Silicium anthroposofisch Anhang
[Peter A. Pedersen]
The significance of pharmaceutical methods illustrated in the case of
silicea
With the examples of Quartz and Equisetum it is shown how many manufacturing
methods are available for the production of anthroposophical medicines. The
differences in efficacy are not due
to differences in the composition of the products. In many cases they
can only be explained as resulting from the different manufacturing methods used.
These examples stress that the physicians using anthroposophical
medicines prescribe not merely a substance but also a manufacturing method.
Pain management takes its orientation in the different expectations of patients.
These relate to the need to control symptoms, possibilities of treating pain
“causally” and “transform” it,
the psyche (connection between pain and suffering, depression) and its spiritual
dimension. Integrative, multi-modal pain management therefore calls for
comprehensive insight into
the nature of pain.
An anthroposophical and a homoeopathic medicine differs from a conventional
medicine mainly in that the manufacturing method plays a major and even crucial
role. Surprising at first sight, we can understand this if we consider higher potencies
in homoeopathy. Without the method of potentization, Arnica D 30 is nothing but
solvent (water, alcohol) and
hence of course not medicinally active. In both schools, potentization is
only one—important—method.
In classic homoeopathy, only 4 methods were known for processing fresh
plant material and 5 to 7 other methods, but today the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia
(1) (GHP) includes more than 200 different manufacturing methods (56 “main” ones,
with sometimes more than 20 (Method 12) variations). Nine have been part of the
European Pharmacopoeia from 2007.
No single substance is processed according to all themethods given in the GHP, but many provide a number of
medicines produced by different methods. Let us consider one such substance, for
this can provide the basic insights on which a physician may decide whether to prescribe
a substance or rather a pharmaceutical process and a substance.
One special method of potentization to be mentioned here is combined potentization.
Two or more lower potencies (e. g. 0.5 parts each of a D 5 and a D 7) are combined,
diluted
with 9 parts of the medium and succussed (in this case to the D 6 /D 8). The method is given in the GHP
(ref. 1, Method 40 a–c). In anthroposophical pharmacy the method is, however,
often used in order to combine several (potentized) substances. The original potencies
are often combined in different proportions (1 part each of original potency, medium to make
10 parts) than those given in the GHP, so that it is not possible to declare
the potentization.
The significance of pharmaceutical methods illustrated in the case of
silicea
Potencies are given in the English notation, e.g. 6 x where the German notation would be
D6.
It should be stressed that the manufacturing method plays an important role
also for non-homoeopathic medicines in anthroposophical medicine. The methods used
to produce herbal or traditional medicines may be largely the same (e. g.
maceration or decoction) as in anthroposophical pharmacy. With some such
preparations (Crataegus, Hypericum) it is true, therefore, that the differences
lies not so much in the technology used but rather in the specific aim and the
way the process is run. We can only speak of an “anthroposophical” medicine in the
narrower sense when the pharmaceutical process was chosen with reference to the
medicinal action to be achieved and in accord with anthroposophical insight
into nature and the human being. A special position is held by the “compositions”,
which are peculiar to anthroposophical pharmacy and not identical with combinations
or mixtures. A composition made by subjecting a number of substances
or semi-finished products to one
or more pharmaceutical processes together (e.g. temperature changes, mixing
processes), thus arriving at a new whole, the composition. Binding agents play
a particular role in producing compositions.
These are substances or also processes the only purpose of which is to bind
other constituents together.
