Homeopathic Healthcare

2010-07-15T03:21:00.001-07:00

The Homeopathic Treatment of Depression

Certainly modern allopathic medicine has made great strides in the treatment of depression. Modern drugs often can effectively and rapidly elevate mood. As an experienced homeopath, however, to my mind something is lacking in this form of treatment. For one thing, the drug(s) must be continually administered; discontinuation usually leads to relapse. Such treatment is therefore not curative, only palliative; it has induced no lasting adjustment of the organism to a state of health. Secondly, these drugs address only the mood disorder. If other health problems, physical ones, coexist in the patient, additional drugs must be prescribed. Surely the best possible treatment would address multiple health problems in the individual simultaneously and provide lasting relief — a re-establishment of functional equilibrium. Such is the goal of homeopathic medicine. The correct prescription, sometimes given as but a single dose, can lastingly cure depression plus a number of other health-related problems in the same patient. Such is the realization of homeopathic medicine when successfully applied. Below is the case history of a patient I treated fairly recently.

Scarlett, a thirty year-old woman, paid me a visit for treatment of long-standing depression. She recalled having felt depressed since the age of ten, with frequent thoughts of wanting to die. Those thoughts had stayed with her throughout her life. While thoughts of suicide factored prominently in her mind, she did not seem a significant suicide risk as she found herself easily distracted from such thoughts and stated that her sense of maternal responsibility was far too strong for her to ever consider killing herself. She had one child.

Her depression was much worse prior to her menstrual period. Associated with her depression was great anger — anger in general and at herself. She reproached herself for her moods and “violent” tendencies — she wanted to throw things when angry. She was very depressed for nine months after her pregnancy.

Her thoughts of suicide had always been associated with self criticism. She felt herself to be a terrible mother. Her changing moods caused her to at times fear for her sanity.

Scarlett was an open person, sympathetic, and appreciative of comforting. She was a very conscientious and orderly person.

She had been subjected to much abuse in her life. Her mother was emotionally and physically abusive. Rather than submitting, she fought back. Her husband, whom she was divorcing, had also been emotionally abusive and very critical. She strove to avoid confrontations with him during their marriage.

She was worse cold, wet weather, and she craved sweets and chocolate. She also salivated in her sleep. She complained of episodes of a heart irregularity which were worse when she lay upon her left side. Lastly, a few months previously she had been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia.

On analysis of Scarlett’s symptoms the striking characteristics of her case, and those which suggested a particular remedy, were her prominent suicidal thoughts, her exaggerated tendency to self criticism and guilt, her conscientiousness, and her fear of insanity. These characteristics, coupled with the aggravation from cold, wet weather, salivation during sleep, heart palpitations while lying on her left side, and cervical dysplasia all suggested the homeopathic remedy Thuja occidentalis (North American white cedar or Arbor vitae). Accordingly, one dose of Thuja 200C was administered.

With her first menstrual period after the remedy, Scarlett felt worse; her depression was more profound, though not dangerously so. This reaction can be consistent with the temporary aggravation of symptoms often seen after the correct homeopathic remedy has been given. By her second menses, however, she was feeling considerably better. She was only mildly depressed, was not angry, and her suicidal thoughts were dramatically reduced. At this point the remedy was repeated. Subsequently, she was much improved. Her moods were much lighter, with no suggestion of depression or suicidal thoughts. Her heart irregularity disappeared, as did her nocturnal salivation. She is awaiting a return visit to her gynecologist for evaluation of the cervical dysplasia. My expectation is that this will be improved as well, Thuja having frequently been demonstrated to alleviate this condition in the past.

The Homeopathic Treatment of Depression

2010-07-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

The Homeopathic Treatment of Depression

Her thoughts of suicide had always been associated with self criticism. She felt herself to be a terrible mother. Her changing moods caused her to at times fear for her sanity.

Scarlett was an open person, sympathetic, and appreciative of comforting. She was a very conscientious and orderly person.

Dr. Guess, a family physician, has practiced classical homeopathic medicine for 20 years. He is the editor of the Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy. He practices in Charlottesville. 804-295-0362. Web page: members.aol.com/gguessmd

2009-06-03T16:07:00.001-07:00

Mononucleosis

As in the case of most viral illnesses, mononucleosis, an Epstein-Barr virus infection, stymies the best efforts of conventional medicine. Not so with homeopathy, which has a long and successful track record in treating this ailment, both the acute illness and protracted cases with tardy convalescence. Below is a case illustration from my patient files.

