Journal BT Fall 2003

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Winter 2005
JOURNAL OF
BIOMEDICAL THERAPY
Integrating
Homotoxicology
and Mainstream
Medicine
Infectious diseases
Gripp-Heel in the treatment of upper
respiratory infections
Plantar warts
Official publication of SOHNA
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Practical Protocols
Acute viral influenza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Boils and Furuncles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Winter Cough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Medical Studies
Symptomatic Treatment of Acute Upper
Respiratory Infections: A Comparison of
Homeopathic and Conventional
Therapies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Medical Summaries
• Treatment of infections of the upper
respiratory tract; comparison of a
homeopathic remedy with
Xylometazoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Experience of using antihomotoxic
preparations Hepar compositum and
Engystol in the treatment of patients
suffering from viral hepatitis . . . . . . . . 11
In Your Practice
Recurrent infections: the problem
of low cellular immunity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Podiatric Column
Podiatric management of viral warts with
special reference to antihomotoxic
medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
This approach has dire consequences, apart from the emergence of
these super bugs, due to the overuse of antibiotics. In natural medicine, we have always seen banal infection as part of nature’s way to
‘train’ the immune system and keep it on its toes. That thinking which
is correct, is now reflected in the writings on the so-called hygiene
hypothesis, where it is thought that we have created a population who
has cellular immune deficiency (a lack of Th1 helper cell responsiveness), which boils down to an increase in conditions like allergy, recurrent viral disease and even cancer. This is further discussed under practical protocols.
According to Homotoxicology, infections can be classified on the sixphase table of disease. Most infections seen in practice fall in the
inflammatory phase of the six-phase table, while other chronic infections represent an underlying regulation rigidity in the patient, such
as chronic recurrent viral disease. For example, the acute infection of
mononucleosis is not classified in the impregnation phase, but rather,
in the inflammatory phase. Only when a patient cannot clear the
infection and it becomes a chronic recurrent situation as whenever the
patient is stressed, for instance, will it be classified in the impregnation phase. Examples of both will be discussed in this issue, as the
treatment of diseases found in the impregnation phase is more complicated.
Viral warts is such a condition, which is often the concern of podiatrists. In this issue we invite a prominent podiatrist and one of our
speakers, Dr. Klebe, to give his practical protocol for this condition.
Several botanicals have been used over time to stimulate the immune
system, or to function as natural antibiotics by themselves. It is important to note that full strength substances have a pharmacological
action and are associated with side effects, and lead to interactions
that should be observed. Homeopathic preparations, on the other
hand, work on a regulatory level and generally are exempt of these
interactions. Finally, you will also find in this issue a recent paper on
Gripp-Heel, one of the most well-known antihomotoxic products
used to treat symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
MEDICAL EDITOR/WRITER:
Dr. Alta A. Smit
Dr. Alta Smit is a qualified physiotherapist, medical doctor and homeopath, who is particularly interested in the
regulation therapy of modern immune diseases and metabolic diseases, as they are overlapping so rapidly.
MANAGING EDITOR: Karina-Marie Tomasino
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Phaneuf Design Graphique
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3
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Dr. Bruce H. Shelton
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FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY
The information contained in this document is meant for professional use only and is not intended to diagnose any illness, nor is it intended to replace competent medical advice and practice. Heel/SOHNA or
anyone connected to, or participating in this publication will not accept any medical or legal responsibility
for misinterpretation or misuse of the informational and educational content of the present document.
The intention of the Journal of Biomedical Therapy is to inspire practitioners who wish to evolve their holistic practice. The purpose is to share information about successful protocols from orthodox and complementary practitioners. The intent of the information contained in this journal is not to “dispense recipes”,
but to encourage learning about complementary therapies. It is the practitioner’s responsibility to take this
information in stride and, if they so choose to apply it to their practice, to do so within the spectrum of
their knowledge and experience with integrity and competence, and within the scope of their practice.
We encourage our readers to share their complementary therapies, as the purpose of the Journal of
Biomedical Therapy is to join together like-minded practitioners from around the globe.
Written permission required to reproduce any of the enclosed material.
Winter 2005
Homotoxicology In Brief
Ivonne Kraft came in under the top ten
in Cross Country World Championships
in Les Gets, France. Homeopathics were
packed in the suitcase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Infection in biological medicine has a special significance. Infections
have seem to become more life threatening in some cases, like in the
so-called nosocomial infections we see in hospitals where super bugs
seem to be resistant to even the strongest antibiotics. However, on the
other hand, we seem to have taken the quest against infection too far,
and thus started treating banal infections in a very aggressive way.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
J O U R N A L O F B I O M E D I CA L T H E R A P Y
SUMMARY • EDITORIAL
Homotoxicology
IN BRIEF
Ivonne Kraft came in under the top ten
in Cross Country World Championships
in Les Gets, France. Homeopathics
Original article German*
were packed in the suitcase.
Les Gets, France “Sport is one of the most wonderful hobbies in the world - except for mountain biking” points out
Ivonne Kraft, the world’s number four in Cross Country
Mountain biking, to the crowds at the neck-breaking cross
country track in Les Gets, France.
The 34 year old woman from Mittelbaden, Germany, managed a ninth place in the tournament at Les Gets, and in
Athens she achieved seventh place, despite an unfortunate
collision and some bike trouble which prevented her from
taking home the coveted gold medal. In fact, cycling,
whether on the street or in the country, counts as
one of the most dangerous sports in general; the
accident rates are comparable with boxing.
Optimal preparation, mental strength and a maximum of concentration are therefore essential
requirements for Ivonne in order
to minimize the risks. For treatment of the inevitable contusions,
sprains and abrasions the cyclist
relies on Traumeel, making use of
tablets and ointment at the same
time to get fit as soon as possible
after an injury. Homeopathics do
not interfere with concentration or
performance and entail no danger of doping.
4
Winter 2005
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Elite sportsmen and women are also subject to other health
risks, as Kraft has seen from her own experience. They are
more at risk of infections, which are the result of the stress
that is placed on the immune system during training and
competing. These changes in the immune system can be
seen in the laboratory as increasing white blood cells and
changes in the cytokines. In fact, on average, every second
athlete will get flu-like illness after a major competition.
With regards to these infections, the top cyclist also falls back
on homeopathic medicine as treatment, or as prophylaxis.
She takes the so-called ‘Flu
Cocktail’, which consists of a
combination of Gripp-Heel,
Engystol, and Echinacea compositum, as a prophylactic once a
year over four weeks. She also uses
the ‘Flu Cocktail’ in case of an
acute infection, which will complement the treatment for a sore
throat, and takes Angin-Heel and
Euphorbium compositum Nasal Spray
for the treatment of a cold. When she
has fever, Ivonne sits out a training session or a tournament, to protect her
heart from viral damage. She also suggests
this to hobby sportsmen and women, who
are seldom aware of the dangerous connection between acute viral disease and physical exertion.
*Free translation
Acute viral influenza
By the Medical Writer
Babies are born with a relatively immature immune system, and it seems that the banal diseases of childhood are necessary to
train the immune system and especially the Th1 cells. When we generate fever, we activate these cells and if we have a reactive
organism, and the little ones learn to regulate the immune system back to a balance between the inflammatory system and the
anti-inflammatory system, the immune system functions optimally for the rest of the individual’s life.
If we keep suppressing the attempt of the body to mount a Th1 response, by firstly preventing any acute infection (vaccination) and then giving anti-fever medication at the slightest attempt of the body to mount a Th1 response, the body will not be
as responsive to acute infections in the future. If this carries on long enough, we see people handling infection poorly, or individuals that are not able to get acute infections at all. This is not a good state to be in, as this constellates the non-reactive population as seen from an immune system perspective.
Parmenides (540-480 BC) wrote the famous words: “Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure all disease.” This was
practiced by the German contemporaries of Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg, who would induce malaria in their cancer patients to
generate fever. It is always difficult to decide when to treat infection with suppressive medicines, and there are instances where
one is forced to do so, for instance when the process is threatening to overwhelm the patient, or when the infection is not treatable through regulation therapy. However, in most cases of banal infection and also in the case of certain infections where no
definitive treatment is available, as in many viral diseases, the treatment of choice should be that of increasing the innate defenses of the body. This always implies a biological approach and mostly a regulatory one such as Homotoxicology.
Although viral flu can be severe and fatal in selective groups of patients, notably those with a pre-existing immune suppression
or in the elderly, in most patients it is a self-limiting disease. However, treating it with homeopathic medicine can shorten recovery time and minimize symptoms. We want the patient to have a reaction to the virus, not suppress this, and in reactive patients,
this will include the effects of cytokine activity such as fever (Interleukin 1), feeling of illness and light depression (Interleukin
6), muscle pain and weakness (Interferon γ). If the flu entails long recovery time, we can use some “mop up” remedies. Postviral fatigue is normal in most people, but in general should not last longer than two weeks.
Time of onset
Main symptoms covered / Reason
Acute onset (at the first
appearance of symptoms)
Practical
PROTOCOLS
Dose
Acute massive initial dose
Gripp-Heel
Shivering, bone pain, fever,
sore throat
Engystol
Antiviral action and stimulation
of the non-specific defenses
Gelsemium-Homaccord
Muscle pain and weakness
5
1 tablet every
10 minutes for 8 doses
10 drops every
10 minutes for 8 doses
BED REST AND LOTS OF FLUIDS SHOULD ALSO BE ADVISED
Sub-acute
Gripp-Heel
As above
As above
Echinacea compositum
forte*
Increase phagocytosis,
antiviral and antibacterial
In severe cases,
1 tablet 3 times a day,
or 1 oral vial 3 times daily,
otherwise once daily for 3 days
Lymphomyosot/Lyphosot
For swollen glands and drainage
1 tablet or 10 drops 3 times a day
Slow recovery “mop up” remedies
Gelsemium-Homaccord
Gelsemium for post-viral fatigue
10 drops 3 times a day
Viscum compositum
or Visceel
For patients staying
too long in a TH2 state
1 ampoule daily or one tablet
3 times daily of Viscum compositum,
or 10 drops of Visceel 3 times
per day
*Note: Nosodes are generally used sparingly and not in acute diseases. The exception is the bacterial and flu nosodes, as contained in Echinacea compositum forte, which have an intense immune stimulating effect. This is generally only used for short
periods of time to avoid over stimulation.
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Engystol
Winter 2005
1 tablet 3 times a day
Practical
PROTOCOLS
Boils and Furuncles
The treatment of these are of special importance, as they are often seen when we treat patients with antihomotoxic remedies and the patient vicariates from one of the matrix phases into the inflammation phase. We thus often welcome their
appearance as signs of reactivity in patients who were stuck in the non-reactive part of the equation and as such, these should
not be suppressed. Incision and drainage of a boil is a means of artificially inducing the excretion phase of the six-phase table
and is generally allowed. Often applying the remedies mentioned below, we see “ripening” of the boil and spontaneous
drainage, the so-called “homeopathic incision” where the boil will start draining by itself.
Subcutaneous spreading (cellulitis) and swollen lymph nodes are generally signs that conventional antimicrobial medication
may be needed, except in the hands of experienced homeopathic practitioners.
Medication
Reason
Dose
Belladonna-Homaccord
Erythema, throbbing pain
10 drops every
15 minutes for 8 doses,
thereafter 3 times a day
Traumeel
Works on every aspect
of inflammation, promotes
wound healing and restitution
after drainage
10 drops or 1 tablet
3 times a day until
drainage or resolution.
Use for a further
5 days to promote
granulation and
wound healing
Echinacea compositum
forte* (see note p.5)
Infectious processes, especially in
skin infections due to the
Staphylococcus and Streptococcus
nosodes. Also contains Lachesis,
which helps for bluish colored boils
1 tablet or 1 oral
vial 3 times a day for
the first 3 days,
thereafter one oral vial
per day or 3 tablets
a day until complete recovery
Arnica-Heel Comp./
Arnica-Heel NP
For severe infections with toxicity
(Baptisia tinctoria and
Solanum nigrum) and for swelling
(Apis mellifica)
10 drops every
15 minutes for
8 doses, then
3 times a day
Lymphomyosot/Lyphosot
Add when there is much swelling
10 drops or 1 tablet
3 times a day
6
Winter 2005
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
The Winter Cough
Remedy
Indication
Husteel
Bronchiolitis, irritating cough, catarrh
Drosera-Homaccord
Spasmodic cough, laryngitis, pseudocroup
Tartephedreel
Bronchospasm, expectoration, descending catarrh
Droperteel
Congestive cough, spasmodic cough
Belladonna-Homaccord
Barking cough
Bronkeel / Bronchalis-Heel
To loosen cough
Practical note: Sometimes we see mixed coughs in practice and it is difficult to determine which preparation to give. Some
experienced practitioners in Germany (Dr. Anselm Graf von Ingelheim) mix two or more preparations together in the following fashion:
30 ml of each preparation below for a total of 90 ml
Husteel (drops)
Tartephedreel (drops)
Drosera-Homaccord (drops)
give 10 drops of mixture 3 times a day
Symptomatic Treatment of Acute Upper Respiratory Infections:
A Comparison of Homeopathic and
Conventional Therapies
Medical
STUDIES
By Andreas Rabe, M.D.
Reprint from: Der Allgemeinarzt 2003;25(20):1522-3
This multicenter, prospective cohort study with parallel groups compared
the efficacy of the homeopathic medication Gripp-Heel® to that of conventional allopathic therapy for acute upper respiratory infections (URIs). In
both treatment groups, the severity of clinical symptoms declined significantly over the course of the study. Upon conclusion of therapy, 77% of
patients in the test group were symptom-free, as compared to 49% of the
reference group. No adverse drug events occurred in patients treated with
the homeopathic medication, while the rate of adverse effects under conventional therapy was 5.8%. This study confirms that Gripp-Heel®, as used
to treat acute URIs in daily practice, is just as effective as conventional allopathic medications. Furthermore, participating physicians reported better patient
Common cold, upper respiratory
tolerance of the homeopathic medication.
infections (URIs), allopathy,
A common cold or other typical upper
homeopathy
respiratory infection (URI) is usually
caused by one of approximately 200 types
of viruses, the most common of which are
rhinoviruses and adenoviruses. Other pathogens that cause URIs include the coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses,
and parainfluenza viruses. In a high percentage of cases, these viruses affect the organs of the upper respiratory tract and
symptoms are confined to these organs. As the most common type of acute illness, URIs are responsible for many
absences from work, school, and kindergarten. Epidemiological studies confirm that approximately 25% of the German
population, for example, comes down with an upper respiratory infection three to six times each year, and 75% of all
survey respondents reported having a cold at least once a year.1 Infants and toddlers typically suffer from as many as eight
feverish infections per year, most of which affect the upper respiratory tract. For young children, predisposing factors
include not only immature immune systems and anatomical conditions such as tonsillar hypertrophy, but also noninfectious environmental factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke or other noxae.2
Keywords:
7
FOCUS ON SYMPTOM ALLEVIATION
Patients who take medication for URIs do so in the hope of achieving rapid symptom abatement. At the very least, they hope
to avoid the worst by beginning treatment at the first sign of symptoms. Thus the therapeutic value of cold remedies lies in:
relieving subjectively bothersome symptoms such as rhinitis or cough
controlling difficulty in breathing or swallowing
reducing malaise
Hence, any treatment of URIs focuses primarily on symptomatic relief and on strengthening the immune system.
HOMEOPATHY ALSO SUPPORTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Chemical decongestants are a common and effective treatment for URIs. Other medications are often not helpful; antibiotics,
for example, are useless unless secondary bacterial infections are present. For over 200 years, homeopathic treatment of acute
upper respiratory infections has been based on a variety of medicinal herbs and other components. Phytotherapeutic ingredients used for this purpose include garden monkshood (Aconitum napellus), bryony (Bryonia spp.), and boneset (Eupatorium
perfoliatum). For decades, Gripp-Heel® (a combination of these botanical ingredients plus Lachesis and phosphorus) has been
used therapeutically to activate the body’s endogenous defenses in upper respiratory infections. The purpose of this study was
to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of Gripp-Heel® as compared to conventional allopathic treatments in patients with
acute upper respiratory infections.
Age (years)
Gender
Height (cm)
Weight (kg)
Stressful job or
family situation
Risk factors
Duration of
illness < 1 week
Test Group
(N = 82)
Reference
(N = 181)
Statistics
Median
(min/max)
Male N/%
Female N/%
M (SD)
M (SD)
N/%
34 (3/78)
33 (0/82)
p = 0.750 (ns)
36/43.9
46/56.1
161.99 (2.35)
61.99 (2.17)
7/8.5
82/45.3
99/54.7
153.02 (2.51)
57.51 (1.94)
20/11.0
p = 0.894 (ns)
p = 0.2249 (ns)
p = 0.4759 (ns)
p = 0.545 (ns)
N/%
15/18.3
20/11.0
p = 0.122 (ns)
N/%
77/93.9
151/83.3
p = 0.005 (s)
M = mean; SD = standard deviation, ns = not significant, s = significant
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Criteria
Winter 2005
Table 1: Patient demographics
Medical
STUDIES
METHODS
For purposes of this study, patients with acute URIs were treated by family practitioners, internists, or otolaryngologists, some
of whom were also licensed to practice homeopathy and/or naturopathy. New or returning patients were admitted to the
study, but patients receiving ongoing long-term treatment were excluded. The patients in the test group (homeopathic medication) were not allowed to supplement their treatment with either conventional (allopathic) drugs or other homeopathic
medicines. For the reference group, each physician selected analogous patients to receive a conventional therapy.
STUDY DESIGN
This investigation was conceived as a multicenter, prospective, noninterventional cohort study with parallel groups. 263
patients participated. The test group took Gripp-Heel®; the reference group took either a conventional single medication or
a combination, with dosages selected by the attending physicians.
IMPLEMENTATION
Upon conclusion of treatment, data on individual patients were anonymized and documented in coded form in accordance
with ICD-10/WHO. For each patient, the physician rated the initial severity (scale: symptom-free, mild, moderate, severe)
of the patient’s two most important clinical symptoms (primary/secondary pathognomonic symptoms) as well as the change
in these symptoms over the course of therapy. Any adverse effects were also recorded, along with the physician’s assessment of
the patient’s tolerance of the homeopathic or reference therapy (scale: very good, good, satisfactory, poor). The physicians also
rated therapeutic outcome (scale: symptom-free, significant improvement, moderate improvement, symptoms unchanged,
symptoms worsened) and patient compliance (scale: very good, good, fair, poor) in each case.
Table 2: Type, frequency, and initial severity of primary pathognomonic symptoms (N/%)
8
Type and frequency
Test group
(N = 82)
Reference
(N = 181)
Statistics
Cough/rhinitis/hoarseness
Headache/muscle aches
Fever
Other
Severity
Mild
Moderate
Severe
33/40.3
28/34.1
19/23.2
2/2.4
100/55.2
40/22.1
29/16.0
12/6.7
p = 0.028 (ns)
12/14.6
45/54.9
25/30.5
9/5.0
96/53.0
76/42.0
p = 0.017 (ns)
ns = not significant
Table 3: Type, frequency, and initial severity of secondary pathognomonic symptoms (N/%)
Type and frequency
Test group
(N = 82)
Reference
(N = 181)
Statistics
Cough/rhinitis/hoarseness
Headache/muscle aches
Fever
Other
Severity
Mild
Moderate
Severe
No secondary symptom
37/45.1
25/30.5
18/22.0
2/2.4
98/54.1
28/15.5
19/10.5
36/19.9
p < 0.001 (s)
19/23.2
48/58.5
15/18.3
–
22/12.2
99/59.7
51/28.1
9/5.0
p = 0.040 (ns)
Winter 2005
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
ns = not significant, s = significant
TARGET CRITERIA
The primary criterion of efficacy was the percentage of cases in which primary/secondary pathognomonic symptoms abated completely.
Secondary criteria of efficacy were:
- time elapsed before onset of symptomatic improvement
- physicians’ rating of therapeutic outcome/efficacy
Primary criteria of safety were:
- the number of patients experiencing adverse effects (reported were: type, number, severity, duration, relationship
to treatment, measures taken, and outcome)
- physicians’ rating of tolerability and patient compliance
STATISTICAL EVALUATION
After monitoring and query processing, data was entered and subjected to quality and plausibility tests, followed by descriptive analysis (which included between-group comparison of patients’ master data and initial illness status and of group homogeneity). Logistic regression procedures were used to adjust for heterogeneities in initial status and for confounders, followed
by hypothesis testing. The effect size of the adjusted rate of symptom abatement was calculated with 95% CI of the odds
ratio. (Adjusted) time elapsed before onset of symptom abatement was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard regression method (HR 95% CI).
Medical
STUDIES
RESULTS – TREATMENT GROUPS
In total, 263 patients (82 in the test group and 181 in the reference group) ranging in age from 0 to 82 years were included
in the study. Analysis of patients’ master data indicated that the treatment groups were largely comparable (Table 1). The
physicians rated initial severity of the URI as “moderate to severe” in 85% of the patients in the Gripp-Heel® group and 95%
of the reference group, indicating a tendency toward more severe illness in the reference group. With regard to clinical symptomatology, the pathognomonic symptoms cough, rhinitis, hoarseness, fever, and headache/body ache predominated in both
groups (Tables 2-3). Most patients in both groups had been ill for less than one week (94% of the Gripp-Heel® group and
83% of the reference group, p = 0.005).
DOSAGES
In 95% of cases, Gripp-Heel® was prescribed in tablet form, with 55% of these patients taking the standard dosage of 1 tablet
3-5 times per day. The remaining 5% of patients in the Gripp-Heel® group received injections (i.m. or s.c.) of the medication at the standard dosage of 1-3 ampoules per week. In the reference group, treatment of symptoms usually consisted of
either a single drug or a combination of any of the following types: cough suppressants, analgesics, antibiotics, decongestants,
or cold/flu combination remedies. Choice of medication, dosage, and duration of treatment were left to the discretion of the
physician in each case.
Table 4: Frequency of complete abatement of the primary pathognomonic symptom /
Time elapsed before onset of abatement (not adjusted) (N/%)
Frequency
Test group
(N = 82)
Yes
63/76.8
No or n/a
19/23.2
Multivariate adjusted
Odds ratio (95% CI)
Time elapsed before onset of abatement (not adjusted) (N/%)
< 4 days
58/70.7
4-7 days
16/19.5
1-2 weeks
5/6.1
2-4 weeks
–
> 4 weeks
–
No improvement
–
n/a
3/3.7
Multivariate adjusted
Cox proportional
hazard regression
(95% CI)
Reference
(N = 181)
Statistics
114/63.0
67/37.0
P = 0.019 (s)
9
P (Wald) = 0.162 (ns)
OR (95% CI) = 0.62 (0.31-1.21)
98/54.0
55/30.4
19/10.5
2/1.1
3/1.7
1/0.6
3/1.7
P(< 4 days) = 0.001(s)
P(total) = 0.109 (ns)
P (Wald) = 0.008 (s)
HR (95% CI) = 1.57 (1.13-2.20)
ns = not significant, s = significant
Table 5: Frequency of complete abatement of the secondary pathognomonic symptom /
Time elapsed before onset of abatement (not adjusted) (N/%)
Yes
62/75.6
No or n/a
20/24.4
Multivariate adjusted
Odds ratio (95% CI)
Time elapsed before onset of abatement (not adjusted) (N/%)
< 4 days
59/77.2
4-7 days
17/20.6
1-2 weeks
3/3.7
2-4 weeks
–
> 4 weeks
–
No improvement
–
n/a
3/3.7
Multivariate adjusted
Cox proportional
hazard regression
(95% CI)
ns = not significant, s = significant
Reference
(N = 181)
14/57.5
77/42.5
Statistics
P = 0.009 (s)
P (Wald) = 0.224 (ns)
OR (95% CI) = 0.66 (0.34-1.29)
91/50.4
44/24.3
26/14.4
5/2.8
–
3/1.7
12/6.6
P(< 4 days) = 0.001(s)
P(total) = 0.004 (s)
P (Wald) = 0.170 (ns)
HR (95% CI) = 1.27 (0.90-1.79)
Winter 2005
Test group
(N = 82)
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Frequency
Medical
STUDIES
THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY
In the symptomatic treatment of acute URIs, therapy with the homeopathic medication proved to be as effective as reference
therapies with conventional drugs (adjusted for initial symptom severity). The chance of a patient becoming completely
symptom-free within the test period, however, was 34-38% greater (depending on the individual symptom) for the GrippHeel® group than for the conventionally treated group. The median elapsed time before symptom abatement was 2 days for
the test group versus 5.5 days for the reference group. With regard to the primary pathognomonic symptom, the difference
in favor of the homeopathic
medication was statistically
significant (Table 4). The
chance of a shorter elapsed
80
time before symptom abatement occurred was 57%
60
higher (statistically significant) for the test group than
for the reference group with
40
regard to the primary pathognomonic symptom and 27%
20
higher with regard to the secondary pathognomonic symp0
tom (Table 5). Upon conclusion of therapy, the physicians
rated 77% of the test patients
and only 49% of the referFig. 1: Physicians’ ratings of therapeutic outcomes (efficacy of treatment)
ence group as symptom-free
(p<0.001) (Figure 1).
TOLERABILITY
In general, the homeopathic medication was very well tolerated by the patients; no adverse drug events occurred in the test
group. In the reference group, the incidence of adverse effects (most common were gastrointestinal symptoms) was 5.8%. A
similar difference was reflected in global assessments of tolerability. The physicians rated patient tolerance of the medication
“very good” for 85% of the test group but for only 37% of the reference group (p < 0.001).
Similar differences in patient compliance were also observed. Physicians reported “very good” compliance for approximately
70% of patients treated with the homeopathic medication, but for only 44% of the reference group (p < 0.001).
10
Winter 2005
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
DISCUSSION
In Germany, Gripp-Heel® has been marketed in its current formulation for several decades. More recently, several clinical
studies have investigated its efficacy in adults and children with URIs.3-5 All of these studies confirm the clinically relevanttherapeutic efficacy of Gripp-Heel® in treating upper respiratory infections, and risk-benefit assessment based on their results
supports the conclusion that this homeopathic medication is not only reliably effective, but also well tolerated by both adults
and children. Because of the primarily viral genesis of URIs, symptom alleviation is the focus of any therapy. Therefore, symptomatic relief and more rapid symptom abatement can serve as criteria for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of pharmaceuticals prescribed for this indication.
The present study proves that this homeopathic medication is at least as effective in reducing symptoms as the conventional
reference therapy. The interval before onset of symptom abatement was shorter in the test group than in the reference group.
Gripp-Heel®’s mechanism of action in the body has not yet been definitively explained, but in vitro studies indicate that it
stimulates phagocytosis, which suggests activation of the non-specific endogenous defense system.6
In conclusion, it can be said that the results of this present study not only corroborate those of previous studies, but also confirm the product’s excellent safety profile. In the current study, no adverse drug events were experienced by the test group. In
comparison, a total of ten incidents of adverse effects were reported in the reference group, whose members were treated with
various conventional medications (including cough suppressants, analgesics, antibiotics, decongestants, or cold/flu combination medications). In view of the efficacy and tolerability ratings supplied by the participating physicians, it is not surprising
that “very good” compliance was significantly higher in the test group (70%) than in the reference group (44%).
References
1. Turner RB. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of the common cold. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997,78:531-40
2. Kreuder J. Kleinkinder erleiden jährlich bis zu acht fieberhafte Infektionen. Forschung und Praxis 1994,173:8-12
3. Gottwald R, Weiser M. Homöopathische Behandlung von grippalen Infekten bei Kindern. Ärztezeitschrift für Naturheilverfahren 1999,40:348-53
4. Weiser M, Gottwald R. Therapie von Grippe und grippalen Infekten mit einem Homöopathikum. NaturaMed 2000,15:15-8
5. Maiwald L, Weinfurtner T, Mau J, Connert WD. The therapy of the common cold with a combination homeopathic preparation, compared with treatment
with acetylsalicylic acid. J Biomedical Ther 2001, Medical abstracts
6. Wagner H, Jurcic K et al. Influence of homeopathic drug preparations on the phagocytosis capability of granulocytes. Biol Ther 1993,3:43-9
Treatment of infections of the upper respiratory
tract; comparison of a homeopathic
remedy with Xylometazoline
Medical
SUMMARIES
By Dr. Ammerschläger, original German publication in preparation
Introduction: The primary objective of a treatment of inflammatory processes and diseases
of the upper respiratory tract by local rhinologics is the relief of nasal congestion and
improvement of associated symptoms. Restoration of uninhibited respiration and drainage
of the nasal sinuses reduce the risk of further complications and consecutive symptoms.
Objective: Is the homeopathic remedy Euphorbium compositum SN nasal spray therapeutically equivalent to xylometazoline with respect to efficacy and tolerability?
Methods: Open, multicenter, prospective and reference-controlled cohort study. It was
intended to statistically demonstrate non-inferiority of the homeopathic remedy in comparison with the reference medication.
Results: During therapy, a clinically relevant reduction in the intensity of each disease-specific symptom was observed. In each case, the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval
was greater than the margin of equivalence, thus proving therapeutical equivalence of the
homeopathic remedy and the reference medication with statistical significance. Positive
assessments of tolerability were obtained for both therapies.
Conclusion: The results of this cohort study indicate a comparable efficacy profile of the
homeopathic remedy Euphorbium compositum SN nasal spray and the reference substance
xylometazoline in the treatment of patients with inflammatory processes and disease of the
upper respiratory tract.
Experience of using antihomotoxic preparations
Hepar compositum and Engystol in the treatment
of patients suffering from viral hepatitis
11
Reprint from Biologiceska Terapia, Ukraine, No. 1, 2003, p. 17 - Vovk A.D., Solyanik I.V.
Gromashevsky Institute of epidemiology and transmissible diseases AMS of Ukraine, Kiev
Original article in Ukrainian*
Summary: This study is aimed at demonstrating the use of the antihomotoxic preparations Hepar compositum and Engystol in complex treatment of patients suffering
from viral hepatitis.
Results and conclusion: The use of the antihomotoxic preparations in the acute stage of the disease led to improvement
of the quality of life of patients during the recovery period, and removed the manifestation of post-hepatitis residual syndromes.
The combination of Hepar compositum and Engystol in the treatment of hepatitis is more effective than only using
Hepar compositum alone. Moreover, this combination is more useful in the treatment of patients of a mature age.
It is thought that these antihomotoxic preparations allow preservation of the structure of hepatocytes and produce a therapeutic effect.
There were no cases of withdrawal of test subjects due to allergic reactions or adverse events.
*Free translation
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Treatment with antihomotoxic preparations was started in the acute period of
the disease, after the confirmation of diagnosis. Hepar compositum was prescribed in the dosage of 2.2 ml (1 ampoule)
once every three days i.v. for a total of 10 injections; Engystol – 1 tablet 3x/day sublingually. The duration of the treatment was 30 days.
Winter 2005
Methodology: 60 patients ranging from 17 to 65 years of age were included
in the study. They were distributed into three groups: two test groups (20
patients each) and the control group (20 patients).
Patients of the control group received detoxification therapy (5% glucose solution i.v., 0.9% natrium chloride), and when needed, additional symptomatic
therapy. Patients of the test groups received complex antihomotoxic preparations:
The first test group (1): Hepar compositum
The second test group (2): Hepar compositum and Engystol
In Your
PRACTICE
Recurrent infections:
the problem of low
By the Medical Writer
cellular immunity
VIRAL INFECTIONS: THE FAMILY OF HERPETIC VIRUSES
The Herpetic group of viruses includes a large family such as the Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) I and II and the Varicella
Zoster virus making up the α group, the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma virus making up the β group and
the Cytomegalovirus (CMV), HSV 6 and 7 making up the γ group. These are DNA-enveloped viruses, which produce intracellular inclusion bodies in the cells they infect. They are notoriously difficult to eradicate from the body and can stay latent
in the cell for years. Cellular immunity keeps them in check throughout the rest of the individual’s life. Things which impair
cellular immunity such as psychological stress as well as certain drugs, notably recreational drugs, such as alcohol and Ecstasy
used on a constant basis will cause a recurrence of these viruses at various stages of life. Interestingly enough, UV light from
the sun also impairs our cellular immunity, which explains the typical outbreak of cold sores after sun exposure in some individuals.
One of these viruses, EBV, is highly contagious and is often seen as a mini-epidemic in young teenagers. It is therefore often
referred to as the “kissing disease”. New evidence also suggests that aphtous ulceration and oral leukoplakia are signs of such
viral recurrences. It is thus no wonder that we often get them when we are “run down”. Another feature of these viruses is
that they will induce states of intense fatigue if they become systemic. EBV, CMV and Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV 6) are
seen as reactivating viruses in conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (a condition of cellular immune deficiency), genital and oral herpes as well as in Herpes Zoster.
The treatment of first time infections is that of any acute infection, thus support of the autoregulatory system and symptomatic treatment. If the disease is self-limiting, it falls into the inflammation phase on the six-phase table. However, when
recurrence sets in, this implies that the patient is experiencing problems with cellular immunity, and this means in terms of
Homotoxicology that the patient has crossed the biological division and is now in the impregnation phase. In immunological terms it means that the patient is in a so-called TH2 rigidity and cannot mount an adequate TH1 response long enough
to keep the virus latent. It is thus important to treat more than just what is happening at that moment. This is the time when
we employ the three pillars of Homotoxicology, namely detoxification and drainage, cellular activation and organ regulation
with specific emphasis on the immune regulation.
For most of these viral infections, the conventional treatment is symptomatic, except for the HSV group, where antivirals are
employed. It is, however, also important to treat the biological terrain, so that the immune rigidity is addressed and the matrix
is cleared of toxins. Therefore, the antihomotoxic treatment can stand alone in non-complicated cases or be part of an adjuvant therapy in cases with complications.
12
TREATMENT
Winter 2005
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Phase: Acute Phase
Condition
Medication
Reason
Dose
Oral and genital herpes,
Varicella Zoster
Euphorbium compositum
Nasal Spray
Antiviral action
2 sprays directly
onto the lesion,
up to 5 times a day
Engystol
Antiviral action,
supporting
endogenous
defense mechanism
1 tablet
3 times a day
or 1 oral vial
per day
Traumeel
Anti-inflammatory,
also helps for
neuralgia
1 tablet or 10 drops
3 times a day
Mezereum-Homaccord
Add for secondary
infection in the
lesions, pus-filled
blisters
10 drops
3 times a day
or 1 oral vial
per day
Ranunculus-Homaccord
Especially in Zoster
for post-neuralgia
in the thoracic area
10 drops 3 times a day,
but also as neural
therapy (s/c) with
the ampoule in the
distribution of the
intercostal nerve,
as wheals (Quaddles)
about 2 cm apart
Condition
Medication
Reason
In Your
PRACTICE
Dose
Acute glandular fever (can be caused by Epstein Barr and Cytomegalovirus)
Angeel / Angin-Heel
Sore throat, an
early sign of
this condition.
NB: to exclude
septic tonsillitis
Acute massive initial
dose possible: 1 tablet
every 15 minutes
for 8 doses
Lymphomyosot /
Lyphosot
Glandular swelling
10 drops or 1 tablet
3 times daily or 1 oral vial daily
China-Homaccord
Fatigue and
weakness
10 drops 3 times a day
or 1 oral vial daily
Engystol
Antiviral and to
increase
general defenses
1 tablet 3 times a day
or 1 oral vial daily
Tonsilla compositum or
combination of
Glandula suprarenalis
suis-Injeel and Funiculus
umbilicalis suis-Injeel
Matrix and adrenal
support, also to
prevent post-viral
fatigue
1 oral vial 3 times
per week
Tonico-Heel /
Tonico-Injeel
Add in case of
neurasthenia
and depression
1 oral vial
3 times per week
or 1 tablet 3 times daily
Nervoheel / Nereel
If patient is very
anxious with
neurasthenia
1 tablet 3 times
per day
13
Phase: Chronic recurrent infection: after acute infection, to prevent further recurrences
Pillar II: Cellular
regeneration
Pillar III: Organ regeneration
and Immunomodulation
Hepar compositum +
Solidago compositum
or Berberis-Homaccord
or Equisetum
arvense-Injeel +
Thyreoidea compositum
or Pulsatilla compositum
1 oral vial of each
3 times per week
Coenzyme
compositum
or Ubicoenzyme
Achieved here with
the advanced detoxification
remedies in pillar I
1 tablet or 10 drops
3 times a day or
1 oral vial 3 times
per week
Drainage
Cellular
regeneration
Organ regeneration and
immunomodulation
Nux vomica-Homaccord +
Berberis-Homaccord +
Lymphomyosot/Lyphosot
or Detox-Kit
30 drops of each in a
bottle of water,
to be sipped throughout
the day
Ubichinon
compositum
or Ubicoenzyme
Viscum compositum forte
1 ampoule 2 times per week
or
Visceel
10 drops 3 times a day
+
Psorinoheel
10 drops 3 times a day
or
Tuberculinum-Injeel
1 oral vial 2 times per week
1 tablet or 10 drops
3 times a day or 1 oral
vial 3 times per week
+
Glyoxal compositum
1 oral vial 2 times
per week or 1 tablet
3 times a day
Winter 2005
Weeks 8-12
Pillar I:
Detoxification
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Weeks 1-7
Column
PODIATRIC
Podiatric management
of VIRAL WARTS with
special reference
to antihomotoxic
medicine
By Dr. Lester Klebe, DPM
Warts of the feet, especially those that are plantar, are one of those pathologies
that physicians find most difficult to treat. It has been postulated that this is
because the bottom skin of the foot is so thick that the virus particles can interweave themselves into the fabric of the dense connective tissue of the skin or
that the body simply does not recognize, for whatever reason, that there is an
infection present.
Realizing that one is limited in the capacity to directly kill viruses, for years doctors have tried to create treatments based on developing ways to stimulate the
body's own defense mechanisms. Besides, this is probably a more logical
approach. Such treatments include acids applied in various media, cantherone, formaldehyde, liquid nitrogen, etc. Used
along with appropriate debridement procedures the results are generally effective. Surgical excision is also an option, yet not
without potential negatives.
14
The accepted approach is a combination of the above plus additional considerations, such as treating the patient's environment and use of oral medications.
ENVIRONMENTAL TREATMENT:
It is important to use an insole that reduces the coefficient of friction on the skin. This is usually a "flat" insole. If an orthopedic correction is needed this insole can be placed over a functional orthotic. Spenco® is an example.
An antifungal spray should be used in the shoes each night and a shoe-tree then placed inside the shoe as it dries out from
the day's foot perspiration. (The insole can be left inside the shoe.) Note: Clinically, I have often seen a concomitant fungal/yeast infection along with the wart.
Washing the socks or nylons with hot water, chlorine bleach and detergent (color-safe bleach can be used for colored items).
Spray the shower floor with an antiseptic like Lysol® spray, before and after the shower. Be certain to let this spray dry prior to showering, to prevent it from making the
patient slip on the floor or to be caustic to the skin.
Winter 2005
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
TOPICAL TREATMENT:
Euphorbium Sinus Relief / Euphorbium compositum drops applied directly to the
wart, 10 drops, two times a day, followed by the doctor's topical treatment, i.e., an acid
patch, etc. (Debridement is generally performed every two weeks.)
A topical cream with an acid component (such as lactic acid) is to be rubbed all over
both feet two times a day in order to lower the pH of the skin.
Column
PODIATRIC
ORAL TREATMENT:
General detoxification of the matrix is important for proper
immune function of the body. Berberis-Homaccord, Nux
vomica-Homaccord and Lymphomyosot/Lyphosot oral drops, each at 15 drops three
times a day are to be utilized up to three bottles of each, depending on the results of
the treatment. Dr. Alta Smit has recently revised the detoxification protocol and one
may also wish to try this approach.*
Engystol tablets, one tablet three times a day or two tablets twice a day, generally for
the duration of treatment.
Euphorbium Sinus Relief/Euphorbium compositum, Psorinoheel/Sorinoheel,
Graphites-Homaccord and Galium-Heel oral drops, each at 15 drops three times a
day, generally for the duration of treatment.
As treatment continues, Gripp-Heel and/or BHI Inflammation oral tablets may be
added to this treatment regimen as indicated. (Same dosage as the other oral tablets.)
15
Oral Vitamin A pills, 20,000 units, once a day, for six weeks, followed by 10,000 units
a day for two months. The dosage may then be reduced to 5,000 units daily.
Warts can be a significant challenge to any physician. However,
with the integration of the homeopathic and allopathic approaches, one's success rate can be nicely increased.
* See proposed protocol on page 13, under
“Phase: Chronic recurrent infection: after acute infection to prevent further recurrences”
Journal of Biomedical Therapy
Thuja-Injeel oral vials and injection of Engystol medication
directly into the wart have been proposed as additional treatments, for which, however, I have no experience.
Winter 2005
OTHER TREATMENTS:
Susceptibility to infections depends upon the status of the immune
system. The goal of treatment with a homeopathic combination
preparation such as Engystol is to activate and support the defense
mechanisms of the body.
Many European clinical studies have demonstrated Engystol’s
efficacy. In vitro tests have demonstrated that Engystol stimulates
the phagocytic activity of human granulocytes up to 30% above
control cultures. A randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind
trial demonstrated that the administration of an immunomodulator
such as Engystol can enable favorable effects to be achieved in
the prophylaxis of uncomplicated virus disorders of the upper
respiratory passages. Moreover, Engystol has been effectively
used in the treatment of mild infections.
Activate your
immune system today…
Engystol is available in ampoule form as well as
tablets. Both medicinal forms exhibit excellent tolerability and efficacy. It is recommended for the entire family
(including children and infants) and is compatible with
other medication.
Gripp-Heel strengthens the immune system by stimulating phagocytic activity of human granulocyte
preparations up to 30% more than placebo. This results in less severe symptoms and shorter recovery time.
Gripp-Heel is as good as acetylsalicylic acid. A study using 3 tablets of Gripp-Heel 3 times daily produced
the same improvement after 4 days of treatment as 1 tablet (500 mg) of acetylsalicylic acid 3 times daily.
Gripp-Heel improves symptoms within 3 days. A drug monitoring trial demonstrated that 70% of patients
treated with Gripp-Heel exhibited initial improvement of symptoms as early as 1 to 3 days after
initiation of therapy.
Gripp-Heel has an excellent safety profile. The innocuousness
of Gripp-Heel has been established by over 40 years of worldwide
therapeutic use, clinical studies and drug monitoring trials.
Over 3 million packages of Gripp-Heel have been sold in the
last 5 years with no side effects reported during this period.
Ease through the cold and flu
season with Gripp-Heel
®