Homeopathy_-_Herbs_And_Hypnosis.pdf

Homeopathy, Herbs And Hypnosis

Common Practices In Complementary And Alternative Medicine

Anne Bozzuto, R.N., BSN, MA and Thomas M. Bozzuto, D.O., D.I. Hom.

Homeopathy

Of all the popular alternative therapies, probably none

generates the disbelief or hostility of the conventional

medical practitioner as does homeopathy. Homeopathy is a

unique approach to healing that uses extremely dilute

medicines to trigger a person’s innate capacity to heal. It

was developed by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), who

was a German physician, chemist, and author of a well–

known textbook on the preparation and use of contempo-

rary medicines. In reaction to some of the barbaric medical

practices of his day, Hahnemann sought a more comprehen-

sive, gentle approach to healing which encouraged the

body’s innate ability to heal itself. The practice of home-

opathy is based on several beliefs. The Law of Similars

states that the appropriate remedy for each sick person is the

substance which would give rise to precisely the same set of

symptoms if given to a healthy person. Hahnemann’s method

employed only one remedy at a time for the whole patient,

comparing the totality of symptoms of the individual with

those of various remedies until the closest possible match is

found. Integral to the belief system of homeopathy is that of

a ‘vital force’, which like acupuncture, herbalism, and other

natural methods, belongs to the vitalist tradition. Illness is

viewed as the organism’s ability to heal itself and this life

energy is the ultimate source of health. In modern terms,

this would be likened to the bioenergetic integrity of living

beings. The detailed philosophy of homeopathy would

encompass several volumes of text. Often overlooked in the

homeopathic belief system are the recommendations of

healthy diet, fresh air, exercise, and the avoidance of toxic

substances, none of which deal with the administration of

any medication.

The most significant controversy in homeopathy in-

volves the minute dose of the medicine (remedy). This

principle states that one should use the smallest dose and

lowest frequency possible. Although all good medical prac-

tice would agree with this principle, the degree to which

homeopathy practices this defies generally known prin-

ciples of molecular biology or biochemistry. Homeopathic

medicines are prepared by a process of serial dilution and

agitation (sucussion). Many of the homeopathic remedies

are so dilute that they would not be expected to contain any

of the original therapeutic substance.

10 23 . Homeopathic dilutions are measured in decimal (x) or

centesimal (c) potencies. Therefore at a dilution of 12 C or

24X (10 -24 ) there is almost no likelihood of any of the

original substance in the solution.

The activity of the homeopathic remedy is thought to

follow from properties of the solvent water conferred to it

by the original substance, not the molecules themselves.

For the scientist grounded in the concept of chemistry and

molecular biology, the observation that medicines that

contain no molecules of the original substance could have

biological activity defies all logic and is frankly unbeliev-

able. This is, however precisely what the proponents of

homeopathy claim, and it is increasingly demonstrated in

controlled clinical trials. 1

Evidence of the biologic activity of serially agitated

dilutions (SAD) is accumulating. Theoretical explanations

revolve around the “memory of water” and a subtle energy

system that can perceive and respond to the information

encoded in the homeopathic solution. The physicist Callinan

suggests that the process of succusion produces energy

storage in the bonds of the diluent in the infrared spectrum

that downloads in contact with water in living systems. 2 The

nature of this effect, and the reason why it is so persistent

may be deduced by the work of Weingertner using mag-

netic resonance spectroscopy. 3 The signals H 2 O and OH

between a homeopathic remedy of sulfur (23x) and the

control solvent without the homeopathic dilution are sig-

nificantly lower (probability > 99%).

The recent discovery of I E structures in water may be the

clearest evidence to date of a mechanism of action for

homeopathic remedies. 4,5 These I E structures are crystal-

line-like structures of water molecules generated in re-

sponse to electrical dipoles surrounding ions or proteins in

solution. At ion concentrations below 10 -7 , these structures

become stable and when exposed to shearing forces, break

apart into three nanometer fragments, but then reaggregate

into more stable structures that are capable of self-replica-

tion in more dilute solutions, despite the absence of the

original polar molecule. The form that these aggregates

take is determined by the electrical field of the original polar

molecule. The shape of these aggregates may contain infor-

mation that is communicated to highly specific receptor

Reference to the extraordinary dilutions used in homeo-

pathic remedies is given context by referring to the concept

of Avogadro’s number from basic chemistry. This number

is the theoretical number of atoms or molecules in a gram

molecular weight of any given substance, namely 6.02 x

Anne Bozzuto, R.N., BSN, MA and Thomas

M. Bozzuto, D.O., D.I.Hom are with the Mind/

Body Institute of Florida.

