Anthroposophical Medicine
https://www.deutsche-apotheker-zeitung.de/daz-az/2015/daz-39-2015/die-anthroposophisch-erweiterte-pharmazie
https://medwatch.de/2019/12/03/das-vermeintliche-mistel-wunder-der-masterplan-der-anthroposophie/
[A. Wagner]
Comparison of homeopathic remedies as used in anthroposofic
combinations.
The philosophy of anthroposophy is a valuable tool when choosing an
accurate remedy. Plant, mineral or animal parts can be likened to human bodily
systems making it easier for
the homoeopath to see the simillimum (Steiner, 1861 – 1925).
Anthroposophical medicine is often classed among natural or other kinds
of alternative medicine, or it is equated with herbal medicine or homoeopathy.
It is seen as an extension
of medical practice on the basis of the comprehensive view of the human
being provided by spiritual science.
R.S. (1861 - 1925) describes anthroposophy as seeking to unite the
spiritual element in the human being with the spiritual element in the universe
(and therefore nature).
He states that all natural objects have a fundamental relationship to
the essential human being, and every aspect of the complex human organisation
has its „counterpart‟ in nature
(Steiner, 1861 - 1925). Man has the whole of the natural world within
him, and nature is an infinitely differentiated human being (Hopkins, 2003).
From the anthroposophical point
of view the human being is an entity formed by spirit, soul and body.
According to this spiritual science man has three members of his being:
the nerve-sense system, the metabolic-limb system, and the rhythmic system. A harmonious
balance of these
three systems keeps man in a general state of health. The nerve-sense
system has its origin in the head sending its processes to the fingers and
toes. Within the head is a cool and quiet
environment, where thought and memory are possible. The nerve-sense
system receives and analyses information, and rest is essential for this system
to function optimally.
This system is made up of nerve cells, which are cells that do not have
the capacity to regenerate themselves throughout life. Diseases that affect the
nerve-sense system are „cooling‟,
catabolic, and hardening (Hopkins, 2003).
The opposite pole is in the digestive area and is known as the
metabolic-limb system. This is an area much warmer than the head and an area of
constant activity (metabolism).
The cells representing this system are constantly undergoing death and
regeneration, and in the lower region of this system man reproduces his own
kind (the genitals). These are
unconscious processes. Activity of this system is involved with
conscious and unconscious movement of the limbs, as well as metabolic
processes. Diseases affecting the metabolic-limb
system are „hot‟, for example fever and inflammation.
These two opposite poles are joined by the rhythmic system. Without the
rhythmic system the polar opposites would not maintain a harmonious balance.
For example, circulation relates
to the metabolic-limb system, whilst breathing relates more to the
nerve-sense system, and a constant rhythm between the pulse and breath is maintained
by the rhythmic system.
If either of the poles became too dominant or too weak, the result would
be illness (Steiner, 1905).
R.S. (1861 – 1925) and anthroposophical philosophy the three „systems‟
of man can be likened to specific areas of the plant. The nerve-sense system
(head) of man relates to the roots
of the plant, the metabolic-limb system of man is likened to the
reproductive system of the plant, and the rhythmic system is compared to the
stem and leaves of the plant.
This relationship of human beings with plants can assist us in deciding
upon a cure when faced with certain ailments. For example remedies prepared
from roots may have more of an
effect on the nerve-sense system and the head, whilst leaf remedies will
affect the rhythmic system (middle region). Those remedies prepared from
flowers are the ones which have
the greatest effect on the metabolic-limb system.
Due to the fact that this remedy was prepared using only the leaves of the
Peucedanum galbanum plant (part related to the rhythmic system), on completion
of the study the symptoms
produced by the remedy were analysed in relation to the rhythmic system
of the human body. This comparison of plant part to human bodily system helps
to shed light on the use of
the remedy in relation to the doctrine of signatures.
Active Ingredients and their Pharmacological Effects
Peucedanum galbanum is well known by hikers and botanists for its photodermatitis. The shrub contains furanocoumarins (namely bergapten, psoralen,
xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin
and imperatorin). These furanocoumarins are known to be photosensitisers
when activated by ultraviolet light. They interact readily with DNA, forming
light-induced mono- or diaducts.
They are phototoxic, mutagenic and photocarcinogenic (Campbell, Mathee
and Wewers, 1993:27-28).
Within 24 - 48 hours after contact with the plant and subsequent
exposure to sunlight a reaction involving blistering, red-purple pigmentation
and intense irritation of the skin will
manifest (Campbell, Mathee and Wewers, 1993:27-28).
History of Therapeutic Use
The compounds of the plant are carcinogenic but have been used
medicinally in a treatment called phytochemotherapy to treat skin diseases such
as psoriasis (Van Wyk, Oudtshoorn
and Gericke, 1997:190).
Preparations containing bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen), one of the active
components of Peucadanum galbanum, are commercially available at present for
the treatment of psoriasis
(Martindale, 1993:43). Due to the potentially carcinogenic nature of the
compounds of this plant, its use is contra-indicated during pregnancy
(Campbell, 1993: 586-587).
(Mills, Bone, and 2000:570) In anthroposophical medicine a remedy
produced from a plant with large leaves as in the case of Curcuma longa mainly
the rhythmic system of the person will be affected.
R.S.: ‡ Magnetbehandlung bei Störungen des rhythmischen Systems wie Arrhythmie und beginnende Lungentuberkulose, mit dem Hinweis, einen starken Magneten am Rücken in etwas Abstand auf- und ab zu bewegen, so dass der Brustorganismus vom magnetischen Felde durchstrahlt wird. Auch Asthma bronchiale. ‡
Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.