–  Dr. a.u.  ramakrishnan and catherine r. coulter

Cancer Cell

 A Homoeopathic Approach to Cancer not only generates interest from the subject matter alone, but the synergism created by combining the talents of these authors makes this a groundbreaking work. Dr. Ramakrishnan brings to this book the wide experience and large number of cases needed in order to develop a “method” of treatment with which he has encountered increasingly good results. Catherine Coulter adds her organizational, teaching, and writing skills, as well as her knowledge of homoeopathy, to analyze and interpret these cases, creating an unique treatise on this timely subject. The book includes 126 cases, covering twenty-five types of cancer, and is presented in a new and concise format, illustrating every point the authors raise in the treatment of this disease. The careful documentation at every stage of the illness shows how homeopathy can be used successfully, either alone or in conjunction with orthodox Western procedures. Results are enhanced by a thorough understanding of homeopathic principles, but the clarity of the textbook presentation makes the method accessible to the trained professional. The article that follows is an adaptation of parts of Chapter II and several pages from Chapters I, IV, and VII.
 Dr. Ramakrishnan’s method defined
 In classical homoeopathy, remedies are traditionally administered only one at a time and on an infrequent basis. (To be sure, in acute conditions or where there is pain, severe dis-comfort, or danger, the remedy may be repeated more frequently, but this is decided according to a patient’s manifest individual needs.) In the treatment of cancer, however, the prescriber often cannot afford to exercise the homoeopathic rule to “Wait and Watch”; the adverse effects of primary and secondary lesions require a more “aggressive procedure.” Adapting to the urgency and severity of the condition and to the necessity of quickly bringing about tangible or visible changes in the pathology, Dr. Ramakrishnan has developed a “specific” method that involves: 1) more frequent administrations of a remedy on a regulated (not “as needed”) basis
 2) prescribing a second remedy in alternation with the first, on a regular (usually weekly) basis. The justification for this last is threefold: a) a patient’s body can tire of a remedy and after a while cease to respond to it; b) too frequent repetition of a single remedy can cause aggravations (these risks are obviated by the alternating method); c) addressing the disease on two different levels constitutes a stronger method of attack.
 3) administrating a remedy by the Plussing Method-which consists of diluting a medicine in water and taking it at fifteen minute intervals, ten times a day, for a week, before changing remedies. This procedure not only minimizes the risk of aggravation but also ensures a medicine’s more powerful impact, whether reducing the size of the tumor or the accompanying discomfort.
 Additionally, again for stronger impact, Dr. Ramakrishnan often employs a Split Dose Method when prescribing single doses of a given remedy. Here, a remedy is taken four times during the course of a day (usually on a weekly, semimonthly, or monthly basis) once the cancer is under control.
The cancer remedies
 Fortunately for the homoeopath faced with the formidable task of prescribing for patients who have cancer, there exists a small number of “cancer” remedies of tried and proven effectiveness.
 These can be divided into three groups: 1) the cancer nosodes; 2) the wide-spectrum cancer specifics; and 3) the organ specific remedies.
 1) Cancer nosodes: One of the two cancer nosodes will be needed in virtually every case. The one most frequently used is Carcinosin, prepared from the diseased tissue of a cancer of the breast (and sometimes, depending on the different manufacturers, with added cells from some other types of cancer, such as the lung). It is noteworthy that this is the preferred nosode when there is a family history of cancer.
 The second nosode, Scirrhinum, is prepared from a cancer of the liver. This remedy is used in preference to Carcinosin when the affected gland, lump, or tumor is stony hard-especially in cancers of the lungs, liver, breast, rectum, and prostate-and sometimes in cancers of the uterus or leukemia. One can also switch to Scirrhinum if the patient is not responding sufficiently well to Carcinosin or if, during the course of treatment, a hardness of a tumor or affected organ is discovered or liver involvement becomes prominent. By the same token, one can switch to Carcinosin when Scirrhinum is not working sufficiently well-or one can alternate back and forth between the two remedies.