A 23 year-old female presented with the chief complaint of mononucleosis, previously diagnosed by her allopathic/conventional physician. She had been ill for ten days. She had an excrutiating headache located behind the eyes. She ran a fever from about 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. when she would have a profuse sweat. Her neck hurt considerably. She complained of feeling so tired that she was almost unable to hold her head up. Strong nausea precluded her eating much of anything. She was unable to even tolerate the thought of eating. Her nausea was worse after drinking anything and after eating. She felt full after eating one-third her usual meal. She had pain in the left upper abdomen on deep inspiration. She also complained of a raw throat, which felt as if it were closing up. Her lymph nodes everywhere felt inflamed and sore. Chills alternated with "boiling" heat when her fever was up at night. During fever she suffered severe headache in the temples and base of the neck, with stiffness of the neck. She was dizzy and almost fainted during fever. She was thirsty, but it hurt her throat to drink; hot drinks provided slight relief. She preferred warm drinks. During fever her legs were so extremely weak that she was unable to walk up and down stairs. She complained of mental dullness and inability to read. She was unable to even hold up a book due to arm fatigue. She had occasional night sweats. During fever her joints ached and her skin felt sore. Her urine was very dark yellow-brown; she thought her skin was "yellower," her toe nails as well. She was sensitive to light. The midsection of her abdomen was sore to pressure. She also felt anxious, sad and weepy.

Her physical exam showed the following abnormalities: sallow skin, enlarged lymph nodes in her neck and groin; inflamed, swollen tonsils; tenderness of the stomach and right flank; minimal enlargement of the spleen.

She was given China 200, one dose (peruvian bark or cinchona). Within a few hours she began to notice improvement in all of her symptoms. Within a day she was significantly better, and after two days essentially well!

On analysis of this case, what was most striking were the stomach and abdominal symptoms, especially the peculiarities pertaining to the nausea. When these symptoms were considered along with her abdominal tenderness, early satiety, and soreness of the skin, China presented itself as the most likely remedy, which fortunately it was. The effect was profound and lasting.

A number of homeopathic remedies can be effective for mononucleosis, each having to be individualized to the case at hand. Some of these remedies include: Cistus canadensis, Mercurius, Gelsemium, Conium, Calcarea carbonica, Muriatic acid, Carbo vegetabilis, Sulphur — just to name a few. Such treatment is rather complex and not easily accomplished by self-treatment. Consultation with a homeopathic professional will yield the best result.

Patients with mononucleosis will display many of the same common symptoms – great fatigue, fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck (highly characteristic is enlargement of lymph nodes in the back of the neck). Below are the symptoms of a few remedies that help to identify it as the “simillimum” of the case – the correct remedy.

A Few Remedy Characteristics
Cistus canadensis (rock rose): great cold sensitivity, enlarged cervical (neck) lymph nodes, sensations of coldness in various parts (especially a burning, ice cold sensation in the nose when air in inhaled), nasal discharge and sneezing, sinusitis, burning sore throat, craving for cheese.

Gelsemium (yellow jasmine): great weakness – verging of tremulousness from weakness, flu-like aching and heaviness of the extremities (and back), chills running up and down the back, lack of thirst, dull headache over the eyes with difficulty keeping the eyes open, sleepy appearance, chills alternating with heat, feeling better after urination.

Muriaticum acidum (hydrochloric acid): so weak he can’t sit up – slides down in bed; sleeps most of the day, waking only briefly to take nourishment; copious sweating on turning to the right side in bed, burning pains, canker sores, thorough aversion to meat.

Mercurius vivus (or solubilis) (mercury): alternating heat and chills, clammy perspiration, worse extremes of heat and cold, profuse salivation (offensive and especially at night during sleep); coated, dirty tongue showing teeth imprints on the edges, aggravation at night, offensive discharges.

Carbo vegetabilis (vegetable charcoal): great weakness/collapse, often with air hunger (better in cool air; desires to be fanned – improves breathing), very chilly; intestinal bloating and flatulence (better belching and passing flatus), cold breath, cold sweat, worse lying flat (prefers to sit), emotional apathy.

Calcarea carbonica (carbonate of lime): weakness (especially worse ascending stair/hills), cold sensitivity, sweaty, perspiration (head) at night, anxious, despairing of recovery, complaints could come on from exhaustion and overwork, worse from cold, damp weather.

Coughs

2008-01-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Homeopathic Healthcare

George Guess, MD

Coughs

The homeopathic treatment of coughs, while frequently and often rapidly effective, demands very careful symptom observation. It is best to resist the impulse to take "something" as soon as a cough becomes troublesome and to patiently take note of the distinguishing characteristics of the cough. Since many of our cough medicines sound similar, careful symptom selection is critical to success.

If coughing is accompanied by high fever, chest pain, bloody sputum; or is especially severe, or associated with severe systemic symptoms, or is protracted (more than one week or so), it is recommended that medical advice be sought.

First, I would like to mention a couple of natural cough syrups that can help milder coughs.

Natural Cough Syrups: Natural cough syrups act primarily as expectorants, agents intended to promote the free expulsion of secretions from the respiratory tract, and/or soothing agents for an irritated upper airway passage. There are many commercially available preparations at health food stores. Here are two formulas in addition:

Onion cough syrup: Place 6 white onions in a double boiler and 1/2 cup of honey. Cook slowly on low heat for 2 hours and strain. Take as needed, warm.

Expectorant mixture: 2 oz. licorice root, 1 oz. white cherry bark , 1 oz. coltsfoot, 1 oz. lobelia, 1 oz. horehound. Boil in 4 cups of water for 2 minutes. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain. Take 1 cup every two hours (or 1/2 cup if a child). Add honey as necessary for flavor.

Homeopathic Remedies

The following homeopathic medicines are commonly indicated for uncomplicated acute coughs. Once the correct medicine has been selected, try taking it in the 30C (or X) potency, one dose every three to four hours until clear improvement is noted, usually within 12-24 hours. If the remedy hasn’t helped within that time frame, try a different remedy.

Bryonia (wild hops): This remedy corresponds to a dry cough with a sore chest and stitching pains when coughing and moving. The signature characteristic of Bryonia is aggravation from motion, even slight movements. Patients will usually hold the chest when coughing to splint it. Cough may also be worse after eating, drinking, on entering a warm room, and after a deep breath. Headaches from cough or motion may occur. The pains are better from pressure. The patient is often irritable, wanting to be alone, and thirsty

Nux vomica (poison nut): Head colds descend to the chest producing coughing which is typically dry and teasing. Exposure to dry, cold weather aggravates. The cough is often worse after eating and ameliorated by warm drinks. Almost always the patient is very chilly; chills result from motion and uncovering. The cough may cause headache. Expect the person to be extremely irritable, unappreciative of assistance, and averse to answering any questions if quite ill.

Hepar sulphuris (calcium sulphide): This remedy is very similar to Nux vomica; however, often the cough is more moist, with rattling of mucus in the chest. The throat may be sensitive to touch, there being a splinter-like pain. The larynx may be painful, worse from cough and from swallowing food. Hepar can also be an effective remedy for croupy coughs, worse after 4 a.m. Like Nux vomica, this patient is also very irritable and extremely chilly, even more so than Nux vomica.

Phosphorus (phosphorus): A dry, tight cough. Often there is a pronounced sense of oppression of the chest. The cough is worse from laughing, talking, eating, lying on the left side; it is also prone to be worse from exposure to open air and to changes in air temperature, as when going from cool outside air to a warm room or vice versa.. Sputum may taste salty or sweet, or appear rusty. There is usually a strong thirst for cold drinks. The patient is often chilly, anxious, and prefers company

Causticum (potassium hydrate): A dry, raw, hoarse cough. Often associated with laryngitis. Highly characteristic is the difficult expectoration of mucus; one can't cough deeply enough to dislodge the mucus or must swallow it. Often there is urinary incontinence with the cough. The cough is relieved by cold drinks.

Rumex crispus (yellow dock): The cough is due to a tickle in the throat pit (the soft indentation immediately above the breast bone). It is very much worse from cold air and better from warmth and covering up. The cough may be dry or associated with tough mucus; coughing may be worse from bending the head backward. (Causticum is worse from bending the head forward.)

Kali carbonicum (potassium carbonate): Coughs worse at 3 a.m., with intense cutting pains in the chest when breathing.

Pulsatilla (wind flower): The cough in Pulsatilla cases is moist; the mucus is yellow-green. The cough is much worse from warmth and better from open air. The cough may also be loose in the morning and dry in the evening. It is also typically worse on first lying down at night, calming down as the night advances. In general, the patient is intolerant of heat, desirous of open air, thirstless, and sensitive, perhaps weepy and desirous of love and attention.

Sulphur (sulphur): This remedy is often useful for coughs that linger. The cough is liable to be worse all night long. The patient wants air. There may be local sensations of heat, such as burning sensations in the chest, head, or face. The patient is often hungry and thirsty; he may put his feet out of the covers at night. Look for the telltale unusual redness of the lips.

Dr. Guess is a family physician and has practiced classical homeopathic medicine for 30 years. He maintains a private family practice in Charlottesville. He is the editor of the American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine (a professional homeopathic medical journal) and Vice-President of the American Board of Homeotherapeutics (a national homeopathic specialty board). Phone: 434-295-0362. Email: gguessmd@embarqmail.com. Website: www.drgeorgeguess.com.

Influenza

2007-11-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

Homeopathic Healthcare

by George Guess, MD

Influenza

With influenza season upon us, I would like to focus upon its alternative treatment with homeopathy, as well as nutritional and botanical therapies. In the great influenza epidemic of 1918, homeopathic medicine demonstrated remarkable effectiveness. Mortality rates for patients under homeopathic treatment averaged 1.05% for this particularly devastating epidemic while mortality rates for those under the prevailing conventional treatment at that time averaged about 30%. Conventional medicine today has only slightly more to offer for the flu than it did in 1918.

Milder cases of influenza can be benefited by the following natural medicine suggestions. These methods can successfully reduce both the severity and duration of influenza symptoms; for example, limiting an anticipated five to seven day illness to one of two to three days. For more severe flu symptoms homeopathic medicine, when properly selected, is remarkably effective, often producing significant relief within hours.

Dietary, Nutritional and Botanical Suggestions

Consume no alcohol or sugar.

Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding concentrated juices such as orange juice. All fruit juices should be diluted with water. (Sugar competes with vitamin C for transport into white blood cells compromising immune function.)

Vitamin C in high doses, about 1 gram every 2 hours until the infection has subsided. (Powdered mineral ascorbate C is preferred to avoid abdominal cramping and gas.) Children: 250 mg three-four times a day. If stomach upset or diarrhea occurs, reduce dosage of vitamin C.

Vitamin A in high doses for 3 to 5 days IF you have no liver disease and weigh over 120 pounds; as much as 300 - 400,000 units per day in divided doses may be taken, but for only that period of time and no longer as vitamin A is toxic at these doses if taken for longer periods of time.

Beta-carotene: 200,000 units per day during the illness. (This is an alternate to vitamin A if one is unable to take A. If there are no contraindications to vitamin A, it can be taken simultaneously.)

Zinc lozenges: approximately 20-30 mg every 2 hours after an initial double dose.

Garlic: 10 deodorized capsules of raw garlic extract in the first six hours, then 2 capsules every four hours. (Fresh raw garlic is even better: one clove = 2 capsules.)

Bioflavinoids: 1 gram per day

Colloidal Silver : 1/2 to 1 tsp 3-6 times a day.

Botanical Medicines

The following are immune system enhancers and have antiviral properties:

Echinacea angustifolia: three 300-400 mg capsules with hot water or tea four times a day, or 1-2 tsp of liquid extract 4-6 times a day.

Lomatium: three to four times per day; it may produce significant improvement within 24-48 hours. This herb can in sensitive individuals produce an itchy rash and/or a skin rash from the sun.

Astragalus radix: dried root, 0.5-1 gm three times/day.

Glycyrrhiza glabra: dried root - 2-4 gm three times a day; fluid extract - 1/2-1 tsp. three times a day. A good counteractant of the immune stress caused by influenza virus.

Homeopathic Medicines for the Flu

All of the homeopathic remedies listed below contain the symptoms which are common to the flu: weakness, muscle and body aches, fever, chills, headache, etc. Below only those symptoms which distinguish one remedy from another will be emphasized. Assume that all the common symptoms of the flu are included in each remedy description.

In general, when treating the flu, take one dose of 30C potency every three to four hours until improvement sets in; at that point, reduce the frequency of dosing to an as needed basis; i.e., repeat a dose at the first sign of a relapse. If one remedy does not effect an improvement within 8-12 hours, try another.

OSCILLOCOCINUM (duck liver and heart): This unlikely remedy has fast become the leading generic homeopathic medicine for influenza. It acts best when taken at the very first sign of an impending flu. Scientific studies have been conducting which document the effectiveness of this remedy for influenza. The 200C potency is typically sold in health food stores; one dose every 6-8 hours for at least three doses is recommended. Although this remedy can reduce the severity and duration of the flu, other homeopathic remedies, chosen on the basis of symptom similarity, will usually produce more dramatic results.

GELSEMIUM (yellow jasmine): This is far and away the most frequently indicated remedy for the flu. Symptoms include lassitude, weakness, sleepiness; the patient is thirstless though feverish. There may be chills up and down the back. Head pain is intensified on moving the eyes from side to side. The patient is too tired to talk to company and would as soon be alone. Symptom onset is gradual.

BRYONIA (wild hops): The Bryonia patient is also averse to being disturbed, irritable, and averse to answering questions. Symptoms are very aggravated by even the slightest motion. The patient is thirsty for large amounts of liquid. When pain is localized, it is ameliorated by lying on the painful side and being still.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON (poison oak): The Rhus-tox patient's complaints largely consist of aching and stiffness, both worse if he is still for long. He is very restless, largely because motion improves the discomfort. The initiation of motion, however, can aggravate. Cold aggravates, especially wet cold.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM (boneset): The pains of this remedy are felt primarily in the bones. There is also severe back pain — "backbreaking." The discomfort is such that the patient is driven to restlessness, but he is worse from motion. There may also be severe aching in the eyeballs.

ACONITE (monkshood): For the earliest stages of the flu when the onset is sudden with high fever, perhaps after exposure to dry, cold winds; the patient is restless and anxious.

BELLADONNA (deadly nightshade): This remedy is also for the sudden onset of early flu symptoms, with high fever, flushed face, throbbing headache, thirst, dry skin with fever; headaches are worse from jarring, motion, light, noise.

ARSENICUM ALBUM (arsenic): Flu-stricken individuals needing Arsenicum present as anxious and restless (yet they are not better from motion as is Rhus-tox); they are also chilly and are liable to be thirsty for small quantities of liquid (usually warm drinks) often. Frequently there is an aggravation of symptoms from midnight to about 3 a.m.

NUX VOMICA (poison nut plant): These patients are very irritable and chilly; they are often exquisitely sensitive to chilling when uncovering or putting a hand out of the bed. Cold air and drafts make them miserable. They may display a peculiar fastidiousness during their acute illness.

BAPTISIA (wild indigo): The Baptisia influenza is a severe one causing great debility. The patient appears drunken; he has a stuporous or sleepy look. Pains feel as if bruised; he may be so sore that the bed feels hard. In the midst of fever some delirium may be present. One delusion which is common to the Baptisia state is the sensation that his body parts are scattered about the bed. Putrid, offensive odors are prevalent — the sweat, breath, discharges. The patient will complain of discomfort in any position.

MERCURIUS (mercury): The cardinal symptoms of a Mercurius flu are profuse, very offensive sweat; drooling (worse during sleep); foul mouth odor and taste; alternating heat and chills, the patient uncovering from warmth one minute and covering from chill the next. One peculiar sign often found in the mouth is an indented tongue (showing the imprint of the teeth along the sides of the tongue).

Dr. Guess, a family physician, has practiced classical homeopathic medicine for 30 years. He is the Editor of the American Journal of Homeopathic Medicine and Vice-President of the American Board of Homeotherapeutics (medical specialty board). He practices in Charlottesville, Virginia. 434-295-0362. www.drgeorgeguess.com. gguessmd@embarqmail.com.

Homeopathic Healthcare

2007-11-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

Mononucleosis

As in the case of most viral illnesses, mononucleosis, an Epstein-Barr virus infection, stymies the best efforts of conventional medicine. Not so with homeopathy, which has a long and successful track record in treating this ailment, both the acute illness and protracted cases with tardy convalescence. Below is a case illustration from my patient files.

