homeopathic resource

As we mentioned in previous articles depression is a normal response as part of our daily lives such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or illness. Over 30 million Americans suffer from depression and the amount is increasing in an alarming rate. Depression may be a mental disorder that can affect the way you eat and sleep, and the way you feel about yourself. In this article, we will discuss how to treat depression with homeopathy.

1. Aurum metallicum

Aurum metallicum is renowned for its ability to cure the deepest imaginable depressions: suicidal states by providing hope, feeling of worthiness and self esteem.This type of person is usually idealistic and goad oriented. It is very surprising to see that a single patient with a lifetime of joyless existence bloom into happiness after aurum pays for every hour of our years of study.

2. Ignatia

Ignatia  originates from the tincture of strychnos ignatia beans of a small tree native to the Philippines containing a substantial amount of strychnine (used in rat poison) and brucine (a bitter alkaloid similar to strychnine). Iganatia relieves the depression caused by an event of grief and sadness.

3. Natrum Muriaticum

Natrum muriaticum is one of the most psychologically complex and poignant remedies in our materia medica. There is an opposite presentation in which the patient seems abnormally open and can discuss even intimate aspects of his life, apparently not at all embarrassed. When a loss or a serious rejection occurs the patient experiences abnormally prolonged grief and depression. Natrum mutiaticum helps to overcome the deep sorrow that people suffered in silence.

4. Sepia

Sepia is a Homeopathic remedy that helps with bouts of depression from loss of sunlight, but it can be differentiated from aurum by its grief, fatigue, sarcasm and irritability aspects. Sepia is especially helpful in treating depression caused by indifference, weepy, angry, overwhelmed, exhausted and depression associated with menopause.

5. Pulsatilla

In external use, the fresh plant of pulsatilla is an irritant herb and produces a benumbing sensation when chewed. It is a powerful herb in treating people with signs of manic depression.

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Kyle J. Norton

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Find Homeopathy College programs in the United States and Canada. If you’re interested in alternative medicine and would like to pursue a natural healthcare education, then enrolling in a homeopathy college might be a good choice for you.

At a homeopathy college, students will learn a broad spectrum of natural healing modalities including comprehensive coursework in the history and philosophy of homeopathy. Classes will often encompass studies in the origins of homeopathy, Law of Similars, remedies (including material medica: plant, mineral and animal substances), case receiving and analysis, pharmacy, potency and dosage guidelines, and practice management. In addition, students at a homeopathy college will engage in clinical training where they will gain a better understanding in how to effectively analyze and apply homeopathic remedies in a practical setting.

Other subject matter provided through a homeopathy college will commonly include studies in biotherapies, human anatomy and physiology, and natural health. Students who successfully graduate from a homeopathy college can work toward attaining certification and/or licensure. To become certified, graduates will have to take a certification exam that contains theoretical, practical, case submission and oral interview parts.* (According to the Council for Homeopathic Certification) Furthermore, certification exam candidates must have acquired at least 500 hours of formal training through a homeopathy college or school, in addition to being current in CPR certification, as well as college level education in anatomy and physiology. While licensure is not always necessary, some states do require practicing homeopaths to be licensed by a state board.

Professional physicians, such as MDs, Dos, and other primary healthcare providers may opt to enroll in a homeopathy college where they can take a homeopathy course designed for the professional practitioner in mind. These courses are generally geared toward homeopathic remedies that lessen the need for doctors to use traditional medicines and antibiotics.

Doctors of Homeopathy and homeopathic practitioners who have completed all required coursework and practical training through a homeopathy college will have gained the ability to use non-toxic, natural medicines to help support and enhance natural healing processes. Common conditions that can be helped with homeopathy include acute and chronic health problems such as eczema, digestive disorders, insomnia, allergies and many other health issues.

With the growing demand for natural health alternatives, students who opt to enroll in a homeopathy college can gain the skills and education necessary to become part of an ever-expanding field of the medical industry.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding a homeopathy college, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Homeopathy College: Studies in America

© Copyright 2007

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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Homeopathy is fast becoming the medicine of choice for American families. This is for good reason. It works. But should a thread of doubt linger, let’s look at the reasons to choose it.