January, 2000/ Jacksonville Medicine 11

sites on cell surfaces, antibodies, etc. Therefore, when

viewed in the light of quantum physics and plasma chem-

istry, the mechanism of homeopathic remedies is not

unplausible.

Homeopathic Research

In the mid-1950’s, a review of 25 investigations of

microdoses was published, citing their effects on such

widely variant systems as paramecia, the Schick test, growth

of Aspergillus mycelia, germination of wheat germ, and

blood flow in the ears of rabbits. 6 More recently, European

laboratory studies have demonstrated the effects of homeo-

pathic microdoses on mouse macrophages 7 , arsenic mobi-

lization in the rat 8 , bleeding time with aspirin 9 , and

degranulation of human basophils 10 . These studies, as well

as others in the veterinary literature, suggest that response

to homeopathic remedies is not a placebo response. One of

the first clinical studies reported was sponsored by the

British Government during World War II. 11 It was con-

ducted in volunteers in whom skin burns were produced

using azotized mustard gas and showed a significant im-

provement in subjects receiving Mustard Gas 30c as a

prophylaxis or Rhus tox 30c, and Kali bichromium 30c.The

study was conducted independently in two different centers

(London and Glasgow) using a double-blind placebo-con-

trolled design. A recent meta-analysis by Kleijnen, et al.

produced a review of 107 clinical trials in homeopathy on

the basis of rigid assessment criteria of the type used for

trials in allopathic medicine. 12 In all, of the 105 trials whose

results could be interpreted, 81 yielded positive results.

The Homeopathic Prescription

In taking a homeopathic history, the first priority is to

understand the patient and his/her illness. The second, is to

find an appropriate remedy. There are three main compo-

nents to the homeopathic history:

Table 1. Common Homeopathic Remedies And Their Uses

Aconitum Napellus: ailments from shock, fright, or fear, or expo-

sure to cold

Apis Mellifica: stings, burning pains, difficulty passing urine, edema

Arnica Montana: bruising

Belladonna: sudden illness with redness & heat (fever), throbbing

headache

Calendula Officinalis: injuries causing torn or ragged wounds

Cantharis: cystitis, burning or scalding pain while urinating

Chamomilla: teething, irritable child, colic

Graphites: thickened, scaly or crusty patches on skin

Hypericum: crush injuries, punctures, or lacerations

Ipecacuanha: nausea unrelieved by vomiting

Nux Vomica: digestive disturbances, anger, morning headaches,

nausea & vomiting

Pulsatilla: catarrh, styes and conjunctivitis, timidity and weeping

Rhus Toxidendron: joint pains, arthritis, back pain

Ruta Graveolens: tendon injuries, bruised, sore, achy feeling

Sanguinaria: migraine, burning sensation in eyes or ears, nasal

polyps

Sepia: depression

Staphysagria: pains in genitalia, pain in abdomen, symptoms

caused by suppressed anger

Sulfur: chronic skin inflammation

are of secondary importance to choosing the correct rem-

edy. Despite a multiplicity of symptoms, one remedy is

usually chosen which matches all the patient’s findings.

Remedies are generally given more frequently and in lower

potencies for acute conditions, and less frequently in higher

potencies for chronic or mental conditions. Computer pro-

grams are now available to help in remedy selection. The

remedy is discontinued when the symptoms resolve. If the

symptoms change, then another remedy is chosen which

matches the new symptom complex. Table 1 contains a list

of common homeopathic remedies and their uses.

Phytopharmacology (Herbal Medicine)

The sale of herbal medicines in the United States is one

of the ten fastest growing industries. It is estimated that over

60 million adults used herbs for a medical condition in

1996. The average spent per person is $54 annually, with

many people spending much more. The total estimated

retail sales exceeded $3.42 million in 1996 and $441.5

million in 1997 (Figure 1). There was an estimated 78%

increase in the use of herbs over this one year period. Media

coverage of herbal medicines is extensive.

Numerous factors contribute to this increased use of

plant-derived medicines for self-treatment. Although the

tremendous benefits of technology that produce dramatic

effects (increasingly technical surgeries and procedures),

the dangers and indiscriminate use of chemicals (preserva-

tives, coloring agents, drugs, chemical pollution) is strain-

ing the adaptability of our complex bodies and the

environment. There appears to be a growing distrust of

1. The conventional medical history.

2. The physiology of the patient. One of the areas where

homeopathic history differs from that learned in con-

ventional allopathic medicine, is that factors modify-

ing the illness are given greater attention including:

modality, i.e. what modifies the sensation. Not only

what makes it better or worse is considered, but what

side of the body it is on, whether it is affected by cold,

heat, wind, dampness, time of day, etc. Sleep and

dreams are considered.

