalis SULPHUR Ferrum carb.

Medorrhinum Psorinum Tuberc. Bov.

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(B) Morgan-Gaertner (Paterson)

Chelidonium LYCOPODIUM

Chenopodium Merc. Sulph Hellebor. Nig.

Sanguinaria Hepar. Sulph Taraxacum

Lachesis

PROTEUS (Bach) Ac. Mur Ammon. Mur Aurum Mur Apis Baryta mur Borax

Conium Cuprum met Calc. Mur Ferr. Mur Ignatia Kali. Mur.

Mag. Mur NATRUM MUR Secale

MUTABILE (Bach) Ferrum phos. Kali. Sulph PULSATILLA

BACILLUS NO. “7”

(Paterson)

Arsen. Iod. Bormium

Calc. Iod Ferrum iod.IODUM Kali. Bich.

Kali. Brom. KALI. CARB

Kali iod. Kali. Nit

Merc. Iod Nat. iod

GAERTNER (Bach) Calc. Flour. Nat.sil.flour

Calc. Hypophos. PHOSPHORUS

Calc. Phos. Phytolacca

Calc. Sil. Pusatilla

Kali. Phos SILICEA

MERC. VIV Zinc. Phos

Nat. phos. Syphilinum

DYS. CO. (Bach) Anacardium Argentum nit.

ARSENICUM ALB. Cad,mium met.

Kalmia Veratrum album

Veratrum viride

SYCOTIC CO. (Paterson)

Ac. Nit.

Antim. Tart.

Calc. Metal.

Natrum sulph

Rhus. Tox.

Thuja

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Ferrum met.

Bacillinum

FAECALIS (Bach) SEPIA

ISODES

Isodes are homoeopathic potencies prepared by the standard Hahnemannian procedure from the causative agent of the disease taken from the patient for the treatment of the patient. For example, blood, pus or epithelial tissue.

Isotherapy is the practice of treating diseases with Isodes (sometimes called Isopathy). Isodes are often used in the treatment of allergies. Any substance to which the patient is allergic may be used in Homoeopathic doses to treat that patient. For example, grass pollen, house dust mite, certain foods or detergents. These substances (allergens) are usually prescribed in 30c potency or higher (200c or 1M).

3. SARCODES

Sarcodes are homoeopathic remedies prepared in potencies from healthy glands, organs or tissue removed from healthy animals. These glands, organs or tissues are removed under veterinary supervision from healthy slaughtered cattle, sheep or pigs. They were originally introduced by Dr.Conan and developed by Dr.Fortier Benoville, Martiny and Co-workers in Switzerland in 1936.

Secondarily for their action on their affinity for the corresponding organ, gland or tissue in the human organism. Recently, their use has been developed extensively in France by Dr. Fetan and Co-workers as a branch of homoeopathy known as organotherapy.

6.1.c. Expanded group of remedies of Biological origin;

4.1.c.i. Organotherapy

Organotherapy is the administration of glands, organs and tissues from healthy animals (cattle, pigs and sheep) in homoeopathic potencies prepared in the conventional Hahnemannian manner (Sarcodes).

It is a form of homoeopathic treatment which is active on the various glands, organs and tissues of the human body in rectifying the disturbed function. The therapy is not substitutive or palliative, but acts directly on the specific gland or tissue. For example, a patient suffering from an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) would be treated allopathically with thyroid extract (0.2 g dose). Organotherapeutic treatment is the administration of Thyroidea 5c or 7c in order to reach the gland directly and stimulate its function. Introduced by Dr. Conan in France and developed by Drs. Nebel, Martiny, Rouy, Guermonires, Gogmos, Bergeret and Tetau since 1936, organotherapy has been evaluated on a wide scale and established by clinical practice.

Principles

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The first principle of organotherapy is concerned with cellular specificity- glandular or tissular. That is: ‘The organ acts upon the organ’

Thus, to treat an organ, homoeopathic potencies of this organ is given. For example, the heart may be treated with heart and the liver may be treated with liver, in the appropriate potency in each case.

Drs. Bergeret and Tetau have explained the mode of action of organotherapy in the light of the current knowledge of immunology. Immunity is the protective mechanism of the body, which is able to differentiate between good and harmful substances. The body thus recognizes its own substance, having a ‘tissue memory’, organotherapy has, therefore, an organ and tissue specific action.

The second principle of organotherapy is the triphasic activity of potencies of homologous glands, organs or tissues, Thus:

Low potencies are stimulant (4c or 5c)Medium potencies are regulatory 7cHigh potencies are depressant (9c, 12c or30c)

For example, Thyroidea 4c stimulates thyroid secretion, whilst Thyroidea 30c inhibit thyroid secretion.

It must be emphasized, however, that there is variability in the action of different potencies in relation to the individual sensitivity of patients, and some patients may experience the opposite effect. Clinical research has demonstrated this principle. For example, it has been shown that potencies of Folliculinum 9c depress folliculin secretion in female rats.

Prescribing

Organotherapeutic potencies should not be repeated too frequently. One dose three times a week, in the evening before retiring or alternatively every other evening. Treatment may continue for 1,2 or 3 months according to the patient’s reaction. A single dose is 10 drops of liquid potency or one suppository.

