Candida
albicans (Cand-a) =
Monilia o. Oidium albicans
https://openscholar.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/2839
Vergleich: Siehe: Fungi + Nosoden + Anhang (Jeanne Marie Martin + Zoltan P. Rona/Dr. Kurt A. Moosburger/Luc de Schepper/Mary-Jane Sharratt)
+ Anhang
b
(Karl-Reinhard Kummer) + Anhang c
(Frans Vermeulen/Marco Riefen)
Kind: ADHS;
= Carc.-ähnlich;
A fungus that is a normal member of the micro flora of the gastrointestinal
tract, respiratory tract, vaginal area and mouth. In healthy individuals,
Candida albicans does not produce disease as other microbes of the body
suppress its growth. When the body’s balance is disturbed, Candida may
multiply rapidly and produce infection called candidiasis.
Nystatinum verkäuflich in C Potenzen bei remedia.at
[Dr. Sunirmal Sarkar]
Torula Kind = Thuj-Kind-ähnlich
[Frans Vermeulen]
Family Ascoideaceae.
• Rapidly growing dimorphic fungus, changing from yeast-like to
filamentous.
• Part of the normal flora in the throat, vulvovaginal area, lower
intestinal tract, and skin.
• Feeds on sugars and other simple carbohydrates.
• Causative agent of candidiasis.
• Brain fog. Spaciness.
• Mood swings.
• Anger and aggression.
• Sugar craving. Hypoglycaemia.
• Digestive problems.
[Hudler].• Candida albicans is commonly found as an endogenous
inhabitant of the alimentary tract and the mucocutaneous regions of the body,
“where it lives in a delicate
competitive balance with bacteria and other microflora of the digestive
tract”
It particularly exists as normal flora in the throat, vulvovaginal area,
lower intestinal tract, and skin.
• Endogenous organism in humans, animals, and birds; has been
isolated from the faeces of animals [swine].
• Feeds in the bowel on sugars, simple carbohydrates and fermented
products like alcohol and cheese.
• Found worldwide on fruits and vegetables.
• Found in polluted fresh and marine waters.
• Colonies mature in 2 - 3 days.
• An important characteristic is adhesiveness
. This organism remains firmly attached to mucous membranes [less so in
Candida parapsilosis].
This species is included in the repertory under the abbreviation Moni.
The genus Monilia formerly included plant pathogens as well as species
affecting humans and animals. For that reason the genus has now been divided
into two distinct genera. The generic name Monilia is reserved for species
pathogenic to plants/ fruits [causing brown rot of stone fruits] and the genus
is placed in the family Sclerotiniaceae [fungi forming sclerotia],
along with, for example, Botrytis cinerea [see]. Monilia has its
teleomorphs in Monilinia.
The generic name Candida, on the other hand, is preferred for
“human” species, species that have their reservoir in humans and
animals. Some members of the genus Candida are normal components of the
intestinal microbiota. Disturbance of the gut flora can trigger them to
overgrow and become pathogenic, either locally or systemic.
[Marco Riefers]
Candida albicans ist ein Mittel
für Opfer und Täter gleichermaßen, also auch für Menschen,
die selbst übergriffig sind. Der Schwerpunkt liegt allerdings eher auf der
Opferseite.
Unterdrückte Wut beschreibt den
zentralen emotionalen Status von Candida. Oft liegen die Ursachen dafür in
der eigenen Familie. Anhaltende Überforderung durch Invasion bzw. Dominanz
fremden Willens bewirkt eine tief greifende Erfahrung existenziell bedrohlicher
Grenzüberschreitungen.
Hauptangriffspunkte für Candida
und andere homöopathische Pilzmittel sind, neben Geist und Gemüt, die
Haut, der gesamte Verdauungstrakt sowie der Kopfbereich.
Auf der Zellebene findet ein
Ordnungs- und Strukturverlust statt, ähnlich wie bei Krebs. Es ist also
kein Zufall, dass die Arzneibilder von Carcinosinum und Candida albicans große
Ähnlichkeiten aufweisen.
• The vast majority of Candida infections, commonly referred to as
yeast infections, are caused by Candida albicans.
• Problems occur when the numbers of Candida in the body get out
of control. This is due to disturbance of the microflora and may result from:
abuse of antibiotics, hormonal imbalance [use of oral contraceptives is
a major factor, as is pregnancy since vaginal secretions have higher glycogen
levels during pregnancy].
Stress, poor nutrition [overuse of sugars or diets rich in
yeast-containing foods]. diabetes. invasive procedures, such as cardiac surgery
and indwelling catheters.
immunosuppression.
• Proliferating in the intestines, Candida changes its anatomy and
physiology from the yeast-like form to the mycelial fungal form. [Dimorphism.]
• While the yeast-like state is non-invasive and sugar-fermenting,
the fungal state produces invasive, very long root-like structures that
penetrate the mucosa.
• The establishment of infection with Candida species appears to
be a property of the host - not the organism. The more debilitated the host,
the more invasive the disease.