3. The mental state. This includes cognitive function,

emotional symptoms, how the patient feels about them-

selves, consolation, confrontation, etc.

After listing all the history and symptoms, a repertory is

consulted. This is a tool for working out which remedy the

patient needs. The dosage regime consists of two elements

— the potency and the frequency of dosage, both of which

Jacksonville Medicine / January, 2000

Figure 1. Herb Supplement Sales First 8 Months Of 1999

and that herbs should be chosen to support

wellness, not simply to relieve symptoms

or treat diseases. The main uses for herbs in

the United States are shown in Figure 2.

For the past forty years, researchers have

been trying to isolate the “active” constitu-

ent of a plant. As a result, the exact mecha-

nism of action for a number of plants has

been elucidated and the understanding of

phytomedicines expanded. With the abil-

ity to standardize herbs — that is, to accu-

rately measure the exact percent of active

constituents within an herbal product — a

new range of herbal medicines are now

available to the public. Many practitioners

feel more confident recommending a prod-

uct if they know the exact amount of the

active principle and the number of milli-

grams that should be prescribed daily.

technological medicine which has given rise to a ‘back to

nature’ movement.

Science is a double-edged sword and its enormous influ-

ence means that we must begin to realize and address the

long-term consequences of our technology. Yet, both tech-

nology and nature must be combined wisely. The history of

herbal medicines is as old as the history of healing itself.

Only in the past fifty years, with the increase in synthetic

drug manufacture and the medical promise of a drug to cure

every ailment, has the use of botanicals as medicines taken

a back seat to prescription, manufactured pharmaceuticals.

Reasons for this are multiple. There is no dedicated support

of the herbal industry by the Federal Government; the cost

of bringing a new drug to market is between $140

and $500 million. With natural substances being

non-patentable, pharmaceutical companies are

loathe to spend the necessary research money to

provide adequate research because the develop-

ment money spent is non-recoverable.

Most plants, however, contain hundreds

of constituents that may be acting in con-

cert, not individually, to create the physi-

ologic effect. Clinical trials that study the whole plant’s

activity must be designed. This requires a shift of thinking in

western allopathic research — a movement away from reduc-

tionism — looking at herbs as complete products in which the

whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Additional evidence of widespread consumer interest in

herbs and other natural products, now legally classified as

“dietary supplements” in the United States, can be found in

the estimated two million letters, faxes and phone calls by

Americans to members of Congress during 1993 and 1994

in support of legislation that would protect and increase

access to the products and information on their responsible

Figure 2. Consumers Use Of Herbal Remedies

In the European Commonwealth, there is less

of a dichotomy between naturally-derived bo-

tanical medicines and synthetic pharmaceuticals,

leading to more research, longer history of use,

and stricter quality control. In phytomedicine,

pathological understanding of illness is similar to

western allopathic pathology, however medical

herbalists view illness within the context of the

healing capacity of the whole person and then

chose herbs that support the specific organ sys-

tems under stress. 12 Most western-trained herbal-

ists believe that the body is a self-healing organism

January, 2000/ Jacksonville Medicine 13

use. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act

(DSHEA) of 1994 created a new legal definition for dietary

supplements: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals,

amino acids, and other dietary substance for use by man to

supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake,

including a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or

combination of these ingredients (103 rd Congress, 1994). A

limited amount of information regarding an herb’s physi-

ologic effects can be conveyed on a product label, however

therapeutic or drug claims are prohibited. That is, DSHEA

allows for ‘statements of nutritional support’ or so called

‘structure and function claims.’

Because of the high level of professional interest in herbs

and phytomedicines in Germany, there is a considerable

amount of scientific research conducted. Herbal medicines

in Germany have been protected beginning with the Impe-

rial Decree of 1901 that permitted the trade of many

botanical drugs outside pharmacies. Germany’s Second

Medicines Act (Arzneimittelgesetz) of 1976 required the

entire range of medicines in the pharmaceutical market

(including conventional drugs, medicinal plants and

phytomedicines) to be reviewed by a scientific committee

every three years. In 1978, the Minister of Health estab-

lished a series of commissions to review various categories

of drugs, including an expert committee of herbal drugs and

preparations from medicinal plants, Commission E. These

committees were situated at the Bundesgesundheitsamt , the

Federal Health Agency. This Commission E was composed

of 24 members (physicians, pharmacists, non-medical prac-

titioners, pharmacologists, toxicologists, biostatisticians,

and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry). The

scientists and physicians in this committee had authored

over 1,000 publications. The report of this Commission E,

“Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines”, has become one

of the most complete reference works in herbal medicine in

the world and was recently translated in to English. 13

with the development of viral components and directly

inactive mature retroviruses. 17 The usual adult dose is 300

mg three times daily, with products standardized to contain

0.3% hypericin. Pediatric dosage for children 6 to 12 is 250

mg daily. Gastrointestinal side effects may be experienced.