1) Homeopathy has no side effects.

2) Homeopathy is approved by the FDA and unlike modern meds, has never had a history of even one remedy taken off the market.

3) Homeopathy is inexpensive. The cost is $5-$15 per bottle and if a kit is purchased, the cost can be as low as $1.70 each.

4) Homeopathy has a reputation for being used by the privileged and famous: The English royal family, the Beatles, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, John D Rockefeller, Dizzy Gillespie, Daniel Webster and many American presidents.

5) It is possible to learn Homeopathy at home to address simple acute illnesses.

6) Homeopathy is gentle, safe and can not ever interfere with presently taken meds.

7) Homeopathy works on children, infants, the elderly, pets and livestock. In fact racehorses have been given it for decades.

Homeopathy has a following through the world including Europe, India, South America and is only now gaining acceptance in the US.

9) Homeopathy works. I already said that, but it bears repeating.

10) Homeopathy treats the whole person, not the disease. This allows corresponding and seemingly unrelated issues to fall away.

11) Homeopathy can be life saving.

12) Credentialed, homeopathic consultants are available on line, so when you’re stuck on a problem, there is professional help readily available.

13) Homeopathic philosophy follows specific laws and principles based on the Laws of Nature. These have been proven so that they are no longer considered theory.

14) Homeopathy is easy to dispense. Kids love the taste and pets accept it easily, too.

15) Using homeopathy gives us a sense of self mastery and independence that we so crave in a world of medicine of commerce and dictatorial medical staff.

16) Remedies will last decades, as long as they are not left in very hot settings. They may have stale dates printed on them, but that is because this is required by the FDA for all products. They can be ignored.

Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician disenchanted with these methods, began to develop a theory based on three principles: the law of similars, the minimum dose, and the single remedy.The word homeopathy is derived from the Greek words for like (homoios) and suffering (pathos). With the law of similars, Hahnemann theorized that if a large amount of a substance causes certain symptoms in a healthy person, smaller amounts of the same substance can treat those symptoms in someone who is ill.

The basis of his theory took shape after a strong dose of the malaria treatment quinine caused his healthy body to develop symptoms similar to ones caused by the disease. He continued to test his theory on himself as well as family and friends with different herbs, minerals and other substances. He called these experiments “provings.”

As we might expect, the intensity of the symptoms caused by the original proving was harrowing. So Hahnemann began decreasing the doses to see how little of a substance could still produce signs of healing. With the minimum dose, or law of infinitesimals, Hahnemann believed that a substance strength and effectiveness increased the more it was diluted.

Minuscule doses were prepared by repeatedly diluting the active ingredient by factors of 10. A “6X” preparation (the X is the Roman numeral for 10) is a 1-to-10 dilution repeated six times, leaving the active ingredient as one part per million. Essential to the process of increasing potency while decreasing the actual amount of the active ingredient is vigorous shaking after each dilution.

Some homeopathic remedies are so dilute, no molecules of the healing substance remain. Even with sophisticated technology now available, analytical chemists may find it difficult or impossible to identify any active ingredient. But the homeopathic belief is that the substance has left its imprint or a spirit-like essence that stimulates the body to heal itself.

Critics of homeopathy point out that no way such a dilute medicine could work. People are feeling better because of the placebo effect. Critics also say the research in homeopathy is very unimpressive. Proponents of homeopathy point out to numerous trials that have been successful.

Recent homeopathic trials include a trial done by A Swiss-UK review of 110 trials found no convincing evidence the treatment worked any better than a placebo. However, there seems to be many problems with this type of trail.

The University of Limberg investigators, who are all epidemiologists, found 107 controlled studies in homeopathy. Most of these studies did not meet the research standard that they were looking for. However, 22 trials meet their strict criteria. The researchers used trials with a large number of people, double blind studies where neither physician or participant knew who was receiving the remedy or the placebo and a random assignment of patients in a treatment group.