Table 3. Examples on organotherapy remedies

Diabetes and Prediabetic States

Pancreas 4c 3x week

Depression Hypothalamus

Cerebrinum

7c 1st evening

7c 2nd eveningHemorrhoids Vein 4c 3x weekInsomnia Bulbinum 9c 3x weekRenal Insufficiency Kidney 4c 3x weekHypertension Artery

Vein

7c 1st evening

7c 2nd eveningPremenstrual Tension Folliculinum 9c 7th and 21st day of cycleThyroid Regulation Thyroidea 7c 3x weekOvarian Regulation Ovary 7c 3x week

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Retarded Growth Hypothalamus

Duodenum

7c 1st evening

4c 2nd eveningVertigo Cerebellum 4c 3x week

6.1.c.ii. Gemmotherapy

Drainage

It is the stimulation of the excretory organs, such as the kidney, liver and even the skin. If the normal excretory system is blocked or deficient, unwanted by-products and toxins are not removed from the body and one or more of these organs need to be stimulated.

Certain homoeopathic remedies have an affinity for specific excretory organs. Thus, we have Berberis and Solidago for kidneys, Euphrasia, Sabadilla and Kalium Iodatum for rhinopharyngial mucosa and so on. Some homoeopaths believe that when a homoeopathic remedy is prescribed strictly according to the Similimum, it acts both as a curative and a drainage agent.

Gemmotherapy is often regarded as a modern form of drainage, which opens up the possibility of true tissue therapy. Gemmotherapy preparations – all in 2x potency only- may be regarded as drainage agents.

Preparation of remedies

Potencies of gemmotheraputic remedies are unique in that, although they are prepared by the normal Hahnemannian procedures, the solvent used is a mixture of alcohol and glycerin.

Gemmotheraputic remedies are prepared from the fresh buds of plants or embryonic tissues in the growth phase. They are rich in growth factors, such as vitamins, hormones, auxans and gibberellins.

Originally introduced in France, they have been developed clinically since 1965.

Treatment by gemmotheraputic

With the affinity each of the buds or young shoots of plants have for specific organs of the body, it is possible to give specific clinical indications.

The usual dose is 50 or 75 drops per day of the liquid at 2x potency for periods up to two months according to the reaction of the patient.

Table 4. Examples of gemmotheraputic remedies and their indications are given below.

Ribes Nigrum ( Blackcurrant buds) 2x Marked analgesic effect on all rheumatic conditions and Urticaria

Betula Verrucosa (Birch seeds) 2x Intellectual overworkRosa Canina ( Dogrose buds) 2x Headache and migraineJuniperius Communis (Juniper young seeds) 2x CirrhosisTilia Tomentosa (Lime tree buds) 2x Neuralgia, insomnia and neurotic conditionsCedrus Libani ( Cedar buds) 2x Pruritis and dry eczema

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Sequoia Gigantea (Giant Sequoia tree buds) 2x AgingVibernum Lantana ( Vibernum buds) 2x Asthma (simple and complicated)

6.1.c.iii. Lithotherapy

Lithotherapy, sometimes called Dechelating Lithotherapy, is another branch of homoeopathy, which has been developed in France, principally by Drs. Bergeret and Tetau. Lithotherapy employs homoeopathic potencies (usually 8x) of selected, naturally occurring rocks or minerals, which aim to re-establish trace metal or metalloid balances in the human body. The rocks or minerals are complex, crystalline inorganic compounds containing one or more different metal ions.

Chelation

The importance of the role of certain metals, such as copper, cobalt and manganese, and metalloids, such as selenium in trace quantities, in terms of activity of certain enzymes in the body is now recognized. Supplements of these trace elements are sometimes necessary to avoid dietary deficiencies. However, there are many cases where a disease is related to a deficiency of these trace elements, yet measurements carried out on blood serum show no significant deficiency- the body content is quiet normal. For example, in cases of tetany, blood phosphorus and calcium levels have been found to be normal. In osteoporosis, phosphorus and calcium levels have been found to be normal, although the symptoms and signs of the disease suggest a lack of phosphorus and calcium. If the dietary intake of these elements is adequate, then it appears that there is some form of blockage to their utilization in the metabolic processes of the body. This blocking, which effectively removes the metallic ions from the active metabolism is called Chelation.

Chemically, Chelation is the reaction by which a metal (acceptor) ion receives a number of shared pairs of electrons from certain types of organic compounds. The organic compound grips the metallic ion like the claws of a crab, (hence ‘ chele’ – Greek for claw of crab). One such organic compound of chelating agent, E.D.T.A., is used for the treatment of cadmium or chromium poisoning. Excessive use of tranquilizers, antibiotics, analgesics, sulphonamides and diuretics increase the occurrence of chelation and it is, therefore, a common phenomenon. Lithotherapy is, therefore, concerned with the use of potencies of these rocks and minerals to partially liberate the metal ions that are entrapped by Chelation. It is believed that there is a crystalline structural analogy between the mineral and the chelated substance. For example, chelated complexes of calcium and phosphorus have a quadratic (four-sided) crystallographic structure and not the hexagonal (six-sided) structure, thus the mineral Quadratic Feldspar is used in the treatment of generalized osteoporosis.

Treatment by Lithotherapy

Normally prescribed in 8x potency, which is believed to have optimum activity, in 10 drops for a single dose. Treatment usually extends over two to three months in a dose every other day.

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Table 5. Examples on treatment by Lithotherapy.