Photosensitivity in light-skinned patients is theoretically pos-

sible but has never been reported in a human taking the herb.

Kava Kava: Kava root ( Piper methysticum) is found

throughout the South Pacific Islands where it has been used

as a slightly intoxicating, non-alcoholic beverage for thou-

sands of years. Several studies have demonstrated kava’s

effectiveness in alleviating stress and anxiety. It has also

been used as a muscle relaxant and analgesic. The muscle

relaxant effects are thought to be of supraspinal origin 18 and

the analgesic effect is not thought to operate through opiate

pathways because the effect is not reversed by naloxone. 19

Kava has been demonstrated to increase deep sleep without

affecting REM sleep. 18 Kava is a viable option in the

treatment of anxiety and muscle tension before turning to

the benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. Sedation

is not seen in therapeutic doses recommended. There are

minimal side effects — weight loss and a reversible skin

condition known as kava dermopathy have been reported in

long term users taking very high doses. 20 The usual dose of

a standardized extract is 200 mg three times daily. Caution

should be used when used with other psychotropic or

sedative medications.

Echinacea: Echinacea ( Echinacea spp. [usually

purpurea ]) is indigenous to North America and is exported

to Europe for medicinal uses. It is used as a stimulant to the

immune system. Echinacea’s action on the immune system

is non-specific and works primarily through cell-mediated

actions - increasing activity among macrophages and lym-

phocytes, and increasing the number of circulating granu-

locytes. 21 The polysaccharides found in echinacea stimulate

the secretion of tumor necrosis factor, interferon, and

interleukin-1. 22 The arabinogalactans found within the roots

have distinct antiviral properties. Echinacoside has bacte-

riostatic properties, while echinacin B promotes tissue

granulation. 23 Echinacea is a suitable herb for cold and flu-

like symptoms. Patients often pressure physicians to pre-

scribe something for obvious viral infections and antibiotics

are often requested. Echinacea is an appropriate recom-

mendation. A meta-analysis of six double-blind, placebo-

controlled and randomized studies show an improvement in

symptoms and decreased length of upper respiratory illness

when echinacea is given. It has also been shown to be of

benefit in the prophylaxis of upper respiratory infections. 24

Echinacea has also been used topically to promote the

healing of wounds. There are few side effects. The recom-

mended dose of standardized extract is 900 mg two to four

times daily. It can be used in children and adults.

Some of the most commonly used herbs and their phar-

macologic properties are listed below.

St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort ( Hypericum

perforatum ) has received a great deal of attention since a

story on its use appeared in the media. A meta-analysis of

23 clinical trials conducted on more than 1757 outpatients

was published in the British Medical Journal in 1996

showing that the extract was more effective than placebo

and equally as effective as standard synthetic antidepres-

sants. 14 Although initially classified as a monoamine oxi-

dase inhibitor, later studies suggest that its effect may be

due to serotonin reuptake inhibition. 15 Even more recent

studies suggest that hypericin does not cross the blood-

brain barrier and that its effects are due to regulation of

cytokines, specifically supression of interleukin-6. 16 Hy-

pericum also possesses antiretroviral activity both in vivo

and in vitro . Both hypericin and pseudohypericin interfere

Jacksonville Medicine / January, 2000

Ginkgo: Ginkgo biloba extracts standardized to contain

24% ginkgo flavonglycosides, are among the most well-

studied plant-based medicines. More than 40 double-blind

studies have shown it to be effective in cerebral vascular

insufficiency. The leaves have been studied for a wide

number of indications including dementia, poor memory,

difficulties with concentration, cerebral insufficiency syn-

dromes (including dizziness, headache, and tenets), inter-

mittent claudication, Raynaud’s Syndrome, and asthma.