• In the past two decades Candida spp. have become the fifth most
common cause of hospital-acquired blood stream infections.
• Candida proliferation has as one of its characteristic symptoms
a “greed for Pane [bread], Potatoes, Pizza, or Pasta.”
MANIFESTATIONS
• “The expression of candidiasis is remarkable for its
diversity,” declares Ainsworth.
“With the exception of the hair, virtually no part of the human
body is immune from infection which may occur at any time from the prenatal and
neonatal periods to terminal illness in old age.
The classical location for candidiasis is the mouth [thrush], especially
of infants, although denture stomatitis associated with Candida in the elderly
has a higher incidence.”
• In general, two major clinical types can be distinguished:
Candidiasis of skin and mucosa, and Invasive [or Systemic] Candidiasis.
Types of Candidiasis of skin and mucosa
• Cutaneous candidiasis
Intertriginous infections [intertrigo] appear as well-demarcated,
erythematous, sometimes itchy, exudative patches of varying size and shape. The
lesions are usually rimmed with small, red-based pustules and occur in the
axillae, inframammary areas, umbilicus, groin, and gluteal folds [diaper or
nappy rash], between the toes, and on the finger webs. [Merck Manual]
Interdigital infection involves the fingerwebs and extends a short
distance onto the sides of the fingers. Infected areas consist of rounded
patches of white, macerated epidermis, with red fissures in the centres of the
lesions. Sometimes the entire area flakes off, exposing a moist red base.
• Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
Affects the skin, scalp, nails, and mucous membranes; often associated
with endocrinopathy (hypothyroidism/-parathyroidism/-adrenalism/ovary
deficiency/diabetes mellitus/growth hormone insufficiency). Also associated
with herpes simplex, herpes zoster, pernicious anaemia, and iron deficiency.
Skin lesions characterized by red, pustular, crusted, and thickened lesions (on
the nose and forehead). Mucosal involvement includes chronic oral candidiasis
[thrush], which may be related to inhaled corticosteroid use.
• Candida oesophagitis
Mainly seen in HIV-infected patients, in which the incidence may be as
high as 15 to 20%. Symptoms: swallowing painful +/o difficult; burning pain in
the substernal
area independent of swallowing; feeling of obstruction in the chest;
fever [occasionally].
• Candidal paronychia
Infection of the skin at the base of the nail, commonly referred to as a
“whitlow” or “felon,” which has the following
characteristics: a cushion like thickening of the paronychial tissue, and
occasional discharge of thin pus; the lateral borders of the nails become
slowly eroded, and there is a gradual thickening and discolouration of the
nail plates. [Gray]
May develop in persons whose hands are subject to continuous wetting
(sugar solutions or contact with flour) .
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis [= thrush].
General term for oral infection caused by Candida spp. Appears as creamy
white, thick, elevated patches of exudate on buccal mucosa, tongue, palate,
+/o. uvula.
Patches leave an erythematous bleeding surface when scraped off.
Symptoms: soreness, burning tongue, taste changes, dryness.
Incidence higher in neonates, elderly people, and patients with
debilitating diseases.
Predisposing factors: inhaled steroids; trauma [dentures];
broad-spectrum antibiotics; corticosteroids; immunosuppressive therapy;
diabetes mellitus; adrenal dysfunction; hypothyroidism.
• Vulvovaginitis
Relatively common during pregnancy [3rd trimester] or in
diabetes mellitus. Predisposing factors: broad-spectrum antibiotics; oral
contraceptives with high oestrogen content. Appears as a yellow or creamy
white, curd like [occasionally thin or watery] vaginal discharge with burning,
itching, oedema and erythema between the labia minora, and inflammation of the
vaginal wall and vulva. Other possible symptoms are vulvar pain and pain during
sexual intercourse.
• Peri-anal candidiasis
White macerative pruritus ani.
Types of Invasive Candidiasis
Almost any organ may be involved.
• Candida peritonitis.
Related to either peritoneal dialysis or to injury to the gut.
• Bone and joint candidiasis: osteomyelitis +/o. arthritis.
Relatively rare. Due either to haematogenous dissemination or direct
inoculation due to trauma, surgery, or intra-articular injections. The
haematogenous form is more common in infants with invasive candidiasis, due to
the more extensive blood supply in growing bones and joints. About 1/3 of
babies with Neonatal Candidiasis have joint +/o. bone involvement.
Usually affects large joints, most often the knees [< weight bearing
or full extension] and next the hips, ankles, and shoulders. Involved joints
are painful or tender; fever is often absent.
Infants often also have concomitant metaphyseal osteomyelitis.
An additional risk group are intravenous drug addicts of brown heroin.
Here the costal cartilages are particularly involved.
Candida albicans is responsible for about 3/4 of cases, whereas Candida
parapsilosis is especially linked to arthritis in the setting of a prosthetic
joint.
• CNS candidiasis
The most frequent clinical manifestation -meningitis- has a much higher
incidence in neonates than in adults. Symptoms in adults consist of the classic
signs of meningitis: fever, headache, stiffness of nape of neck, altered mental
status, confusion, and disorientation. Has a similar indolent course as
meningeal tuberculosis. Neonates present sepsis, bulging fontanel, and
splitting sutures.