Insomnia Rhodonite 8x (complex of silicon and manganese) 1st day

Glauconia 8x (complex of silicon, iron, aluminium, magnesium and potassium) 2nd day

Constipation Pink Sandstone 8x each dayDepression Lepidolite 8x (complex of lithium, iron and aluminium) 1st day

Lithium Tourmaline 8x ( complex of sodium, aluminium, iron, magnesium, boron, silicon and fluorine) 2nd day

Eczema Conglomerate 8x each dayHerpes Conglomerate 8x 1st day

Chalcopyrites 8x ( complex of copper and iron) 2nd day

6.2. Homoeopathic pharmacy and stages of preparation

Homoeopathic medicines are preparation three main stages, as follows:

1. Stage I Prepared of mother tinctures 2. Stage II Potentisation 3. Stage III Medication

The first stage involves the preparation of liquid ‘mother tinctures’ symbolized by the Greek letter θ. These tinctures, which contain the various remedies in their most concentrated form, are prepared by steeping the appropriate botanical or less frequently animal, substance in an alcohol solution for periods of up to one month. The mixture is then thoroughly pressed and filtered and the resultant solution is called the mother tincture Minerals that are totally soluble in alcohol or water are not subjected to the above process; the pure substance is used as the equivalent starting point.

The successive dilutions, or potencies as they are called, are then made from the appropriate mother tincture or pure mineral using either the centesimal scale (Hahnemann’s choice) or less commonly the decimal scale. The first potency (1c) on the centesimal scale is made by adding one part f mother tincture or pure mineral to 99 parts of an alcohol solution. The mixture is then succussed (shaken vigorously). Today this is achieved using a machine which successes the solution in a container through repeated impact with a solid surface. Hahnemann used to bang the vial containing the solution on a sturdy leather bound book. To achieve the second potency (2c) one part of this mixture is added to 99 parts of the alcohol solution which is then again succussed. This process can be continued indefinitely in order to achieve the desired potency.

In the decimal series, the first potency (1x) is made by diluting one part of mother tincture or pure mineral with 9 parts of the alcohol solution followed by succession. The second potency (2x) is made by adding one part of the first potency mixture to 9 parts of the alcohol solution which is once more subjected to the succession process and so on. Remedies which have been diluted according to the decimal scale are written as follows; 1x, 2x, 3x, etc. Sometimes they are

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designated with a ‘D’ e.g. 1D, 2D, 3D. Remedies diluted according to the centesimal scale are either written simply as 1, 2, 3, etc. Or as 1c, 2c, 3c, etc.

If the particular remedy to be potentized is insoluble in both alcohol and j water; for example, silica and gold, then, to achieve a 1c potency, one part of the substance is added to 99 parts of sugar of milk (lactose) and finely ground using a pestle and mortar. One part of this mixture is then added to 99 parts of sugar of milk and finely ground in order to obtain 2c potency and so on. This process is called ‘trituration’ and can be repeated indefinitely to obtain the full range of potencies.

Existence of colloids and it now appears that his process of prolonged trituration converts insoluble substances into a colloidal state. When the required potency has been reached, the alcohol solution containing the potentized remedy is added to a specified quantity of sugar of milk which is the made up into little white tablets or left in a powder form. The remedies can also be prepared in granule form. The remedies can also be prepared in granule form, derived from sucrose as opposed to a lactose base.

Ointments and suppositories are also made up, although these usually contain the appropriate remedy in tincture form rather than potency. The most commonly employed potencies in clinical practice are as follows: 1x, 3x, 6x, 12x, and 6c, 12c, 30c, 200c, 1m, 10m and CM.

1. Stage I Preparation of Mother Tinctures;

Mother tinctures are prepared in four steps:

a) Maceration (or grinding to a powder)b) Extractionc) Ageing d) Filtration

Mother tincture can be defined as the homoeopathic medicament in its most concentrated form. They are produced as clear liquids, or in solid (triturated) Form. The liquids range from colorless to straw colored, yellow, green-yellow to dark brown or red color. All mother tinctures are denoted by the Greek letter (phi), or the abbreviation, MT (TM in France).

(a) Maceration

Mother tinctures of plant, vegetable or animal substances are prepared by the maceration (mincing of breaking down) of the fresh material in different strengths of alcohol at ambient (room) temperature. After ageing for periods ranging from one hour to open month, the suspension is filtered by gravity or compression. Final alcohol strengths may be 331/3%, 50% or 80-90%, depending on the water content or the starting material.

Succulent, fresh plants yield between 350 to 700ml of unfiltered succus (or juice) per kilogram of plant material. The succus is mixed with one half of its volume of 95%pure alcohol (volume/volume), producing mother tinctures of approximately 331/3% (volume/volume) alcohol content.

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Fresh plant material yielding less than 350ml per kilogram of succus is repeatedly macerated with alcohol/water mixtures, producing mother tinctures of approximately 80-87% (volume/volume) alcohol content.

Mother tinctures for gemmotherapy preparations are prepared with alcohol and glycerin mixtures. The latter solvent was not used by Hahnemann, but introduced in France in recent years.

(b) Extraction

The macerated material is treated with a solution of alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol), not methanol, and distilled water. The ratio of alcohol to water depends on the relative dryness of the starting material. Extraction dissolves all the therapeutic substances in the starting material. These substances are often very complex and may be thirty or forty in number.

(c) Ageing

The suspension of solid material in the extraction liquid is stored in an amber glass container in a cool, dark place for periods of one hour up to one month.

