Drüsengruppe Anhang
[Dr. Herbert A. Roberts]
In consideration of the mental and emotional states as our best
indication for the simillimum. This is not as simple
as to feed glandular preparations, perhaps, but it is less apt to throw other
glandular secretions out of
proportion, and the results seem to be generally better. And no man who
has watched the action of our potencies can doubt their efficacy. To a large
extent the remedies which come to mind as constitutional remedies of
sufficient depth to influence these glandular conditions with their
structural and nervous concomitants are our great polychrests,
and many of these are from the same chemical base as the elements
of the physical body:
Sulph. Sil. Phos. Kaliums, Natriums, the Carbons. Lyc.
Nit-ac. the major nosodes, of great use in these
conditions. It is impossible, as well as dangerous practice, to name leading
remedies for any pathological condition, and still more for any functional
disturbance; yet there are valuable remedies which have a wide range and
frequent usage in our daily practice that are not so valuable
in these conditions.
In running over suitable rubrics for glandular conditions Puls. is conspicuous by its absence in many rubrics, and
when it occurs it is in the lower ratings. On the other hand Lyc. is a leader,
one of the very few survivors from the first era of plant life, and it
has changed very little in appearance. It has survived because of the basic
qualities inherent in the development of all life, and
probably, therefore, has a greater potential influence on organic
functions. Hardly an organ or function that is not influenced by Sulphur. Hering noted its influence on such glandular conditions
as were then recognized. We have spoken of its value in developing
backward children.
It is classical for its use in deep-seated affections resulting from the
suppression of superficial symptoms. It has proven its usefulness in diabetes
mellitus. We know the classical indications for
Sulphur; but in passing it briefly, one function of Sulphur we may have
occasion to invoke: that of stirring the organism to reaction when other
seemingly indicated remedies fail to act (if there are recurrences of acute or subacute manifestations) where the patient moves toward
recovery only to slip back repeatedly.
Phos. resembles Sulph. in
its fields of usefulness as in many of its symptoms, while being quite
different in its classical constitution. Where Sulphur is indolent, Phos. over-excitable, erotic in many manifestations and
erratic in most symptoms related to the sexual functions. These manifestations
range from insanity or lascivious ideas to vicarious menstruation, impotence
and abnormal labours.
Phos. affects the development of the physical body
in the child, his ability to concentrate his mental efforts, and the normal
functioning of the adult, just as in Sulphur. Prostrated energies from
loss of fluids and from emotional and physical strain are characteristic
of Phos., as against the general lack of energy in Sulph. Both Phos. and Ph-ac. are
to be considered in glycosuria, as well as
other glandular difficulties.
Nit-ac. has a powerful action on glandular dysfunctions, especially of
syphilitic origin, although it is antipsoric and antisycotic as well. Sensitiveness is a keynote of this
remedy - of the head or
of affected parts, to touch, jars, sudden motion or sudden change in
tempo of motion; to cold, to changes in the weather; tendency to take cold.
There is great disturbance of the circulation; the
fingers and toes appear livid, pale, cold or dead at times.
Characteristic “As of a splinter in the affected parts”, particularly in such
tissues as the tonsils (Arg-n. and Hep.).
In Nit-ac. the disturbance of the sexual organs and functions rivals
Phosphorus, and sometimes there is almost as much lasciviousness. In general
the sensitiveness and excitability is uppermost,
but they tire quickly; old people calling for this remedy manifest excessive
prostration. "Vegetable Sulphur", or Lyc.,
is one of the great trio of remedies (Sulphur, Calcarea
and Lycopodium)
about which, as Clarke says, "all the rest of the materia medica can be
grouped". Like the rest of the trio, it has swollen glands, and is one of
the few specifically mentioned as having goitre.
Acute glandular affections start on the right side and tend to move to
the left. This is one of the few remedies mentioned in the materia
medica as definitely tending to enlargement of bony
tissue, whereas Phosphorus tends to thickening of bony tissue.
Characteristically, Lycopodium has a furrowed face
and forehead; thin face and neck and perhaps upper chest, while he remains
plump below, or there is progressive emaciation from above downward. Great
weariness and lassitude, especially in the legs after slight exertion, and
great want of bodily heat; deadness of the
fingers and hands as in Nitric acid; he feels as if circulation were
suspended.
Mentally he is as fearful as Phosphorus and the Kalis,
as sad as Nitric acid and the Natrums; the burning
pains make us think of the burnings of Sulphur and Phosphorus. Probably Lyc. is the most flatulent remedy we shall consider, unless
it be Carb-v., which has more heartburn.
The general state of gloominess and mental depression characterizes the Natriums and is their great earmark in chronic states; they
almost delight to make themselves and others miserable by looking on the dark
side; strong aversion to consolation; sometimes alternate gaiety and gloom.