• Urinary candidiasis [including candida cystitis and urethritis].
Candida spp. present in the urine. More frequent in females due to
vaginal colonization. Associated with antibiotic treatment, old age, pregnancy,
and the use of urinary catheters.
Usually asymptomatic; symptoms such as dysuria and increased frequency
and urgency are rare.
• Biliary candidiasis
Majority of cases presents as cholecystitis [without presence of
calculi] with classic symptoms as right quadrant tenderness, intolerance of
oral feeding, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Biliary tract obstruction [fungus ball] or candida cholangitis form a
small percentage of cases.
• Cardiac candidiasis
Endocarditis, myocarditis +/o. pericarditis.
Predisposing factors for candida endocarditis include open-heart surgery
[1% rate], prosthetic valves [4-9%], and intravenous heroin abuse [50 - 60%].
Candida albicans is the causative agent in the majority of cases in
non-addicts; C. parapsilosis predominates in the group of intravenous drug
addicts.
Symptoms identical to those of bacterial endocarditis: fever; changing
murmur; swelling of spleen; congestive heart failure; retinochoroiditis [drug
abusers]; petechiae, papules, pustules, nodules, or ulcers.
• Candida pneumonia
Symptoms: fever; rapid breathing; dyspnoea; chest pain. Patient
“usually severely ill, with multiple organ failure, and some degree of
altered mental status.”
• Hepatosplenic candidiasis
Affects almost exclusively patients undergoing remission induction
chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation for acute leukemia. Symptoms:
persistent fever; right upper quadrant tenderness; enlargement of liver;
abdominal distension; nausea, vomiting; diarrhoea.
• Pancreatic candidiasis.
Symptoms are non-specific: abdominal pain and persistent fever.
• Candida septicaemia [candidaemia].
Clinical manifestations range from fever to life-threatening sepsis.
Candida albicans is the prevalent cause in adults, Candida parapsilosis in
infants (neonates).
Predisposing factors include intravenous catheters, use of antibacterial
drugs, urinary catheters, surgical procedures, corticosteroid therapy,
neutropenia, severe burns, parental nutrition, and chemotherapy induced
impairment of oropharyngeal or gastrointestinal mucosa. A characteristic
presentation is antibiotic resistant fevers in the neutropenic patient with
tachycardia and dyspnoea. Hypotension is also common and skin lesions may also
occur.
[Data: website DoctorFungus].
THRUSH
• Candida spp., most frequently Candida albicans, are part of the
normal mouth flora in 25-50% of healthy individuals, influenced by such factors
as salivary flow, salivary pH, and glucose concentration.
The notion that thrush, and other mycoses, are affected or even caused
by constitutional factors is one of long standing. The French physician
Trousseau [1801-1867], for example, thought it “equally a matter of
certainty that for the development of the mycelium, special conditions are
requisite: there must be pre-existing inflammation of the mucous membrane on
which it is seated.”
Trousseau treated thrush with borax or potassium chlorate and honey. In
Sweden, thrush lichen or lichen moss [Peltigera aphthosa] boiled in milk was a
folk cure for thrush. [Ainsworth]
• Thrush is observed in patients with diabetes mellitus and
debilitating diseases such as cancer or tuberculosis. Oral contraceptives and a
deficiency of riboflavin [vitamin B2] also predispose to this overwhelming
growth of C. albicans. [Kern]
• Raue, writing in 1896, gives an excellent description of thrush
and some factors that favour its appearance: Parasitic Stomatitis; Thrush
This affection is produced by a parasitic fungus, the oidium albicans,
and is characterized by the formation of numerous, milk-white patches or
elevations which are difficult to remove. They are not the result of an
exudative inflammation, but due to the extensive development of the above named
fungus within the mucous membrane.
We may frequently foretell its coming, when we observe that the mouth of
the infant is getting dry, hot, red and sticky and its secretion gives an acid
reaction. Then after a few hours white points of the size of a pin’s head
appear mostly at first on the inner surface of the cheeks, quickly spreading over
various other places and soon covering in some cases the entire buccal cavity,
and even the pharynx and oesophagus with a white membrane. After a while its
white colour turns yellowish or brown if bleeding occurs from rough handling.
The first few days this membrane adheres firmly to the mucous membrane; later,
on about the third or fourth day, it becomes loose and can easily be wiped
away. [Candida colonies mature in three days.]
During the continuance of this fungous growth the mouth of the nursling
is hot, has an acid reaction and is sensitive to touch in a degree that even
nursing sometimes is painful to the child. But as long as the affection is not
complicated with intestinal catarrh, its course is quite mild and short, and
passes away in a few days if proper attention is paid to cleanliness.
It is different with artificially fed children when an intestinal
catarrh is superadded to the trouble. Under it the child may sink with signs of
follicular enteritis.
Causes:
The formation of this fungus is favoured by acid fermentation.