(d) Filtration

This process separates the undissolved, solid material from the liquid. Filtration is achieved by gravity, pressure or suction to produce a bright, clear liquid filtrate, which is the MOTHER TRINCTURE. The solid material is rejected.

2. Stage II Potentisation, Succession & Trituration;

Potentisation

There are two methods for Potentisation:

A. Hahnemann method

B. Korsakov method

Potentisation is a process by which there is quantitative reduction in drug substance but a qualitative increase in its medicinal or therapeutic property, which was inert in its crude states. The above process is mathematic-mechanical where the inert substance has changed into a state of physical solubility and physiological assimilability.

A. Hahnemann method:

Potentisation is carried out in two distinct steps:

(1) Serial (or sequential dilution of the mother tincture with a mixture of alcohol and water.

(2) Succession, which involves vigorous shaking with impact.

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There are two series of dilutions:

(a) The decimal series, based on serial dilutions of 1:10, and

(b) Centesimal series, based on serial dilutions of 1:100. The decimal series of potencies is denoted 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x…etc., whilst the centesimal series is denoted 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c… No (1, 2, 3, 4, in the Students should note that x is the Roman numeral for 10, and c, the Roman numeral for 100.)

(a) Decimal series of potencies

To one part (or 1 milliliter of mother) of mother tincture in a glass container is added 9 parts (or 9 milliliters) of 20 or 30% alcohol / pure water. And the mixture is succussed, giving a potency of 1x (the first decimal potency.

To one part (or 1 ml ) of a solution of potency 1x, in a new container, is added a further 9 parts (or 9 ml) of alcohol/ water and the mixture is succussed again, giving a potency of 2x (the second decimal potency).

This serial (or sequential) dilution and succession is repeated to produce, progressively, potencies of 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, and so on up the decimal series.

Thus, we have decimal dilutions as follows:

Parts alcohol/water Dilution1x 1 part in 10 Dilution 1:10 (or 10)2x 1 part in 100. Dilution 1:100 (or10)3x 1 part in 1000 Dilution 1:1.000(or 10)4x 1part in 10,000 Dilution 1:10000 (or 10)6x 1 part in 1,000,000 Dilution 1:1,000,000 (or 10) etc.

Etc….Equation to calculate the dilution of any decimal potency

n x = 10

Where n is any potency number.

(b) Centesimal series of potencies

The method of preparation is the same as for decimal potencies, but the dilution ratio is different (1:100), as follows:

1. To one part (or 1 ml) of mother tincture in a glass container, is added 99 parts ( or 99 ml ) of alcohol/water and the mixture is schussed giving a potency of ic.

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2. To one part (or 1 ml) of a solution of potency ic in a fresh container, is added a further 99 parts ( or 99 ad ) of alcohol/water, and the mixture is schussed again, giving a potency of 2c.

The process is repeated to produce, progressively, potencies of 3c, 4c, 5c, 6c and so on.

Thus, we have centesimal dilutions as follows:

1c 1 part in 100 1:100

2c 1 part in 10,000 1:10,000

3c 1 part in 1,000,000 1:1,000,000

4c 1 part in 100,000,000 1:100,000,000

We may use the equation, nc = 10 to calculate the dilution of any Centesimal potency.

(c) Millesimal series of potencies

A third potency series is the millesimal scale, based on mother tincture sequentially diluted in the same manner as before, with 999 parts 9 or 999 ml) of alcohol/water.

Potencies on the millesimal scale are sometimes denoted 1M, 2M 3M etc. But this leads to confusion with the use of 1` m to denote a centesimal potency of 1,000. Another system, which is probably more explanatory, is to denote millesimal potencies by the suffix mm or MM.

It follows that millesimal dilutions are:

1 mm 1:1,000

2 mm 1:1,000,000

3 mm 1:1,000,000,000

And so on..

However, Millesimal potencies are used very rarely.

(d)LM Potencies

Hahnemann felt the need to improve on his potencies; this was because he had difficulty getting what he thought was the best cure. These main problems included;

Not achieving a gentle and rapid cure or just taking too long. An aggravation comes even after getting the best selected remedy. A high potency dose will continue to act for a long time. Not being able to repeat the dose even though there are still symptoms so that the patient suffers. Giving the right dose and potency was still argued and still confusing.

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In practice, it is not possible to directly compare the potency of an LM with a C. Will Taylor, MD, likes to think of an LM1 as sharing the qualities of a 6C & a 30C (working as deeply as a 30C, but as gently as a 6C); and an LM3 as similarly sharing the qualities of a 12C & a 200C.

Making LM potencies

According to Kim McDodge's online discussion According to Julian Winston's massive online comments