These salts are a startling exposition of the power of potentization,
for in this form they have the most profound action on the mental state, on
physical functions, on the chemistry of fluids and the pathology of the organs.
There is sudden failing of strength, excessive draining of body fluids coming
on suddenly, sudden depletion of the sexual organs because of excessive
stimulation; rapid changes in the blood; sudden and profound emaciation, often
following previous increase of flesh. Nat-m. particularly, emaciates about the
neck, even when eating ravenously. This group of remedies affects the thyroid
gland markedly, and has the subjective sensation of compression, as if there
were a lump or plug in the throat. Nat-ars. has the
sensation as if the thyroid body were compressed between the thumb and finger.
Nat-c. has the hard swelling of the thyroid.
Clarke: Natriums:,
Clarke: Kaliums:
Calcarea group should be studied in these conditions.
Calc., has a strong resemblance in the childhood symptoms to Silica, but where
Silica has the suppurative tendency in glandular
symptoms,
Calcarea's tendency is to indurate. Calc. is
apt to be pot-bellied; but there is the same depraved appetite as in Silica, a
like relationship to growth and development of the teeth and bony structure,
and as much anæmia, and even more spinal affections.
It has the weak ankles and the child walks late; the child is fat, rickety,
pale, and sweats profusely about the head. Calcarea's
sexual organs are greatly disturbed functionally, while Silica's sexual organs
are apt to be more disturbed by pathology. Calcarea
is the corpulent adult with full, even pendulous, abdomen and goitre or renal
calculi. We should remember the carbons: Carb-v., Carb-an., Graph., Sep. - in glandular conditions. The major
nosodes merit further study along these lines, also.
In fact, all our polychrests and many of our near-polychrests will yield richly to our search for effective
remedies in endocrine disorders.
[A.R. Kalesh]
THE GLANDULAR HIERARCHY
HYPOTHALAMUS
The endocrine synergy of regulation and production works within a type
of hierarchy driven by the Hypothalamus. The Hypothalamus is often described as
the body’s internal eyeball, and I find it helpful to liken its role to that of
a Chief Executive of an organisation. The Hypothalamus itself comprises a
collection of cells at the base of the forebrain that acts as the receiver of
messages via nerve cells from other parts of the brain. It then sends out
signals to the Pituitary Gland by substances termed neuro-hormones
to stimulate or inhibit glandular secretions somewhere else in the system in
response to received information in order to co-ordinate, maintain and control
our internal homeostasis.
It can be seen that the endocrine and nervous systems are also closely
intertwined: something else that conventional medical concepts tend to
de-emphasise. What actually happens is that the endocrine hormones act directly
upon our glands and body tissues whilst the autonomic nerves activate the
relevant motor nerves of our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in
order to make changes in breathing, heart rate, galvanic skin response and so
on, to activate reflex actions (such as blinking) and to carry out bodily
processes such as digestion.
This nervous and endocrine mutuality is one reason why stress and our
coping mechanisms play such a significant role in a variety of dis-ease. Agrawal (2004) directly
links emotions and parts of the body to the endocrine glands, based upon the
inter-relationship between the seven chakras, the endocrine glands and our
emotionality that traditional Hindu thinking holds, whilst Ambika
Wauters (1999) inter alia, has further aligned our
chakras to colours as well as emotions, illustrated in the summary table below.
Hypothalamus homeopathic remedies:
Squire (2003): BCG vaccine nosode/Puls./Tub.
as related remedies to the Hypothalamus sarcode
Hilery Dorrian:
the Hypothalamus remedy picture can present similarly to that of Puls with the tearfulness, changeability and so on. So we
could think of this sarcode in cases where extreme
levels
of emotional and physical stress have caused a general hormonal
imbalance. I have used Rainbow (or Spectrum) quite successfully as a support
where I have sensed that a patients’ chakras have been thrown out of alignment
and they have reported that the remedy acted as a wonderful pick-me-up. Aside
from this, I would say that it is the constitutional remedy of the individual
concerned that is the most closely aligned to the Hypothalamus, simply because
it is their own ‘boss’.
PITUITARY GLAND
The Pituitary Gland, located in the base of the brain has two lobes, the
Anterior and Posterior. The Anterior lobe is an actual gland in itself, whilst
the Posterior lobe consists of a lump of nervous tissue directly connected to
the Hypothalamus. The Anterior lobe can be said to be the more important
influence upon the functioning of other glands, as it produces six hormones to
the Posterior’s two, but essentially the lobes act in concert and are able to
compensate for each other.
Anterior Lobe Hormones
The Anterior Lobe produces prolactin involved
in the preparation of the breasts for maternal milk production and to
synthesise this following birth. It also produces somatotropin,
the human growth hormone that primarily influences the skeletal system, growth
rate and maturational size. Under-secretion of this hormone results in
dwarfism, whilst over-secretion results in gigantism in children and a
condition known as acromegaly in adults (“Jaws” in
the James Bond film character). Metabolic effects of somatotropin
include the general synthesis of amino acids, assimilation of fat and blood
sugar levels.