The secretion of the mouth is a mixture of saliva and mucus. The saliva
is of alkaline reaction, more so after a meal, less so on an empty stomach. The
buccal mucus, however, has an acid reaction, which is visibly increased on contact
with atmospheric air, when acid fermentation at once begins. In young infants
the secretion of mucus is in preponderance over the secretion of saliva; there
is therefore a physiological tendency to acidity in a young child, and if, in
addition to it, the child is nourished artificially
and improperly by substances which easily undergo acid fermentation
[sucking-bags, poor milk from badly cleansed bottles, etc.] an outbreak of
thrush is sure to follow.
We find, therefore, that thrush attacks more frequently children
artificially fed than those who suck their mothers’ breast, and for this
additional reason that the latter in sucking draw the saliva out of their
salivary glands, while the easy flow from the bottle requires nothing but
swallowing. I would rather have the baby fed by the spoon, as in this way
chewing motions are induced and a more thorough mixture of the food with saliva
is ensured.
We find thrush also in adults, but it is of rare occurrence, and then
always in consequence of protracted and exhausting diseases, such as phthisis,
diabetes, cancer, etc.
- setting in shortly before death.
[Raue, Special Pathology and Diagnostics with Therapeutic Hints; 1896]
CANDIDA HYPERSENSITIVITY SYNDROME
• After the American paediatrician William Crook published in 1986
his book The Yeast Connection, in which he postulated that the overgrowth of
Candida causes a host of symptoms which he coined the “Candida
Hypersensitivity Syndrome,” the American Academy of Allergy and
Immunology was quick to condemn Crook’s concept as “speculative and
unproven.” Medical establishment denounced the whole idea as being based
on historical controls and lacking in rigorous data to support it.
Since the mid-1980s, several physicians have reported that while
treating female patients for candidiasis, they seem to have inadvertently -at
first- relieved symptoms of other problems. These include premenstrual
syndrome, sexual dysfunction -ranging from nymphomania to loss of libido- and
depression. They hypothesize that the cause and effect are not just
coincidental but that, in fact, some traditionally psychological disorders may
be the consequences of above normal populations of C. albicans.
Dr. W.G. Crook, author of The Yeast Connection and one of the pioneers
in this area of medical investigation, suggests several possible mechanisms for
the unexpected effects of the yeast. They include toxin production by C.
albicans, yeast-induced nutrient imbalance, and ethyl alcohol fermentation.
Critics of Crook’s work argue that evidence to support his contentions is
wanting. In fact, clinical trials comparing reactions of patients treated with
or without the antifungal drug nystatin (Nystatinum verkäuflich in C
Potenzen bei remedia.at) showed no differences in the test populations. Nonetheless,
the debate continues with a small but vocal cadre of medical professionals
convinced that C. albicans is responsible for much more disease than it gets
credit for.
[Hudler 1998]
• With the public media, health writers and health magazines
jumping on the bandwagon, the syndrome, however, soon grew into a
“Candida-Related Complex” of truly miasmatic proportions.
Some authors even speak of a “hidden epidemic” that, fuelled
“by everything from diet to medication to environmental factors,”
affects “as many as 90% of Americans and Canadians.” Candidiasis
has
become a fashionable diagnosis, culturally defined and anything but
individual, consistent with Dr. Crook’s conclusion that “your
health problems are probably yeast [Candida] connected if you crave sweets, feel
sick all over, have taken many antibiotics, and have seen many physicians and
have not found help.”
• Many complaints and chronic health problems are, according to
Crook, related to Candida albicans, ranging from “fatigue, headache and
depression in adults to ear problems, hyperactivity, attention deficits and
autism in children,” (“PMS, sexual dysfunction, asthma, psoriasis,
digestive and urinary problems, multiple sclerosis, and muscle pain.” In
1985 Dr. Crook founded the International Health Foundation devoted to helping
people with yeast related problems.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of Candida proliferation are vast and broad ranging, some of
the most common are:
• Brain fog [memory deficits +/o. concentration problems].
• Anxiety; depression; irritability.
• Frequent mood swings.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder.
• Fatigue. Feeling of being drained.
• Environmental sensitivities; food sensitivities.
• Sugar craving. Hypoglycaemia [trembling or irritability when
hungry].
• Digestive problems (heartburn, bloating, gas, diarrhoea or
constipation).
• Menstrual problems; severe premenstrual tension and/or menstrual
irregularities.
• Chronic vaginal yeast infections, with burning, itching and curd
like discharge.
• Oral or vaginal thrush.
• Cystitis.
• Frequent colds; cold sores; herpes.
• Swollen lips/ face.
• Respiratory allergies; rhinitis, sneezing +/o. wheezing.
• Muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Pain and/or swelling in joints.
• Restless legs.
• Cold hands and feet; low body temperature.
• Fungal skin problems; athlete’s foot; fungus nails.
• Chronic urticaria.
• Foot, hair, or body odour not relieved by washing.
• Symptoms worse after waking.