The aim of this paper is to show the wide range of pharmaceutical processes
and not to describe or explain them. They have been described in numerous publications
(for selection, see References)
Product Ursubstance Process
Quartz Quartz Grinding
Opal Opal Grinding
Silicea Quarz Dissolving precipitatio
Ferrum Quartz Quarz Rast, combined Ferr-s.(composition)
(Biodoron, Kephalodoron)
Solutio Siliceae comp. Quarz Dissolve (keep in solution, combining
with other principles (composition)
Equisetum limosum Rubellite 1. Equisetum Equisetum limosum, combine mother
tincture with Rubellite 6 x
2. gemstone silicate
Cinis Equiseti arvensis Equisetum Ash
Carbo Equiseti arvensis Equisetum Carbonized
Equisetum cum Sulfure tostum Equisetum Roast with Sulfur
Equisetum arvense ex herba Wala
Equisetum arvense Silicea cultum Equisetum/quarz Grown with SiO2 treatment,
Equisetum arvense, ethanol. Decoction Equisetum Steam distillation of dried plant
Equisetum arvense Rh Equisetum Rh. Method
Equisetum arvense, glycerol extract Equisetum Extract dried plant with glycerol
Equisetum arvense, oil extract Equisetum Dry, extract dried plant with oil
Equisetum arvense distillation Steam distillation of dried plant
Stressed is that the manufacturing method plays an important role also for
non-homoeopathic medicines in anthroposophical medicine. The methods used to produce
herbal or traditional medicines may be largely the same (e.g. maceration or
decoction) as in anthroposophical pharmacy. With some such preparations (Crataegus,
Hypericum) it is true, therefore, that the differences lies not so much in the
technology used but rather in the specific aim and the way the process is run. We can only speak of an
“anthroposophical” medicine in the narrower sense when the pharmaceutical process
was chosen with reference to the medicinal action to be achieved and in accord
with anthroposophical insight into nature and the human being. A special position
is held by the “
compositions”, which are peculiar to anthroposophical pharmacy and not
identical with combinations or mixtures. A composition is made by subjecting a
number of substances or semi-finished products
to one or more pharmaceutical processes together (e.g. temperature changes,
mixing processes), thus arriving at a new whole, the composition. Binding
agents play a particular role in producing
compositions. These are substances or also processes the only purpose of which
is to bind other constituents together.
The aim of this paper is to show the wide range of pharmaceutical processes
and not to describe or explain them. They
have been described in numerous publications.
Silica and Equisetum
If we consider that spoke of silica as the major constituent
of horsetail (ref. 2, lecture of 21 Apr. 1 924 (3, 4)), it is reasonable to
take the two together.
For the sake of completeness let us say that horsetail accumulates those
large amounts of silica not in form of quartz but in an amorphous, aqueous form,
which is opal. This is deposited in the outer epidermis in a wide variety of
shapes, some of the species or plant-part specific, e.g. as granules or thorns.
Horsetail also contains unusually high amounts of sulphur compounds. Meier gives
a review of present knowledge on the silica and sulphur compounds in Equisetum.
For the sake of completeness we might add that the aerial parts (herbage) of
the “sterile” (as distinct from generative) shoot are generally used.
Table 1 lists the Weleda and WALA preparations of quartz and Equisetum.
The order in which these are considered has been chosen to make the different
groupings evident:
1) according to original substance (quartz or Equisetum) and
2) according to the pharmaceutical process used (exposure to different
temperatures in the solid state, cultivation, media for extraction with and without
connection with the silica principle).
Quartz
Quartz or rock crystal is the most insoluble form of silica and after
the feldspars the most common mineral in the earth’s crust. Crystals may be up
to 2.5 metres high (Switzerland).
Chemically it is crystallized anhydrous silica. Quartz occurs as crystals
which are colourless or transparent in many
different colours. Pharmaceutical processing consists in grinding and then
trituration
(potentization) with lactose. In my opinion this step-by-step trituration
is definitely necessary to open up a
substance which has come to rest in an extreme form in quartz, and move it towards
process
quality, substance in a state of change. Dilutions, solutions for
injection and eye drops can also be made from the triturations (from the D 8 and
D 6 resp. onwards). Non-potentized preparations are
made for external use (ointments, gel, oil), for here the aim is not for
the active principle to be taken up into the organism but to act via the sense
organs. As to the indication for quartz, see the relevant
section in ref. 6, and the rationale for the use of natural substances
in their final, stable state, see section.
Opal
Opals are compact, generally nodular, milky, translucent stones with glassy
or waxy lustre. They may be white or show different colours due to mineral additions.
Chemically opal is amorphous silica with
a water content of normally 4–9 %, which places it between the quartz
mineral and plants with opal deposits (see Equisetum). This water-insoluble substance
can be processed like quartz. WALA offer solutions for injection (from the D 8 onwards).