The manufacturing process is outlined by Hahnemann in Paragraph 270 of the 6th edition of the Organon. The process starts with a 3C trituration. In the case of plants (where a tincture is the usual starting point), the plant material is triturated directly with the milk sugar. It is unclear how one would proceed with something like APIS which has to start with a tincture.1 grain (or .05gms) of the 3C (1:1,000,000) is dissolved in 400 drops of distilled water and 100 drops of 90% alcohol.Place 1 DROP of the above in a vial and add 100 drops of 95% alcohol. The bottle should be no more than 2/3 full. Cork the vial and succuss 100 times.The granules, which are the size of poppy seeds, are placed in a small thimble with a hole in the bottom. The granules are smaller than #10 granules. (Hahnemann describes them as weighing one grain per 100). They are then saturated by pouring the liquid potency over them. When the liquid starts to run out the bottom, the granules are saturated. Spread the granules on blotting paper. When they are dry, put them in a bottle and label them “I” or “0/1.” This is the first millesimal potency.To go up the scale, take one globule of the 0/1, dissolve it with one drop of distilled water, add 100 drops of 95% alcohol, and succuss 100 times. Saturate granules with this, dry them, bottle them, and label them “II” or 0/2.These steps can be repeated up to the “XXX” or 0/30.To be faithful to the Organon, the LM potencies should be sold only in globule form. The administration of the dosage is a second issue.Hahnemann suggested that the dose is one globule. He also suggests (#272) that the dosage be administered in water. He outlines the dosage process in a footnote to #248. Dr. Robert Schore has translated this paragraph into the following dosage guide:Dissolve one globule in 110cc distilled water. Success 12 times. This becomes the “stock” bottle given to the patient.One tablespoon of this stock solution is placed in 4 oz. of pure water. The dose is one-half teaspoon. Hahnemann suggested that in the case of very sensitive people, the half teaspoon should be put into another glass of water, stirred, and then a dose is taken from the second glass. This mixture is good for 24 hours. If more is needed, a fresh glass should be made.

Potentized by succession (1 drop of the previous dilution and 99 drops of water/ethanol. Of this you use 1 drop to moisten about 500 pellets. To take this up to the next step, you would dissolve one medicated pellet in a drop of water; add 99 drops of diluted ethanol, succuss, medicate 500 pellets, and so on.The most economical and most interesting way to start one's own process with the LMs is to purchase the LM1s preferably from a pharmacy who triturates the substances, then works them to the LM1.to make an LM2 or 3 take the Last Potency out and put it in the basket where u have a plastic box with tops and labels Prepare: round for the tops in 2 sizes, small for 1/2 dram top and bigger for the 1 dram and stock bottle (4oz. Boston brown) tops as well as some rectangles for labels, a small envelope of poppy seed sac and 3 measurement bottles: a clear 1 dram with 1 drop of water and 99 drops of alcohol (use Organon), a clear 1 dram with 500 poppy seed sac lacs and a brown 1/2 dram of 500 poppy seed sac lacs.toss in the 2 oz dropper bottles of water and organol, add new brown 1/2 dram and a new clear 1 dram and a clean brown 4 oz boston, take the boston to fill with filtered water Arrange these things on a 9x12 sheet of blotter paper.Put a seed of previous remedy into a clear 1 drammer, add a drop of water from the dropper bottle and wait for it to dissolve.

Take the liquid measurement bottle and the dissolved pellet bottle in left hand and fill the dissolved pellet bottle to the same level with organol and cap it.Stand and take the leather Kent from the shelf and beat it up 100 times in a cha cha rhythm (1,2 1,2,3).Drop one drop of this into the new brown 1/2 dram bottle and take both of these open bottles and shake all out so that the insides are empty but for the coating on the sides and bottom.Take measurement bottle and each of these in turn and fill to their respective points with the seeds. Cap, shake to moisten and label.Drop one into the clean filled Boston brown. Preserve with brandy or charcoal or not. Cap &Label.

Stock bottle ready for use.

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B. Korsakovian method

His method employed the same glass container, as opposed to hanuman’s, which used different containers for each serial dilution. He claimed that upon emptying the container after the first dilution, sufficient liquid remained adhering to the walls is to be used for the next dilution. For the second centesimal potency, therefore, it was necessary only to add a further 99 parts of alcohol/water to the same container.

Hahnemann’s method is generally used for preparing potencies up to 200c, and the korsakovian method for higher potencies.

Another advantage of the Korsakov method of potentisation is that, since it uses a single vial, 1 it could be easily computerized and automated.

To summaries, the Hahnemann method is the classical, preferred method, scientifically accurate, but is time consuming. The Korsakov method is quicker, but less accurate, but can be automated easily.

Nomenclature of potencies

The potency number represents the number of potentisations carried out starting with the mother tincture, that is the serial (or sequential) dilutions and succession.

Table 6 : System used

United states Great Britain FranceDecimal Series X (or x) X (or x) DCentesimal Series (Hahnemann)

C (or c) No suffix CH

Centesimal (korsakovian)

CK No suffix Not applicable

High Potencies 1,000 c

10,000c

50,000c

100,000c

1,000c

10,000c

50,000c

100,000c

1 M

10 M

50 M

CM

Where; X = Roman numeral for 10 C = Roman number for 1,000

D = Decimal

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Succession

Is violent shaking with impact which follows each step of the sequential dilution thus completing the potentisation procedure.

Not only does succession ensure an intimate, mixing of the liquid and diluent. But it is believed it energizes the potency.

The dry method

Wait until the bottle has little left in it. Then add blank granules and success. The size of the pellet doesn't matter nor does the composition of the material matter either. A pure sugar pellet is softer.

The wet method

The same, but with alcohol. One method is to place one or two pellets of potency on top of a vial of blank pellets, add a few drops of alcohol solution at least 97% enough to cover all of the pellets and then success the vial.

Julian Winston has a discussion of manufacturing and potencies from the 1925 B & T catalogue on this web site talking about Hahnemannian methods:

http://www.homeopathyic.co.nz/boericke/btmeth.htm

Trituration

Trituration is the procedure by which potencies are produced in the solid form. This process is employed to “solubilize” insoluble mineral and chemical elements, that is, to render the crystals or powder to a degree of fineness and subdivision which will permit their solubilisation in alcohol/water.

