Potencies that would be best to use in epidemic situations..

[David Little]

At 12:48 PM 11/5/2001 -0500, you wrote:

Dear Peggy et al.

Picking the correct potency is a matter of individualization because
of the variability of constitution, temperament, age and sensitivity. In
general, it is best to begin with lowest degrees of potency like the 30c
and 200c or the LM 0/1-0/3 at suitable intervals for the patient. For this
purpose the medicinal solution and split-dose is quite effective. Potencies
like the 1M should be kept for special circumstances. For a period of his
life James Kent experimented with beginning cases with ultra high potency
like 10M, 50M, and CM but found that this aggravated too many cases and was
dangerous where there was developed organic pathology. He also noted that
giving a patient too many high potencies could make them more
hypersensitive and hard to treat in the long run.

Hahnemann's skill with the group anamnesis was tested by the Asian
cholera epidemic. He selected three main remedies for the miasm, Camphor,
Veratrum Album and Cuprum Met. He used these same remedies to prevent
cholera in the healthy. The Founder wrote:

"The above preparation of copper, together with good and moderate diet,
and proper attention to cleanliness, is the most certain preventive and
protective remedy; those in health should take, once a week, a small
globule of it (Cupr. 30c) in the morning fasting, and not drink anything
immediately afterward, but this should not be done until the cholera is in
the locality itself, or in the neighbourhood." (The Lesser Writings of
Samuel Hahnemann, Dudgeon Edition, Cure and Prevention of Asiatic Cholera,
page 755.)

Hahnemann did not give a prophylactic remedy unless there was a clear
and present danger. He did not want the general populace to take
preventative remedies out of fear and phobia. Dread of the miasms has woven
itself so deeply into the collective human psyche that it invokes
archetypal fears as seen in Lyssophobia. The proponents of universal
vaccination use this primitive fear as a scare tactic to spread immunization.

The above quote offers quite a bit of information. First of all, it
offers a understanding of the genus epidemicus remedies which are found by
taking a group case of many sufferers. Secondly, it emphasizes the
importance of a good diet, proper hygiene, and a low stress lifestyle. I
would add the necessity of a philosophical attitude. Fear weakens the
immune system and increases susceptibility to that which we fear. It also
notes the fact that preventative remedies should not be taken unless the
disease was actually in the locality or there was a true risk factor.
Lastly, it suggests that a dose of a 30c was sufficient to prevent cholera,
which is exceeding virulent. I think Hahnemann advice is clear in regard to
homoeopathic prophylaxis.

Sincerely, David Little
---------------
"It is the life-force which cures diseases because a dead man needs no more
medicines."

Samuel Hahnemann

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David Little © 2000