Silicea (precipitata)
Silicea is precipitated, amorphous, hydrous silica obtained by
“dissolving” (chemical conversion) of quartz melted down with alkalis and
precipitated by neutralization. Rock crystal was thus taken to the next higher state
of aggregation, i.e. in to the process state, and then taken back in to the solid
state. S.H. choose rock crystal processed by this method as the basic substance
for the homoeopathic
Silicea. Further processing is as for quartz.
Ferrum with Quartz (Kephalodoron®/Bidor)
According to a suggestion made by R.S., quartz is roasted (not letting
it melt). The crystalline form changes reversibly and the density decreases
reversibly. This takes the quartz back to a process stage and so exposed again to
cosmic influences. After this, the quartz (“silica”) and sulphur (“sulphates”)
are combined, as suggested by R.S..
“Apart from other binding agents of secondary importance” the iron process
serves as a binding agents in this. At
Weleda, iron sulphate is produced from siderite (iron carbonate) with sulphuric
acid (obtained by roasting ores containing sulphur). In numerous stages quartz
and iron sulphate are then made into a new whole (a composition) with the aid of
honey and wine as further binding agents (method described in ref. 10). R.S.called
this an animalized Equisetum process. The product (basic substance or starting material)
is not completely water-soluble, and further processing such as potentization can
therefore only be done in the solid state, as for quartz. This most important medicament is, however,
given in substantial doses (0.2–150 mg of the basic substance per tablet or capsule).
It is immediately obvious that a simple mixture (combination) of quartz,
iron sulphate and honey would have no effect on migraine.
Equisetum would be equally ineffective, as R.S. noted (4). It needs the
pharmaceutical process to create a new whole in which we can perceive three fold
nature (Sal, Mercury, Sulphur, or
neurosensory and rhythmical system and metabolism and limbs). R.S.put it
like this: “One has now animalized the whole process in Equisetum arvense, and one
gets a preparation where it really matters how it is produced. For in the way
the process is done, ultimately resulting in the preparation, you see, as it were,
that it is the outcome of a process between silica, iron and sulphur”. In my view, the
animalization lies in using iron, a substance
characteristic of the animal and human worlds, as a binding agent for the
silica and sulphur compounds, which are characteristic Equisetum constituents.
The process is the active principle. Understandably, a preparation which
has been created as a composition in the manufacturing process can be given in substantial
form, unlike quartz. For the indication
for Ferrum cum quartz see the relevant section in ref. 6, for the
rationale of using new basic substances created pharmaceutically section.
Solutio Siliceae comp.
R.S.’s suggested making preparations on the model of medicinal plants in
a number of lectures (e.g. 2nd lecture on 28 Oct. 1922).
Solutio Siliceae comp. is one such composition of minerals, with
“silica” is an umbrella term for chemical compounds of silicon and
oxygen in a spectrum ranging from water-soluble silica (H4SiO4) to hydrous opal
and the solid, water-insoluble anhydride of silica which is silicon dioxide
(SiO2
Coloured “quartzes” such as amethyst, onyx, cornelian and heliotrope
were and are also used as medicinal agents by Weleda – as well as a whole number
of complex silicates among the precious stones: beryl, topaz, emerald,
chrysolith, etc.
3) The method is still given in the GHP, with reference to S.
Hahnemann’s Chronic Diseases. It is listed under Acidum silicicum.
Equisetum arvense as the model. Quartz is melted down with potassium carbonate,
which results in potassium silicate. Further steps lead to a liquid basic
substance containing 10 % of SiO2
(theoretically; it is, of course, no longer SiO2 but potassium
silicate). Liquid potencies from the D 3 upwards are made with this (dilutions,
solutions for injection). The question is, of course, the ranking
value of potentization with a D 3; one might perhaps also use an 0.1 % solution
instead. Concerning the indication of Solutio Siliceae comp., see the relevant
section in ref. 6, and for the rationale section 2.4 in ref. 7.
Equisetum limosum Rubellite
The expressed juice of water horsetail herb, a plant tending to have even
higher levels of silica than field horsetail, is used to produce an ethanolic
mother tincture acc. to GHP/Eur P. (ref. 1, Method 1 a). Rubellite, red tourmaline,
a gemstone containing silica, is ground and then triturated with lactose to give
the D 4, which is then potentized with water and ethanol 15% to obtain the D 6.
Two parts of
the mother tincture (equiv. to 1 part of the plant), 1 part of rubellite
D 6 and 7 parts of et hanol 15% are then
potentized together. The product is called the D 1 with reference. to Equisetum
it is a D 1
in the terms of the GHP). Liquid potencies are then made from it
dilution, solution for injection D 30). The process may be seen as combined
potentization, even if the relative quantities and declaration
differ from those mentioned in the Introduction. The preparation was originally
suggested by Dr Leonhard Schenk (Nuremberg, d. 7. Aug. 1954) in 1951.
His directions were to cut the shoots in the mornings, remove the fluid
which is in the stems, and place them in an aqueous Rubellite D 6 solution. Crumble
the shoots in the evening, express, and potentize the extract to D 30. According
to Weleda manufacturing records, the method was abandoned in 1979 at the
latest.
Cinis Equiseti
The ash is produced by combustion of dried horsetail herb. Equisetum is
very rich in minerals and the yield of ash is c. 10–20%, containing c. 50 70 %
of SiO2.
The ash is largely insoluble and therefore processed like quartz.
Concerning the indication, see the relevant section in ref. 6, and the
rationale in section 4.7.3 in ref. 7.
Carbo Equiseti
The charcoal is produced by heating dried field horsetail under
exclusion of air or with controlled aeration. The SiO2 content is, of course,
slightly less than for the ash, perhaps c. 10 %. The charcoal
is insoluble and processed like quartz. For the indication see the
relevant section in ref. 6, and the rationale in section 4.7.2 in ref. 7.
Equisetum cum Sulfure tostum
Dried field horsetail is roasted with 1% of sulphur added. Toasting removes
water, aromatic compounds develop, and the beginnings of carbohydrate degradation
(dehydration causing browning).
The product is largely insoluble, and further processing is as for
quartz. For the indication see the relevant section in ref. 6, and the
rationale in section 4.7.1 in ref. 7.
Equisetum arvense ex herba ferm 35b
Water and a little honey are added to the dried herb which is the
subjected to a ripening and fermentation process using exposure to warmth and
cold in rhythm.
The mixture is expressed and the
solids are ashed. Part of the ash is added to the expressed liquid. The mixture
is stored for at least 6 month before it is ready for use as mother tincture
(1. Method 3
5 b).
This processing method results in
more intensive interaction between
aqueous extract and silica in the case of Equisetum. The mother tincture is
potentized using water and used to produce solutions
for injection and coated pilules (WALA).
Equisetum arvense Silicea cultum
(maceration of fresh plant material)
Field horsetail is grown in soil which has been treated with a quartz
preparation. The plant (herb) is composted and the compost added to soil in
which further horsetail plants are grown. These are also composted, and only plants
grown on this compost are used. They are macerated (cold extraction) in 30 % of
ethanol (GHP/ Eur.P. Method 3 c) (for use of alcohol, see ref. 12). The silica
content can-
not be expected to be higher than in plants grown in the normal way.
This vegetabilization (in this case of quartz) can be considered from different
points of view; from that of quartz, it is trans
ferred to the plant medium in three stages (analogous to potentization).
This explains why no further potentization by the Weleda method is done. The
preparations (dilutions) are, however, diluted
and succussed in stages, as per GHP, and may therefore be declared to be
the D 3 or D 2 (concentration of 0.1 or 1%).
Equisetum arvense Silicea cultum Rh
The plant is grown as above. The mother tincture is made by the Rh
method after boiling the vegetable mass for one hour. Boiling releases more
silica than maceration. The GHP monograph (
Equisetum arvense Rh) therefore calls for the material to be boiled for
an hour for Rh mother tinctures (ref. 1, Method 21), in contrast to the general
method for producing mother tinctures.
Further processing is as for Equisetum arvense Silica cultum, but purely
aqueous (dilution D 3, ampoules 2 x, 3 x). For the indication see the relevant
section in ref. 6.
Equisetum arvense, ethanol. Decoctum (from dried herb) xxx
The mother tincture is made by boiling the dried herbage of normally
grown plants for four hours in 30% ethanol. Boiling for four hours demonstrably
releases more silica than maceration or
boiling for just 30 min. which is the usual way. Boiling thus releases
the silica, which is why the GHP (1) has been giving a 4-hour boiling period
from 2003. The concentration in the decoction
is c. 50 mg/kg, calculated as silicon, i.e. 0.005 % of Si (14), or 0.01
% of SiO2. Further processing consists in potentization with dilute ethanol
(dilutions 1 x to 30 x), or the undiluted preparation
is on offer as a tincture (10%) for external application.
Equisetum arvense Rh
The mother tincture is made from normally grown plants (minced herb boiled
for one hour), using the Rh method. Boiling releases more silica than maceration
does. The mother tincture potentized
with water (dilutions, ampoules). For the indication see the relevant section
in ref. 6, and the rationale of the Rh method in section 4.1.1.3 in ref. 7.
Equisetum arvense, glycerol extract
Normally grown plants are dried and extracted with two parts of glycerol
85 %. The extract is used to make a 10% ointment.
As an extractant, glycerol is similar to mixtures of ethanol and water.
Quantitative comparison of charges has not been done, however.
Equisetum arvense; massage oils
Massage oils are made by extracting the dried horse-tail herb with
vegetable oil. The temperature, time and concentration may vary (ref. 1, Method
12d, f, f) and themethod must therefore
be
declared (example: Equisetum arvense H 10%, massage oil). With Method
12d (declaration: H 10%), extraction is for 4 h at 60–70º C, with Method 12f
(declaration W 10%) and 12 g (declaration
W 5%) 7 days at 37º C (W) in a ration of 1 : 10 and 1 : 20 resp .Oil will
exclusively extract lipophilic (sulphuric) compounds, only small amounts of
which are found in horse-tail. Silica is insoluble
in oil, and so these preparations will at most have traces of SiO2. They
are not potentized.
Agate water
Agate water is water which occurs naturally in some intact catalinites
(agate geodes). Agate being a variety of quartz, agate water is a substance
which has been in contact with quartz for a long period
of time. Silica content is not determined. WALA offer solutions for
injection (from the D 8).
Equisetum arvense dist. (drops)
This special preparation was developed to bring out the sulphur process
in horsetail herb. It is produced by steam distillation over an extended
period, as for the extraction of volatile oils. The product contains small amounts
of some volatile, i.e. sulphuric compounds, some of which have been identified,
is free from SiO2, and has a pungent odour and taste.
Conclusion
It is evident from the above that almost all pharmaceutical processes
available to physicians wanting to prescribe silica or Equisetum - warmth in the
fluid and the solid states, solubilizing quartz through
the plant (vegetabilization), a mineral composition based on Equisetum
arvense, “animalized”. Equisetum process, and the Rh and the WALA process (ref.
1, Method 35 b). Quartz is solubilized in
5 different ways - by potentization e.g. Quartz D 6), fusion with
alkalis (Silicea, Solutio Siliceae Comp.), roasting (Ferrum Quartz), producing
fertilizer in the laboratory (for vegetabilization) and by producing opal
through the plant, possibly followed by decoction (Equisetum arvense ethanol. decoct.).
The existence of the two compositions
Equisetum cum Sulfure tostum and Equisetum limosum Rubellite is particularly fascinating,
for they may be seen as an enhancement of the sulphur and silica component
respectively.
Almost all formulations are also available. External applications contain
the active principles in material amounts, whereas preparations for internal and
parenteral use are available in concentrated and potentized form except in the
case of insoluble ones like quartz which are produced almost exclusively in
potentized form.
Readers may have noticed that with three of the methods the process was
optimized to extract silica as completely as possible.
Again it is not a question of maximizing the concentration of an active
principle, the silica content being much lower than in preparations made from quartz, but rather of transferring
the plant’s
characteristic constituents as vehicles for processes as fully as possible
to the preparation.
Many physicians may find it difficult to see the distinction in clinical
use between all the products listed, but in anthroposophical medicine it can be
claimed that such distinction is possible. The paper also shows that possible differences
in action cannot be explained by the composition but only by the different
pharmaceutical processes used.
More detailed descriptions of the pharmaceutical processes (e.g. ref.
13, 15–23) help one decide, though some are in need of revision. Work on new descriptions
is ongoing. Brief ones were published in 2005 (24).
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum