Phytolacca Berry

[Rochelle]

Although I can't find any MM on this small Rx can any of the Indian homeopaths out there throw some light on its use for obesity please. I really don't wish to discuss the moral implications of prescribing it for this but just facts, potency and MM if there is any. I have an exceptionally obese patient whose weight is probably life threatening. I have prescribed constitutionally and am thinking of giving this as an organ remedy. I believe it is used a lot in India for weight loss.

Regards
Rochelle
www.rochellemarsden.co.uk

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Tanya Marquette]

Rochelle,

this is not homeopathic but herbal--it may give you some leads to the use of the berry (or root) with obesity. i left some of the resource info for your reference.

tanya
A Compend of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Prescription Writing
by Sam'l O. L. Potter, M.D., M.R.C.P.L., 1902.

Motor Depressants: Conium (Hemlock) - Gelsemium (Yellow Jasmine) - *Curare (Woorara) - Pilocarpus (Jaborandi) - *Muscarina (Muscarine) - Physostigma (Calabar Bean) - Aconitum (Aconite) - Pulsatilla (Pasque-flower) - Veratrum (Hellebore) - Arnica and Trimethylamine - Tabacum (Tobacco) - Lobelia (Indian Tobacco) - The Nitrites - Hydrocyanic Acid - Grindelia - Aspidosperma (Quebracho) - Phytolacca (Poke)

Phytolacca,-Poke.
Other tomes: Cook - Felter - Ellingwood - Petersen - BPC - Sayre - King's

Source and Composition. The berry and root of Phytolacca decandra, (nat. ord. Phytolaccaceae), a N. American plant. It contains a neutral principle, Phytolaccin; also Phytolaccic Acid, tannin, starch, a fixed oil, etc.

Preparations.

Phytolaccae Fructus, Poke Berry,-Dose, gr. x-xxx.
Phytolaccae Radix, Poke Root,-Dose, gr. j-v as alterative,-gr. x-xxx as emetic.
Extractum Phytolaccae Radicis Fluidum,-Dose, j-xxx.
Physiological Action. Phytolacca depresses the heart-rate and the respiration, and is a paralyzer of motion by central action on the spinal cord. It is a slow and depressant emeto-cathartic, also somewhat narcotic and alterative. It irritates the throat and tonsils; produces tetanic convulsions in animals, and death by paralysis of respiration. Several cases of poisoning by this plant have occurred. Its action is antagonized by Alcohol, Ether, Opium, Digitalis. It promotes the absorption of adipose tissue.

Therapeutics. Phytolacca is useful in-

Mastitis, to arrest the inflammation and prevent suppuration,-the extract may be applied locally and the fluid extract given internally.
Varicose Ulcers, and other ulcers of the leg,-it promotes healing.
Eczema of obstinate character,-has been cured by Phytolacca extract applied locally; also Tinea Capitis, and other skin affections.
Chronic Rheumatism of fibrous tissues,-used internally, it acts efficiently.
Obesity,-a resinoid preparation of the berries is sold as an "anti-fat" remedy under the name Phytoline.
Tonsillitis, Diphtheric Sore Throat and Chronic Follicular Pharyngitis,-are affections in which Phytolacca has been much employed with good results, especially when high fever and pains in the head, back and limbs. In true adynamic Diphtheria it will do little good.

[Julian Winston]

At 10:25 PM +0100 10/12/03, ROCHELLE wrote:

Phytolacca Berry. This is from the *JUICE and is NOT to be confused
with the remedy* Phytolacca decandra which is made from the root.

I traced this back to a reference in Pierce's "Plain Talks" which in
turn references E. M. Hale.
Hale observed that robins eat the berries and lose adipose tissue
before migrating south. He reasoned that it might be helpful in cases
of obesity.

The juice of the berries is mixed with milk sugar and then pressed
into tablets. I know B&T used to make it and sell it for "fat
reduction." Pierce says that he knows people who tried it and saw no
changes, but "it seems to be harmless."
I believe that Washington Homeopathic still makes them.
I do not recall what the regimen was.

Again it is the juice and NOT given in potency.

JW

[Atiq Ahmad Bhatti]

I am able to provide Phytolacca Berry (not Decandra) in medicating potency of 96% alcohol in either 10ml or 30ml for those that are interested.

The mp will be made from the tincture.

atiq

[Atiq Ahmad Bhatti]

Sorry, I forgot, I am in the UK.

[Atiq Ahmad Bhatti]

Sorry again, busy day...
I forgot to mention that phytolacca berry given in 30 or 200c is safer to use on patients. Giving in tincture may aggravate and giving a deeper potency will only speed up the process of reduction of weight.

I use berry all the time on patients in 30c (200c where required) and it does the trick thankfully.

[Shannon Nelson]

Hi Atiq,

Now this is fascinating! Obesity is such a huge and growing problem (so to
speak), and apparently such a multi-causal one (tho junk food and inactivity
must be top-of-the-heap here in the US!). I've always assumed that
nutrition and activity level would have to be improved (tho I of course
realize there are other factors too, e.g. metabolic rate).

Can you say more -- do you do this with any overweight patient, or only the
truly obese, or only those that ask, and are there any other indications
other than the overwekght?

How often do you find it necessary to repeat the dose, and do you have any
further observations, e.g. how long-lasting the change is and whether you
notice any other changes along with weight loss? E.g. does it work by
either increasing metabolism or decreasing absorption, or ???

Hoping to hear further about this!
Thanks,
Shannon
on 10/13/03 5:49 AM, Atiq Ahmad Bhatti at atiq@homoeopathyforlife.co.uk
wrote:

[Shannon Nelson]

PS, do you see the same cardiac weakening effect when using the 30 or 200?
Thanks,
Shannon
on 10/13/03 5:49 AM, Atiq Ahmad Bhatti at atiq@homoeopathyforlife.co.uk
wrote:

[Janice Hughlett]

Hello,

I've been lurking and appreciate the opportunity to observe the dialoge of homeopaths.

I came across the following info on Phytolacca when I learned that scientists found pokeberries in the stomachs of opossums (Didelphis virginiana). Evidently, opossums visit the "Forest Doctor" when necessary, and I researched it a little, with a view to adding this remedy to my medication list for opossum ailments. (I'm a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in the Virginia Opossum).

Thought I could contribute to the discussion of Phytolacca. The article follows.

Kind regards,
Janice Hughlett
Pres., National Opossum Society - www.opossum.org
State Licensed - 17 years - opossums

Phytolacca Americana

Poke root, pokeweed, scoke, pigeon berry, garget, ink-berry, red ink plant, American spinach, crow berry, jalap, cancer-root, cancer jalap, American nightshade, cokan, pokan bush, Virginia poke, poke berry, branching phytolacca; Mechoacan du Canada, Raisin d' Amerique, Morelle a Grappes, Herb de Laque (French); Amerikanische Scharlachbeere, Kermesberro- (German). (1)

Upper Respiratory (2)

Alterative (1)

Habitat: Perennial root; found widely in the eastern part of the United States, also in Europe and northern parts of Africa. (1)
Description: Grows in dry, waste soils (especially in burnt-over districts), roadsides, thickets, field borders, hillsides; flowers June-October. Dr. Nowell commented that "the physician will be well advised to grow his own roots and make his own preparation. It grows very quickly; seed sown in the fall will come up in the spring and will produce in the summer a root one foot long and some two inches thick. The berries on the ground will, if gathered, provide seed for the sowing of another crop". (1)
Grows up to 12 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Very imposing plant with a thick hollow stem which divides in two just above the ground. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and grow to 12 inches. The flowers have a white calyx but no petals and are followed by intensely purple berries hanging in long cluster. The root is very thick and long with many side shoots. Propagation is by seeds or divisions. Seeds are either fall planted outdoors, or stratified and spring sown in flats or direct. Divisions are done in late fall or early spring and require cutting the crown with leaf buds attached. Seedlings started in the nursery are transplanted into the field in late spring/early summer. Seeds that are directly sown in the fall or early spring will not germinate until the soil warms up. Divisions can be done at harvest time in the fall and stored in sawdust until spring and planted then. Space plants 18 inches in the rows with the rows spaced at 24 to 30 inches. Its a perennial, hardy to zone 3. Poke root likes a deep and fertile soil. It grows best in full sun and likes reasonable drainage. It likes it moist so in the west it will need irrigation once a week from overhead or drip. If planting seed or divisions directly into the field it will need a severe weeding the first spring, and cultivating when needed after that. As long as weeds can be controlled I think pokeroot grows quickest from direct sowing; it grows even quicker from divisions. This is probably due to the taproot getting somewhat stunted in the nursery flats. I have also grown it for years from flats just fine. I've had no pest or disease problems with pokeroot.(6)
This is regarded as one of the most important of indigenous American plants, and one of the most striking in appearance. The perennial root is large and fleshy, the stem hollow, the leaves alternate and ovate-lanceolate, and the flowers have a white calyx with no corolla. The fruit is a deep purple berry, covering the stem in clusters and resembling blackberries. (3)
The young shoots make a good substitute for asparagus, and poultry eat the berries, though large quantities give the flesh an unpleasant flavor, also causing it to become purgative, when eaten. (3)
In Portugal the use of the juice of the berries to color port wines was discontinued because it spoiled the taste. The stain of the juice is a beautiful purple, and would make a useful dye if a way of fixing it were found. (3)
A decoction of the roots has been used for drenching cattle. (3)
As found in commerce the roots are usually sliced either longitudinally or transversely, are gray in color, hard and wrinkled. The fracture is fibrous. It is inodorous, and the taste is acrid and slightly sweet. (3)
Phytolaccic acid has been obtained from the berries, and tannin. In the root a non-reducing sugar, formic acid, and a small percentage of bitter resin have been found. The alkaloid Phytolaccin may be present in small quantities, but it has not been proven. A resinoid substance is called phytolaccin. The virtues are extracted by alcohol, diluted alcohol, and water. The powder is said to be sternutatory. (3)
Tripterpenoid saponins, alkaloid, resins, phytolaccic acid, tannin, formic acid. (2)
Parts Used: Fresh root (most potent); berries, also leaves (1)

Dried root, berries (3)

Roots (2)

Root dug during dormancy. New spring leaves or berries. The dried root is considered inferior to the fresh root or berries. (4)
Collection:

Probably no other medicinal herb deteriorates as rapidly and completely with age as poke root; therefore, the fresh root should be dug and used for each preparation, or make the fresh root in a fluid extract or tincture promptly after gathering and cleaning. The young and tender shoots gathered in spring may be prepared and eaten similar to spinach, asparagus, etc. The leaves should be gathered just prior to the maturing of the berries, and the berries are collected when fully mature or ripe, August-October. (1)
The root should be unearthed in the late autumn or spring. Clean it and split lengthwise before drying. (2)
Though a perennial, the roots are harvested in the fall of the second year-in some cases, if you really need some, in the fall of the first year. After that they start getting woody. The roots can go deep and wide so harvest carefully to get them all. A root digger can be employed and it will probably cut of the bottom of the root, which will try to regrow and sometimes succeed. (6)
Drying and preservation:

Poke root is best preserved as a fluid extract or tincture. The fluid extract sold by pharmaceutical concerns is improperly prepared from old and fried roots and is not a reliable agent, so the herbalist should prepare his or her own. (1)
The root is thoroughly washed and then cut vertically and horizontally to facilitate drying. It will dry in 7 to 10 days and is 75% to 80% water. (6)
Therapeutic action: relaxant, alterative, cathartic, emetic, resolvent, deobstruent, detergent, antisyphilitic, nutritive; leaves: anodyne, cardiac-depressant. Poke root is one of the most powerful botanical alteratives, especially beneficial where the glands (especially the thyroid and spleen) are hard, swollen or enlarged. Poke root is excellent for all skin problems, and especially useful for hardened liver and scanty flow of bile. It works almost magically on new abnormal growths, as well as bony enlargements from direct injury, even chronic conditions. It is healing to inflamed kidneys and enlarged lymphatic glands and is an effective and rapid anti-cancer agent. Both the root (boiled in two changes of water) and the tender leaves make an excellent spring tonic, and the tender leaves may be used as greens for the dinner table. Poke root has a slow, but persistently powerful, action.(1)
Anti-rheumatic, stimulant, anti-catarrhal, purgative, emetic. (2)
Antiscorbutic (5)
Dyspepsia: Poke root has been considered as a valuable remedy for this problem. (1)
Rheumatism: Poke root has been used very successfully in treating the various forms of this problem. (1)
Cancer: Poke root is a valuable remedy for treating cancer. (1)
Medicinal uses:

Chronic rheumatism, skin diseases, syphilis, ulcers, scabies, eczema, tonsillitis, diphtheria, feverish conditions (babies), goiter, cancer, mammary abscesses or gatherings, enlarged lymphatic glands, malignant tumors, granular conjunctivitis, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, paralysis of the bowels, headaches (of many sources), felons, hard liver, biliousness, nephritis, scrofula, itch, chronic pharyngitis, obesity (adipose tissue), hemorrhoids. (1)
Poke root has a wide range of uses and is a valuable addition to many holistic treatments. It may be seen primarily as a remedy for use in infections of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aiding the cleansing of the lymphatic glands. It may be used for catarrh, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands (adenitis), mumps, etc. It will be found of value in lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body and especially for mastitis, where it can be used internally and as a poultice. Poke root also has a use in rheumatism, especially where it is long standing. Care must be taken with this herb as in large dosage it is powerfully emetic and purgative. Externally as a lotion or ointment it may be used to rid the skin of scabies and other pests. Combinations: For lymphatic problems it may be used with Cleavers or Blue Flag. (2)
A slow emetic and purgative with narcotic properties. As an alterative it is used in chronic rheumatism and granular conjunctivitis. As an ointment, in the proportion of a dram to the ounce, it is used in psora, tinea capitis, favus and sycosis, and other skin diseases, causing at first smarting and heat. (3)
The slowness of action and the narcotic effects that accompany it render its used as an emetic inadvisable. It is used as a cathartic in paralysis of the bowels. Headaches of many sources are benefited by it, and both lotion and tincture are used in leucorrhoea. (3)
As a poultice it causes rapid suppuration in felons. The extract is said to have been used in chronic rheumatism and hemorrhoids. (3)
Authorities differ as to its value in cancer. Great relief towards the close of a difficult case of cancer of the uterus was obtained by an external application of 3 oz. of Poke root and 1 oz. of tincture used in the strength of 1Tablespoon to 3 pints of tepid water for bathing the part. It is also stated to be of undoubted value as an internal remedy in cancer of the breast. (3)
Poke is a lymphatic stimulant used for resolving glandular blockage and helping dispel metabolic waste products. It is not a substance to use lightly and is best employed to treat people who are very ill, especially when gentler therapies fail. (4)
Preparations:

Fluid extract, infusion, tincture. (1)
Tincture of fresh root or berries: 1:2 (75A:25W). (4)
Infused oil of fresh poke root can be made in two days using the following procedure:

1) Dig the root, scrub it well and dry it off.

2) Cut in thin (1/4 inch = .64cm), diagonal slices and pack these into a wide mouth glass pint or quart canning jar.

3) Cover root slices with organic olive oil, and place the jar in a very warm location (approximately 110 degrees F.) such as an herb dryer on "high" or in a warm oven over the pilot light. It is advisable to keep the jar in a bread pan or other shallow tray containing a small amount of warm insulating water on the off possibility that the jar should break in the night and cause a huge mess or even start a fire.

4) After two days, remove the jar from this gentle heat and affix cheesecloth over the mouth, securing it with a rubber band. Then pour the oil through the cheesecloth into another jar, leaving the fresh root slices behind.

5) Allow the crude oil to sit undisturbed overnight, then decant through cheesecloth again, taking care to exclude any water droplets that may be lurking on the bottom of the settling jar.

6) The finished oil is bottled in amber glass and marked prominently with the universally understood symbol of skull and crossbones and the words: Toxic. Poke Oil. For external use only.

7) Store out of the light in a cool place.

The oil will last for at least a year. Poke oil is a specific remedy for application to glandular swellings, including swollen lymph in the neck, underarm or groin and most importantly the breast, in the case of mastitis. If treating a nursing mother, the oil is applied after nursing and thoroughly washed from the nipple area prior to the next nursing. This therapy can be speeded to a health resolution by intermittently applying a poultice of hot mullein leaf or steamed, mashed marshmallow root or leaf. (4)
Food Use: The tender, young leaves or "spreens" (spring greens) of poke are a traditional food in the south and Midwestern America. They are very good, but must not be taken fresh (uncooked). The leaves are usually simmered in several changes of water in order to leach out toxic substances prior to consumption, but some people eat them fried or pickled without leaching. Regardless of the degree of pretreatment, there is little doubt that poke spreens lend an alterative, laxative, blood cleansing and lymphatic influence. (4)
Dosage:

USE ONLY THE PRESCRIBED DOSAGES: the herb is potent.

Fluid extract (root) ¼-½ fluid teaspoon

Fluid extract (berries) ½-1 fluid teaspoon

Infusion 1 teaspoonful to 1 tablespoonful 3 times daily, before or after meals: children ½-1 teaspoonful according to age.

Tincture 3-10 drops (1)
As emetic, 10-30 grains

As alterative, 1-5 grains.

Of fluid extract of berries, ½ to 1 dram(1/16 oz.)

Of fluid extract of root, ¼ to ½ dram.

as an emetic, 15 drops

as an alterative, 2 drops

Phytolaccin, 1-3 grains. (3)
Poke is a low-dose botanical. Maximum adult dosage of the fresh root tincture is 6 drops well diluted in at least a full cup of water, (240 ml), taken three times daily. (4)
Decoction: only small amounts of this herb should be used. Put ¼ to ½ teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take ½-1 ml of the tincture three times a day. (2)
The following prescription has been recommended: Fluid extracts of Phytolacca (2oz.), Gentian (1 oz.), and Dandelion (1 oz.), with Simple Syrup to make a pint. One teaspoonful may be taken after each meal. (3)
Infused in spirits, the fruit is used in chronic rheumatism, being regarded as equal to Guaicum. (3)
Administration:
Caution: Don't use large doses of poke root as an emetic, as the action on the system is too potent.(1)
Anal
Hemorrhoids: Use the fluid extract as a wash and injection. (1)
Oral
Goiter, mammary abscesses or gatherings (mastitis), enlarged lymphatic glands (especially of the neck): Use ½-1 teaspoonful of the fluid extract in l glassful of water, give 1 teaspoonful of the mixture every 2-3 hours: or 10 drops of the tincture every 4 hours. (1)
Chronics rheumatism: Use the infusion in teaspoonful dose alone or the extract as indicated; or the infusion in compound with black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens). (1)
Obesity (adipose tissue): Use an infusion of the berries. (1)
Cancer of the breast: See "Formulas." (1)
Goiter: Use the fluid extract externally as a liniment, and drink internally in very small doses (as indicated in "Dosage"). (1)
Felons: Use the fluid extract as a poultice for rapid suppuration. (1)
Tumors, glandular enlargements, etc.: See "Formulas." (1)
Skin diseases, syphilis, scrofula, eczema: Take the fluid extract internally, and apply the liniment or solid extract to the area of the inflammation. (1)
If a tea is made of the root and applied to the skin, it will cure itching. (5)
Formulas
Infusion of poke root
½ ounce Poke root, cut or finely ground (Phytolacca Americana)

1 ½ pints D-cell or distilled water
Preparation: Bring the water to a boil and pour boiling hot over the herb, steep for 3-4 minutes; strain, allow to cool, bottle, and keep in a cool place.
Dosage: 1 teaspoonful to 1 tablespoonful 3 times daily, before or after meals.

Children: ½-1 teaspoonful according to age. (1)
Fluid extract of poke root
1 pound Poke root (Phytolacca Americana), cut into thin sections and bruised thoroughly into a pulp

6 ounces 70% alcohol

12 ounces D-cell or distilled water
Preparation: Pour the menstruum of alcohol and water over the herb, cover closely and let stand for 5 days; press off the liquid under the heaviest pressure possible, strain, place in a tinted bottle and keep in a cool place.
Dosage: 3-10 drops, well diluted with warm or cold water (best given alone). (1)
Tincture of poke root
1 pound Poke root (Phytolacca Americana), fresh and coarsely ground.

½ gallon 40% alcohol.
Preparation: Macerate the herb in the alcohol solution for 2 weeks; filter.
Dosage: 10 drops every 4 hours (adult); this can be increased somewhat until the patient becomes relaxed. (1)
Compound poke root liniment
3 ounces Poke root, fluid extract (Phytolacca Americana)

1 teaspoon Bayberry, powder (Myrica cerifera)

1 teaspoon Sassafras, oil (Sassafras, oil) (Sassafras albidum)

½ teaspoon Bay or laurel (Laurus nobilis)

2 ounces Tragacanth, thick mucilage of gum (Astragalus gummifer)
Preparation: Mix the first four herbs well, then add the mucilage (this makes 6 ounces); shake well together.
Administration: Apply to affected parts 4-5 times daily. For non-malignant tumors and enlargements, use plenty of friction or kneading. (1)
Cancer compound
2 ounces Poke root, fluid extract (Phytolacca Americana)

1 ounce Gentian root, fluid extract (Gentiana lutea)

1 ounce Dandelion root, fluid extract (Taraxacum officinale)

Sufficient Honey water or simple syrup
Preparation: Mix the fluid extracts together and add sufficient honey water or simple syrup to make 1 pint.
Dosage: 1 teaspoonful after each meal. (1)
Cancer of the breast

Poultice
Sufficient Poke root, fresh and ground fine (Phytolacca Americana)

Sufficient Poke root, fluid extract (diluted to 1/16 strength); or use infusion of the fresh root

Sufficient Bayberry powder
Preparation: Use the fresh root each time and grind sufficient only for one use; roll this on a piece of muslin, cheesecloth or other thin material, large enough to cover the breast entirely (cut a hole large enough for the nipple).
Administration: Apply the poultice to the breast, moisten once daily with the fluid extract, and cover with plastic to help retain moisture; leave on three days, then apply fresh poultice. In two weeks, the surface of the breast will break out in pustular sores; in about four weeks from the beginning of treatment, all hardness will be gone from the breast area, leaving if soft. Then wash carefully with diluted apple-cider vinegar and cover with bayberry powder and allow the entire breast surface to dry; in 7-10 days there after the entire surface will be healed. (1)
After poultice cleanse the skin thoroughly and cover with boric acid powder, and allow the entire surface to become dry. In about ten days the sores will be completely healed. (5)
Cancerous sores (liniment)
1 part Poke root, fluid extract (Phytolacca Americana)

1 part Yellow dock, fluid extract (Rumex crispus)

1 part Blood root, fluid extract (Sanguinaria Canadensis)
Administration: Apply the ointment 3 times daily, and before each fresh application wash affected area with a good brandy. Note: As an excellent internal alterative tea for this condition, drink 3 teacupfuls of walnut leaf tea (Juglans nigra). (1)
Chronic rheumatism
4 ounces poke berries (Phytolacca Americana)

4 ounces Dwarf Elder berries (Sambucus Ebulus)

4 ounces Sumac berries (Rhus glabra)

4 ounces Blackberry or bramble root (Rubus villosus)
Preparation: Simmer the herbs for 20 minutes in 2 quarts of water; add sufficient sugar or honey to make a syrup.
Dosage: 1 teaspoonful 3 times daily. (1)
CAUTION:

In the lower animals convulsions and death from paralysis of respiration may be caused. Overdoses may produce considerable vomiting and purging, prostration, convulsions and death. (3)
In large dosage Poke root is a powerful emetic and purgative. (2)
Internal: Not for use during pregnancy. Use only under the guidance of a qualified health professional. Some people are extremely sensitive to poke and will develop a harmless rash. If this occurs, reduce dosage or discontinue use. Overdose of poke generally products loose stools and general gastrointestinal upset.
External application of poke oil is usually well tolerated. If a slight redness or rash occurs, this is a sign of stimulation and is not cease for alarm. If a pimply rash develops, discontinue use or dilute the poke oil with equal parts of olive oil and/or use only once daily until the problem is resolved. (4)
Do not eat this plant raw or inadequately cooked. Poke root should be boiled before eating and the water drained off and discarded; boil it again in fresh water and drain off the water again. It may then be eaten.
The seeds, which are present in the berries, are poisonous and should not be eaten. (5)
The young leaves in early spring have long been eaten in this country. Care should be taken though as they and the whole plant is toxic. They should be boiled twice in fresh water before eating. I had a student who ate some leaves after boiling them. He got extremely ill, with diarrhea, vomiting blood, and severe cramping and fever. I personally do not recommend eating the leaves no matter how long they are boiled. The herb should only be used medicinally by someone who knows what they are doing as too high a dose can kill. (6)
Sources:
(1) School of Natural Healing; Dr. John Christopher; Pg 65 - 70

(2) The New Holistic Herbal; David Hoffmann, Pg 225

(3) A Modern Herbal; Mrs. M. Grieve, Pg 648-649

(4) Making Plant Medicine; Richo Cech, Pg 190-192

(5) Back to Eden; Jethro Kloss, Pg 169-170

(6) Medicinal Herbs in the Garden, Field & Market place; Lee Sturdivant and Tim Blakely, Pg2 230-231
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Atiq Ahmad Bhatti]

Hi everyone.

Phytolacca Berry in tincture, combined with Fucus in tincture can be very harming to an individual with heart problems, angina, any cardiac defect or generally weak constitution.

One could argue that an obese individual automatically falls into a weak constitutional type state, but that's debatable.

Anyhows, phytolacca with fucus essentially are 'fat burners'. But be warned that fat burners they may be, but they must be used with caution.

When I prescribe in 30c, it is once daily for 7 days only. Then I like to see the results and sit down with the patient for a length of time to see how they are managing and whether or not they feel any worse/better.

When I prescribe in 200c, it is again once daily but every other day for 7 days, i.e. 3 doses over 7 days or so.

200c is only used when you find 30c is not doing the trick.

I have found that if you do put Calc Carb in with the remedies, then it reduces the metabolism and in a way provides a toning up effect for the patient.

The beauty of the above combined remedies (which incidently are the most common combination for weight loss, i.e. phytolacca berry, fucus and calc) is that I personally have never had to worry about how overweight a patient may be. It does not require constitutional prescriptions but more of a pharmacy type prescription.

The effects are lasting, if given with heart tonics to avoid any side effects. Yes, side effects do exist without prescribing a suitable heart tonic like Craetagus etc.

The first thing you will hear from 50% of your patients is that they haven't lost weight, but they feel lighter.....nice response....thereafter they do begin to slowly but surely lose weight. But simple rules must also be obeyed, i.e. keep of fried food, eat some greens, take a brisk walk after meals (or if you are very overweight, take a walk).

Apart from that, keep in contact with the patient on a thrice weekly basis over the phone. It should pay off, God willing.

I hope that helps you.

Please remember that Graphites is also a very very good remedy for weight loss. I don't know if that is common knowledge?

Atiq