The Anterior lobe of the pituitary gland also produces a thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH), which influences all aspects of thyroid function and ultimately
the regulation of our metabolic rate, fat breakdown and the water content of
certain tissues. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is also created here.
FSH controls the maturation of ovarian follicles in females and sperm
production in males. Luteinizing hormone (LH) also comes from the anterior lobe
of the pituitary. LH contributes to the formation of the corpus luteum and therefore production and synthesis of the egg in
women, as well as preparing the breast for lactation.
The equivalent hormone to LH in men produced by the anterior pituitary
is the ICSH, or interstitial cell stimulation hormone, which acts on the testes
and affects sperm and testosterone (the major male hormone) production. ACTH or
adrenocorticotrophine, a hormone affecting various
secretions of the Adrenal Gland, also starts life in this lobe. The general
metabolic effects of ACTH include the mobilisation of fats, blood sugar and
glycogen (muscle fuel) levels as well our body’s resistance to stress.
Posterior Lobe Hormones
The Posterior lobe of the pituitary gland secretes an anti-diuretic
hormone called ADH that, to a certain extent, is responsible for the
constriction of veins in some cases of high blood pressure, but more
importantly affects kidney function. Water is re-absorbed by the kidneys so
that less urine is excreted. ADH under-secretion causes the condition diabetes insipidus, where excessive amounts
of very dilute urine are excreted but not absorbed. The other hormone secreted by the Posterior
Pituitary is oxytocin, which works alongside prolactin in the production and flow of milk and also
acts on the smooth muscles of the uterus in pregnancy. Both of these two
hormones are actually produced in the Hypothalamus and are only stored and
released by the Posterior lobe.
Overall then, the Pituitary Gland extensively affects our wellbeing and
lifespan development in general, including our early in utero
period. It can therefore be said to act rather like our body’s Managing
Director, and is generally known as the master gland of the body because of its
action upon the activity of the thyroid and adrenal glands and upon our organs
of reproduction: the ovaries and testes, or gonads.
Pituitary homeopathic remedies:
The functions of both lobes of the Pituitary gland, and hence the whole
gland are fairly well defined and so choice of the three related sarcodes would mirror whatever was being addressed.
As far as my own practice is concerned, Pit-a. indicated most
predominantly in children when maturational markers or behavioural issues have
been delayed (intercurrent in cases of bedwetting).
Bar-c.: helpful in contexts of delayed development and with childlike
presentations in the elderly. Because of its hormonal profile, Folliculinum has an affinity with this gland.
THYROID GLAND
The Thyroid Gland, located in the front and sides of the base of the
neck just below the larynx, acts rather like our body’s General Manager. It is
a butterfly-shaped gland containing a number of closed follicles and,
essentially, it controls the pace of chemical activity and metabolism of every
cell of the body. Thus it impacts significantly upon the growth and rate of
function of many other bodily systems.
Thyroid homeopathic remedies:
Thyroid cells produce two hormones, thyroxin or T4 and T3 (tri-iodothyronine). Their formation is dependent upon the amino
acid Tyrosine (hence the T) and also upon the mineral iodine. These hormones
both determine how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and how
sensitive the body should be to other hormones, and along with the growth
hormone somatotropin, ensure our brain development,
urine production, protein breakdown and glucose uptake.
Untreated hypothyroidism (or under-secretion) in children results in the
unkindly-named condition of cretinism. In adults it causes myxoedema
(non-pitting facial oedema, or swelling). Both conditions also feature a low
overall metabolic rate and excess body weight. Untreated hyperthyroidism (over-secretion)
increases the metabolic rate generally, and sometimes causes exophthalmos,
or protruding eyeballs. Goitre on the other hand is the name for any
enlargement of the thyroid gland itself and can be present with or without
hyperthyroidism. It is also possible for this two-lobed, follicular gland to be
partially under- and partially over- active at the same time and symptoms of
both polarities may overlap, for example fatigue, thinning hair, poor libido.
Thyroid homeopathic remedies:
Thyroid therapeutics are perhaps the most well-documented, used and
needed raft of remedies in general practice, but rather than reinvent the
wheel, some differentiation of available remedies may be useful here.
Thyroidinum, first introduced by Clarke, and
useful in both hyper- and hypo-thyroid conditions, is the prepared extract of
the thyroid gland of a sheep or calf whereas Thyroiodinum
(otherwise known as Iodothyrine) is the pure iodine
derived from this source (Murphy 2000). Thyroxine is
the allopathic drug also derived from animal glands and is most useful as a tautopathic remedy to support withdrawal. For a human
source, Thyroid Gland would be the option.
