Sequana

Why the Constant Attacks on Homeopathy?

2010-10-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Louise Mclean of the Homeopathy Heals campaign for this excellent article: http://www.homeopathyheals.me.uk/site/featured/427-why-the-constant-attacks-on-homeopathy. Well worth a read!

Placebo Effect in Homeopathy not Larger than in Conventional Medicine!

2010-03-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

The placebo effect in Homeopathy is not larger than in conventional medicine! http://homeopathicnews.wordpress.com/

Save NHS Money on Ineffective Drugs, not Homeopathy

2010-03-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Jerome Burne so rightly points out that far greater savings could be made for the NHS by scrapping ineffective drugs which are no better than placebo, than by stopping funding of Homeopathy.

http://www.patrickholford.com/index.php/blog/blogarticle/682/

Nobel Prize winner reports the effects of Homeopathic Dilutions!

2010-02-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Professor Luc Montagnier, 2008 Nobel Prize Winner, reports the Effects of Homeopathic Dilutions:

http://www.homeopathyeurope.org/nobel-prize-winner-reports-effects-of-homeopathic-dilutions

In a recent study Professor Luc Montagnier, a French virologist who co-discovered HIV and who won the Nobel Prize in 2008, and his team report the results of a series of rigorous experiments investigating the electromagnetic properties of highly-diluted biological samples.

The study demonstrates that some bacterial DNA sequences are able to induce electromagnetic waves at high aqueous dilutions. It appears to be a resonance phenomenon triggered by the ambient electromagnetic background of very low frequency waves. The researchers used aqueous solutions that were agitated and serially diluted (the researchers note that the solutions were 'strongly agitated' and that this step was 'critical for the generation of signals'). In other words homeopathic potencies, although the word 'homeopathy' is not mentioned in the article.

The researchers found that pathogenic bacteria and viruses show a distinct electromagnetic signature at dilutions ranging from 10^-5 to 10^-12 (corresponding to 5D to 12D) and that small DNA fragments (responsible for pathogenicity) were solely accountable for the electromagnetic signal. The researchers also noted that one experiment found significant effects from dilutions as high as 10^-18 (equivalent to 18D). The electromagnetic signature changed with dilution levels but was unaffected by the initial concentration and remained even after the remaining DNA fragments were destroyed by chemical agents.

They observed that the electromagnetic signal was destroyed by heating or freezing the sample. Also, a 'cross-talk' effect was found whereby a negative sample inhibits the positive signal in another sample if they are left together overnight in a shielded container. The researchers propose that specific aqueous nanostructures form in the samples during the dilution process and are responsible for the electromagnetic effects measured.

The researchers also detected the same electromagnetic signals in the plasma and in the DNA extracted from the plasma of patients suffering from Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

This study is an important contribution to the growing evidence base in fundamental research with direct relevance to homeopathy.

Reference

Montagnier L, Aissa J, Ferris S, Montagnier J-L, Lavallee C (2009). Electromagnetic Signals Are Produced by Aqueous Nanostructures Derived from Bacterial DNA Sequences. Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences, 1: 81-90.

British Homeopathic Association did not misrepresent evidence to MPs

2010-02-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

The Guardian Science Blog on 5th February has an entry by Martin Robbins that maligns and misrepresents the BHA’s submission to the Commons Science & Technology Committee. We set the record straight by clarifying the facts:

http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/media_centre/news/bha_did_not_misrepresent_evidence.html

Evidence Check: Homeopathy - Impartial????

2010-02-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

A "Must-View" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYuLjl9bgIw

Causal Link between Vaccines and Autism - using British data

2010-02-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Analysis of Japanese vaccine data leads to confirmation of causal link between vaccines and autism now using UK data: http://childhealthsafety.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/britvaxautism/. The current rate of autism in British children is 1 in 64. When is our government going to listen and do something to prevent more? Who is going to pay to look after these poor children?

Homeopathy in India

2010-02-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy has been around for 200 years and was invented by Samuel Hannehman. Homeopathy was introduced in India by Dr. John Martin Honigberger from Transylvania in 1839. He was actually in Lahore to treat the maharaja’s horses who were suffering from leg ulcers. The maharaja was impressed with the results of this type of treatment. Maharaja Ranjit later asked the homeopath to treat him for paralysis of vocal cords and oedema. The maharaja was quite satisfied with the treatment which cured his paralysis.