Ginkgo is a potent inhibitor of platelet activating factor

(PAF) which helps reduce platelet aggregation and plays a

role in inhibiting bronchoconstriction, 25 preventing lipid

peroxidation, 25 inhibiting catecholamine O-methyl trans-

ferase and stimulating synthesis of serotonin receptors. It

prolongs the half-life of endothelium-derived relaxing fac-

tor resulting in dilation of the arterial bed and improved

peripheral circulation. It has been shown to increase pain-

free walking distance in patients suffering from intermittent

claudication. 26 Other studies have shown effectiveness in

treating vertigo, macular degeneration, Alzheimers Dis-

ease, tenets, cochlear deafness, diabetic retinopathy, impo-

tence, premenstrual syndrome and idiopathic cyclic edema,

allergies, and depression. The standard dose is 40-80 mg

three times a day. It is extremely safe and side-effects are

uncommon. In 44 double-blind studies involving 9,772

patients taking GBE, the number of side effects reported

was extremely small. The most common was GI discomfort

and this occurred only in 21 cases, followed by headache (7

cases) and dizziness (6 cases).

Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto ( Serenoa repens) is a small

palm tree native to West Indes and the Atlantic Coast of

North America from South Carolina to Florida. The fat

soluble extract of the berries inhibits the conversion of

testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and has been

reported to have antiandrogen and estrogenic effects. In one

of the larger studies involving 110 patients with BPH,

impressive clinical results were reported: nocturia decreased

by 45%, flow rate (ml/s) increased by over 50% and post

micturition residual (ml) decreased by 42% in the group

receiving saw palmetto extract while the placebo group

showed no significant improvement. 27 Direct comparisons

with finasteride (Proscar) report increased efficacy, lower

side effects, and significantly reduced cost of treatment

with saw palmetto. While finasterde typically takes up to a

year to produce significant benefit, most patients on saw

palmetto extract achieve some symptom relief within the

first 30 days. A recently reported study has now evaluated

the long-term efficacy of saw palmetto. This three year,

multi-center open label study evaluated 160 mg of a stan-

dardized extract in 435 men (aged 41-89 years) with stage

I or II BPH. By the end of the study 120 patients had

withdrawn: 12 from lack of efficacy, 41 due to need of

surgery, 41 lost to follow-up, and 8 from adverse reactions.

In the remaining 315, the following were reported:

Table 2. Other Common Herbs And Their Uses

Ginseng: adaptogenic, stimulates ACTH,

Hawthorne: mild (Stage I & II NYHA) cardiac insufficiency - 40-

90 mg daily

Milk Thistle: hepatoprotection, stimulates hepatic protein syn-

thesis, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, gallstones - 140-210 mg/day

Garlic: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antihelmenthic, im-

mune enhancing, cardiovascular - 4,000 mg allicin per day

Black cohosh: menopausal symptoms, preventing osteoporo-

sis- 250-500 mg/day

Licorice root: antiinflammatory, antihepatotoxic, PMS symp-

toms, peptic ulcer - 250-500 mg/day.

Feverfew: migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, 500-1000 mg/day

Valerian: insomnia, anxiety - 250-500 mg/day

Ginger: anti-nausea (motion sickness), inflammatory conditions,

100-200 mg/day.

• nocturia normalized or improved in 73%;

• daytime frequency improved in 54%;

• feeling of incomplete emptying improved in 75%;

• rectal examination revealed improvement in prostate

congestion in 55%;

• average residual volume decreased from 64 to 38 cc; and

• peak urine flow increased an average of 6.1 ml/sec. 28

Other common herbs in use in the United States, their

common actions, and recommended dosages are seen in

Table 2.

There is no organization or governmental agency in the

United States that certifies that a herbal product is what it

claims to be. Reputable companies producing herbal rem-

edies bioassay the product after manufacture and list on the

label that the product contains a standardized herbal extract,

listing the percent of the known active ingredient(s).

Medical Hypnosis

As in every other aspect of medicine, hypnosis is both an

art and a science. Those readers who are familiar with the

nuances of hypnotic phenomenon are well acquainted with

the art. This brief introduction to the field of Medical

Hypnosis will focus on the history, theories, clinical appli-

cations and research investigations into the use of hypnosis

as a medical intervention. When consulting the references

used to prepare this review of the literature, the reader will

note that medical,dental and psychological uses of hypno-

sis have undergone mainstream scientific testing of its

effectiveness since the late 1950’s.

History

In 1734 Franz Anton Mesmer, a Viennese physician,

began the modern medical study of hypnosis through inter-

ventions designed to alter the flow of electro-magnetic

fluids in the body. 29, 30 This treatment, later called “animal

January, 2000/ Jacksonville Medicine 15

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