The most useful plant remedy is perhaps Fucus Vesiculosus, or Sea Kelp and can be used effectively as a
supplement as well as homeopathically to support the
Thyroid gland. It is the primary source of natural iodine, or Iodium, a major hyper-active thyroid remedy. Other useful
thyroid supports are Kali-i. a non-radioactive iodine
used to prevent the thyroid gland absorbing radiation in nuclear incidents, and
Calc-i. (Iodide of Lime), useful homeopathically
for thyroid dysfunction associated with hormonal changes.
PARATHYROID GLANDS
Just behind the thyroid are the pea-sized glands of the Parathyroid
(usually four, two behind each lobe) that assist calcitonin
from the thyroid in metabolising, assimilating and regulating calcium in order
that the nervous and muscular systems can function efficiently.
Parathyroid Hormone
The glands produce parathormone to perform
this function. Over-production causes calcium to be moved from the bones into
the blood and then excreted in urine, which then can result in brittle bones
and kidney stones. Under-secretion causes low calcium levels in the blood,
resulting in muscular rigidity and/or spasm (tetany).
The latter can sometimes be in evidence following thyroid surgery where the parathyroids have inadvertently been removed (according to
Watson 2000) and then calcium is then traditionally prescribed to correct the
mistake, something which really inspires confidence in hospital treatment.
Parathyroid homeopathic remedies:
The Parathyroid sarcode is helpful in cases of
osteoprosis (the de-mineralisation and loss of
density of bones), bony spurs and also kidney stones. These conditions are
caused through non-absorption of calcium and the remedy Calcarea
Renalis is potentised
kidney stone. The syphilitic connection here is also evident.
ADRENAL GLANDS
Near to and just above the kidneys are the Adrenal (or suprarenal)
Glands. Each gland has two distinct zones: the outer cortex and the inner
medulla.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
The mineralocorticoid steroid Aldosterone is produced here. It regulates the relative
concentrations of minerals in the body fluids and water content of tissues, in
particular our sodium: potassium balance. A deficiency of Aldosterone
causes increased secretions of sodium and chloride ions so that too much water
is lost from the body in urine. Correspondingly, concentrations of sodium,
chloride and bicarbonate in the blood decrease and acidosis (increased acidity
and low alkaline content of blood plasma) result.
The central part of the adrenals produces a group of glucocorticoid
hormones responsible for efficient carbohydrate metabolism. The most important
of these is Cortisol (otherwise known as
Hydrocortisone), released in response to ACTH from the Anterior Pituitary and
working in conjunction with adrenaline (epinephrine) from the Adrenal Medulla.
It releases carbohydrate and protein stores for use as energy and controls our
immune responses, including fever and inflammations, and inhibits cell division
to promote healing.
Cortisone and corticosterone are the other
primary glucocorticoids, mostly involved in
preventing allergic reactions and tissue repair, and all three are greatly
affected by chronic stress, which increases glucocorticoid
production. If this is prolonged, the likelihood of ulcer formation is
increased, blood pressure rises and our body’s resistance to stress is lowered
via resultant atrophy of lymphatic tissue. Many people ‘break out in a rash’
when stressed, other have an ‘upset stomach’.
Under-secretion of the glucocorticoid and
corticoid hormones results in Addison’s disease, where symptoms of anaemia,
anorexia, muscle weakness, low blood pressure and sugar levels, bronzing of the
skin and mucous membranes occur. Overproduction of glucocorticoid
hormones causes the condition known as Cushing’s syndrome, which includes
symptoms such as weight gain and oedema on the trunk and face, easy bruising
and poor healing, raised blood pressure and pH, osteoporosis etc.
Relatively small amounts of oestrogens and androgens (known as gonadocorticoids from this source) are also produced by the
adrenal cortex, although primary production of these hormones occurs the gonads
(ovaries and testes). Some progesterone is also manufactured by this chemical
transformation process. Adrenal androgens and oestrogens affect the development
and functioning of the reproductive organs as well as certain physical and
(possibly) temperamental characteristics. Their effects are more apparent in
incidences of hyper-secretion, for example an adrenal tumour in a woman may
produce deepening of the voice and facial hair growth, which are usually
secondary male characteristics. Further, this secondary source of oestrogen is
especially important for post-menopausal women when ovarian production of
oestrogens tails off.
Further, Melissa Assilem (1996) maintains that
the contraceptive pill is responsible for depleting the adrenal cortex because
of its interference with the normal production of progesterone by the ovaries,
causing them to ‘borrow’ from corticosteroidal
sources in the adrenals in order for the menstrual cycle to remain unbroken.
Also, this secondary supply of masculinising hormones may be implicated in the
over-production of testosterone in some women with polycystic ovary syndrome,
where stress and male pattern hair growth are present.