Homeopathy has been growing in India since 1839. Homeopathic Pharmacies are in every major city in India. Most provinces in India also have homeopathy universities to train future homeopathic physicians. India has 186 homeopathic universities. 37 of these institutions are funded with public money. The other universities are privately run.

The Indian government created the Central Council Of Homeopathy which requires uniform education at the graduate level and diploma level in homeopathy. This has lead to standardized practice in India preventing unqualified homeopaths from prescribing medicine and treatments. Currently, there are over 300,000 homeopathic doctors practicing medicine in India.

Allopathic medicines cost more than homeopathic medicines. Due to the low cost, homeopathy is more affordable for most of India’s population. Only allopathic and aryurveda medicines are more popular in India than homeopathy. 10% of Indians use homeopathic remedies which makes India the #1 consumer of homeopathic medicine in the world.

India is carrying out quite a bit of research on homeopathic medicines. Numerous institutions have been created to carry out various studies in homeopathy. Public money has been used for much of this research.

Some of this research includes Dr. Prasanta Banerji & Dr. Pratip Banerji scientific papers on brain cancer. This research was collaborated with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The study showed that Ruta 6C and Calcarea Phosphorica 3X helps to kill cancerous brain cells but does not damage normal brain cells or functions.

Other types of cancer have been handled by these homeopathic physicians. The doctors have treated cancer successfully in 30 to 40% of the cases.

Homeopathy is an accepted form of medicine by the Indian government. It is generally regarding in the same light as allopathic medicine. India is one of the few countries that generally accepts homeopathy.

Sanjib Sarkar is a content writer for hmedicine.com.

From Within, Without

2010-02-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a film in the making which will give hope to the increasing numbers of parents of autistic children who seek help: http://vimeo.com/5961913.

10:23 campaign stunt

2010-01-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

Is a Homeopathy Protest the Right Remedy?!

2010-01-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Here's an article well worth reading:

http://www.odemagazine.com/blogs/intelligent_optimist/14086/is_a_homeopathy_protest_the_right_remedy

Ayurveda, Homeopathy witness impressive growth in India - 400,000 registered homeopaths, and rising!!

2010-01-29T01:21:00.000-08:00

While Homeopathy in the UK experiences intensifying high-profile and irrational attacks from "Sceptics" espousing fundamentalist "Science" as their religion, the use of Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Ayurveda climbs rapidly in India.

NEW DELHI: With the rise in health problems under the category of lifestyle diseases, the alternate systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Homeopathy have witnessed impressive growth over the years with time-tested methodologies and marketing techniques.

India's expertise in traditional treatments such as Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Unani are becoming increasingly popular as these have no side effects, according to industry chambers.

"The demand for Ayurvedic medicines has increased in the last five years to more than Rs 3,000 crore, as they have started marketing their products in a better manner and also conducted scientific trials to prove the permanent cure of some diseases" says Anoop Misra, Department of Diabetes and Metabolism, Fortis Group of Hospitals.

However, he adds, there is no alternative to Allopathy as far as emergency and cardiac medicines are concerned.

According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people use herbal medicines and in India more than 65 percent people living in the rural areas use Ayurveda and medical plants to meet their primary health care needs.

India has over 75 lakh qualified doctors, who according to Assocham, charge 'reasonable professional fees'.

There are over 400,000 registered homeopaths in the country currently, with approximately 13,000 more being added every year.

Amrit Kalsi, Senior Medical Officer, Delhi Government, says, "The demand for Homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicines has increased in the last few years and to cure chronic ailments such as respiratory diseases, fevers, skin diseases, viral infections, asthma and allergic disorders, people are choosing the traditional way of treatment before allopathic."

There were 28 homoeopathic dispensaries in Delhi in 1978 and the number now has gone up to 78. The number of patients taking homeopathic medicines has increased from around 800,000 patients in 1997 to 13,62,174 patients in 2006, she adds.

"Ayurveda is certainly gaining ground. People suffering from acute or chronic ailments, either go for strong pills or Ayurveda. For a disease like cancer, after some of point of time, people lose hope and then go for options like Ayurveda or homeopathy," Misra says.

An industry report say that by 2010, domestic homeopathy market is expected to more than double and touch the Rs 26 billion (Rs 2600 crore) size. It would continue to grow at between 25-30 per cent against 13-15 per cent of pharmaceuticals industry as users of homeopathy are multiplying not only in India but also throughout the world.