ALLERGIES
A. Liebeskind: “Candida albicans can evoke allergic reactions in a
human organism, which otherwise is in a normal condition,” He treated
successfully 25 patients with various allergic disorders - migraine, vulvitis,
chronic blepharoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, rhinitis, and
gastrointestinal problems - with hyposensitization injections of an extract of
C. albicans.
Related to its principal action as a histamine-releasing agent, the
hypersensitivity response to Candida toxins takes place in the form of
allergies. The allergic reactions mainly occur in the eyes, the upper
respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and on the skin.
The dermatologic symptoms are as follows:
• Hives; urticaria.
• Atopic dermatitis; eczema.
• Erythema multiforme.
• Pallor.
• Contact dermatitis/ eczema.
• Dermatophytid. [ID-reaction; see Trichophyton.]
• Allergic eczema.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis [dandruff].
• Infectious eczematous dermatitis [skin infection].
• Nummular dermatitis.
• Neurodermatitis.
• Psoriasis.
[J.P. Trowbridge & M. Walker, The Yeast Syndrome; New York, 1986]
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE
Luc De Schepper, M.D., presents in his book Candida a
“psychological profile of the Candida patient.” It is not based on
clinical cases treated homeopathically, but on general observations concerning
patients with candidiasis, in a similar vein to the way in which currently,
‘miasms’ such as Malaria, Ringworm, or Cancer are built up. The
following is a summarized outline.
Feelings of frustration, being misunderstood and rejected seem part of
our life experience. To a Candida patient, these feelings are often magnified;
life seldom seems to treat the Candida patient fairly.
In the early childhood experience of the Candida patient, abuse often
has been present. The experience of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse are
indications of a traumatic childhood, in which emotional nourishment,
encouragement in goal-setting, or simply the coherence of a healthy functioning
family are absent.
This fear-inducing environment influences one’s immune system in a
weakening manner, leaving one susceptible for invasion of diseases. Ancient
medical practices, such as Acupuncture and Homeopathy, have indicated the
relationship between physical illness and emotions. According to the philosophy
of Acupuncture, each emotion is linked to a certain organ. Fear, for instance,
will decrease the energy in the Kidney organ; worry and pensiveness will do the
same in the Spleen. ... What makes it even worse, deficiency of energy in the
Kidney organ leads to more fear and anxiety, pulling the patient in a vicious
circle.
... What follows next is the common nightmare of the Candida patient.
As a child, most of these patients are subjected to an increased
antibiotic intake and our modern diet with preservatives and sugars. Most of
the symptoms will appear a couple of years later, but sometimes immediate
yeast-related signs surface: mood swings, depression or suicidal tendencies.
The sudden mood swings are the most startling symptoms. Patients look and act
joyful at 10 h. and are threatening to kill themselves by 14 h. We can
understand the scepticism and disbelief of professionals and family; nobody,
not even the patient, expects these sudden variations. In the end, the patient
is convinced that s/he has become crazy: it is the only possible answer to this
yo-yo behaviour.
You know where the real problem of the Candida patient starts? Most of
these victims (beginning stages) look too healthy, too handsome ... In fact,
they look too good to have any kind of disease! This is the Catch-22:
outwardly, it does not look like a disease. And, for the textbook physician,
looking for objective signs, he hardly finds them. How can you see
“fogginess ” in the brain, burning urination, severe PMS symptoms,
decreased attention span ... At most, the patient looks depressed.
The emotion though, that predominates this disease, is ANGER! All
Candida patients have a reservoir of anger, mostly deeply hidden. There is a
need to understand the origin of anger and to seek means of dealing with the
factors involved. Do not believe that this anger will always show in violent
behaviour. There are other levels of manifestation of anger: ulcerative
colitis, hypertension, eczema, migraine attacks, depressions, and suicidal
tendencies can be expressions of this emotion. Most patients will not even
admit that they are angry. However, a lot of expressions imply underlying
anger.
“I am bitter the way my doctor treats me” or “I am fed
up the way my husband denies this problem,” “It irritates me, I
cannot get any explanation from anyone” are only anger in disguise.
... Patients who find no place to put their anger, are ridden by guilt,
which offers no relief.
... Another manifestation of hidden anger in almost every Candida
patient is in the bodily reactions. An almost constant symptom in these
patients is the pain in the neck and shoulder region.
We know the expression, “You are a pain in the neck,” these
patients actually have pain in the neck because they ARE angry and they refuse
to accept it or are not allowed to bring the anger outward.
Of course, this chronic disease solicits anger as well from the patient
as from the rest of the family (partner). The patient may build up the anger
for all kinds of reasons. They feel constantly rejected, are always questioned
and doubted about the existence of this disease, and simply because they are
outside the mainstream and do not get their share of the world’s
excitement and rewards. The partner resents this disease immensely because it
makes him a prisoner in his own house, without having the disease.
They are inconvenienced by their partner’s illness, leading to feelings
of frustration and resentment.
[Luc De Schepper, Candida, revised edition; Santa Fe: Full of Life
Publishing, 1990]
DIE-OFF REACTIONS
• It will require careful and accurate homeopathic prescribing of
Candida albicans to establish a made-to-measure drug picture that goes beyond
the universal character of candidiasis.