Adrenal Medulla Hormones
The medulla of the adrenal glands produces the two hormones Adrenaline
and Noradrenaline (also known as Epinephrine and Norepinephrine respectively) that comprise our body’s
‘fight or flight’ mechanism in response to stress, initiated by the sympathetic
nervous system. Adrenaline is 80% of the total hormone production and Noradrenaline 20%. Together they increase the strength and
rate of the heart beat, cause the arteries supplying the heart and skeletal
muscles to dilate whilst constricting those of other arteries, increase respiration,
raise blood sugar levels by converting glycogen (stored sugar) in the liver to
glucose (available sugar) in the blood and finally stimulate the general
metabolic cellular activity. No mean feat!
We can begin to get some idea of the extent of the negative and
all-pervasive effects of chronic stress, which is more accurately perhaps,
adrenal ‘burn-out’ when considering these vital and integral functions of our
Adrenal Glands.
Adrenal homeopathic remedies:
Obviously, adrenal sarcodes would be
appropriate for patients diagnosed with Addison’s Disease and Cushing’s
Syndrome. The remedy Adrenalin is described in Murphy as Adrenal Gland and
I have prescribed it successfully for ME. It would also have a place in
CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Hilery Dorrian recommends it for children diagnosed with ADHD, as
the condition could be in part due to inefficient neurotransmission. Since it
is a great calmer-down, it is also recommended in combination with Acon. and Arg-n. as a remedy to
help with panic attacks (prescribed succesfully for
fear of flying), and with Apis and Hist. for severe
allergic reactions.
Cortisone a useful remedy in skin conditions, particularly where there
has been any suppression with steroids that needs gentle unblocking in order to
get at the underlying miasm. I frequently prescribe
it with Carcinosin followed by Tuberculinum,
based on Hilery Dorrian’s
and Gordon Sambidge’s regimes for the management of
eczema (see HIP article Autumn 2006).
Used a support remedy combination with good results of Borago Officinalis/ Eleutherococcus Senticosus/ Glycyrrhiza Glabra, or commonly
Borage/Liquorice Root/Siberian Ginseng in a 3X potency, along with their
constitutional or totality remedy for a patient whose adrenal function seemed
to be depleted, based on college notes on herbal support remedies.
THE GONADS (OVARIES & TESTES)
The Ovaries and the Testes produce oestrogen and testosterone, which
control female and male sexual development and fertility, and progesterone
which is another major player in the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy. The
synthesis and secretion of oestrogens is stimulated by FSH, which in turn, is
controlled by the neurohormone GnRH
(Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) from the
Hypothalamus. Production of testosterone and of progesterone is controlled by
the release of LH prompted by the release of GnRH,
see figure 2.
Oestrogen
Oestrogens are a group of steroid hormone compounds, functioning as the
primary female sex hormone, although oestrogen is also present in smaller
quantities in men. The three major naturally occurring oestrogens in women are
oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2), and oestriol (E3). E2 predominates in non-pregnant women of
reproductive age, E1 is produced during menopause, and E3 is the primary
oestrogen of pregnancy. E2 is produced from testosterone and levels vary
through the menstrual cycle, with levels highest just before ovulation.
Apart from the adrenal oestrogens, primary sources are the developing
follicles in the ovaries, the corpus luteum and the
placenta. They promote the development of female secondary sex characteristics,
are also involved in the thickening of the endometrium
and other aspects of regulating the menstrual cycle. In males, oestrogen
regulates certain functions of the reproductive system important to the
maturation of sperm and may also be necessary for a healthy libido.
Oestrogens also have non-reproductive effects. They antagonize the
effects of the parathyroid hormone, minimizing the loss of calcium from bones
(hence the emphasis placed upon the likelihood of osteoporosis in our later
years) and oestrogen is known to have an inhibitory effect on the thyroid
itself. The hormone also promotes blood clotting. Many types of breast cancers,
once established, rely on supplies of oestrogen to grow and suppression of
oestrogen production is a conventional treatment for these cancers.
As an aside, a range of synthetic and natural substances have been
identified that also possess oestrogenic activity. Synthetic substances of this
kind are known as xeno-oestrogens and are frequently
chemicals derived from pesticides or plastics (!) which mimic or disrupt the
action of oestrogens. They are fat-soluble and so, worryingly, can store
themselves in the adipose tissues of the body, including animal fat. It has also
been established that hormone disruptors not only affect male and female
fertility but also deplete our immune system, so here’s another reason for meat
eaters to stick to lean and organic!
Testosterone
Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone from the androgen group,
primarily secreted in the testes of males and the ovaries of females. It is an
essential hormone for the production of sperm and levels decline gradually with
age. It is an anabolic steroid, i.e. affecting muscle mass and strength, growth,
bone density and maturation. Like other steroid hormones, testosterone is
derived from cholesterol. It is also synthesized in far smaller quantities in
women by the ovaries, by the placenta and by the adrenal cortex in both sexes.
In men, testosterone also plays a key role in health and well-being and
in osteoporosis. On average, an adult human male body produces about forty to
sixty times more testosterone than an adult female body. However, overall
production ranges for male and female are very wide, such that the respective
ranges can overlap at the low end and high end respectively. Testosterone has
an interesting effect on insulin, produced by the Pancreas: too little in men
will inhibit the action of insulin, whereas in women too much is inhibitory.
Progesterone
Progesterone is produced in the ovaries (specifically after ovulation in
the corpus luteum), as well as in the brain and in
increasing amounts in the placenta during pregnancy. Initially after
conception, the main source of progesterone is the corpus luteum
but after the 8th week of pregnancy, production shifts to the placenta.
Progesterone is sometimes called the “hormone of pregnancy”, as it fulfills so many functions relating to the development of
the foetus.
Progesterone also prepares the endometrium,
the vaginal epithelium, cervical mucus and the uterus for implantation. If
pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels decrease, leading to
menstruation. Normal menstrual bleeding is thus progesterone withdrawal
bleeding.
During foetal implantation and gestation, progesterone decreases the
maternal immune response to allow for the acceptance of the pregnancy and
strengthens the uterine smooth muscle. Additionally, progesterone inhibits
lactation and the fall in levels following birth forms one of the triggers for
maternal milk production. The initial drop in progesterone levels is possibly
one step that facilitates the onset of labour, whilst the foetus metabolises
placental progesterone in the production of its adrenal steroids.
Progesterone and cortisol share the same
building block, hence chronic stress can lower progesterone levels as the body
steals it to make cortisol. This can result in
oestrogen dominance as the extra adrenaline and cortisol
enhance the effects of oestrogen at the expense of progesterone.
Ovarian and Testicular homeopathic remedies:
I have found that the most frequently required hormonal remedy in my
practice is Folliculinum in varying potencies. This
has been either because it has been called for in a regulatory capacity, in
which case I normally use a 7C, or because it fitted the patient’s overall
presenting picture so aptly. It is a well documented and proved remedy, made
from the ovarian follicle, or the cavity where the egg is formed prior to its
release at ovulation. Oopherinum is the sarcode obtained by the trituration
of the juice of sheep or cow ovary and it was helpful for a patient who’d had a
partial ovarectomy with menopausal symptoms.
Almost all other ‘female’ remedies related to the menstrual cycle, birth
and pregnancy focus on the uterus, rather than the ovaries themselves, although
Ustilago Maydis (or Corn
Smut) is associated with ovarian pain, and particularly the left side. It is
also worth mentioning that Ustilago is a myco-oestrogen, i.e. a fungus having some oestrogenic
activity, as is Secale Cornutum
(which is Secale, the ergot found on rye). As a
remedy it mainly affects the uterus and is one of the remedies often prescribed
for dysmennorhea. However, for menstrual problems,
(which of course involve the uterus!) I almost always give the herbal tincture Agnus Castus as well as Folliculinum because as an effective uterine tonic it
invariably helps the entire reproductive system.
Testosterone in 6C and 7C has been a useful support remedy for both male
and female acne, as the condition so often involves hormonal imbalance or
over-production. It is also worth considering as a helper for polycystic
ovaries where women may have acne as a side effect, as well as excess facial
hair and easy weight gain.
For men specifically, Orchitinum is the sarcode prepared from the testes extract, and is useful for
sexual weakness, debility and premature senile decay (Murphy 2000). A better
known and (more popular!) plant-based support, especially in prostate problems
is Sabal Serrulata, better
known as Saw Palmetto and can be either given as a herbal tincture or homeopathically. Conium Maculatum
is also another helpful remedy for specifically ‘male’ glandular contexts.
In pregnancy, I invariably prescribe a patient’s constitutional remedy,
rather than Progesterone, along with any other remedies that may be required
for acute complaints or to enhance a tissue salt pregnancy programme, if
required. It could be considered as a useful support however.
PANCREAS
The Pancreas monitors the level of glucose in the portal vein and
produces its hormones accordingly to either store glucose in the liver or to
release it for energy. The gland is located near the liver and behind the
stomach and its endocrine function is to produce insulin to encourage glucose
uptake by the cells, along with glucogon to prompt
tissues to release glucose back into the bloodstream in order to regulate and
maintain the body’s requirements. These hormones are produced in area of the
Pancreas known as the ‘islets of Langerhans’. The
other function of the Pancreas is of course digestive: it produces some of our
digestive enzymes and releases these into the small intestine, whereas the
hormones pass directly into the bloodstream.
Pancreatic homeopathic remedies:
Glucagon is produced by 25% of the islets of Langerhans
and secreted in response to a fall in blood sugar levels, stimulating glucose
production in order to raise them. Insulin is secreted by the remaining 75% of
the pancreatic islets in response to a rise in blood sugar levels, as in after
a meal. It then lowers the levels by converting glucose to a safe form
(glycogen) for storage by the liver and also by increasing cellular absorption.