"The demand for Ayurvedic medicine has also gradually improved for the rising number of lifestyle diseases like stress, migraine, asthma, obesity. But in cases like surgeries or emergency operations, there is no alternative," says Misra.

Zero Deaths from Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Herbs - and Add Homeopathy to the list!

2010-01-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, January 19, 2010

No Deaths from Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids or Herbs (and add Homeopathy to the list!)

Poison Control Statistics Prove Supplements' Safety

(OMNS, January 19, 2010) There was not even one death caused by a dietary supplement in 2008, according to the most recent information collected by the U.S. National Poison Data System. The new 174-page annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, published in the journal Clinical Toxicology, shows zero deaths from multiple vitamins; zero deaths from any of the B vitamins; zero deaths from vitamins A, C, D, or E; and zero deaths from any other vitamin.

Additionally, there were no deaths whatsoever from any amino acid or herbal product. This means no deaths at all from blue cohosh, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, kava kava, St. John's wort , valerian, yohimbe, Asian medicines, ayurvedic medicines, or any other botanical. There were zero deaths from creatine, blue-green algae, glucosamine, chondroitin, melatonin, or any homeopathic remedies.

Furthermore, there were zero deaths in 2008 from any dietary mineral supplement. This means there were no fatalities from calcium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, colloidal silver, selenium, iron, or multimineral supplements. Two children died as a result of medical use of the antacid sodium bicarbonate. The other "Electrolyte and Mineral" category death was due to a man accidentally drinking sodium hydroxide, a highly toxic degreaser and drain-opener.

No man, woman or child died from nutritional supplements. Period.

61 poison centers provide coast-to-coast data for the U.S. National Poison Data System, which is then reviewed by 29 medical and clinical toxicologists. NPDS, the authors write, is "one of the few real-time national surveillance systems in existence, providing a model public health surveillance system for all types of exposures, public health event identification, resilience response and situational awareness tracking."

Over half of the U.S. population takes daily nutritional supplements. Even if each of those people took only one single tablet daily, that makes 154,000,000 individual doses per day, for a total of over 56 billion doses annually. Since many persons take more than just one vitamin or mineral tablet, actual consumption is considerably higher, and the safety of nutritional supplements is all the more remarkable.

If nutritional supplements are allegedly so "dangerous," as the FDA and news media so often claim, then where are the bodies?

Those who wonder if the media are biased against vitamins may consider this: how many television stations, newspapers, magazines, and medical journals have reported that no one dies from nutritional supplements?

Reference:

Bronstein AC, Spyker DA, Cantilena LR Jr, Green JL, Rumack BH, Giffin SL. 2008 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS): 26th Annual Report. Clinical Toxicology (2009). 47, 911-1084. The full text article is available for free download at http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/Portals/0/2008annualreport.pdf . Vitamins statistics are found in Table 22B, journal pages 1052-3. Minerals, herbs, amino acids and other supplements are in the same table, pages 1047-8.

For Further Reading:

Download any Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers from 1983-2008 free of charge at http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/NPDSPoisonData/AnnualReports/tabid/125/Default.aspx

Nutritional Medicine is Orthomolecular Medicine

Orthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness. For more information: http://www.orthomolecular.org/

The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource.

Editorial Review Board:
Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.
Damien Downing, M.D.
Michael Gonzalez, D.Sc., Ph.D.
Steve Hickey, Ph.D.
James A. Jackson, PhD
Bo H. Jonsson, MD, Ph.D
Thomas Levy, M.D., J.D.
Jorge R. Miranda-Massari, Pharm.D.
Erik Paterson, M.D.
Gert E. Shuitemaker, Ph.D.

Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D., Editor and contact person. Email: omns@orthomolecular.org
To Subscribe at no charge: http://www.orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html

Homeopathy and gout

2010-01-19T06:33:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy can help with gout: http://www.NaturalNews.com/027957_gout_homeopathy.html

So, vitamins are dangerous?

2010-01-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

New research confirms that it is not vitamins which are dangerous. No, it is pharmaceutical drugs: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2004/mar2004_awsi_death_01.htm.