A 23 year-old female presented with the chief complaint of mononucleosis, previously diagnosed by her allopathic/conventional physician. She had been ill for ten days. She had an excrutiating headache located behind the eyes. She ran a fever from about 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. when she would have a profuse sweat. Her neck hurt considerably. She complained of feeling so tired that she was almost unable to hold her head up. Strong nausea precluded her eating much of anything. She was unable to even tolerate the thought of eating. Her nausea was worse after drinking anything and after eating. She felt full after eating one-third her usual meal. She had pain in the left upper abdomen on deep inspiration. She also complained of a raw throat, which felt as if it were closing up. Her lymph nodes everywhere felt inflamed and sore. Chills alternated with "boiling" heat when her fever was up at night. During fever she suffered severe headache in the temples and base of the neck, with stiffness of the neck. She was dizzy and almost fainted during fever. She was thirsty, but it hurt her throat to drink; hot drinks provided slight relief. She preferred warm drinks. During fever her legs were so extremely weak that she was unable to walk up and down stairs. She complained of mental dullness and inability to read. She was unable to even hold up a book due to arm fatigue. She had occasional night sweats. During fever her joints ached and her skin felt sore. Her urine was very dark yellow-brown; she thought her skin was "yellower," her toe nails as well. She was sensitive to light. The midsection of her abdomen was sore to pressure. She also felt anxious, sad and weepy.

Her physical exam showed the following abnormalities: sallow skin, enlarged lymph nodes in her neck and groin; inflamed, swollen tonsils; tenderness of the stomach and right flank; minimal enlargement of the spleen.

She was given China 200, one dose (peruvian bark or cinchona). Within a few hours she began to notice improvement in all of her symptoms. Within a day she was significantly better, and after two days essentially well!

On analysis of this case, what was most striking were the stomach and abdominal symptoms, especially the peculiarities pertaining to the nausea. When these symptoms were considered along with her abdominal tenderness, early satiety, and soreness of the skin, China presented itself as the most likely remedy, which fortunately it was. The effect was profound and lasting.

A number of homeopathic remedies can be effective for mononucleosis, each having to be individualized to the case at hand. Some of these remedies include: Cistus canadensis, Mercurius, Gelsemium, Conium, Calcarea carbonica, Muriatic acid, Carbo vegetabilis, Sulphur — just to name a few. Such treatment is rather complex and not easily accomplished by self-treatment. Consultation with a homeopathic professional will yield the best result.

Patients with mononucleosis will display many of the same common symptoms – great fatigue, fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck (highly characteristic is enlargement of lymph nodes in the back of the neck). Below are the symptoms of a few remedies that help to identify it as the “simillimum” of the case – the correct remedy.

A Few Remedy Characteristics
Cistus canadensis (rock rose): great cold sensitivity, enlarged cervical (neck) lymph nodes, sensations of coldness in various parts (especially a burning, ice cold sensation in the nose when air in inhaled), nasal discharge and sneezing, sinusitis, burning sore throat, craving for cheese.

Gelsemium (yellow jasmine): great weakness – verging of tremulousness from weakness, flu-like aching and heaviness of the extremities (and back), chills running up and down the back, lack of thirst, dull headache over the eyes with difficulty keeping the eyes open, sleepy appearance, chills alternating with heat, feeling better after urination.

Muriaticum acidum (hydrochloric acid): so weak he can’t sit up – slides down in bed; sleeps most of the day, waking only briefly to take nourishment; copious sweating on turning to the right side in bed, burning pains, canker sores, thorough aversion to meat.

Mercurius vivus (or solubilis) (mercury): alternating heat and chills, clammy perspiration, worse extremes of heat and cold, profuse salivation (offensive and especially at night during sleep); coated, dirty tongue showing teeth imprints on the edges, aggravation at night, offensive discharges.

Carbo vegetabilis (vegetable charcoal): great weakness/collapse, often with air hunger (better in cool air; desires to be fanned – improves breathing), very chilly; intestinal bloating and flatulence (better belching and passing flatus), cold breath, cold sweat, worse lying flat (prefers to sit), emotional apathy.

Calcarea carbonica (carbonate of lime): weakness (especially worse ascending stair/hills), cold sensitivity, sweaty, perspiration (head) at night, anxious, despairing of recovery, complaints could come on from exhaustion and overwork, worse from cold, damp weather.