Of the 22 trials, 15 were in the favor of Homeopathy working better than a placebo. The other 7 trials showed Homeopathy working equivalent to a placebo. This is almost a 2 to 1 ratio of successful homeopathic trials to unsuccessful studies.

About 200 years ago Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, gave up his practice of medicine when he found the medications of his time to be ineffective and dangerous. He later resumed practice after he discovered homeopathy. Homeopathy is a therapeutic method using natural substances in micro dosages to stimulate the body’s innate natural resources. Homeopathy views a person’s health as a reflection of the entire individual rather than only in terms of the presence of isolated symptoms. Homeopathic remedies could be effective in treating variety of acute and chronic health problems.

Remedies, not herbal supplements.

Homeopathic medicines are therapeutically active micro dosages of botanical, biological and mineral substances. In other words they may be prepared from plants, minerals, or animal products. These substances are prepared by a process of repeated dilution and succussion (shaking) which makes them capable of stimulating the healing process.

Homeopathy provides an individualized treatment tailored to the uniqueness of each person. It takes into consideration a person’s environment and their way of life.

How Does Homeopathy Work?

Homeopathic remedies are believed to stimulate innate natural defense systems. It is speculated that electromagnetic signals or energies are transferred in the diluted homeopathic preparations retaining the “memory” of the original substance used, thereby triggering responses in the body.

Homeopathy acts according to the “Law of Similars” which states that “likes cure likes”. This means that a remedy which in large doses cause certain problems, will in homeopathic dose, stimulate healing of similar problems. For example, if you suffer from a skin eruptions that is similar to that caused by poison ivy, a homeopathic dose of poison ivy, can stimulate the body to get rid of that poison ivy-like eruption.

The absence of scientific explanation for the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies lead some to argue that homeopathy is nothing more than a “placebo effect”. Studies, however, have repeatedly shown that homeopathic remedies are more effective than placebo, in addition they are effective in animals who are unaware of the intended effects and therefore cannot exhibit a placebo effect.

Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe?

Because of the extreme dilution, homeopathic remedies are safe and free of toxic effects. The FDA regulates the homeopathic industry, but homeopathic remedies contrary to regular medicines, may be marketed without following FDA’s clearance procedures, FDA justifies its regulatory distinction upon the relative positive safety profile of homeopathic remedies.

What is the Difference Between Homeopathy and Herbs?

Herbs, like traditional western medicines, are complex substances that need to be broken inside our bodies into micro-nutrients before they could be used by our cells. This conversion requires energy, however, for many sick and depleted persons such energy expenditure at the cell level is usually only partially possible. Homeopathic remedies, on the other hand, are simple medicines readily utilized by our cells, even in the very sick ones. In recent years homeopathic remedies have become increasingly popular, possibly as a result of a renewed interest in the use of natural medicines.

Because homeopathic medications are given in such highly diluted concentrations it is extremely unlikely that they cause side effects or toxic reactions. While the homeopathic industry is regulated by the FDA, herbs are not. This guarantees the quality of the homeopathic products.

Can I Mix Homeopathy & Traditional Drugs?

There are no known drug interaction risks. Thus an individual taking conventional drugs for hypertension can also take homeopathic remedies for any reason.

Homeopathy and Detoxification

Homeopathic remedies are vital to achieve body and organ detoxification; the process helps our bodies to get rid of accumulated toxins over the years. Sources of toxins include diet, traditional medications and environmental toxins.

Are Homeopathic Remedies Covered by Insurance?

Not yet, however these remedies usually cost less than your drugs co-payment.

Are Homeopathic Remedies Safe for Children?

Yes, because they are made from all natural substances, and because of the extreme dilution there is no need to worry about chemical ingredients or side effects.

ebilitating migraine attacks had increased to the extent that they were occurring weekly, and affecting my ability to function and lead a ‘normal life’, it was time to find assistance.

To find relief and help, my first port of call was to my General Practitioner who was most unsympathetic, implying that three young children, moving house and working were bound to have a detrimental effect on my health and the combination of stresses had ‘chosen’ to manifest in the form of migraine. When I asked for suggestions for relief, anti-depressants were offered as the ‘best course of action’. The GP also intimated that in time the migraines would probably disappear; if not a hysterectomy may be the answer!