Positive Research on Homeopathy

2010-01-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Two page summary of evidence showing positive research on homeopathy: http://bit.ly/5SusLi

An Open Letter to Alliance Boots

2010-01-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

I live in the UK and value the freedom of choice offered in this country, particularly with respect to healthcare. The UK has a history and an outstanding reputation as a market open to and respectful of Homeopathy. A group of so-called "sceptics" is petitioning Alliance Boots to discontinue its range of homeopathic remedies. For Alliance Boots to respond to this petition would be to curtail freedom of choice for a significant portion of the British population. Many are writing letters similar to this below to Boots Alliance. Please do feel free to do the same.

Dear Sir/Madam,

A democratic society is based upon the premise of freedom of expression and equality. The UK is a so-called democratic society and seeks to allow its residents the freedom and choice they desire. One of the most fundamental choices we all make is with our healthcare. The UK allows its citizens the choice of whether to use the NHS or to seek alternative/private treatment.

An extremely popular and effective choice of treatment that approximately 10 million people in the UK choose is Homeopathy. It is a natural medicine that has been proven for over 200 years to work in the treatment of disease and has also been found in RCTs to work more effectively than placebo. Unfortunately in the UK there is a movement to suppress people's freedom of choice when it comes to healthcare. They claim themselves to be "sceptics" and they want to see the end of homeopathic medicine in the UK.

Not only is this "illiberal" (in the words of Health Minister Mike O'Brien) but it is also fundamentally flawed, as they believe homeopathic medicines to exert no effect. On the contrary Homeopathy has been observed time and time again to have a therapeutic effect. Scientifically this phenomena is not yet completely understood but there are many advances being made in this field.

Alliance Boots provide a great service to their customers in that they allow them the freedom of expression to choose the medicines they wish to use. A customer shopping at a Boots store anywhere in the UK has the choice to purchase conventional pharmaceutical medicines or equally the choice to purchase homeopathic medicines. There are very few multi-national companies that allow their patients such wide choice, and Alliance Boots should be commended for this.

I am sure you are aware of a recent online letter produced by a group known as the 10:23 campaign. They are asking that Alliance Boots stop selling their homeopathic remedies on the premise that they do not work. On the basis of the arguments above and on extensive clinical evidence indicating that homeopathic remedies DO work, I believe that Alliance Boots must continue to provide homeopathic remedies to their customers. Not only do they work, but they are in huge demand from the UK public and an open, democratic society should allow people freedom of choice, particularly as to their healthcare.

I hope you will consider this letter and I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours Faithfully

Send to these email addresses - enquiries@allianceboots.com and csr@allianceboots.com

The Truth about Homeopathy and the Skeptics

2009-12-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Amy Lansky, for your excellent article which tells the truth about Homeopathy and thank you to Dr. Mercola for publishing it: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/22/Why-Skeptics-Love-to-Hate-Homeopathy.aspx - Excellent article. May I recommend it to all!

HOMEOPATHY HEALS

2009-11-29T07:20:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best homeopathy websites going: http://www.homeopathyheals.me.uk. It has only just gone live but already offers many positive articles, links to research, a growing directory of UK homeopaths and best of all, information on how to acquire the must have Homeopathy Heals car window sticker. If you have experienced Homeopathy and want to tell the world what it has done for you, go to http://www.homeopathyheals.me.uk, get yourself a Homeopathy Heals sticker and display it in your car, your home, your clinic, wherever!

Evidence Check: Homeopathy

2009-11-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Voice of (Not So) Young Homeopathy for an excellent review of yesterday's Science and Technology Committee session at the House of Commons: http://vonsyhomeopathy.wordpress.com/

Spectator debate: A world without Aids?

2009-10-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this interesting debate in London! What is the truth about HIV and AIDS??

Exclusive screening of the controversial new award-winning documentary House of Numbers followed by a panel discussion from leading authorities in their field:

Professor Beverly Griffin, Imperial College London
Dr Joe Sonnabend, founding editor of Aids Research
Rt. Hon. Lord Norman Fowler, Former UK Secretary of State for Health
Professor Charles Geshekter, The California State University
Brent Leung, Director/Producer of House of Numbers

A generation had its attitudes towards sex coloured by the theory that HIV, a lethal new virus, was sweeping the world. Now an award-winning documentary House of Numbers argues that a world without HIV/Aids may be closer than we think.

The Spectator invites you to an exclusive screening of this controversial documentary on Wednesday 28 October, followed by a panel discussion during which the film-makers will face leading medical authorities.

The documentary, which has won awards at various film festivals in America, challenges many established perceptions of the Aids epidemic and is sure to generate much debate. Both the showing of House of Numbers and the panel discussion, in which the audience will be invited to participate, will take place at Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL between 6.30pm and 9pm.

Trailers:
http://www.houseofnumbers.com/
www.spectator.co.uk/aids-debate

The Wisdom of Symptoms - Intelligence of the Body

2009-10-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Today brought another excellent article by Dana Ullman, explaining how both the body and homeopathic medicine work. See http://www.naturalnews.com/027269_medicine_symptoms_homeopathic.html - The Wisdom of Symptoms: Respect the Intelligence of the Body to Heal.

Fever Phobia - Homeopathy Best for Dealing with Fevers

2009-10-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

A MUST READ by Dana Ullman on why fevers are good for us and how to deal with them:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman/epidemic-of-fever-phobia_b_305615.html

Excellent blog from Mumbai

2009-09-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

Alex Heffron has linked to an excellent blog by Dr. Vijay and Dr. Daxa Vaishnav in Mumbai: http://homeopathicure.wordpress.com/

I can highly recommend the content and links on this site.

Leptospirosis Prevented in Cuba with Homeopathy

2009-09-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

Here is news of the overwhelming success of Homeopathy in disease prevention. High success rates, no side effects - compare this with the low success rates and devastating damage caused by vaccines.

Leptospirosis Research: Exciting research from Cuba
by Tony Pinkus BPharm MRPharmS LFHom

Tony Pinkus is Joint MD of Ainsworths with his partner and fellow director, Carole Gregory Pinkus, with whom he personally prepares the essences for Ainsworths Bach Flower Remedies. Together they visited Cuba to give a presentation on Homeoprophylaxis for cattle and sheep and discovered the research for this article. Tony has been a homeopathic pharmacist at Ainsworths since 1983 and continues the time-honoured tradition of providing individual hand-prepared potencies as well as those prepared on a unique potentiser he designed for ultra-high potencies.

An unprecedented research study has been conducted in Cuba on the homeopathic prevention of Leptospirosis in 2.4 million people following the seasonal occurrence of this disease after tropical flooding caused by hurricanes. An 80% reduction in the incidence of Leptospirosis was recorded in the three most affected eastern seaboard provinces by comparison with the incidence in their three less affected neighbouring provinces after two years use of the nosode. In the affected provinces only ten cases were reported instead of the typical several thousand cases of Leptospirosis.

On 10-12 December 2008 at the ‘Nosodes 2008’ conference in Havana (Cuba) the director-general of the Finlay Institute, an advocate of homeopathy herself, Dr Concepción Campa Huergo, opened the session and her director of research, Dr Gustavo Bracho, gave a presentation about controlling the local epidemic disease of Leptospirosis by using a Leptospira nosode alongside conventional vaccination.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochaete Leptospira transmitted to humans from rats, especially in flooded areas. In humans it may cause a wide range of symptoms including high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or a rash. If untreated the patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress.

Cuba succumbs to a yearly epidemic of Leptospirosis, especially after the hurricanes flood the countryside and water pollution reaches its height each autumn. Many people are left homeless, flooded out and suffering from stress following the seasonal hurricanes. In 2008 two of hurricanes hit Cuba within ten days of each other, the population having little time to recover from the first before the next struck land.

A part of the Ministry of Public Health, the Finlay Institute is the Cuban research institute. It has WHO qualified facilities, produces allopathic vaccinations and acts as supporting institution for research, production and development of high quality homeopathic products. Since Cuba is still subject to a 50 year US embargo, the Cubans, impoverished as they are, have become self-sufficient in the production of medicines and health care programs. Since they had a vested interest to benefit the population they were able to conduct the Leptospirosis project on a massive scale unknown in the history of homeopathy.

In October / November 2007, three provinces of the eastern region of Cuba were affected by strong rainfalls causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage to sanitary, power and health systems. The risk of Leptospirosis infection reached extremely dangerous levels with about two million people exposed to potentially contaminated water.

The Finlay Institute has been manufacturing a multivalent Leptospirosis vaccine since 1998 but is hampered by the inability to successfully produce sufficient doses to protect all the population at risk. It takes the best part of a year to produce and distribute two million doses of vaccine, sufficient for only 773,000 at-risk patients in the most affected eastern provinces. The Institute was thus continually hitting a brick wall in its aim to offer protection to the remaining population in the flooded areas.

Dr Campa decided on the pragmatic approach of providing the rest of the at-risk population with a homeopathic version of Finlay’s own vaccine. In addition, she provided a Bach Flower remedy for stress. (The original Bach Flower combination put in the first year, 2007, was equivalent to Rescue Remedy. The 2008 combination was slightly enhanced and was similar to our Emergency Spray formula I believe. The paper has still yet to be published, this is proving to be a bit of a battle, no surprises there!) The Institute therefore prepared a Leptospira nosode 200c using the four circulating strains and following international quality standards. A multidisciplinary team travelled to the affected regions to conduct the massive administration of the nosode. Coordinated action with public health system infrastructures allowed the administration of a preventive treatment consisting of two doses of the nosode (7-9 days apart) to about 2.4 million people (4.8 million doses). The coverage of the intervention rose up to 95% percent of total population of the three provinces at risk. Another dose, at a higher potency (10M), was given after the hurricane Ike hit the island in 2008; again with the accompanying Bach Flower combination for stress.

The epidemiology surveillance after the intervention showed a dramatic decrease of morbidity two weeks after, and a reduction to zero mortality of hospitalised patients. The number of confirmed Leptospirosis cases remained at low levels and below the expected levels in accordance with the trends and rain regimens that had been calculated and predicted by the Finlay Institute for a decade. The usual expectancy of infection, even with allopathic vaccination, would have been around a few thousand, with some deaths included.

The cost of the Leptospirosis project was US$200,000, whereas the costs of ‘normal’ vaccination, only for the most at-risk populations – i.e. children, pregnant women, and the elderly – is about US$3,000,000.

What is remarkable is their ability to deliver this solution so effectively and successfully, and conduct research on such a large population, with credible scientific verification. Now we have a really exciting situation. Five million doses of the nosode were manufactured within one week at a fraction of the cost of making the vaccine. Because it can be made more quickly and cheaply (as Finlay discovered), does not require a fridge (unlike the vaccine), can be given without a nurse or doctor to a large number of people quickly and efficiently, including to patients under 15yrs (unlike the vaccine) it represents a huge boon to third world countries seeking an alternative to expensive drug treatment and prophylaxis of a wide range of diseases. Moreover, the adaptation to variant strains that normally limit the efficacy of a vaccine are easily overcome with a homeopathic nosode.

Under the influence of Dr Campa, the Cubans have demonstrated both the efficacy and the economic expediency of homeopathy in the prevention of an epidemic. This experience could be extended to other diseases and other countries. The Finlay Institute is offering their facilities and specialists to spread this alternative to all regions needing emergent alternatives for epidemic control and prevention.

Tony Pinkus can be contacted at TonyPinkus@ainsworths.com.

Swine Flu and Homeopathy

2009-09-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

Homeopathy is being used successfully in India to treat cases of Swine Flu. Here is an article by homeopathic doctor, Dr. Pawan Pareek, who runs a very busy clinic in Agra.

Swine Flu H1N1
by Dr. Pawan Pareek

Swine influenza A (H1N1) is a viral infection that first infected humans in the U.S. and Mexico, and has now spread to almost 168 countries worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it to be a pandemic. It is named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human.

The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu but the body cannot make antibodies to fight this germ and antibiotics are of no use. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.

You can help to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by taking the homoeopathic medicine INFLUENZINUM 200

History

Swine flu in humans is nothing new. Its transmission usually occurs from swine or poultry to humans. Transmission from human to human is rarer and originates from a mutation in the influenza strain. This particular strain of flu is an Influeza A strain.

The Influenza Epidemic of 1918

The flu epidemic which occurred during 1918 and 1919, called the “Spanish” influenza strain and classified as pandemic, is believed to have infected one third of the world’s population and, according to the U. S. Center for Disease Control, caused almost as many as 50 million deaths. This figure is speculated, as many who died during that period were not actually diagnosed, nor were samples taken for lab testing and identification.

The causes of human influenza in 1918, and its links to avian and swine flu were not exactly known.