The symptoms associated with the latter might apply to almost all
individuals at some time. We can draw parallels with a remedy like Carcinosin.
• To narrow down the abundant symptomatology to its possible
essence it might help to consider a phenomenon that occurs during the first
days or, rarely, weeks of the treatment of candidiasis with antifungal
antibiotics. The phenomenon is termed “die-off” or
Herxheimer’s reaction and is mainly observed with the use of nystatin
and, to a lesser degree, with other antifungals or with natural treatment.
[Herxheimer’s reaction is not uncommon in the treatment of spirochete
infections -syphilis, Lyme disease- and with antibiotics in general.]
Nystatin was isolated in 1950 from bacteria of the genus Streptomyces,
which, like other soil bacteria, are the natural adversaries of microscopic
fungi. Nystatin destroys the cell wall of Candida, with the result that the
contents leak out and the cell “bleeds to death.”
With the leaking of protoplasm and electrolytes, a number of toxins also
escape, the sudden release of which produces a temporary toxic or allergy-like
reaction in the host.
This is not an adverse reaction to the nystatin itself since it clears up
as the nystatin is continued.
The die-off reaction resembles the initial aggravation induced by
homeopathic remedies.
Both are, in fact, temporary intoxications, energy-wise or physically,
and both evoke body responses to turn the economy into order. Kent compares the
initial aggravation with “a process of house cleaning,” a process
of elimination, “probably from the bowels, or stomach, by vomiting, by
expectoration, or by the kidneys, in those cases where everything has been
suppressed.”
Die-off reaction includes elimination processes as well as symptoms
caused by the release of Candida toxins. If Candida treatment requires reducing
or avoiding coffee, alcohol, chocolate, dairy products, sugar, wheat, and
yeast-fermented foodstuffs, part of the die-off reaction may be due to
withdrawal symptoms.
The following is an overview of common die-off reactions, accompanied by
some of the comments by the authors of the listing.
Allergy reactions.
“These often may increase during Candida treatment or if you never
had allergies or food sensitivities before, they may temporarily crop up during
this time.”
Anger and aggression.
“Anger and aggression can be common during treatment. Tolerance
levels seem lower. One reason may be that the yeast is agitated; it in turn
agitates you, and you pass it on. During treatment, quick anger is generally a
body response - not a real emotion.”.
Bloating. “This is common during Candida treatment and
cleansing.”
Blood sugar problems.
“If you already have low blood sugar or diabetes, these may become
more problematic during Candida treatment. If you don’t, you may still
experience more dramatic blood sugar swings due to the extra stress of
treatment.”
Bruise easily.
“Usually only very sensitive people have problems with
this.”
Colds. Sore throat.
“When body defences are lower [as during Candida treatment], you
may be more susceptible to colds.”
Cold extremities.
Crying.
“This may occur more frequently because of the stress of
treatment. It’s okay!
Realize you will be more sensitive during this time and allow yourself a
little harmless release, provided it is not excessive. Many toxins are released
in tears, so this may assist cleansing. Get sufficient rest and get support
from family and friends.”
Constipation.
Depression.
“Ease up on self-demands and reduce work load or, if not busy
enough, get busy with work, arts and crafts, a garden, or better yet -
cook!”
Diarrhoea.
Energy is low.
Emotional experiences.
“It is natural to revive or relive emotional experiences during
treatment, especially experiences that reflect the same energy levels that you
have during cleansing.
Do not be surprised if old loves, old hurts, and old feelings resurface.
Spend time releasing, forgiving, and letting go. Do not wallow in the past or
get depressed about it.
See this cleansing time as a time of renewal and recharging, a
‘cocoon time’ in preparation for your emergence as a ‘healthy
butterfly’. ”Headaches.
Hyperactivity.
“During treatment, this may occur when overworking or overplaying
is done. ...
Not enough food or too high a Candida treatment dosage can lead to
hyperactivity, too.
... Parasites can contribute to this, as they are greatly agitated
during treatment.”
Indigestion.
Lack of coordination. “May occur more often during
treatment.”
Mental confusion, spacey.
Mucus. “The body expels mucus as parasites die.”
Paranoia. “Temporary mental problems and confusion can be caused
by parasite treatment.
The poisons being eliminated can flood the body and brain and may
contribute to
creating delusional thoughts and emotions.”
Skin problems.
Skin irritations or rash. “Temporary food intolerances may become
evident during Candida treatment. One could become agitated by dairy foods,
tomatoes, meats, nuts, or many other foods you are not normally allergic
to.”
Sleeplessness.
[Jeanne Marie Martin & Zoltan P. Rona, Complete Candida Yeast
Guidebook, revised 2nd ed.; Roseville, 2000]
MATERIA MEDICA
Proving Marco Riefer, Germany, 1994; 30c and 200c; 19 provers [12
females, 7 males], of which 2 provers produced no symptoms whatsoever.
KEY COMPONENTS
Anger, expressed or suppressed.
The phenomenon of suppression is very evident in Candida albicans, first
of all in the form of suppressed anger. During the provings, rage was experienced
directly and immediately. However, in practice I usually saw conditions of
suppressed anger, of anger that was not allowed. In many cases the anger could
not be kept down and was therefore permanently looking for an outlet.
‘Wut im Bauch haben’ is a common idiom in the German
language, which could be translated as ‘having anger in my belly’.
This expression fits very well with the central physical symptoms concerning
the digestive system [flatulence, fullness, diarrhoea and cramping pains]. It has
been confirmed in this proving, as well as in others, that mental and physical
symptoms form a corresponding unit and the disease is reflected on different
levels.
The aggression itself can be completely hidden, but can also be very
violent, almost driving the patient mad. There may be an impulse to destroy
everything, simply smash everything to pieces. A typical expression of one of
the provers is: ‘I feel such tremendous aggression in me that I can
hardly handle it. I have to muster all my strength not to destroy
something.’
Fatigue.
Another striking symptom is the tremendous lack of energy in this
remedy. [Is this a result of the suppressed anger?] Tiredness up to severe
exhaustion widely occurred in the whole proving and in many of the treated
cases.
Craving for sweets.
We could understand the greatly increased desire for sweets, certainly a
high degree symptom, as an attempt to make up for the lack of energy. [This
craving is also common to the mycosis-patient.]
Overwhelmed.
To me the Candida albicans patient seems to be a typical
‘product’ of modern western society, which is characterized by the
following features:
Too many demands made upon a person by a tough, efficiency-oriented
society which is too complex for the individual to grasp and which he
experiences as threatening.
A multitude of daily impressions to which he is exposed, almost
overwhelming the individual.
A hectic state, tension, stress and a daily feeling of ‘too
much.’
Ignored emotions and an outward presentation of a smooth and clean surface.
Too many ...
Too many requirements, expectations, impressions [odours, noises, ...].
Too much to do and no way out ...
The basic sensation of ‘too much’ is a feeling of inability
to cope, of being overburdened, a feeling of not being able to fulfil the
demands of everyday life and sometimes even of the whole life. [A typical
phrase from the proving is: ‘Even the little demands of everyday life are
too much for me.’]
Candida albicans patients feel overwhelmed by daily routines,
requirements and duties. A feeling of restriction develops and takes over, and
they cannot get rid of it.
Restless and hectic.
The reaction [to the inability to cope] is that they feel restless and
hectic. Candida albicans is a particularly restless remedy, ceaselessly in action
[or more precisely, the feeling of being ceaselessly in action], always having
something to do, no time to relax.
They quickly get into a state of stress and tension. Examples in the
provings are: ‘I cannot get anything done. This is the most stressful week.
Dates, driving. Everything is too much.’ And: ‘Towards the evening
everything is too much; a feeling of being hurried and rushed. A strong desire
for rest and being alone.’
Chaos.
Forgetfulness, lack of concentration and in some cases real confusion are
very striking, in combination with the other symptoms. Chaotic conditions are a
central manifestation of Candida albicans. We see these symptoms in many
remedies, but in Candida albicans they are the prominent and significant
symptoms of the remedy.
Characteristically one prover wrote: ‘I was very confused and had
to think about normal procedures before carrying them out. I had forgotten what
I had planned to buy in the supermarket and once in the car park I had to think
where I was, where I wanted to go and how to get there.’
Background.
In order to answer the question of ‘what is the cause of this kind
of manifestations, why is this anger not allowed to be expressed, why are these
people so confused,’ etc.,
we should look at a number of cured Candida albicans cases.
These people have been inhibited, often hindered and suppressed in
expressing their free will and this suppression had become the central theme of
their lives. [DD.: Carcinosin]
We talk about dominated people who were not allowed to develop their own
personality. In some way we could say we are dealing with parasitic
relationships.
We observe exploitative relationships, with the Candida albicans patient
being the victim, being used or abused, in which the equilibrium of giving and taking
has been shifted.
The tendency towards exploitative relationships often continues and is
repeated again and again according to a fixed pattern.
Candida patients usually react helplessly and defencelessly in this kind
of situation, showing vagueness and indirect and ineffectual aggression.
They unable to be clear and precise and cannot set limits. In some cases
the patient repeatedly became the involuntary supporter of a partner/parent;
the used, abused or energetically sucked out ‘victim.’
Dreams.
The most important themes in the dreams: Blood. Brutality, murder.
Bombs. Explosion. Hell. Rape.
[All quotes from Marco Riefer, Candida albicans: A proving report and a
case; Homoeopathic Links 2/98.]
Appetite & Digestion.
Constant hunger. Can’t stop eating; fasting impossible.
Overeating; stuffing oneself.
Craving for sweets [2 provers].
Constant sensation of fullness and satiation.
Desire for high-calorie foods, < in evening (chocolate, cold milk,
remoulade, crisps, pizza).
Weight gain. [Prover gained 4.5 kg in 11 days.]
