Impossible Cure Newsletter -- October 2010

Dealing with Back To School (or Work) Jitters

For many years, my son Izaak always needed a visit to the homeopath at the start of a school year. A nervous kid, the back-to-school period was always difficult for him as he adjusted to new classes or a new school.

Of course, the remedy that always helped Izaak the most was his constitutional remedy, which was selected to match him overall. Because his tendency to be anxious in new situations was an intrinsic element of his overall state, it made sense that a remedy selected based on this characteristic, along with his other physical, emotional, and mental symptoms, was the most helpful for him.

However, there are times when nearly anyone becomes anxious or nervous -- for example, when we have to give a presentation or speech. Luckily, there are homeopathic remedies that can help us through. Here are three common remedies that you might find helpful when anticipatory stress gets the better of you.

• Gelsemium.
  Gelsemium, one of the primary remedies for the flu, is also one of the primary remedies for anticipatory anxiety. Maybe that's why many of us get the flu when we're under stress! The keynote of Gelsemium is trembling and weakness. A person needing this remedy will feel paralyzed and will want to be left alone. They may feel weak and dizzy, with a heavy feeling. Gelsemium can also be helpful when a deep fatigue comes on after a prolonged period of fear, anticipation, or mental effort.
  
• Argentum Nitricum
  Argentum Nitricum, in contrast, has a very different picture. The person needing this remedy is jittery and hurried. They may have anxious diarrhea and will want to talk to other people about what's bothering them. Some other keynotes of Argentum Nitricum are a fear of heights and a love of salty and sweet things.
  
• Aconitum Napellus
  Another remedy to consider in acute situations, especially when fear is involved, is Aconite. This remedy presents a truly panicky picture, with fear of death, sudden panic attacks, extreme restlessness, and a hot feeling. Interestingly, Aconite is also a key remedy for colds that come on suddenly from fright or cold air.
  

If you decide to take a remedy for anticipatory anxiety, a 30c potency is a good place to start. As always, however, it is best to consult with your homeopath, since doing so might interfere with your overall treatment. And if anxiety is a general problem for you, constitutional treatment will be the best solution in the long run.

Are Bacteria Also Prone to the Placebo Effect?

Speaking of work anxiety, one common ailment associated with overwork is stomach ulcers. Recent medical research has shown that a big factor in ulcer development is the presence of H. pylori bacteria. A recent study conducted by the University of Vienna Department of Medicine indicates that two remedies -- Nux Vomica (a common remedy used for stomach ulcers and for ailments from overwork) and Calendula (a general purpose remedy for healing wounds) -- are effective in inhibiting H. pylori induced gene expression.

See: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor expression in KATO-III cells after Helicobacter pylori stimulation under the influence of strychnos Nux vomica and Calendula officinalis. Homeopathy, 2010;99(3):177-82 (University of Vienna, Dept. of Medicine)

For more articles with useful homeopathic tips and the latest in research studies, join the National Center for Homeopathy today!