With one part (or 1 gram) of the substance finely ground, a small (or aliquot) part of 99 parts of pure lactose is added in a mortar and pestle. The trituration is continued for at least one hour, whilst adding aliquot parts of the remainder of the lactose at 10-20 minute intervals. The resultant finely divided powder represents the first centesimal triturated potency.

At this stage higher potencies can be prepared in the more convenient liquid form in the usual manner. The usual level is 8 xs.

Avogadro’s hypothesis

Avogadro postulated that equal volumes contain equal numbers of molecules. It follows, therefore, that there is a fixed number of molecules in unit volume at standard temperature and pressure. Avogadro showed this number to be 6.4 x 1023 molecules, and this was later proven by experiment.

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Theoretically, all potencies higher than 24x or 12c have none of the original molecules of mother tincture remaining.

Stage III: Medication

The pharmaceutical forms of homoeopathic medicines are similar to those of allopathic medicines, that is tablets, pills (or pilules ) granules, powders, liquids, suppositories, ointments, creams or injectables.

The solid, unmedicated (placebo), pharmaceutical forms are as follows: -

Tablets: compressed, pure lactose (80%) by weight) and pure sucrose (20% by weight) both natural sugars. The shape is double convex, weighing 01 grams and 4 mm in diameter.

Pills. Spherical globules of pure sucrose, 4 mm in diameter. Granules: spherical ‘poppy seeds’ of pure sucrose, 1 mm in diameter. Powders: pure lactose; in each case, medication is achieved by dripping or spraying

the liquid potency of the remedy onto the bulk solid form and allowing it to be absorbed.

Note: the liquid potency employed is a special ‘medicating potency which is prepared in a strong solution of 95% alcohol (95% ethanol 15 % distilled water). This is necessary since the lactose or sucrose will dissolve in solutions containing a high concentration of water and the tablets or pills will tend to stick together.

Ointments and creams: for topical administration usually incorporate low potencies (such as 1x, 2x, 3x ) or even the mother tinctures themselves. Creams are often preferred as they are water based and do not stain clothes.

6.3. Quality of Homoeopathic remedies

Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia

Pharmacopoeias are official publication listing approved drugs and they have legal status in each country.

The last British Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia was, regrettably, published in 1897 and few copies now remain. It is now so outdated as to be of no more than historical value.

The 8th edition of the French Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia was published in 1965 and was re-edited in 1983. It has the full acceptance of the French Government.

The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United Status (HPUS) was published in its 8th in 1979, followed by a Supplement. The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United Sates now prepared the 9th edition, and the first part was published in 1989. This includes the Introduction, General Pharmacy and Criteria for Eligibility. Subsequent parts will include several hundred Monographs of approved (fully ‘proved’) homoeopathic medicines. Each monograph gives the formula, common English name, German and French names, source, its preparation and minimum potencies for the prescription, general over-the-counter sale, etc. This Pharmacopoeia

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will undoubtedly act as a guide for other countries in the future and afford protection for the practice of homoeopathy in the United States.

Medicine Act 1968 And 1971

This Act of Parliament controls the manufacture, sale and supply of all medicine in the United Kingdom, both allopathic and homoeopathic. The Act includes Labeling Regulation, the issues of Manufacturing Licenses. Product Licenses (PL) are granted to approved manufacturers’ where the medicine makes a medical claim or indication.

A full review of all homoeopathic medicines, including their indication, its being carried out by the Department of Health and common European Community Directives are expected to be introduced in January 1993.

It is important to understand, however, that by the Law of Similars, it is not relevant to speak of clinical indication -that is remedies for the treatment of specific conditions- for a homoeopathic remedy.

6.3.a. QUALITY CONTROL

The Importance of Quality

Nowadays, in the developed countries, all pharmaceutical manufacture is governed by common procedures termed Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP), including homoeopathic medicines.

These controls ensure stringent standards in relation to building, equipment and facilities, qualified staff and quality control procedures. Problems have arisen, however, in that medicine legislation in most countries was drawn up essentially for allopathic medicines. After much discussion, it is now generally agreed that basic scientific techniques and modern laboratory equipment and procedures are generally applicable to homoeopathy. Only in a few instances, homoeopathic procedures must, necessarily, deviate from the standard approach. There is no mystique about the preparation of homoeopathic remedies.

Modern laboratory procedure and systems and quality control do not invalidate Hahnemann’s original precepts nor replace classical procedures. Hahnemann wrote: “A dedicated physician can only be sure about the healing properties of a medicine when it is made as pure and as perfect as possible”. i.e., the practitioner is only as good as his or her medicines. Indeed, had modern advances in scientific knowledge and equipment been available to him, Hahnemann, in this wisdom, would certainly have taken advantages of them.

System of Quality Control

Rightly, Hahnemann viewed the preparation of the medicines as a science, and as such, it requires a scientific system of quality control. It must be emphasized, however, that ultimately the attainment of a high quality standard is only possible if one can rely on the integrity, the involvement, the training and experience and the commitment of all concerned. This is essentially a team activity in the true spirit of providing a service to homoeopathy, and the objective must always be to guarantee the purity, reliability and reproductability of the medicines supplied to the

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practitioner. , Therefore the academic staff of the Institute makes no excuses for discussing this aspect even before the basic principles of homoeopathy.