Blood sugar levels therefore are maintained by a balance between these two
hormones as they both affect overall carbohydrate metabolism, with the liver
acting as a buffer.
Metabolism of fats and proteins are closely related to that of
carbohydrates, and here again we have a situation where a disturbance in one
system will affect the others. Constant blood glucose concentration is
important because glucose is the only nutrient that can be normally utilised by
the brain, retina and the lining of the gonads in sufficient quantities to
supply them with required energy.
If there is a dysfunction and insufficient insulin production, then Type
1 diabetes, or diabetes mellitus results. A sufferer is dependent upon insulin
because the pancreas has become unable to produce sufficient hormones to keep
glucose levels in the bloodstream down, major cell damage results (the pancreas
packs up) and glucose is excreted in urine. There is no more glucose stored in
the liver because it couldn’t be converted and acidosis, coma and death can
result without regular supplies of insulin. The body will also ‘borrow’
adrenalin in order to compensate for this lack of glycogen production.
Type 2, or late onset diabetes, is usually non-insulin dependent, as the
body has become insulin resistant rather than dysfunctional, as in Type 1. Type
2 diabetes is often related to bad dietary habits, such as over-consumption of
over-refined fats and sugars, and high stress levels. This involves both the
pancreas and the adrenals because of the roles of the hormones insulin,
glycogen and adrenalin in this imbalance, but with careful attention to diet,
exercise, stress and anger management, as well as appropriate treatment, both
conditions can be effectively managed.
Homeopathy for the Pancreas
[A.R. Kalesh] I believe it is difficult to
separate the liver from the pancreas (and indeed the gall bladder), especially
in a homeopathic context because whatever will benefit the liver will assist
the pancreas and also the gall bladder. The web becomes even more tangled as
the Thyroid gland, in its general manager capacity, is also implicated because
of its significant hormonal say in glucose metabolism, so support remedies
perhaps would be needed further up the endocrine hierarchy as well.
However, Pancreatinum is listed in Murphy
(2000), which is a sarcode extracted from the
pancreatic glands of ox or sheep, and as such is a combination of several
digestive enzymes. This may be helpful if it has been established that it is
the pancreas specifically that is at fault, along with hypoglycaemic support
remedies such as Insulin in low potencies, particularly if there are
accompanying diabetes-related skin problems such as abscesses, boils, leg
ulcers etc. Syzygium Jambolanum
(Jambol Seed) in herbal tincture/low potency is
another reputed hypoglaemic, and the remedy Iris Versiclor is noted for its action on the pancreas. Needless
to say, such treatment would be accompanied by miasmatic
and/or constitutional remedies, along with self-management measures mentioned
above to avoid stress and weight gain.
THYMUS
The Thymus is a two-lobed, pinkish grey gland located behind the
sternum, slightly above the heart and under the thyroid. It was only as
recently as the 1960s when it was established that the Thymus Gland plays a
significant role in both creating and maintaining our immune system. Without it
we become vulnerable to the least infection, as it acts as the thermostat for
our immunity levels.
The gland itself grows steadily from birth to puberty as our immune
system matures, after which it shrinks somewhat, but not to the extent that
most medical textbooks maintain. This would explain its less active, but no
less important function in adults and why so many are affected adversely by
childhood vaccination regimes as well as by travel and ‘flu jabs in adulthood.
Colin Griffiths (2007) maintains that it is unsurprising that early post
mortems found the thymus gland of dead adults to be largely atrophied, which
fuelled traditional medical assumptions that the gland became useless after
puberty when the immune system matures. The incidences of disease and
malnutrition prevalent at the time were sufficient to hinder and reduce thymus
size and function to a level that was inadequate for survival. Modern day
threats to the thymus are factors such as smoking, prescription and
recreational drugs, pesticides, over-processed food and artificial additives
and the ubiquitous stress.
Thymus Gland Secretions
The Thymus produces thymosin and thymopoietin which are vital for the creation, maturation
and maintenance of our immunity and auto-immunity, and they affect lymphocyte
and T-lymphocyte (helper) cells. It has become increasingly recognised that
T-lymphocytes are the most important part of the immune system as they have a
threefold function in that context: stimulating further production of antibodies
by other lymphocytes; regulating phagocyte cell activity (phagocytes engulf
bacteria and viruses) and the recognition and destruction of foreign and
abnormal tissue.
Thymopoietin specifically regulates
neuromuscular signals so that the body can avoid being in a state of permanent
over-stimulation, as in the condition myasthenia gravis, an auto-immune
condition where the majority of sufferers have a thyroid gland dysfunction.
Thymus homeopathic remedies:
Colin Griffith (2007) highlights its use for boosting general immunity,
particularly in children and as an invaluable remedy for vaccination damage at
any age, particularly when given in conjunction with tautopathic
vaccine remedies. He also recommends its use for preparing the body, mind and
spirit to address past trauma of any kind, especially when it has drastically
changed the life pattern of the individual concerned. Here again, it works well
with other indicated remedies. Agrawal (2004)
recommends the sarcode as a corrective for any state
where there is not only general oversensitivity to physical stimuli but also to
mental ones.
PINEAL GLAND
The only (conventionally) un-paired gland in the body is the Pineal
Gland, sometimes known as the ‘third eye’. The ancients paired the pineal and
pituitary glands as twin sentries at the threshold of the acquisition of
spiritual consciousness in the material world. The gland itself is about the
size of a cherry stone, located in the middle of the brain. In modern medical
circles it is often used as a landmark in X-rays of the skull as it is known to
be prone to calcification in later life (Watson 2000) and held to be more
active at puberty, although its precise role and influence throughout our
lifespan still remains (conventionally again) unclear.
Pineal Secretions
The Pineal produces melatonin and serotonin (a neuro-transmitter
essential for our ‘feel-good factor’) which both regulate sleep cycles and our
body clock, or Circadian rhythms. The secretions also work in conjunction with
the Hypothalamus in controlling thirst, hunger, sex drive and the ageing
process.
The gland relies on light for awareness of both time of day and season,
as winter and summer are registered according to changes in length of daylight.
Melatonin production is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light and many
people who are totally sightless still have some neurological response to light
as it registers with the pineal gland. Melatonin acts as the body’s off-switch.
Production is activated by dusk and this is the cue for the parasympathetic
nervous system to repair and regenerate. It does so by suppressing the adrenal
hormones at night and stimulating production of thymus hormones to assist the
immune system, as well as acting as an anti-oxidant to deal with potentially
toxic free radicals. This illustrates why the sleep cycles and quality of sleep
of shiftworkers can be so often compromised and why
it is so important to us that we get a good night’s sleep in order to re-charge
our figurative batteries. We can also see how ‘jet lag’ comes about.
Pineal homeopathic remedies:
Agrawal (2004) maintains that the Pineal
Gland and the Thymus work together in healthy states but conflict in illness,
recommending Pineal Gland in instances of general glandular under-activity and
Thymus for general hyperactivity. It is also held that the recreational drug
cannabis will disturb the delicate balance between the two glands and that the
meditatively proven remedy Banisteriopsis Caapi (Ayahuasca) has a big
affiliation to these two glands, because of its shamanic, hallucinatory usage
in South America, where the vine originates. I have prescribed Pineal Gland in
cases of persistent
sleep difficulties and in cases of SAD with good results.
PRESCRIBING RELATED HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
GENERAL TECHNIQUES
My usual first choice in the homeopathic treatment of patients with
direct glandular-related conditions is to give the relevant sarcode
of any endocrine component that is compromised, often on
an intercurrent basis and in C 30. This
extends to prescribing the relevant gland in potency if it has been surgically
removed, as its energy will still be present and in need of attention,
frequently
as a root or maintaining cause.
Any organ therapeutic support remedies I usually give in combinations in
low potencies 1 - 3x daily, to work quietly away in the background whilst a
deeper acting totality, fundamental or constitutional remedy addresses the
patient‘s more holistic presentation. Otherwise relevant herbal or mother
tinctures or essences are a further therapeutic option. Many herbs act
similarly whether they are taken homeopathically in
low potency (i.e. 1X or 3X) or used in their tincture state.
Sometimes I have included colour remedies in support remedy
combinations, based upon what I’ve perceived to be compromised or related
chakras, or when a patient has described an emotion or symptom in such terms.
However, I acknowledge that this has been rather an intuitive choice according
to (my perception of) the patient’s psyche.
On a general glandular basis, I have also used Acer Pseudoplatanus
(= Sycamore Seed) because of its affinity for paired organs as a support
remedy, especially in the cases of twins and therefore consider it affiliated
to the Hypothalamus. I have also considered remedies from the Calciums, Iodiums and Kaliums for general glandular symptomatology.
RATIONALE AND CONCLUSION
One could say that the main underlying prescribing principle here is the
application of the Law of Similars in the context of Organotherapy, or similia similibus curentur along the
lines of the philosophy
of Paracelsus and the Doctrine of Signatures. It could also be defined
as Iso-Organotherapy, since it is “the use of homeopathically prepared healthy organ substances [i.e. sarcodes]
to treat and therapeutically support that specific organ” (Yasgur 1998). Otherwise it is simply therapeutics to
enhance constitutional or totality treatment.
Overall, choices of method or combination of remedies really depend upon
the extent of the (identifiable) hormonal or glandular influence on the rest of
the individual patient picture, how each one prioritises their bothersome
symptoms and how the remedies fit with their presenting symptomatology
at any given time during their journey to health.
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum