Carmarthen Homeopath ~ Petra Wood RSHom

Welcome to the first edition of the homeopathic e-newsletter!

I am hoping to provide you with regular information, tips and ideas concerning your health and homeopathy. Please feel free to give feedback or ask questions. Also, feel free to pass this e-newsletter on to others who you think would be interested.

How about a Valentine's Day out to the Llandeilo Natural Therapy Day?

Come and meet local natural therapists: Shiatsu, Reflexology, Bowen & Emmett Techniques, Reiki, Homoeopathy, Kinesiology, Allergy Testing, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Rolfing, Indian Head Massage and Osteopathy are all available on the day - for information and taster sessions.

Talks and workshops are ongoing throughout the day and the Organic Café will be serving delicious treats all day. Open from 10am to 4pm, in Llandeilo Civic Hall. Free entry.

Don't let the credit crunch affect your health

The current economic climate could have health repercussions – stress can severely affect health and well being, making us more prone to illness.

Stress prompts the body to increase production of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, causing changes in blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism. This reaction may be necessary in a short-term stress situation, but over long periods it can lead to headaches, indigestion, diarrhoea, insomnia, general tiredness and even palpitations, anxiety and depression.

Homeopathic treatment with a fully qualified and registered RSHom practitioner can help individuals cope better with the effects of stress. A carefully chosen homeopathic medicine matched to the individual patient can help with the mental, emotional and physical symptoms of stress, by triggering the body's natural system of healing.

In homeopathic medicine the approach is holistic, recognising that there is a connection between mind and body, with each prescription based on the individual patient's experience of their symptoms.

In 2005 a service evaluation of homeopathic treatment at Bristol Homeopathic Hospital reported that over 70 per cent of 6,544 patients experienced improvement in their health, in a variety of conditions including migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.(1)

It is obviously best to seek treatment before symptoms become serious, recognising the early warning signs such as increased irritability, sleeplessness, and feelings of dread or guilt.

Minor, short lived symptoms can be treated at home with homeopathic remedies, although chronic long-term illness and mental health symptoms should be seen by a professional homeopath and your GP.

Here are just a few homeopathic remedies and their situations, which might be useful at home:

• Nux vomica

  Symptoms include: wakes at 3am or 4am, suffers heartburn and indigestion, has colic pains. Suits people who are burning the candle at both ends, overwork themselves, are irritable, keep going with coffee and feel the cold.

• Arsenicum

  Symptoms include: diarrhoea from anxiety, wakes midnight to 1am, suffers burning in the stomach with desire to sip water. Suits restless people who are fearful worriers, need to plan and always feel chilly.

• Sulphur

  Symptoms include: offensive diarrhoea which drives from bed in the morning, excessive sweating, burning feet, waking after three or four hours. Suits stubborn people who need praise, worry about their health and crave sugar.

• Argentum nitricum

  Symptoms include: severe wind with loud passing, twitching, palpitations and diarrhoea from anticipation, periodic weakness. Suits impetuous but nervous people, always in a hurry, with lots of fears and anxieties and much heat.

• Lycopodium

  Symptoms include: bloated with wind, huge appetite, wakes as if from a fright, symptoms worse late afternoon/early evening, heartburn with sour burping. Suits fearful people lacking in confidence but can be bragging and assertive at home. Doesn't like undertaking new things.

Homeopathic remedies are available in most health food stores and pharmacies. Aardvark in Carmarthen sells a wide range of high-quality homeopathic remedies and creams made by Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy.

For more information on how to take homeopathic remedies, please check my website www.carmarthenhomeopath.co.uk/self.htm.

References

(1) Spence D, Thompson E and Barron S. Homeopathic treatment for chronic disease: A 6-Year, university-hospital outpatient observational study. J Altern Complement Med 2005; 5: 793-8.

This e-newsletter has been adapted from a Society of Homeopaths press release (www.homeopathy-soh.org). It was published in the Carmarthen Journal recently.

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Welcome to the April homeopathic e-newsletter!

Welcome to the second edition of the homeopathic e-Newsletter. I am hoping that you will find some interesting information, tips and ideas in this spring edition. Please feel free to pass this e-Newsletter on to others who you think would be interested.

Spring Delights - and Pains

Hopefully you will have had the opportunity to enjoy some of the spring sunshine already. Or maybe you are planning a spell over the Easter holidays to get out and about or to work in the garden.

After a long winter your muscles might not be used to the strain you are putting them under, from digging the veg patch or a long hike along the coastal path. A hot bath can do wonders to relax stiff muscles. Homeopathic Arnica is great too!

Keynotes for using Arnica: Muscles feel bruised and sore; the whole body can ache to the degree that even the bed feels too hard. Arnica is the first remedy to think of for any bumps and bruises from injury. Taken internally in tablet form it can help to reduce swelling and pain. Arnica is also available in creams and massage oils, but do not use these on broken skin as they can cause an unpleasant skin reaction.

Another remedy to keep in mind, especially when stiffness is the main feature, is Rhus toxicodendron.

Keynotes for using Rhus tox: pain and stiffness of muscles, joints or back after over-exertion which is worse on first movement and gets better with continued movement. Then exhaustion might set in, however, the person needing Rhus tox will not be able to find a comfortable position and is inclined to move and wriggle a lot. The pain and stiffness is commonly much worse in cold, damp conditions and gets better with heat (hot bath, hot water bottle).

If you have been unlucky enough to sprain or strain an ankle or other joint, use Arnica first (internally in tablet form) to reduce any swelling and then continue with taking Ruta.

Keynotes for using Ruta: A great remedy to help heal cartilage, tendons, ligaments or the skin of bones (periosteum) after injury from over-use or accidents. The pain feels bruised, sore and aching and is better for rubbing and massage. There is a sensation of weariness and lameness and the affected limb can feel too weak to hold any weight - even a cup of tea can feel too heavy!

Again, Rhus tox and Ruta are available in creams which can be applied locally to an injured and aching joint.

Other remedies to keep in mind for injuries acquired outdoors (or indoors):

Ledum: Use for any puncture wound, e.g. from the garden fork, a dog bite or a rusty nail. These wounds can get nasty because they tend to be deep yet can heal over superficially quite quickly. Ledum taken internally in tablet form can help to heal these types of wound from within, with a greatly reduced risk of infection. Wounds requiring Ledum usually feel cool to the touch and there is a blueness to the surrounding area. The pain will be better for cold applications.

Hypericum: This is the Number 1 remedy for injuries to nerve-rich parts, like a fall on the coccyx or fingers squashed in the door. The pain is excruciating (as the nerves are actually damaged) and characteristically shoots up the limb or body rather than being localised. Consider taking Arnica after Hypericum if you suspect that bruising and swelling is present too.

Calendula: Grazes, cuts and abrasions that become inflamed or infected can all benefit from Calendula taken internally in tablet form. Calendula is a common ingredient in creams and ointments. As well as healing the skin it is also a good natural antiseptic. Hypercal cream contains both Calendula and Hypericum.

It won't be long until the insects are out too. One of the best homeopathic remedies for bee and wasp stings is Apis.

Keynotes for using Apis: Insect bites that swell up quickly, are hot, red and painful; the skin can get stretched so much from the swelling that it looks almost glossy and shiny. There can be itching but the pain is too bad to scratch. The pain is much better for cold applications and worse for heat (e.g. getting warm in bed).

The niggling itch from midge bites, ants or stinging nettles can be greatly relieved with Ledum herbal tincture applied topically. There are a number of aromatherapy oils which are renown for their insect-repelling properties. Personally I use Citronella oil with its lovely lemony smell. It needs to be diluted in a base oil (sunflower oil or almond oil etc.) as it can cause skin reactions if used neat.

If you find that insects always go for you (whilst leaving your partner alone) and/or you react quite badly to them then I would recommend homeopathic constitutional treatment by a professional homeopath. This can help, over time, to reduce allergic reactions (like those to insect bites) and even the tendency to get bitten in the first place.

For more information on how to take homeopathic remedies, please check the Self-Help page

Homeopathic remedies are available in most health food stores and pharmacies. I stock the whole range of high-quality homeopathic remedies (individual and kits) and creams made by Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy, available for sale in Aardvark in Carmarthen. Ledum herbal tincture is available in Aardvark too.

Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this e-Newsletter should be taken as individual medical advice or as a substitute for consulting a professional homeopath or healthcare practitioner.

Spring Clear-Out Sale

Many homeopathic remedies of the Helios range (all in 30c potency) are now reduced in Aardvark to £3.00 (RRP £4.50). These remedies are marked with a short expiry date. However, even the homeopathic pharmacies assure that homeopathic remedies last indefinitely (it is the sucrose in the tablets that requires by law to be dated), so you can find yourself some bargains!

Children's Fun Day at Leisure Centres in Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire County Council is running a few days of Child Safety Awareness in the leisure centres throughout the county:

• 6th April Newcastle Emlyn
• 7th April Carmarthen
• 8th April Amman Valley
• 9th April Llanelli

Free entry, open 10 am to 4pm. Meet Gari Gosafe, Mr T-Ricks, Sally Mali and Fireman Sam. Free family swimming with child car seat safety checks (time restrictions apply) and a whole range of stalls and advice. I will be available on 7th April in Carmarthen Leisure Centre with advice and information on homeopathy.

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Homeopathic e-Newsletter No. 3

In this edition:

• Hay fever
• Homeopathy Awareness Week in Carmarthen
• Introductory courses in homeopathy

Hay fever

Whilst most of us will be enjoying the glorious weather, the last few weeks have been the start of the hay fever season for many sufferers.

Homeopathic remedies can provide speedy help without the side effects of ordinary antihistamines (drowsiness etc.). Below is a list of common remedies useful for hay fever. Remember that this is only a small choice and that as a professional homeopath I have more remedies available should the success with self help be limited.

The real beauty of homeopathy lies in the constitutional treatment though: Many patients find that they develop less and less hay fever symptoms once they attend a professional homeopath for constitutional treatment. This type of treatment will usually take place away from the actual hay fever season.

Allium cepa: The hay fever is characterised by a profuse watery discharge from both eyes and nose. Especially the nose seems to be dripping constantly ("like a faucet"). The nasal discharge is acrid and may make the nose and the upper lip raw and sore. Often there is a frontal headache accompanying the hay fever. There usually is violent sneezing too. All symptoms are much better in the open air, and worse in warm rooms and in the evenings.

Arsenicum hay fever presents with a burning watery discharge from both eyes and nose, with tickling building up to a sneeze. The hay fever is worse in the night, typically just after midnight. The patient will be restless and anxious and can appear very fastidious and demanding.

Euphrasia is particularly helpful when the eyes are becoming inflamed. They seem to be watering the whole time with burning and a lot of blinking. The eyelids are swollen and may be glued together in the mornings. There is a profuse but bland, watery discharge from the nose. There may be a bursting, throbbing headache. All symptoms are worse in the evening and better for open air, but the patient will dislike any wind or even light breezes.

Gelsemium: This type of hay fever is accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of drowsiness and weakness, almost like flu. The sneezing causes exhaustion. The patient feels weak and heavy and the eyelids may be drooping with heaviness.

Lachesis: The sneezing fits are worse after sleep. There is a headache and a dry stuffed sensation through the head, with a red puffy face and sore nostrils and lips. The throat can be sore and sensitive and the patient will not want any pressure around the neck, typically wearing an open neck top.

A Nux vomica hay fever comes with sneezing fits and a lot of irritation in the nose, eyes and the whole face. The face feels hot. The itching extends down the throat to the larynx and trachea. The eyes are sensitive to light and the patient is very irritated, impatient and snappy. Nothing seems to go fast enough for them!

Pulsatilla: The discharges from the nose and eyes are bland and thick and often yellow or greenish. The eyes may be very itchy, which will be much relieved from cold applications. Although being chilly, the patient will feel much better for cold air, preferably from air conditioning, as it does not contain pollens.

Sabadilla is indicated when spasmodic, violent attacks of sneezing are the main symptoms of hay fever. The patient is extremely sensitive to odours and even thinking of the smell of flowers can set off a sneezing attack. The patient is very chilly and enjoys hot drinks. They are much worse being outside and like to wrap up in a warm room.

Wyethia is indicated in hay fever that comes with a marked dryness of the mouth and throat, causing tremendous itching, which may extend to the ears. The itching is so bad that the patient will try to scratch the palate by moving the tongue back and forth over it. They may bore with their fingers in their ears to relieve itching there.

Most homeopathic pharmacies also provide a mixture of pollen and/or grasses in potency which some patients find helpful. I would recommend a grasses and pollen mix when the symptoms cannot be sufficiently matched to a single remedy as mentioned above.

During the height of the hay fever season remedies might need to be taken daily. The general guide is always that remedies should only be taken as necessary, so it might be an idea to carry a bottle of tablets with you. For more information on how to take homeopathic remedies, please see the self-help page.

Homeopathic remedies are available in most health food stores and pharmacies. I stock the whole range of high-quality homeopathic remedies (individual and kits) and creams made by Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy available for sale in Aardvark in Carmarthen. Many of the remedies are still on sale at a reduced price. The mixed pollen and grasses remedy will need to be ordered from a homoeopathic pharmacy directly, e.g. Helios.

Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this e-Newsletter should be taken as individual medical advice or as a substitute for consulting a professional homeopath or healthcare practitioner.

Homeopathy Awareness Week in Carmarthen

This year's theme of HAW is - hay fever! Together with colleagues and students from the Welsh School of Homoeopathy we will be running an information day on Saturday 20th June between 10.30am and 3.30pm. If we are lucky with the weather then we will be running a stall on Notts Square, with information leaflets and a homeopath to talk to. If the weather is not so favourable then you will need to call in to the Welsh School of Homoeopathy, 22 Bridge Street just behind the Angel's Vaults.

Introductory Courses in Homeopathy

Again at the Welsh School of Homoeopathy, 22 Bridge Street just behind the Angel's Vault, a one-day Introductory Course will be held on Saturday 27th June. The day will be running from 10am to 5pm and costs £40 for the day (including refreshments but not lunch). Course facilitator will be Bill Rumble RSHom, one of the directors and core teachers at the Welsh School of Homoeopathy. This course will cover basic homoeopathic philosophy and first aid treatment of common ailments. It is meant as a stand-alone course for anybody interested in the philosophy and principles of homeopathy. It also provides a great taster for the four-year professional course. If you are interested then please contact me and I will give you more information.

Download booking form

Starting in September I will be running a ten-week evening class in homeopathy. In this course we will explore the depth of homeopathic philosophy. We discuss the principles underlying homeopathy in great detail as well as spending a lot of time on a wide variety of remedies. The principles of taking the case and of finding a remedy to match the symptoms are practised throughout to allow participants to be able to prescribe for themselves and their families in acute situations and for minor ailments. I will send more information about this course nearer the time.

That's it for now. I hope you find the information useful and please pass it on to anybody else who you know and might benefit.

Homeopathic e-Newsletter No 4

In this edition:

• Remedies for travelling
• Homeopathic Helpline
• Homeopathy courses

Homeopathic Remedies for Travelling

Hopefully this e-Newsletter will get to you before you set off on your annual holiday. Here are a few useful tips and ideas to cope with the upsets that can make travelling unpleasant at times.

Anxiety and phobias about flying

Homeopathic remedies to consider:

Arg nit: very restless, hurried and anxious; with diarrhoea; desires and feels better for fresh air; craves sweets which cause diarrhoea.

Gelsemium: almost paralysed with fear; trembling; feels unable to move.

Rescue Remedy: universal remedy to help with fear and panic.

Travel sickness

Ginger (crystallised or as tea) has a reputation of easing queasy tummies. Acupressure wrist bands are available in high street pharmacies and at airports and ferry ports.

Homeopathic remedies to consider:

Cocculus: travel sickness starts with feeling faint, chilly and lacking ability to think clearly; nausea much worse from any strong smells (avoid wearing perfumes); worse for lack of sleep; headache with retching.

Jetlag

To avoid jetlag, try taking Arnica 30c the night before travelling and, on long-haul flights, take at 6-hourly intervals throughout the flight.

Avoid dehydration during the flight by drinking plenty of water or watered down fruit juices. Remember that alcohol, tea and coffee aggravate dehydration.

Homeopathic remedies to consider:

Cocculus: severely disturbed sleep with starting from sleep; feels exhausted, sluggish and cannot think clearly.

Nux vomica: feeling of being hung over with irritability, nausea, tension headache and constipation.

Gelsemium: tired, heavy limbs and almost paralytic weakness; disinclined to move.

Over-Exposure to Sun and Sunstroke

Homeopathic remedies to consider:

Nat mur: cold sores from sun or from being at the seaside; heat rash/prickly heat from exposure to sun; generally sensitive to sun.

Urtica urens: sunburn with itching; itchy skin eruptions (like nettle rash) from exposure to sun; can also be used externally as an ointment on sunburn or minor burns or scalds. Helios Urtical Cream is available in Aardvarks.

Belladonna: sunburn with bright red, dry skin; throbbing headache; looking flushed; delirious from sunstroke.

Vomiting and Diarrhoea and Tummy Upset

Ensure that fluid intake is kept high to avoid dehydration.

Homeopathic remedies to consider:

Arsenicum: extreme prostration from vomiting or diarrhoea; when vomiting and diarrhoea occur together; extreme chilliness and needs warmth in any form (covers, radiator, hot drinks); very anxious and feels much better in company; vomiting and diarrhoea that start between midnight and 3 am.

Veratrum: when vomiting and diarrhoea occur together; sudden, projectile vomiting; watery diarrhoea; sensation of icy-coldness in stomach before vomiting or diarrhoea; icy-cold sweat on forehead before vomiting or diarrhoea; desires cold drinks; involuntary stools.

Carbo veg: bloated abdomen and extreme discomfort from trapped wind; constant belching and burping; severe cramping pains and diarrhoea with a state of near-collapse; cannot bear tight clothing esp. around waist; desires fresh, cool air and to be fanned.

China: if weakness and prostration remain after body fluids have been lost due to vomiting and diarrhoea.

Nux vom: hang-over from too much alcohol or over-indulgence in rich food; constipation with ineffectual urging and straining, with cramping pains; very irritable, over-sensitive and impatient.

Altitude Sickness

The homeopathic remedy Coca can be helpful but must be ordered from a homoeopathic pharmacy (see below). Request labelling as "Altitude Remedy" or similar to avoid hassle at airports.

Remedies to consider for general self-help situations:

Aconite: useful in early stages of colds, fever and inflammation if symptoms come on suddenly.

Apis: insect bites, esp. if they look like bee stings: red, shiny swellings which itch and are painful and feel much better for cold applications.

Arnica: bumps and bruises, aching muscles from over-exertion, any physical trauma/accidents.

Belladonna: sudden, very high fevers, bright red inflammation.

Calendula: internal or external (tincture) for abrasions and other wounds to speed up healing and avoid infection.

Hepar sulph: to drain painful wounds that appear to turn septic; dental abscess.

Rescue Remedy: for shock, panic (e.g. over lost luggage or missed connections) and any emotional upset; can be applied externally to bumps, rashes and sunburn.

For more information on how to take homeopathic remedies, please check see the self-help page.

Homeopathic remedies are available in most health food stores and pharmacies. I stock the whole range of high-quality homeopathic remedies (individual and kits) and creams made by Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy available for sale in Aardvark in Carmarthen. Helios sells a remedy kit that is designed specifically for those travelling abroad. It contains 36 remedies commonly indicated with travel-related illnesses and comes with a small booklet that helps as a guide to remedy choice. This Travel Kit is available in Aardvarks, Carmarthen, or from Helios direct.

Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this e-Newsletter should be taken as individual medical advice or as a substitute for consulting a professional homeopath or healthcare practitioner.

Homeopathic Helpline

With myself going away on holiday I thought I tell you about the Homeopathic Helpline. This service has been going for many years now and is staffed by two very experienced homeopaths. They deal with anything from common cold (or swine flu) to suicidal depression. The Helpline is used as a locum service by many homeopaths.

The Homeopathic Helpline is available 7 days a week from 9am to midnight. To talk to them please phone 09065 343 404. Calls from a land line cost £1.50 per minute which will be added to your phone bill.

Introductory Courses in Homeopathy

After the successful day in June, the Welsh School of Homoeopathy will be running a second one-day Introductory Course on Saturday 5th September at 22 Bridge Street just behind the Angel's Vault. The day will be running from 10am to 5pm and costs £40 for the day (including refreshments but not lunch). Course facilitator will be Linda Gwillim RSHom, one of the directors and core teachers at the Welsh School of Homoeopathy. This course will cover basic homoeopathic philosophy and first aid treatment of common ailments. It is meant as a stand-alone course for anybody interested in the philosophy and principles of homeopathy. It also provides a great taster for the four-year professional course. If you are interested then please contact me and I will give you more information. Download Booking Form.

Starting later September I will be running a ten-week evening class in homeopathy on a Monday night. I will post more detailed information about this later in August or early September.

Enjoy the summer!

Homeopathic e-Newsletter No. 5

Welcome to the Homeopathic e-Newsletter No. 5.

In this edition I want to share with you a press release that the Society of Homeopaths has provided. I couldn't have written it better myself…

Homeopathic remedies offer "alternative" for seasonal bugs

As the summer draws to a close and the weather changes, everybody is becoming more aware of the symptoms of winter illness.

Parents particularly are looking for alternatives to conventional drugs, as in the last few years an increasing number of over-the-counter medications have become off limits for children.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given mainly in tablet form, which triggers the body's natural system of healing. Based on their experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.

Homeopathic medicines, known as remedies, are non-toxic and safe for use in babies and children (1). Research has shown that homeopathic remedies can be effective in the treatment of people with respiratory tract infections (2, 3), ear infections (4) and sinusitis (5).

Carmarthen homeopath Petra Wood explained: "Parents have become increasingly concerned about giving their children medications such as paracetamol and cough medicines, and many are looking for an alternative approach."

For alternative treatment for recurrent coughs and infections patients should be seen by a professional homeopath registered with The Society of Homeopaths (look out for the RSHom designation), but homeopathic remedies can be used at home in acute short-lived conditions.

Petra said: "There are many remedies available over the counter that could be useful in winter ailments, each having its own specific characteristics."

Remedies commonly used in winter illnesses include:

• Gelsemium: the number one "flu" remedy, with symptoms slow to come on, where there is much heaviness and drooping, fatigue, clammy skin, flushes of hot and cold, dizziness and congestion.
• Belladonna: indicated where the symptoms have come on suddenly and there is heat, throbbing and pain, irritability, and symptoms worse from jarring. Children can be obstinate and may bite or hit.
• Pulsatilla: has blocked painful sinuses, sticky mucus, feels better in the fresh air and has a changeable, clingy, tearful mood. Children will want to be cuddled and carried.
• Bryonia: the symptoms are slow to come on, there is much dryness and pains are worse from even the slightest movement. Firm pressure on the affected area is helpful. They are irritable and want to be left alone. Children may reject what they just asked for.
• Phosphorus: this is a hacking, tickling cough, often with sweating. The patient is worse at night and might ask for icy drinks or ice cream, which may be vomited up immediately. They may be hoarse, and are better for affection and massage, and worse for cold air.
• Rhus tox: slow onset with high temperature and great restlessness, constantly changing position, muscles stiff and painful. Any draft or cold air will aggravate. There is a feeling of heat inside, but skin is cold to the touch. There is a desire to sip water.
• Nux vomica: throat feels rough and scraped, extending into the ear, with constricted feeling and hoarseness. Heavy feeling in stomach with nausea and vomiting. This patient is irritable and can't bear noises, light or odours.

Homeopathic remedies are available in most health food stores and pharmacies. I stock the whole range of high-quality homeopathic remedies (individual and kits) and creams made by Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy (www.helios.co.uk). They are available for sale in Aardvark in Carmarthen.

Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this e-Newsletter should be taken as individual medical advice or as a substitute for consulting a professional homeopath or healthcare practitioner.

Enjoy the autumn sunshine!
Best wishes
Petra

References:

1. Endrizzi C, Rossi E, Crudeli L, Garibaldi D. Harm in homeopathy: aggravations, adverse drug events or medication errors? Homeopathy, 2005; 94 (4): 233-40
2. Riley D, Fischer M, Singh B, Haidvogl M, Heger M. Homeopathy and conventional medicine: an outcomes study comparing effectiveness in a primary care setting. J Altern Complement Med 2001; 7: 149-159.
3. de Lange de Klerk, ESM, Blommers, J, Kuik, DJ, et al., "Effect of Homoeopathic Medicines on Daily Burden of Symptoms in Children with Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections," BMJ, November 19, 1994;309:1329-1332.; Steinsbekk, A, Fønnebø, V, Lewith, G, and Bentzen, N. Homeopathic care for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in children: A pragmatic, randomised, controlled trial comparing individualised homeopathic care and waiting-list controls. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 13, Issue 4 , December 2005, Pages 231-238.
4. Jacobs J, Springer DA, Crothers D. Homeopathic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a preliminary randomized placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2001; 20: 177-183/ Frei H, Thurneysen A. Homeopathy in acute otitis media in children: treatment effect or spontaneous resolution? Br Homeopath J 2001; 90: 180-182/ Friese K-H, Kruse S, Ludtke R, Moeller H øHomeopathic treatment of otitis media in children: comparisons with conventional therapyø. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1997; 35: 296-301.
5. Adler M. Efficacy, safety of a fixed-combination homeopathic therapy for sinusitis. Adv Ther 1999; 16: 103-111.

Homeopathic e-Newsletter No. 6

Homeopathic Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Most people are affected by the weather. We all like a bit of sunshine! However, with the nights drawing in earlier and earlier, many people find that they significantly lack energy and enthusiasm to face the day. Their symptoms usually begin some time in the autumn and improve again in the spring.

This is now commonly diagnosed as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the NHS, about one in 50 people in the UK suffer from SAD. The condition affects twice as many women than men. The milder form of SAD, also called øWinter Bluesø, is experienced by up to one in eight people in the UK.

Common symptoms include:

• Lethargy and apathy - lack of interest and motivation, with clinical depression in severe cases
• Desire to sleep more, in severe cases overpowering sleep
• Desire to eat more (with weight gain), particularly sugary and starchy foods (carbohydrates, comfort food)
• Loss of libido
• Lack of concentration
• Irritability and less sociability, aversion to company
• Mood changes according to sunshine hours

In addition, many sufferers suffer from recurring infections as their immune system is weakened.

As SAD is more common in countries that are furthest from the equator, the change in sunlight hours have been found to be of relevance. Therefore symptoms appear in the darker months. But they can also be triggered by prolonged periods of cloud cover with lack of sunshine (just like our last few summers…). The theory is that sunlight entering the eyes triggers hormonal changes in the pineal gland in the brain, in particular the levels of melatonin, which is also called the ‘sleep hormone’. With higher levels of melatonin, lethargy and symptoms of depression become stronger.

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for SAD sufferers. However, some lifestyle changes can improve your mood already:

• Physical activity, especially outdoors (yes: to get the light!), is good for everybody, but apparently even more so for people suffering from depression and/or SAD. Why not join the Ramblers?!
• Get out as much as you can in daylight hours, especially when there is a bit of sunshine. However, do not wear sunglasses if you can avoid it, as they stop the light entering your eyes and therefore making a change in the brain!
• Open the curtains as much as you can and sit by the window if possible. Remember, this is about getting more exposure to sunlight, little as there may be.
• Light therapy with so-called light boxes can be beneficial too. I would suggest you do some research yourself as well as discussing this with your GP.
• Watch your diet: You may be craving sugary and starchy foods but why not try some fresh fruit instead. It is important to include loads of fresh, raw vegetables into your daily diet to benefit from their vitamins and minerals at a time when your body is a bit run down.

However, whilst all these measures can help to alleviate the symptoms already, they do not necessarily remove the underlying tendency to develop SAD in the first place.

This is where homeopathy has its values. As a homeopath I will always look at the ‘bigger picture’ of the patient suffering from SAD. Often it is possible to trace back to when symptoms first started, e.g. after a serious business setback or the menopause. And everybody is different in how they experience their symptoms, which will guide me to different homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic treatment can help in the short term, but more so it will help to reduce the likelihood of SAD symptoms developing in the future. Patients gain more energy, become more resilient to stresses and will feel happier with their life.

You have to forgive me for not giving you the usual list of self-help remedies in this e-Newsletter. The treatment of SAD and other illnesses classed under the term ‘mental health’ require the support and understanding of a qualified homeopath. But I hope you still found this edition useful. Please feel free to forward this e-Newsletter to anybody interested.