A Healthy Autumn

The month of October and changing season bring to mind memories of Colorado—that portion of Earth now residing in my heart. Now that I’m a homeopath, experiences as they relate to health have perspective and make sense. In Colorado, I remember knowing when a storm was coming, because I could “feel it in my bones.” I didn’t need a weather report. I didn’t need to look outside. I knew a day or two before anyone else, without fail. As a homeopath, I know that my feelings of being a “human barometer” reflected my constitution at that time. It is the type of symptom I consider when working with someone to strengthen and rebalance his or her immune system and defense mechanism.

It might surprise those of you not affected by changes in the weather to learn about the number of people who are, and the variety of symptoms that result. During this time of year I hear complaints of headaches, earaches, toothaches, sore throats, sinusitis, diarrhea, frequent urination, ovarian pain, nasal congestion, hoarseness, loss of voice, asthma, coughs, chest oppression, chest pain, backaches, arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, scar tissue that becomes painful, skin eruptions, restlessness, bone pain, wounds that become painful, mental and emotional symptoms, colds and hay fever, sleeplessness and even autumn fevers—all related to the seasonal weather and temperature changes. Some of these symptoms occur during each fluctuation in the weather. Some are brought on from a cool night after a warm day.

Help for the Flu

I first became acquainted with homeopathic remedies in early 1980 through Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats (by Richard Pitcairn and Susan Hubble Pitcairn). At the time, I had enough pets to qualify for a Permanent Home for Animals on our five acres in Colorado, and I fed and treated my charges as naturally as possible. A local veterinarian was open-minded enough to provide just the right support, so I had ample opportunity to treat health problems alternatively.

In his book, Pitcairn uses a variety of methods to treat pet health problems. Utilizing homeopathic remedies was among them. One of my first experiences with the power of homeopathy was in the treatment of hip dysplasia in Sherman, my large, then three-year-old dog.

By conventional standards, our veterinarian expected Sherman to be unable to walk by the age of six. I studied Pitcairn’s book and followed the treatments recommended for hip dysplasia, postponing conventional care while still under the veterinarian’s supervision. By the time I discovered Pitcairn’s book, I had already been utilizing other natural treatments mentioned by him: Nutrition and vitamin supplementation, herbology, naturopathy, manual therapies, acupressure and oriental medicine and flower essences. This was to be my first introduction to homeopathy.

All About Lyc.

Last month, I began the story of a graduation party, in which the characters are named after various homeopathic remedies and their personalities based upon that particular remedy’s “picture.” This is the continuation of that two-installment story.

Mr. Lycopodium guided Mr. Aurum to the food table, and then he looked towards the podium. He knew it would soon be time to give his speech, and he had been nervous about it for several weeks. He was prepared, though, and despite his anxiety he knew he would do fine.

Mr. Causticum and his niece, Calcarea phosphorica, had offered to be in charge of the barbecue. More than any other guests at the party, they loved smoked foods.

Calcarea phosphorica was always unhappy and discontented. She had been an irritable baby, requiring constant attention, and she didn’t start walking until very late. She often had growing pains that were especially worse during the night. In addition, not only did her teeth come in with difficulty as a toddler and much later than her siblings, but they seemed to decay as soon as they erupted. One of the soft spots on her head had never closed. When ill, she would crave bacon rind. She was often weak, exhausted and fatigued after an illness, and Mr. Causticum thought she appeared to be bored and unhappy most of the time. Her mother complained that she frequently had to stay home from school due to headaches or stomach pain. (This is why she had been available to go to Mr. Lycopodium’s graduation party.)

Lyc. Graduates

I’m going to stray from my usual description of remedies and have some fun with animating them as people at a party. Homeopaths often affectionately think of remedies as people—the nature and thus curative power of remedies are known, after all, by their effects on healthy people (“provings”). The symptoms accumulated about each remedy in homeopathic literature are so vast that, if I described a well-proven remedy to you, it would seem like I was describing a person. My remedy “person” would have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual characteristics—the same as any other person.

I’ve decided to take you to a party scene of homeopathic remedy “people.” (Part 2 will follow next month.) Don’t be surprised if you recognize someone you know—or even yourself! In the story that follows, I will continue to round out the remedy pictures from my previous articles so homeopathy buffs will want to pay close attention.

Vacation Savers

After learning about homeopathy, I thought back to stories I had heard over the years from friends and family. They described health problems encountered while vacationing. Some stories involved getting diarrhea from drinking local tap water. One of my family members experienced constipation whenever traveling. Others shared their experiences with jet lag—how it affected their energy while on vacation, and how it took many weeks to recover from its effects once they returned home.

Homeopathy provides a unique resource for health problems experienced by travelers. While there is an abundance of homeopathic remedies available for just as many problems, I will be highlighting remedies commonly indicated for problems associated with the actual trip in this month’s column.

Before the trip

Over the past year, several of my friends described getting sick just before leaving on a trip. Often excitement felt about the prospect of leaving is exacerbated by last-minute preparations, and health problems can result from the anticipation. Aconite will calm acute anxiety and fears. The thoughts of the person needing Aconite will chase one another. The person will experience a sense of foreboding and feel restless, impatient and agitated. This person also often has a great fear of flying.