Cleanliness

High standards of personal cleanliness must be maintained by all personnel and hand-washing facilities made available and used regularly.

Clothing

Protective clothing, including clean overalls and hats, must be worn at all times in manufacturing areas, not only by manufacturing personnel, but also by visitors entering manufacturing areas. Separate changing rooms are provided for this purpose. Stringent housekeeping methods must be employed and floors regularly washed and all surfaces where dust and dirt may collect wiped regularly. Utensils are washed thoroughly each time after use. Naturally, smoking, drinking and eating are not permitted in manufacturing areas under any circumstances.

Batch Number

The first stage in any quality control system is the allocation of a batch or lot number which can identify the material through each stage of manufacture. Botanical identification of plant raw materials is carried out and, having established their identity, they are examined for contaminations, such as other plant species, dirt, mould or insects.

Specimens may be dried and pressed for retention or photographed. Release of all raw materials from the Quarantine Store for use is made only on the authority of the person responsible for quality control and if they labeled as fit for use. Rejected materials are promptly destroyed.

At commencement of each manufacturing step, all equipment is inspected to ensure it is clean and free from contamination from any other raw materials or product. At each stage, all clean and free from contamination from any other raw materials or products. At each stage, all materials and equipment are carefully labeled to identify the material being processed and each discrete quantity of raw material or product is labeled with a batch number.

Written manufacturing procedures are closely followed in each manufacturing step and batch records are completed, indicating times, temperature, weights etc. Thus, the history of each batch, including the utilization of raw materials and even packaging materials, and even packing materials and even packing materials, may be checked.

At any time during manufacturing and packaging of homoeopathic medicines quality control personnel are required to make spot checks and take samples for laboratory analysis, thus monitoring every operation. Particular care is taken in the operation of mother tincture and potencies, to ensure absolute purity and reproducibility.

Samples

On completion of manufacture, representative samples of the finished product are taken according to prescribed procedures and labeled with the batch number and identity. Analytical tests are carried out in the laboratory to ensure that the product meets the finished Product

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Specification and then- and only then- is the product finally released from quarantine to the store to await dispatch. Sample of each batch of finished product are always retained in the laboratory.

Storage

Storage conditions are carefully controlled to ensure the products do not deteriorate before being passed to the practitioner. Finally, all manufacturing records are checked and filled and all equipment utilized in the manufacture is cleaned in accordance with Cleaning Schedules, which lay down cleaning and inspection operation for each individual item of equipment.

General

General precautions to ensure quality which apply to all manufacturing operations include the segregation of processing areas to avoid possible cross-contamination, the use of laminar air flow equipment or air conditioning, and all operations carried out in such a way that the risk of contamination is minimized. A recent innovation in the preparation of homoeopathic medicine is the Microbiological Testing by swab or settleplate method to monitor environmental contamination of all manufacturing areas. Areas tested include laboratory benches, water taps, walls and toilets.

Quality Control of Potencies

We must now consider the problem of quality control associated with homoeopathic potencies. This is an area which presents the greatest challenge to the quality analyst. We do not know or understand, yet alone measure, the intrinsic forces or vibrations which may play a part in the healing process of homoeopathic potencies. Furthermore, the extremely high dilutions of homoeopathic potencies make it almost impossible to apply analytical tests by conventional methods in the laboratory. Even a relatively low potency, such as 6x, with a concentration of individual ‘active ingredients’ of one part per million, is outside the accuracy of many modern instruments. For this reason, only mother tincture and low potencies (1x, 2x) are subjected to a more comprehensive analysis, both qualitative and quantitative.

Additionally we have the problem of the chemical complexity of the natural extracts contained in the original mother tincture: These may be inorganic or organic, with complex mixture including minerals, amino-acids, proteins, steroids, vitamins, organo-metalic compounds, alkaloids, flavenoids, etc.

This raises a most important point. The conventional allopathic approach to quality control in manufacture is to place great reliance on the assay of the final product, which usually incorporates one or two readily identifiable ‘active ingredient’, all of them at relatively high levels of concentration. Because of the complexity and the high dilution of homoeopathic remedies, this approach is not possible and, therefore, it is considered that ‘in-process’ quality control, embracing every step of the preparation, from raw material to finished homoeopathic medicines, is critical in ensuring their purity and safety. It is arguable, therefore, that a system of quality control is even more important than for their allopathic counterparts.

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Use of Alcohol and Water

Ethyl alcohol, (ethanol), (94.9% by volume), which conforms with the U.S.P. (or B.P.) specification must be used in all homoeopathic preparations.

Pure, distilled water, or de-ionized water, is used in all homoeopathic preparations.

6.3.b. Quality Testing

Physical Properties

Mother tincture and liquid potencies may be tested routinely for their physical properties, including specific gravity, refractive index, color and smell.

General Tests

These may include dry residue (total solids), pH (acidity or alkalinity, water content by Karl Fischer technique and percentage alcohol content.