Ancestral and Descendant Strains of the 1918 Flu

Researchers claim that “All influenza A pandemics since then, and almost all cases of influenza A worldwide except human infections from avian viruses, have been caused by descendants of the 1918 virus.” (Taubenberger and Morens)

That 91-year-old virus wasn’t killed. It survives as the “ancestor” of the deadly descendants that spread today. Indeed, researchers in the 1930s found its offspring in both pigs and humans and concluded that it was related to raging flu epidemics in 1847 and 1889.

The Influenza Epidemic of 1976

In 1976, an Army recruit at Fort Dix, NJ, complained that he was feeling weak and tired. He died the next day (Feb. 5). Shortly thereafter, four other soldiers were hospitalized. Health officials attributed the death to swine flu and stated that the flu strain affecting them was closely related to that of the 1918 epidemic. Public health officials panicked and urged President Gerald Ford to act. About 24% of the U.S. population was quickly vaccinated. Unfortunately, the largest casualty was approximately 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome linked to an immunopathological reaction to the flu vaccine. There were 25 associated deaths from severe pulmonary complications.

The Present Swine Flu Threat

There was an outbreak of swine flu in the Philippines in 2007. When the disease spread to backyard pig farms, the National Meat Inspection Service there raised a hog cholera red alert warning for the Manila region, then for five regions of Luzon.

The strain in the present 2009 outbreak involves a virus similar to the one found in U. S. pigs since 1999, but there are also resemblances to versions present in European swine. One theory is that Asian and European strains traveled to Mexico from either migratory birds or in people, then combined with North American strains in Mexican pig factory farms before being transmitted to Mexican farm workers.

Transmission of Swine Flu (How does Swine Flu spread?)

As with other flu-like illnesses, Swine influenza is spread as follows:
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Kissing
• Touching infected objects
• Touching nose, mouth and/or eyes with infected hands

Swine flu does not spread by eating pork.

INFECTIOUS PERIOD

Persons with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection should be considered potentially contagious for up to 7 days following onset of the illness. Persons who continue to be ill longer than 7 days after illness onset should be considered potentially contagious until symptoms have resolved.

Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The duration of infectiousness might vary by swine influenza A (H1N1) virus strain. Non-hospitalized ill persons who are confirmed or suspected cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are recommended to stay at home (voluntary isolation) for at least the first 7 days after illness onset.

SYMPTOMS

Although uncomplicated influenza-like illness (fever, cough or sore throat) has been reported in many cases, mild respiratory illness (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea) without fever, and occasional severe disease have also been reported.

Other symptoms reported with swine influenza A virus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, myalgia, headache, chills, fatigue, and dyspnea. Conjunctivitis is rare, but has been reported.

Severe disease (pneumonia, respiratory failure) and fatal outcomes have been reported with swine influenza A virus infection. The potential for exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions or invasive bacterial infection with swine influenza A virus infection should be considered.

Complications of Swine Influenza

Those at higher risk of catching influenza in general include those with the following:

• Age 65 years or older
• Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
• Pregnant women
• Young children

But the past epidemics and pandemics of flu have shown that during pandemics most people who succumb are healthy young adults.

Complications of Swine Flu can include:
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Death

VACCINATION

The current vaccine against the seasonal influenza strain H1N1 is thought unlikely to provide protection against swine flu.

PREVENTION

Don’t be afraid. Homoeopathy and homoeopaths are available; constant worry and hurry may have a negative effect on your health and your immune system. A morning walk, mild exercise, meditation or yoga and healthy nutritious food are the best ways to boost your immunity.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

PRECAUTION

For interviews of ill, suspected or confirmed swine influenza A virus cases, the following is recommended:

• Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from the ill person; or
• Personal protective equipment: fit-tested N95 respirator [if unavailable, wear a medical (surgical mask)].

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS/COLLEGES/INSTITUTIONS RE INFLUENZA A/H1N1

• Any student or staff member showing flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, running nose and difficulty in breathing should be allowed to stay at home for a period of 7 to 10 days.

• In the case of students staying in hostels, the educational institutions should not only monitor the health status of the students, but also that of all care providers. It has to be ensured that the care providers wear face masks and wash their hands regularly. It might not be advisable to send boarders back home, as this could spread infection further.

• Schools should discourage students from travelling to affected countries.
If tested positive for H1N1

DON’T BE AFRAID - HOMOEOPATHY IS AVAILABLE.

Homeopathy was very successful in dealing with the 1918-19 flu pandemic. Here is a quote from the famous historian Julian Winston:

“Perhaps the most recent use of homeopathy in a major epidemic was during the Influenza Pandemic of 1918.