Affordable Healthcare

One of my earliest joys in learning that homeopathy was a comprehensive system of healthcare was witnessing the gradual transformation of my family’s “medicine cabinet.” In it one could find numerous sampled over-the-counter, as well as prescription, products, often used only once or twice.

For instance, before homeopathy came into my life, I remember finally getting desperate enough to try a nasal decongestant that was advertised as providing “12-hour relief” (I wanted the best). I remember thinking the product was expensive. I took only a dose or two, because the side effects were worse than my symptoms. Into the medicine cabinet it went!

Growing up, strep throat and sinus and bronchial infections were my bane. (These lasted into my 20’s, until – yes! – homeopathy came on the scene.) I would get a sinus and bronchial infection each winter, be treated with antibiotics, and then have laryngitis which would linger for another month or two. Eventually, my sinus infections stopped responding to antibiotics and became chronically low-grade. I would also get strep throat four times a year and be sent home from school upon being diagnosed, put on a course of antibiotics, and sent back to school the following day.

Healing Allergies

The I in illness is isolation, and the crucial letters in wellness are we.
~ Author unknown

March is one of my favorite winter months, because it heralds the transition into spring. For others, spring brings feelings of dread in anticipation of seasonal allergies. If even looking at these flowers makes you want to sneeze, “this blog’s for you.”

You are not alone if you suffer from hay fever. Most of my clients date the onset of their allergies to their move to Davis. It was a few days before spring—St. Patrick’s Day 1990 to be exact—that I moved in while a neighbor moved out: “Allergies,” she explained.

By the following spring, I understood what she meant firsthand. That’s when I started experiencing allergic symptoms for the first time in my life. I didn’t even entertain moving, though: I also understood homeopathy firsthand. Homeopathic strengthening aborted any further attacks.

Pet Recipes

I have a tender spot in my heart for animals. As a child, animals provided my first (although, fortunately, not last!) experience of feeling loved unconditionally. People of all ages share special relationships with animals. Despite the hair, occasional muddy prints, various expenses and energy expended in care, I cannot imagine myself without a pet. (At least, to this day, it hasn’t been the case.) Our family has a dog, two cats, two rabbits and four fish who have all benefited from homeopathic care.

Before coming to Davis, I lived in Colorado and had founded a permanent pet shelter on our five-acre parcel of land. It was during this time of caring for our 35 animals that I discovered that, of all the various healing modalities—natural or conventional—homeopathic treatment, hand-in-hand with a natural diet, provided a cure potential which was in a category all by itself (just like for people). Homeopathic treatment is recommended when an animal’s or person’s organism cannot overcome symptoms, after having looked at diet, exercise and lifestyle. So, rather than focusing on homeopathic treatment in this article, I would like to share two wonderful pet recipes which might not otherwise be available.

Maintaining Mental Health

Winter is often a season in which I see an increase in the number of clients seeking homeopathic care. More than at any other time of the year, for many people mental and emotional symptoms arise during this time, providing an opportunity for deeper healing. At the same time, it is possible to become “stuck” in a particular emotion or pattern. It is here that homeopathy takes the spotlight. Because homeopathic care is holistic, remedies are available to help release these feelings or mental states. I will describe a leading remedy to be considered for each of the states of anger, fear, joy and grief.

Anger

I recently recommended the remedy Staphysagria to several clients who have problems that originate in suppressed anger. The person needing this remedy usually has trouble expressing anger, especially in the immediate situation, and often there will be a delayed response. While lying awake in the middle of the night, for example, they might imagine alternative, more authentic responses to a frustrating situation earlier that day.

Strong emotions can cause physical trembling. Anger can later surface, leading to the slamming of doors or even throwing objects at the person who offended them. This is a highly sensitive person who has a refined sense of devotion and integrity, with an embodied sense of right and wrong. This person can, therefore, easily feel insulted or slighted. A pattern of feeling shamed and humiliated in association with hurtful situations will often exist.

Staphysagria can initiate healing in a person who fits the above picture, whether the insult was recent or remote. You might recognize a variety of situations in which this remedy might be employed, including love disappointments and betrayals, children who are dominated by an authority figure, someone who has been repeatedly put down, and even sexual abuse. Keep in mind that indignation, grief and resentment are often components of the emotional state of the person needing Staphysagria.

Dietary Indiscretions

Ah—the holidays! I associate the holiday season with Fall, my favorite time of year. Each morning as I go outside I am renewed by the moisture in the air (I’m a Bay Area transplant) and, even more, by the surreal colors which herald the holiday season in this area.

Five Birch trees carpet my family’s driveway with a magnificent layer of gold each year during this time. My rose bushes, which struggled against the heat of this past summer, have also responded to the season and are now bursting forth with colors which appear incandescent against the rain-laden skies. I am truly nourished by and appreciative of nature’s offerings.

The holiday season also conjures up warm images of family, feast and friends. Unfortunately, for me, in the background of these images lurks a (slight) sense of anticipatory dread, knowing that I sometimes end up overeating and, thus, feel unwell.

There are certain dishes in which I indulge (Mom’s pumpkin pie with whipped cream, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, vegetarian stuffing . . .). Despite my being a vegetarian, I was raised with all the traditional fanfare and decadence of the season.

If only I had known about homeopathy when I was younger (sigh). I am, however, fortunate to now be able to help myself, family, friends and clients homeopathically when dietary indiscretions do occur, and I am happy to pass along this information to you.