 2) Wide spectrum cancer specific remedies: Other remedies that figure prominently in a large number of cancer cases are Conium, Thuja, and Arsenicum album.
 Like Scirrhinum, Conium presents the picture of a stony hard tumor or gland and has proven of inestimable value in cancers of the oesophagus, breast, stomach, liver, and prostate. In this last, if the PSA count is high (above 7), then Conium plays the role of a specific organ remedy. It also plays an important role in metastasized cancer to the bones.
 Thuja, a remedy that displays the picture of a variety of fungoid and skin growths, has likewise proven to be of great benefit in cancerous growths-particularly those of the stomach, colon, rectum, bladder, ovaries, uterus and, once again, prostate, when the PSA count is moderately high, (between 4 and 7).
 The importance of Arsenicum album in the treatment of cancer is indicated in Boericke’s Materia Medica with Repertory, where, in his introduction to the remedy, the author states that Arsenicum album “maintains the system under the stress of malignancy regardless of location” (emphasis added). Indeed, apart from its healing properties during the earlier stages, the majority of advanced cases of cancer under systematic homoeopathic treatment will, at some point, require Arsenicum album for relief of pain or discomfort, especially during the terminal stage.
 3) Organ specific remedies: Through clinical experience and the homoeopathic provings, it has been ascertained that certain remedies have a strong affinity with some particular organ or with the site of the primary tumor. These have been successfully employed in their “specific” roles. Following are a few examples of such organ specific remedies:
 AURUM MURIATICUM NATRONATUM for cancer of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. The principal symptoms of this sovereign remedy for the female reproductive system are ulcerations and induration. There can also be prolapse, leucorrhea, ovarian dropsy, and ossified uterus.
 HEKLA LAVA and SYMPHYTUM for bone and blood cancers. Hekla lava is the principal remedy for cancers (both primary and secondary) of the bones: sarcomas, osteoclastomas, myelomas, Ewing’s sarcomas, and other bony growths. It is also invaluable in both acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias. Symphytum is employed more specifically for secondary cancer deposits in the bones and tumors related to the periosteum. It has also proven of value in acute leukemia (although here it plays a secondary role to Hekla lava) and is particularly indicated when there has been a history of joint pain and inflammation.
 HYDRASTIS for cancer of the stomach, pancreas, and upper intestinal tract. The remedy is also employed for cancerous affections of the mesenteric glands and the mucous membranes anywhere, including lungs and oesophagus. The characteristics of this remedy include yellow, thick, ropy secretions, distended abdomen, profuse perspiration, extreme weakness, and intense pain.
 PLUMBUM IODATUM and PLUMBUM METALLICUM for cancers of the brain. This remedy is of great value in tumors and cancerous growths arising out of nerve cells, especially those of the brain. Plumbum iodatum is often preferred over Plumbum metallicum because the iodide component is of particular assistance in neoplasms and any consequent infections.
Method of administration and case examples
 The Ramakrishnan Method varies somewhat according to the stage and nature of the disease but, speaking in general terms, it can be broken down into the following steps:
 1) The first prescription should be a medicine known to possess an affinity with the primary organ or to the organ at present affected-in other words, an organ specific remedy or one of the wide-spectrum cancer specifics.
 2) The second prescription should be the appropriate cancer nosode, which is prescribed alternately (usually on alternate weeks) with the organ specific remedy.
 3) Thereafter, and for as long as there is improvement, these two remedies are continued in weekly alternation.
 4) Once the cancer is stabilized or to all appearances has healed, then the two remedies can be prescribed less frequently -alternating on a semimonthly, monthly, two monthly, or three monthly basis.
 5) Sometimes a constitutional remedy will be prescribed either to assist the cancer nosode or organ specific remedy or to take over a case once the cancer is contained or controlled and the patient’s need for individualized constitutional treatment is perceived.
 [The italicized information presented in parentheses was observed or elicited from objective Western tests and procedures or allopathic opinion apart from the homeopathic interview and treatment.]

Case
 Cancer of  the prostate 
 Conium maculatum 
 Case
 CASE 1 September, 1995
 Male, 52 years, presented with a recurrence of cancer of the prostate, diagnosed as Stage III. The tumor was 6 cm., and there were four abnormal lymph nodes in the presacral region approximately 1.5 cm in size.
 (History: earlier in 1994, patient had undergone a transurethral resection of prostate [TURP], followed by radiation.)
 PRESCRIPTION
 Week 1: Conium 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Week 2: Scirrhinum 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Weeks 3-12: Same as Weeks 1-2
 (December, 1995, CT scan showed no trace of abnormal lymph nodes.)
 Months 4-10: Same as Weeks 1-2
 (Examination and tests showed no trace of tumor.)
 Doctor felt secure that the case had stabilized and, therefore, patient received Conium 1M and Scirrhinum 1M-alternating monthly, Split Dose Method. By mid-1998, treatment stopped and there has been no trace of recurrence to date.
 REMARKS
 In prostate cancer, Scirrhinum is prescribed more often than Carcinosin because usually the tumors are hard.
 At times during the Plussing Method, the potency is raised in order to hasten the healing process.

Scirrhinum 
 Case
 CASE 1 September, 1995
 Male, 52 years, presented with a recurrence of cancer of the prostate, diagnosed as Stage III. The tumor was 6 cm., and there were four abnormal lymph nodes in the presacral region approximately 1.5 cm in size.
 (History: earlier in 1994, patient had undergone a transurethral resection of prostate [TURP], followed by radiation.)
 PRESCRIPTION
 Week 1: Conium 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Week 2: Scirrhinum 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Weeks 3-12: Same as Weeks 1-2
 (December, 1995, CT scan showed no trace of abnormal lymph nodes.)
 Months 4-10: Same as Weeks 1-2
 (Examination and tests showed no trace of tumor.)
 Doctor felt secure that the case had stabilized and, therefore, patient received Conium 1M and Scirrhinum 1M-alternating monthly, Split Dose Method. By mid-1998, treatment stopped and there has been no trace of recurrence to date.
 REMARKS
 In prostate cancer, Scirrhinum is prescribed more often than Carcinosin because usually the tumors are hard.
 At times during the Plussing Method, the potency is raised in order to hasten the healing process.

Cancer of the mammae 
Pulsatilla pratensis 
 Case
 CASE 25 January, 1995
 Female, 39 years, presented with a 1 cm. lump in right breast, lower quadrant, that had been diagnosed as cancerous, Stage II. One abnormal axillary lymph node was found; no other sign of metastasis. The woman refused a lumpectomy and turned to homoeopathy instead.
 (History: to regulate painful and irregular periods, she had undergone hormonal treatment several times.)
 The patient was overweight, could eat only a little at a time, but liked pastries; she was chilly but craved fresh air. She was gentle by nature; felt easily hurt or slighted; also low-spirited, mornings and evenings-all symptoms pointing to Pulsatilla.
 PRESCRIPTION
 Week 1: Pulsatilla 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Week 2: Carcinosin 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Weeks 3-8: Same as Weeks 1-2
 Slight reduction in size of lump.
 (CT scan confirmed that the tumor was reduced by 25%.)
 Months 3-6: Same as Weeks 1-2, but in the 1M potency By the end of this time, lump had disappeared and lymph node appeared normal.
 (CT scan showed everything clear.)
 Months 7-10: Same as Weeks 1-2, but in the 10M potency-weekly, Split Dose Method
 Thereafter, and for the next two years, the woman was administered alternating monthly doses of Pulsatilla 10M and Carcinosin 10M, Split Dose Method. During this time her periods became regular and pain free.
 On those occasions when a constitutional remedy is prescribed, it is intended either to assist the cancer nosode or organ specific remedy or to take over a case once the cancer is contained or controlled and the patient’s need for individualized constitutional treatment is perceived. One case example of each eventuality follows:

Carcinosinum 
 Case
 CASE 25 January, 1995
 Female, 39 years, presented with a 1 cm. lump in right breast, lower quadrant, that had been diagnosed as cancerous, Stage II. One abnormal axillary lymph node was found; no other sign of metastasis. The woman refused a lumpectomy and turned to homoeopathy instead.
 (History: to regulate painful and irregular periods, she had undergone hormonal treatment several times.)
 The patient was overweight, could eat only a little at a time, but liked pastries; she was chilly but craved fresh air. She was gentle by nature; felt easily hurt or slighted; also low-spirited, mornings and evenings-all symptoms pointing to Pulsatilla.
 PRESCRIPTION
 Week 1: Pulsatilla 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Week 2: Carcinosin 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Weeks 3-8: Same as Weeks 1-2
 Slight reduction in size of lump.
 (CT scan confirmed that the tumor was reduced by 25%.)
 Months 3-6: Same as Weeks 1-2, but in the 1M potency By the end of this time, lump had disappeared and lymph node appeared normal.
 (CT scan showed everything clear.)
 Months 7-10: Same as Weeks 1-2, but in the 10M potency-weekly, Split Dose Method
 Thereafter, and for the next two years, the woman was administered alternating monthly doses of Pulsatilla 10M and Carcinosin 10M, Split Dose Method. During this time her periods became regular and pain free.
 On those occasions when a constitutional remedy is prescribed, it is intended either to assist the cancer nosode or organ specific remedy or to take over a case once the cancer is contained or controlled and the patient’s need for individualized constitutional treatment is perceived. One case example of each eventuality follows:
 Supraclavicular and submandiular

Hecla lava 
 Case
CASE 61 November, 1995
 Female, 37 years, sought homoeopathic assistance for recurrent small, hard lumps cropping up around the supraclavicular and submandibular areas of her body. No fevers.
 (History: she had been operated on for non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, followed by chemotherapy, less than a year ago. Recent bone marrow aspiration report confirmed non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Stage IV.)
 The woman suffered from periodic digestive problems including nausea at the sight, smell, or even thought of food; also constipation. By nature she was hardworking, liked her job as an interior decorator, and took pride in being unsentimental and unemotional.
 PRESCRIPTION
 Week 1: Hekla lava 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Week 2: Scirrhinum 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Weeks 3-4: Same as Weeks 1-2
 A gradual reduction in size of lumps was noticeable.
 Months 2-3: Same as Weeks 1-2
 The gradual but satisfactory reduction in size continued.
 Months 4-6: Same as Weeks 1-2, but in the 1M potency Improvement continued-almost no signs of lymphomas.
 (Once a month the entire blood work was repeated and it showed steady, all-round improvement.)
 Months 7-9: Same as Months 4-6
 (Blood work showed continued improvement.)
 At this point, Dr. Ramakrishnan judged it time for the constitutional remedy.
 Months 10-12:Sepia 200 c-weekly, Split Dose Method
 Lymphomas all disappeared.
 Months 13-15:Same as Months 10-12
 Thereafter, and to date, the patient has been receiving Hekla lava 1M, Scirrhinum 1M, or Sepia 1M, once a month, Split Dose Method. There has been no recurrence.

Scirrhinum 
 CASE 61 November, 1995
 Female, 37 years, sought homoeopathic assistance for recurrent small, hard lumps cropping up around the supraclavicular and submandibular areas of her body. No fevers.
 (History: she had been operated on for non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, followed by chemotherapy, less than a year ago. Recent bone marrow aspiration report confirmed non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Stage IV.)
 The woman suffered from periodic digestive problems including nausea at the sight, smell, or even thought of food; also constipation. By nature she was hardworking, liked her job as an interior decorator, and took pride in being unsentimental and unemotional.

PRESCRIPTION
 Week 1: Hekla lava 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Week 2: Scirrhinum 200 c-daily, Plussing Method
 Weeks 3-4: Same as Weeks 1-2
 A gradual reduction in size of lumps was noticeable.
 Months 2-3: Same as Weeks 1-2
 The gradual but satisfactory reduction in size continued.
 Months 4-6: Same as Weeks 1-2, but in the 1M potency Improvement continued-almost no signs of lymphomas.
 (Once a month the entire blood work was repeated and it showed steady, all-round improvement.)
 Months 7-9: Same as Months 4-6
 (Blood work showed continued improvement.)
 At this point, Dr. Ramakrishnan judged it time for the constitutional remedy.
 Months 10-12:Sepia 200 c-weekly, Split Dose Method
 Lymphomas all disappeared.
 Months 13-15:Same as Months 10-12
 Thereafter, and to date, the patient has been receiving Hekla lava 1M, Scirrhinum 1M, or Sepia 1M, once a month, Split Dose Method. There has been no recurrence.

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Drdevendra Kumar munta

In case of advances stages of cancer it is suggested to go with Mother tinctures 'Q', and 6c, 30c, if physical generals are clear indication for the remedy, you can go with 200c potency.

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

In the treatment of cancers is the potency (as exemplified above) with which the plussing is initiated typically 200c? Many thanks–Kevdog