Analysis of Chemical Elements

These assays are carried out by conventional chemical methods and can provide a means of identification and a guide to the purity of mother tinctures, and even for low potencies. An example analysis is given below, which illustrates the wide variation between different mother tinctures, depending on the soil in which plants are grown:

Categories Nux Vomica

Iron, parts per million 1.9 0.3

Calcium, parts per million 1500.00 1.9

Sodium, parts per million 16.00 0.005

Sulphur, per cent 0.003 0.005

Nitrogen, per cent 0.005 0.005

Other trace elements present in low concentration include zinc, potassium, copper, cobalt, selenium, magnesium and manganese. Differences in assay occur between mother tinctures prepared from plants grown in different locations. For example, a plant grown in limestone soil would be expected to have higher calcium content than the same species grown in sandy soil.

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Thin Layer Chromatography

Thin Layer Chromatography utilities the different migration rates of individual constituents of mother tincture or very low potencies on a thin film of inert material. The inert material is applied to a glass plate, which is then immersed in the mother tincture.

This technique is now widely used and shows characteristic bands on a layer of silica gel of 25-250 cm thickness, each band representing a specific chemical constituent of the mother tincture itself. Various solvent systems have been used, such as butanol/acetic or methanol/chloroform over migration distances of about 10 cm.

A comparison of thin layer chromatographs of British, French and German mother tincture showed considerable variation of composition which arises primarily from the variation in the composition of the soil in which the original plant specimen was grown. In spite of this, their therapeutic actively is essentially the same.

Pharmaceutical forms

Although the preparation and application of homoeopathic medicines are fundamentally different, their pharmaceutical forms are the same as their allopathic counterparts. Homoeopathic medicines are available in liquid form, tables, pills (or pilules), granules, powders, ointments, creams and suppositories, suitable for administration by the patient.

Nomenclature

Medicines are known internationally by their generic name, in Latin, according to the concise method of naming plant and animal species laid down by the Swedish botanist, Linnaeus (1708-1778).

For example; CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. The first word describes the plant or animal species. The second word describes the particular sub-species of the plant or animal. The common name given is MARIGOLD, in English. Similarly, we have, LACHESIS MUTA (or MUTUS), commonly known in English as the Bushmaster Snake (venom).

In practice, homoeopathic remedies are known by an abbreviated form, for example:

RHUS TOXICODENDROM Abbreviation: RHUS TOX.

PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA Abbreviation: PHYTOLACCA

NUX VOMICA Abbreviation: NUX VOM.

NATRRUM MURIATICUM Abbreviation: NAT MUR.

ATROPA BELLADONNA Abbreviation: BELLADONNA

CALCAREA PHOSPHORICUM Abbreviation: CALC PHOS.

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Stability and storage

With a relatively low content of medicament, homoeopathic medicines are very sensitive. Tablets, pilules or granules must not be touched with the hands, as chemicals such as amino acid, in the skin may affect them. The dose should be tipped into the cap of their container and thence tipped onto the tongue. Alternatively, a clean, dry spoon may be used. Medicine should be stored in amber glass containers, in a cool, dry, dark place away from substances with a strong smell, such as garlic or camphor. All Containers must be well stoppered.

It is generally accepted for legal purposes that medicines, which are properly prepared and stored, will have nominal ‘shelf life’ of about five years. However, the medicine can retain their activity indefinitely if properly stored.

Stability and Storage of Mother Tinctures

Some freshly prepared mother tincture may be supersaturated and particularly during lengthy storage in a cool place, the clear solution becomes cloudy (producing a precipitate), which forms a sediment at the bottom of the container. This insoluble matter may simply be filtered off and clear filtrate will retain the original activity of the mother tincture.

Another cause of a precipitate in a mother tincture may be from the evaporation of alcohol through a badly fitting stopper on the container. In this case, the mother tincture should be rejected.

Mother tincture must be stored in well-sealed, amber glass bottles in a cool, dark place; they must not be exposed to sunlight. On lengthy storage, tincture may darken a little without deleterious effect, but if a total color change occurs the material should be rejected, as this is evidence of chemical decomposition of one ore more of its constituents.

Quality Criteria of Homoeopathic Medicines

Discerning pharmacist and physicians must be aware of the following cautionary points in relation to all homoeopathic medicines:

1. Low potency liquids of insoluble substances, such as Graphics 6x, 3x or Silicea 3x, cannot exist and their ‘availability’ is spurious.2. High potencies such as 10M, 50M, claimed to have been prepared by the lengthy, Hahnemannian procedure are doubtful validity.3. Certain plastic materials are liable to interact chemically with homoeopathic mother tinctures and potencies. This has been demonstrated in experiments using infrared spectroscopic techniques.4. All homoeopathic medicines should have a characteristic alcoholic odor. The presence of alcoholic, essential for the quality and the stability of potencies, may be determined by chemical, physical or electronic tests.5. Trademarks or proprietary names given commercially to single homoeopathic medicines are anathema to homoeopathy.6. Homoeopathic medicines, properly prepared and stored, can retain their therapeutic activity indefinitely.

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7. All containers of homoeopathic medicines offered for sale to the public must be clearly labeled.

Symbols in Homoeopathic Pharmacy

Θ Mother Tincture

MT Mother Tincture

C (or c) Centesimal Potency

X (or x) Decimal Potency

H Hahnemannian

K Korsakovian

M 1,000

N Potency Number

CH Centesimal Potency by Hahnemannian Method

D Decimal Potency (Europe, except United Kingdom)

Hom. Homoeopathy/Homoeopathic (Homeopathy in U.S.A)

Cited References;

1. Diploma course of the British institute of Homoeopathy 1992.2. Diploma course of the British institute of Homoeopathy 1988.

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