I wasn’t asked if any other family members had similar problems. Nor was I warned about the possible side-effects of the anti-depressants, including the potential of becoming addicted. The whole visit was over within five minutes, I left the surgery reluctantly clutching a prescription. Hopefully this was an atypical experience, and GPs these days are more sympathetic.

I decided to carry out research into the side effects these anti-depressant drugs could induce. I was horrified to find that the symptoms I suffered, headache, nausea, difficulty concentrating etc. could be further aggravated, and there were other potential side effects such as sexual dysfunction, hair loss and abdominal pain. My immediate instinct was to throw the prescription away; in no way did I want all those chemicals inside me, potentially doing untold long term damage to my body. Neither did I want a hysterectomy, as my migraines did not coincide with monthly hormonal changes.

After alternative advice from family and friends to change my diet, cut out all known triggers such as cheese, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and have more sleep, I decided to look into complementary therapies and a friend recommended me to try homeopathy. The use of homeopaths was not as widely known as it is today and many people inferred that their practices were somewhat dubious.

Unperturbed and determined to find someone to help me I used the local telephone directory to seek out registered homeopaths, finally arranging an initial consultation with the one who seemed the most genuinely interested and concerned with my plight during our introductory telephone conversation.

The first thing the homeopath explained to me was the ‘like-for-like’ homeopathic philosophy. She was not at all offended or alarmed by my questions about her training and qualifications, the answers to which were most reassuring.

My life and medical history were discussed in depth, including family history of migraine and my sister’s epilepsy and the thoughts I had that my headaches were an indication of me developing the same, which terrified me. We also discussed my present and past emotional states and the holistic approach to finding suitable relief.

During the consultation I explained that my migraine usually started at the back of the head and spread predominantly to the right temple, accompanied by a pounding, throbbing pain and was worsened by light, noise, jarring and cold hands and feet. From this and careful questioning about other life and family factors, the homeopath concluded that Belladonna would be beneficial for me.

She told me that Belladonna is also known as Deadly Nightshade. I was somewhat alarmed by this and expressed my concerns over using such a toxic and sometimes fatal plant. The homeopath carefully explained that the doses of Belladonna that I would be taking were very diluted but confirmed that it should only be used when prescribed by a qualified practitioner, and should NEVER be used as a self-help measure, for example picking it from the wild.

As an aside, Belladonna means ‘beautiful eyes’ in Italian and preparations of it were used in days gone-by to dilate the pupils and make women appear more alluring and sexy.

Although that was a fascinating snippet of information, I was even more interested to hear that Belladonna has been a beneficial remedy for over 500 years. I was relieved to learn that atropine, derived from Belladonna, is an ingredient of some over-the-counter cough medicines.

My homeopath explained that should Belladonna not be beneficial there were other homeopathic remedies such as Sanguinarine, which is used to treat migraines with similar symptoms but accompanied by vomiting, which rarely happened in my case. Therefore it was agreed that Belladonna be prescribed initially.

The recommended dose, for me, was 3 tablets each morning and 3 at night for 5 days. She then asked me to come back for assessment within a week. She also advised me to exclude cheese, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol for the time being, while keeping a headache diary to enable triggers to be identified and discussed during future consultations.

I continued visiting the homeopath on a weekly basis for several months, all the while continuing to take daily doses of Belladonna which were gradually reduced. The homeopath always made the visits productive and as she found out more and more about me, my life-style and triggers, she noticed that I have a tendency to clench my jaw and grind my back teeth when subjected to topics of discussion that were upsetting or made me angry. She advised me always to sleep with my mouth slightly ajar to prevent muscle tension. I still try to remember to do this, if I feel stressed, and even as I go to sleep. The improvements in the severity, intensity and frequency of my migraines were astounding and gradually they disappeared.

I strongly recommend that anyone who suffers from migraine attacks should consult with a homeopath as I’m sure they will find the experience and their professionalism as ‘life-changing’ as I have.