The Journal of the American Institute for Homeopathy, May, 1921, had a long article about the use of homeopathy in the flu epidemic. Dr. T A McCann, from Dayton, Ohio, reported that 24,000 cases of flu treated allopathically had a mortality rate of 28.2% while 26,000 cases of flu treated homeopathically had a mortality rate of 1.05%
This last figure was supported by Dean W.A. Pearson of Philadelphia (Hahnemann College) who collected 26,795 cases of flu treated with homeopathy with the above result.

The most common remedy used was Gelsemium, with occasional cases needing Bryonia and Eupatorium reported. Dr. Herbert A. Roberts from Derby, CT, said that 30 physicians in Connecticut responded to his request for data.

They reported 6,602 cases with 55 deaths, which is less than 1%. Dr. Roberts was working as a physician on a troop ship during WWI. He had 81 cases of flu on the way over to Europe. He reported, "All recovered and were landed. Every man received homeopathic treatment. One ship lost 31 on the way."

People should not worry about swine flu; constant worry, fear and its threat in our mind may decrease our body’s resistance to fight this germ. We fought this germ successfully nearly a century ago and can now do the same again.

Homeopathic Remedies for Swine Flu / H1N1 Influenza

INFLUENZINUM 200-Treatment may be started with this remedy. It is a nosode and could be given as an intercurrent remedy when well-selected remedies fail to improve the condition

1-ACONITE NAP-High fever with dry skin; restlessness with great thirst.

2-ARS ALB-It is the head remedy. Its indications are: restlessness with thirst for small quantities of water at short intervals, sneezing, running from the nose.

3-GELSEMIUM-It has sneezing, frequent and violent chilliness up and down the back, watery discharge from the nose which is bland.

4-EUPATORIUM PERF-Fever with chill followed by vomiting of bile. Deep pain in the bones relieved by pressure and movements. Thirst but water tastes salty or oily. Coryza with sneezing, hoarseness and loose cough.

5-BRYONIA-It is indicated when flu is complicated with pneumonia. Shooting pain in the muscles. Dry hacking cough causing much pain in the lungs and chest.

6-RHUS TOX-Restless with pain in limbs, tosses about to get relief. Flu with constant chilliness.

7-DULCAMARA-Eyes suffused, throat sore, cough hurts due to muscular soreness brought on by wet or change to cold weather.

8-CAUSTICUM-High fever, no chilliness, much prostration. Hoarseness, dry hacking cough with spurting of urine.

9-CARBOLIC ACID-Cold hands and feet; profound prostration and fatigue.

10-PHOSPHORUS-Bronchial affection with dry tickling cough and tightness across the chest, hoarseness, husky, rough voice, desire for cold water.

11-SABADILLA-Sneezing is the great keynote of this remedy. Sneezing and lachrymation on going into the open air. The throat is swollen and the pain is worse on the left side on empty swallowing. Frontal headache, dryness of mouth, without thirst and cough, worse on lying down, are additional symptoms.

12-ARS IOD-Chills, flushes of heat and severe fluent coryza, discharge irritating and corrosive, sneezing and prostration with afternoon rise of temperature.

13-IPECAC-Adapted to cases where gastric symptoms predominate; tongue clean or slightly coated. Nausea: with profuse saliva; vomiting of white, glairy mucus in large quantities, without relief. Cough, with rattling of mucus in bronchi when inspiring; threatened suffocation from mucus. Pains as if bones were all torn to pieces.

14-VERATRUM ALBUM-Adapted to diseases with rapid sinking of the vital forces; complete prostration; collapse. Cold perspiration on the forehead, cold breath, cold blue skin, violent nausea. Thirst for cold water, but it is vomited soon after it is swallowed.

POST INFLUENZA TREATMENT

1-CARBO VEG –An excellent remedy for post influenzal symptoms such as prostration, lack of energy, residual bronchitis, burning in soles of feet.

2-AMMONIUM CARB-Cough after influenza when bryonia and other remedies fail.

3-BAPTISIA-Low ranging fever with delirium; pain and soreness all over the body with prostration.

Those for whom Homeopathy is the medicine of choice may select from the remedies above and those who have never used Homeopathy are welcome to try. History bears witness to its great effectiveness in all cases of influenza.