Prescribing a Single medicine:
The only true way....
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 1999 Nov / Dec VOL VIII NO 6.
Dr Madhusudan Adoni
This is a bicentenary year of Homoeopathy in proper and the topic for the essay is a very important one as our master Hahnemann has only one principal and that is practice of a sole medicament at a time. We see prescriptions with too much frequency and in low potencies at the same time; as also mixture of homoeopathy and allopathy. It is contemplated in the works of Hahnemann that in no case in treatment it is necessary and consequently we should not tolerate more than one medicament at one time. Homoeopathy is the art of true cure; simple and natural; it absolutely prohibits giving to the patient two different medical substances at the same time. Homoeopathy deals with the totality of the symptoms. The totality of symptoms must be the principal, indeed the only thing the physician has to make note of in every case of disease and to remove by means of art, in order that the disease shall be cured and transformed into health. Secondly, individuality is also one of the basic pillar on which homoeopathy proudly sits upon. Homoeopathy is most specific science because homoeopathy can have specific totality of symptom in a specific individual and when you master this technique, the patient's morbid economy will be taken true care by the medicinal economy which is done by master Hahnemann by drug proving.
Any substance, which can produce a totality of symptoms in a healthy human being, can cure that totality of symptoms in a sick human being. This is outlined by our basic principle Similia Similibus Curentur i.e. like cures likes. The Homoeopath therefore studies carefully the symptoms themselves in their totality, especially searching for individualizing traits which represent the resonant frequency that can be used for cure. Aphorism 16a states that it is not advisable after the utilization of the most suitable of the two (medicaments) to administer the other one without a new examination and much less to give them together. It is also said, "it is nevertheless, impossible to foresee how two or more medicinal substances can be combined; block and alter the action of the other one on the human organisms. So it is very important to stick to a golden rule: single medicine at a single time. The pluralists (those who use more than one remedy) will not be lacking in arguments, relying themselves on what their teachers taught them and on the apparently good results of their prescriptions endorsed by their numerous (clienteles) but not patient group. At this first reasoning one has to point out that none can give what he does not have; if they do not know homoeopathy how can they teach it?
As far as simultaneous use of allopathy and homoeopathy, at the end of the note to para 67 of Organon, Hahnemann speaks of "a new sect that mixes the two systems" and goes on to add "only because of saving themselves the trouble of investigating the appropriate homoeopathic remedy for each morbid case; but their action is on the same level as the system that they exercise, they are polluted; and these doctors conveniently appear as homoeopathic physicians without being such; but their performances are on par with the system they pursue, they are corrupting". I am quoting this because some recent classical Homoeopaths advise simultaneous use of allopathic drug in certain cases of cardiac origin along with single dose of the homoeopathic remedy. I do not understand this rational and at the same classical homoeopath writes about the best antidote to homoeopathic remedy is to administer any allopathic drug. And for this reason; if a homoeopathically disordered case must be antidoted; I would recommend allopathic drugs as a most reliable method for antidoting. So how does it fit to our master's method? To my mind there is nothing like classical homoeopath but there is only homoeopath in the style and footsteps of Dr Samuel Hahnemann and every homoeopath should and must follow the basics of homoeopathy that one should give only single remedy at a time.
To support my staunch faith in single dose at a time, I have a case of malignant hypertension with IHD who was on 4 allopathic drugs. I stopped all allopathic drugs and administered a dose of Natrum-mur 1 M- one dose every month for 12 months and findings in ECG have come to normal and hypertension is controlled. The wonder drug Natrum-mur was given on basis of sustained grief, which was a essence of patient as well as essence of remedy (core of remedy). This case was published in NJH (Jan '96 issue). The rule is that those who are on allopathy and want homoeopathy should opt for either of the two but not both in any form, You can modify the method to arrive at a similimum, basic rule remains the same. They are untouched and remain at the peak. To practice homoeopathy one should have adamant nature to stick on to golden rule. But remember, every pathy has its own limitations. I have got so many proven cases to support this golden rule e.g. pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and huge polycystic tumor of kidney.
Lastly I say, Homoeopathy is very easy. It is in the books. One need not invent anything. In other words, in order to exercise it well, one needs a median intelligence and unbreakable will towards daily study of doctrine and Materia Medica.
But this laborious selection, sometimes very laborious, to procure the most adequate homoeopathic remedy in every sense in each morbid state is an operation that in spite of all the admirable books they facilitate it (and now computers), usually requires the study of original source from Organon.
Hahnemann says, "This work is minute and arduous, nevertheless it is only one capable of putting one in condition to surely cure illness." Lastly, let us put into Homoeopathy what it is lacking; study it in the original sources and exercise it by note. Imitate me, but imitate me well! Dr Hahnemann said it in his deathbed. One exhorts to follow Hahnemann faithfully in benefit of our patients and of our ownselves. My last advice to all my fellow Homoeopaths and students is not to bring new nomenclature e.g. classical, ideal but to keep eye on only one word, "Hahnemann Homoeopathy"
Long live Hahnemann!!
Long live Homoeopathy!!!