To repeat: Belladonna is another name for deadly night-shade, and should NEVER be self-administered. Use it ONLY under the supervision of a registered and qualified practitioner.

Find Homeopathy Schools in the United States and Canada. Once you’ve decided to pursue your education in the field of homeopathy, there are several homeopathy schools from which to choose. It is vital that you carefully review all course objectives, financial aid programs (if applicable) and course duration. While some homeopathy schools offer certification programs; others may extend diploma programs. Some homeopathy schools may even offer PhD programs in homeopathic medicine as well (This option is typically available to candidates who have successfully fulfilled all graduate requirements and have completed all postgraduate courses, which can possibly be applied toward the PhD program).

Students who elect to sign up in homeopathy schools will discover the remarkable history, principles and philosophy surrounding homeopathy. Once enrolled in one of many homeopathy schools, students will find out that this alternative form of medicine was introduced to the Western world in the early 19th century and is based on the Law of Similars (”like cures like”) and Hering’s Law of Cure and the Organon. Part of the curriculum extended in homeopathy schools may include but is not limited to homeopathic pharmacy, medication techniques, medicine classification and other relative topics of study.

Because homeopathy is different from conventional medicine, students of homeopathy schools will begin to understand how this form of medicine works to stimulate natural self-healing. Advanced courses offered through homeopathy schools may also consist of clinical training, dental homeopathic studies, advanced pharmacy studies, postgraduate studies and even veterinary homeopathy.

Though homeopathy schools vary in course curriculums, students can generally expect to learn that while conventional medicine tries to control illness, homeopathy attempts to cure it. In today’s society, homeopathy is a welcome alternative to mainstream medicine; and is quickly gaining popularity. This is just one of the many reasons why students may feel compelled to sign up for one of several homeopathy schools.

To learn more about the benefits of homeopathic medicine or to locate homeopathy schools near you, feel free to peruse our healing arts schools and holistic health practitioners’ directories.

Find your dream job! Let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Homeopathy (Schools)

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

How often I hear folks say they use homeopathic remedies when they really mean holistic! Holistic or home remedies, although valid, are quite different from homeopathy. Homeopathy is a commonly misunderstood medical method that is returning to the limelight.

As an intelligent method of medicine, it uses minute amounts of pharmaceutically prepared substances from plants, animals and minerals, to stimulate the body’s ability to bring it to its best economy. It is based on the strict adherence to the Law of Similars offered by Samuel Hahnemann, MD, a German physician in the early 1800’s. Considered the Father of homeopathy, Hahnemann noted in his scholarly efforts that when a toxic substance is diluted to an infinitesimal level, the toxic characteristics are antidoted, leaving only the curative qualities available. For example, Cinchona (quinine), which was used to treat malarial fevers in Europe in Hahnemann’s time, produced a toxic effect, including the same feverish attacks similar to those for which it was used as a therapeutic agent.

Twenty five hundred years previously, Hippocrates also noted a parallel action existing between the toxic power of a substance and its therapeutic ability. This brought Hahnemann to the hypothesis that medicinal substances are capable of eliminating symptoms similar to those which they could produce. This is not to say that symptoms are covered up, but rather removed as a result of the body’s ability to adjust to the stimulus, hence regain health.

Hahnemann was able to produce this hypothesis in repeated experiments, as have other homeopathic physicians throughout the world since that time. This makes his idea progress past a hypothesis and enter the realm of scientific or biological law. Hence, the Law of Similars is accepted and irrefutable. This is the rock upon which homeopathy is built.

An example of this law is found in the substance Ipecac. When given to a healthy person, Ipecac will produce nausea and vomiting. When a person who is suffering from nausea and vomiting, regardless of the cause, homeopathic Ipecac will improve and restore health when diluted to an infinitesimal amount.

Homeopathy represents a model of excellence. Properly utilized, it can address the ills of human kind with respectful, stimulating remedies. With a nod to its illustrious past, homeopathy has the ability to carry us into the future with intelligent and profound principles and laws. The next time you find someone declaring their comprehension of the meaning of homeopathy, feel confident that you have knowledge beyond most.

Our human body has the capacity to heal itself. The main principal of Homeopathy is “Like may be cured by like.” These all natural remedies that are derived from ingredients such as plant, mineral or animal kingdom are used in low dose amounts to combat common ailments such as stomach ache, cough, diarrhea and Flu like symptoms as well as other medical conditions like High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol levels, menstrual and menopausal symptoms. The list of ailments that can be trusted by alternative medicine is endless.

Homeopathy’s roots began with the teachings of a German physician named Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. (1755- 1843) Most of the remedies produced today, still ad hear to the same dilution principals used by Dr. Hahnemann. As with conventional prescription drugs these remedies can be taken in the same way - orally, topically or injected. The upside to taking Homeopathic medicine is that there are no adverse reactions like chemically produced prescription drugs. You may often experience a “healing aggravation” which can be explained as a temporary accentuation of your symptoms. This is a sure sign that the remedy taken is working.

Practice of Homeopathic Medicine

All medical doctors can practice alternative medicine. However, please note that there is no specific diploma or certification from any school that gives license to practice Homeopathy in the United States. However, there is the “American Board of Homeotherapeutics that will certify a doctor with a “Diplomate of Homeopathy” award. There must be continuing Education to receive this award. There is a list of beginner, intermediate and advanced Homeopathic training programs that give accreditation. Many Homeopaths are also dentist, veterinarians, nutritionists, osteopaths, chiropractors and pediatricians.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized homeopathic medicines since 1938. Homeopathic remedies are classified by the FDA as prescription or non-prescription, (over the counter) depending upon the strength and amount of remedy taken.

Holistic healing and alternative medicine enjoyed a resurgence in the United States. People are wanting to take charge of their health care and are becoming willing participants in their own testament decisions. The type of Homeopathic therapies is staggering that is why it is so important to keep informed on the available remedies and cures offered in this fast paced field. It is up to you to find Homeopathic answers to true health and make informed decisions on your own course of treatment. The first step would be to find a Certified Homeopathic doctor in your area. A great source of information that I would recommend is the National Center for Homeopathy website. Also, you could visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine site as well.

I hope this article has enlightened you to another source of alternative treatment besides the conventional pharmaceutical drugs that are so widely used by doctors and hospitals today.

We are all born of nature and it is to nature that we should turn when seeking the answers to our health and healing.

The shamans say that plants connect us with nature because they take their nourishment directly from the earth, as well as the sun’s rays, the air, and water. They allow us to know and recognize ourselves. A shaman must know this and must love his people to heal them. Here are just a few of the plant healers.

Jergon Sacha (Dracontium peruviuanum)

My first exposure to this plant came about quite accidentally, when one day walking through the rainforest studying the properties of the plants, the maestro Javier queried why I always walked around with a machete. I jokingly replied “it’s against anacondas!”. He paused in thought for a moment and beckoned for me to follow him, a few minutes later we came across this tall stemmed plant. He proceeded to cut it down and then whip me around the body paying attention to my legs and the soles of my feet.. He then said “no more problems, you are protected against snakes”. I asked him why this plant was used in this way, and he indicated the pattern on the stem which looks identical to the snakes in the forest. Later as I started to investigate this plant even more, I discovered some interesting correspondences; this is a plant which is widely used as an antidote against snake bite venom in the Amazon.

This is accordance with the ‘doctrine of signatures’ concept. This doctrine is at the heart of homeopathy, folk medicine, and plant shamanism. The doctrine was revealed by the great alchemist and physician Paracelus who lived in the 16th Century. The underlying principle was that the healing properties of the plant are not only in the outer ‘physical’ form, but also in their inner or spiritual nature. The Doctrine of Signatures holds that this inner nature can be revealed by it’s outer physical form or signatures. This plant is a clear demonstration of the outer form indicating the inner qualities. It’s use is directly related to it’s physical appearance, the patterns on the tall stem closely resembles the skin patterns of the highly venomous pit viper known as ‘Bushmaster’ or Jararaca which is indigenous to the Amazon.

The large tuber of the plant is an well known and highly effective antidote for the bite of venomous snakes. The tuber is chopped up, and immersed in cold water and then drunk. Also the chopped tuber is placed in a banana leaf and used as a poultice which is wrapped around the bite area. These procedures are repeated every few hours. Of course the deal here is that it works, and as it not possible to store anti-venom vaccines in the rainforest without refrigeration, this plant has exceptional life-saving importance.

Mocura / Mucura Petivera Alliacea. This plant can be taken orally or used in floral baths to raise energy, or take you out of a saladera (a run of bad luck, inertia, sense of not living to the full). Gives mental strength and you can feel its effects as also with Ajo Sacha, both are varieties of ‘false’ garlic and have a penetrating aroma.

One of it’s qualities is that on a personal psychological level it can boost one’s strength. For example it is considered good in countering shyness, and can strengthen one’s own sense of personal value and authority. One of it’s properties is to help people overcome ‘irrational’ fears & fearful memories

Medicinal properties include asthma, bronchitis, reduction of fat and cholesterol. This plant grows widely in the lower Amazon, and it is used widely in purification (floral baths) .

Piñon Colorado Jatropha gossypifoilio

Has short lived effect after drinking but helps lucid dreaming later on when you go to bed. Can be used as a planta maestra and it is a plant that maestros can take when being during their initiation. Can also take with tobacco.

The plant’s properties on the physical level relate to problems such as, burns, swellings, intestinal parasites , Insect bites and stings, vaginal infections, and bronchitis. It is possible to take the resin which is much stronger but toxic if too much ingested. The resin can be applied directly to the skin.

Piri-piri, (Cyperaceae). Native people throughout the Amazon cultivate numerous varieties of medicinal sedges to treat a wide range of health problems, the native peoples for example, use sedge roots to treat headaches, fevers, cramps, dysentery and wounds as well as to ease childbirth. Special sedge varieties are cultivated by Shipiba women to improve their skill weaving and to protect their babies from illness.

Teresa a Shipiba craftswoman who joins us on our Amazon Retreats, told me that it is customary when the girls are very young for their mothers to squeeze a few drops of the ‘piri piri’ seed sap into their eyes in order to give their daughters the ability to have visions of the designs that she will make throughout her life.

The men cultivate special sedges to improve their hunting. Since the plant is used for such a wide range of conditions, it was once dismissed as being mere superstition. Pharmacological research has revealed the presence of ergot alkaloids, which are known to have diverse effects on the body from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels. These alkaloids are responsible for the wide range of medicinal uses. Apparently the ergot alkaloids come not from the plant itself but from a fungus that infects the plant.

Chanca piedra “Stone Breaker” (Phyllanthus Niruri)

This is a hybrid name “chanca” meaning “to break” in Quechua and “piedra” meaning “stone” in Spanish. This herb from the Amazon has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Rainforest for generations as an effective remedy to eliminate gall, and kidney stones. The plant has demonstrated its effectiveness against many illnesses including, kidney problems , urinary problems, colic, dysentery, jaundice and numerous other conditions. This herb has become widely used in South America as the herbal remedy for gall and kidney stones, and can typically be bought in capsule or leaf form from many stores. This plant is used only for its pharmaceutical properties, and is not a planta maestra. As a note, this plant is also starting to become known in Western Medical circles, as when I brought some back for my mother to help her with her kidney stones, her doctor was apparently familiar with this herb, but he still didn’t want her to use it due to possible contra-indications with the prescribed pharmaceutical medicine.

Reflections.

On reflection plant medicine is totally different than pharmaceutical medication which only affects one whilst it is being taken; these kinds of plant medicines seem to have a permanent effect in some way metaphorical or otherwise altering one’s consciousness or “DNA”. Paracelus, is still a source of inspiration to all those who work with the healing properties of herbs, and the plants.

One of the great revelations that we can experience in working with the plant spirit or consciousness is that we are not separate from the natural world. In our culture we perceive ourselves to be separate beings with our minds firmly embedded within our physical being (typically our head). The plants can show you that this way of being is an illusion and that we are all connected, all of us and everything else is a discrete element in the great universal field of consciousness or spirit.