Homeopathy and herbal

Why has complementary therapy grown in popularity?

• Dissatisfaction with conventional medicine.

• Desire for holistic care.

• Increased awareness and availability.

What are the key principles of homeopathy?

• Similia Similibus Curentur: "Like cures like" – substances causing symptoms in healthy individuals can treat similar symptoms in sick individuals.

• Dilution and Succussion: Remedies become more effective with dilution and shaking (succussion).

How are homeopathic remedies prepared?

• Mother Tincture: Source material dissolved in alcohol/water or triturated with lactose.

• Dilution: Mother tincture is diluted to required potency.

• Succussion: Shaking during dilution.

• Forms: Tinctures, tablets, powders, pills, creams.

How does St John’s Wort work for depression?

• Hyperforin: Inhibits reuptake of monoamines (e.g., serotonin) and upregulates serotonin receptors.

What are the key drug interactions with St John’s Wort?

• Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: Induces CYP3A4 and CYP2C10, reducing efficacy of drugs metabolized by these enzymes (e.g., calcium channel blockers, antifungals).

• P-glycoprotein (P-gp): Induces P-gp, increasing clearance of drugs that are P-gp substrates.

• Serotonin Syndrome: Risk when combined with other serotonergic drugs.

When should St John’s Wort not be used?

• Do not use if:

  • Under 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to ingredients, lactose intolerant, sensitive to sunlight, undergoing light therapy, or suffering from depression.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure and discontinue use 10 days before surgery.

Why does St John’s Wort cause photosensitivity?

• Hypericin: The active ingredient responsible for photosensitivity.

• Mechanism: Hypericin forms free radicals when exposed to light, which can damage cell membranes and cause skin reactions.

What are the common formulations of St John’s Wort?

• Forms: Tablets, capsules, teabags, tinctures.

• Quality Considerations: Variability in active ingredient concentration between plants, harvests, and formulations.

How is diagnosis approached in homeopathy?

• Holistic Approach:

  • Patient evaluation, observation, history taking.

  • Physical characteristics and symptom evaluation (sensation, modality, location).