Gnawing pain in stomach, as from an ulcer, > eating.
Lump sensation in stomach, pressing upwards.
Watery diarrhoea, smelling like rotten eggs.
Constipation with sensation of fullness in rectum and flatulence.
Pressing frontal headache > stool.
Peculiars
Painful swelling of axillary lymph glands.
Offensive axillary perspiration.
Sensation of emptiness in chest and abdomen.
Tickling in chest > swallowing.
Palpitations before falling asleep, > hand on chest.
Painful stiffness in hollow of feet in morning on rising.
Buzzing sensation in arms, legs, and down the back.
CLINICAL SYMPTOMS
In the booklet with the proving results, Riefer describes seventeen
cured cases, both constitutional and acute, of which the following symptoms are
included in the Repertory section.
[The number behind the symptom indicates the degree. First degree:
observed only once. Second degree: observed two to four times. Third degree:
observed more than four times.]
Delusion/ sensation:
Alone in the world
About to sink into annihilation
Defenceless
Despised
Eaten up; consumed
Internal emptiness
Surrounded by enemies
Floating in air
Forsaken
Helpless
Persecuted
Powerless
Prisoner; caught; imprisoned.
Separated from the world
Stupid
Thin
Time passes too quickly
Unloved by parents, partner, friends
Has done wrong.
Anxiety/ Fear:
Business failure; bankruptcy
Impending disease
Something will happen
Health – own/relatives
Money matters; poverty
Punishment
Robbers; thieves
Concomitants:
Headache & empty sensation in head
Headache & sensitivity to strong odours
Coryza & itching of eyes and lachrymation
Throat pain & nausea
Stomach pain & vertigo
Food and Drinks:
<: Apples/farinaceous/fish/milk/sweets;
Desires chocolate; cold drinks; cold milk; salt; sweets.
Modalities:
Headache < coughing; exertion; light; before menses; noise; stooping;
change of weather
Clenching teeth firmly together at night
Burning pain in oesophagus < concentration [mind]
Itching external throat < scratching
Heartburn after eating or drinking
Abdominal cramps, & heat, at night
Sensation of rectal constriction after stool
Difficult respiration < lying; > sitting
Constriction chest > weeping
Profuse perspiration at night
Itching at night;
< scratching.
Phytology: Thymus vulgaris öl
[Dr Sunitha devi Vannemreddy]
Family: Ascoidacea.
Candida albicans is commonly found as an endogenous inhabitant of the
alimentary tract and the mucocutaneous regions of the body, “where it
lives in a delicate competitive balance with bacteria and other microflora of
the digestive tract” [Hudler]. It particularly exists as normal flora in
the throat, vulvovaginal area, lower intestinal tract, and skin. Endogenous
organism in humans, animals, and birds; has been isolated from the faeces of
animals [especially swine]. Feeds in the bowel on sugars, simple carbohydrates
and fermented products like alcohol and cheese. Found worldwide on fruits and
vegetables. Found in polluted fresh and marine waters. Colonies mature in 2-3
days. • An important characteristic is adhesiveness. This organism
remains firmly attached to mucous membranes.
Proving: Marco Riefer, Germany, 1994; 30c and 200c; 19 provers [12
females, 7 males], of which 2 provers produced no symptoms.
Key symptoms:
Anger expressed or suppressed. The aggression itself can be completely
hidden, but can also be very violent, almost driving the patient mad. There may
be an impulse to destroy everything, simply smash
everything to pieces.
Fatigue, tremendous lack of energy is seen in these patients.
Craving for sweets
Overwhelmed, a hectic state, tensed, anxious, daily things seems too
much to him.
Ignored emotions and smooth and clean outward presentation.
Oversensitive, to emotions, sensations, to smell or odors.
Restless and hectic.
Chaotic, forgetful, lack of concentration. real confusion.
These people have been inhibited, often hindered and suppressed in
expressing their free will and this suppression had become the central theme in
their lives.
Constant hunger. Can’t stop eating; fasting impossible.
Overeating; stuffing oneself.
Sensation of fullness and satiation.
Desire for high-calorie foods, < in evening (chocolate/cold milk;
Gnawing pain in stomach, as from an ulcer, > eating.
Lump sensation in stomach, pressing upwards.
Watery diarrhoea, smelling like rotten eggs.
Constipation with sensation of fullness in rectum and flatulence.
Pressing frontal headache > stool.
Painful swelling of axilliary lymph glands.
Offensive axillary perspiration.
Sensation of emptiness in chest and abdomen.
Tickling in chest > swallowing.
Palpitations before falling asleep, > hand on chest.
Painful stiffness in hollow of feet in morning on rising.
Buzzing sensation in arms, legs, and down the back.
Some rubrics which helps to decide for the drug:
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX - LEUKORRHEA - constant, chronic
Generals: Desires: garlic/pickles/salt;
Male genitalia/sex
INFLAMed Penis - Glans
Skin
ITCHING - burning
[Assilem, 1990]
Folliculinum successfully in candiasis
Vorwort/Suchen
Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum