Although I am not a fan of most vaccines, this is a challenging time. Good science has developed a safe and effective vaccine, and I will accept it. My reasoning is that I am a health care worker and want to be safe for my patients and our community. It is basically a public health issue. While most vaccines are to help the person, this will help others not get sick or die. Therefore, this vaccine protects you. However as someone who practices holistic and preventive medicine, I see getting the vaccine as a spiritual experience of kindness to helping others not get sick. Too many people have died in all age categories. I will do telemedicine for those who choose not to be vaccinated. I have to protect my staff, family and patients. Especially those too young for the vaccine. Again, to me this is a spiritual act of kindness to others.
Do not take Tylenol or ibuprofen the day before the shot, but OK afterwards if needed. We needed to vaccinate those at risk first. With age and other medical problems, you are a greater risk to die from COVID-19 than the worries about side effects. It is up to you to decide. I agree that there are many unknowns, but with the risk/benefit ratio it appears best for most everyone.
I personally am extremely healthy. When it was time to vaccinate myself (2 shots were necessary), I took Ledum 30 C before and after the injection and a few hours later and if I have a sore arm as needed. The next day I took Thuja 200 C twice a day to offset any undesirable response for a few days. Remember that having side effects or not, the vaccine is equally effective.
Of course, I will continue to take my supplements and will practice safety of masking, social distancing, etc. However, as a physician, it will be necessary to be in close contact for evaluating symptoms and performing physical exams.
PS: I had both my vaccines and followed this regime and had no side effects. A little sore injection site that didn’t limit me at all. Remember we still need to use precautions even after getting the vaccine.
Be safe and stay healthy!
-Lev
Important Notes:
*Ledum 30C and Thuja 200C.
Both of these homeopathic remedies (Ledum 30C and Thuja 200C) are available at Castle Remedies. Call (734) 973-8990 to place an order for contactless pick up or shipping. We recommend the smallest size bottle (20 doses of each remedy, $12 altogether) if only 1 or 2 people are getting vaccinated. We have 40 dose and 80 dose bottles available as well.
*Each person is an individual who may react differently to vaccination. Communicate with your healthcare provider to learn what you can expect and contact the appropriate medical provider if you believe you are having an unusual reaction.
*Dr. Linkner's office is not administering COVID-19 vaccines. For information about when and how you can get vaccinated, visit your county's health department website. For Washtenaw county residents: https://www.washtenaw.org/3269/COVID-19-Vaccination
Download a printable version that you can share with family and friends.
These are my recommendations and not a prescription.
The following is antiviral, boosts immune system and decreases inflammation. Get from Castle Remedies: 734 973 8990
View recommended products from Castle Remedies. Call for pricing.
*These are Dr. Linkner's personal recommendations for your consideration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information should never preclude seeking medical care. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before starting new herbs, supplements or medications, especially if you are taking prescription medications, have a serious pre-existing health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Over several years, I repeatedly came across the same snippet of advice buried in different homeopathic articles and books: use Staphysagria to prevent mosquito bites. It was never accompanied by any explanation or directions, no cited sources, nor accounts of first-hand experience. I had questions.
Which potency? How often should I take it? Why Staphysagria? Has anyone actually tried this?
I reached out to the experts (Dr. Lev Linkner and Dr. Dennis Chernin!) and learned that a doctor named Henry Trexler conducted a field study on the matter and published his results in The Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy in 1965. Very, very interesting, although the study was not readily available to read. After an email to the president of the American Institute of Homeopathy, we were rewarded with a copy of the full study, which you can read below.
The study is a 5 - 10 minute read. It's interesting to consider the individual factors that can make the remedy more or less effective at repelling insects. While it's not perfect protection, what really is? I know I will be one of the first in line to try it out.
P.S. If you're looking for something to treat mosquito bites that have already happened, check out StingStop gel. It relieves the itchiness within seconds and helps bites heal faster.
As a bit of background, I first became interested in the varying degree of susceptibility to insect bites of men as a boy on the farm. I observed that certain individuals, as well as animals, seemed not to attract insects. This was especially noticeable in the case of bedbugs, honey bees, flies, and mosquitoes.
I remember my father telling about his cattle buying trips. In that particular section of the country, the hotel accommodations at that time were not the best He would say, “If there was one bedbug in the entire hotel, it would find me, while others were not bitten.”
About age 14, while helping to place a colony of honey bees into a hive, I was exposed to many of them crawling over my body without a single sting. When I was two or three years old, I was very badly stung by many bees with considerable edema of my entire body. I remember some of the boys in our crowd were very seldom bitten by flies or mosquitoes while several others received many bites.
I thought there was a close association between the intake of foods, liquids, drugs, etc. by mouth and its reaction through the skin of the body. I also recognized the possibility of this altering the chemistry of the body to deter insects from biting or animals from being friendly with humans.
This is very important both in military and civilian life. The insect menace, particularly mosquitoes, and their effect on the human race has presented quite a problem through the ages. Present military tactics make it extremely difficult to give mass protection. Individual protection for the military as well as civilians is more important than ever before.
It is a known fact that mosquitoes are carriers of certain diseases. But aside from this, simply preventing the inflammation and itching caused by mosquito bites is to eradicate a great and widespread human discomfort.
Dr. J. A. McKiel of the Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa, published an article in Modem Medicine, 9/1/59, stating that the mosquito bite produces an allergic reaction rather than skin irritation from a poisonous substance. According to reports, laboratory animals can be sensitized by injections of mosquito extract or by subjecting them to repeated bites.
Literature reveals the use of antihistamines to relieve the itching and discomfort of bites of mosquitoes.
When I began the practice of medicine, I became interested in drugs that might be used as a mosquito deterrent since the mosquito is a notorious carrier of disease. The use of a particular drug in my practice led me to believe that this might have the desired potentialities.
About 1942, my wife and I first used it internally for the purpose of deterring mosquitoes and noticed rather peculiar properties in its continued use, and I began to write down my observations.
The name is Delphinium staphysagria (Stavesacre). Literature reveals that it was known in the time of Hippocrates 400 B. C. It was introduced into homeopathic practice by Samuel Hahnemann in 1890 and has been used by the homeopaths ever since. Its early use, 1 to 3 gr., was an extremely toxic dose and because of the ensuing violent reactions, prescribing of it was temporarily discontinued.
To my knowledge and in the course of my research, I have been unable to find any literature where this drug has been used as a mosquito deterrent. The use to which this product is intended is to build temporary bodily immunity against the attacks and bites of mosquitoes and other insects. It not only is effective in preventing bites, but reduces the inflammation, itching, and swelling of bites received.
When the drug is taken internally it apparently is excreted through the skin and is offensive to mosquitoes. The short period of time it takes to produce the desired result after introduction into the body leads me to believe that it is excreted through the skin instead of changing the chemistry of the body.
One of the most difficult problems of this experimental work has been to ascertain the dosage.
The dosage of Staphysagria, as stated in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia is lx and higher. The term “higher” to the homeopath means to be a higher x power which is actually a smaller dose. One x would be comparable to a tenth of a grain; 2x a hundredth of a grain, and 3x one thousandth of a grain.
I have been using the homeopathic preparation equivalent to 1/1,000 gr. and have never found any toxic symptoms even when the number of tablets used per day was varied considerably. I might also add that in twenty-three years, I have never encountered any toxicity, nor cumulative effect when used in this dosage. I have tried different ways of using the tablets; the most effective being to dissolve them under the tongue at least 1 or 2 hours prior to exposure. The length of time of effectiveness seemed to vary with the individual.
The original work on this project was done with 3x dilution of Staphysagria on #6 discs. #6 disc is a convenient way of dispensing homeopathic dilutions as discs absorb approximately 1 drop or less of the dilution when it is poured over them. A sufficient amount should be poured into a vial to thoroughly medicate each disc. Later the 3x TT° was used; still later the 2x TT. The 2x gave better results than the 3x.
A pharmaceutical house checked the absorbing power of Staphysagria 3x dilution on #6 discs over a 36 hour period with the following results: “The #6 discs absorb % minim which would, decimally expressed, equal .00067 gr. of the drug, or expressed in common fractions approximately 1/1500 gr. per disc.
I checked the absorbing power of the #6 disc and 3x dilution of Staphysagria referring to the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and found the following:
“In every instance, the dry crude substance is to be taken as the starting point from whence to calculate its strength, and with very few exceptions, the mother tinctures contain all the soluble matter of one gram of the dry plant in ten cubic centimeters of the tincture.”
1 gm. to lOcc.
10 gm. to lOOcc.
100 gm. to lOOOcc. *
*TT=tablet triturate 148 JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY, MAY-JUNE 1965
The tincture, therefore, representing as it does, one-tenth part.
I am convinced that laboratory experiments are not of much value because there are too many individual factors; e.g. weather conditions, species of mosquitoes, type of person, etc.
Tests in Orlando, Florida, in the laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture, on animals were very unsatisfactory. They used two pills twice a day which is equivalent of 0.4 mg. of the drug per tablet. In each test, one pill was administered to a domestic rabbit every four hours for 3-4 days. On each day of treatment, after the first day, a comparison was made of the biting rate of mosquitoes on the treated rabbit. Screen wire cages containing 60 to 80 Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, five days old, were exposed to the clipping of the rabbit and the number of mosquitoes that fed were recorded. Two cages were exposed for five minutes on the untreated rabbit and vice versa. The results were not satisfactory.
The usual arm experiment where the arm is thrust into a cage is usually unsuccessful. It may be unsuccessful because a small portion of the body only is exposed while the whole body excreting the drug may be needed to build a sufficient protection to ward off the mosquitoes.
An official of a Canadian Chemical Company, in conjunction with the Department of Entomology of a University, has used this (2x TT; 3x dilution #6 discs) with very unsatisfactory results. Tuesday 5:00 P. M. arm in cage—15 bites. Two tablets 6:00 P. M., 11:00 P. M.; Wednesday, two tablets 8:00, 11:00, 1:00, 3:30. Arm inserted—12 bites—4 minutes.
A staff member of the National Institute of Health, used 1 guinea pig, one rabbit, and two men as test hosts. Dosage 8—14 tablets before the start of the tests. Each receiving the same quantity per day of the drug. The test insects were the mosquitoes Aedes Aegypti and Anopheles Quadrimaculatus, and four species of blood-sucking hemiptera. In the case of one man, no reduction in biting occurred. In the case of the three other hosts and all six species of insects, significantly fewer bites were received after the treatment. 3x TT, also 3x dilution on #6 discs were used.
In a Research, Development and Control Laboratory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the following results were obtained: Within the scope of the tests, it appeared that when the tablets were taken in accordance with the directions, they will not prevent insect visitation on humans, but will materially decrease insect bites by mosquitoes and stable flies in about 70% of humans exposed. Greater protection seems to be derived by males than by females.
With field testing, it was impossible to check on the different factors involved, such as wind velocity, the humidity of the air, etc. However, in my experimentations and field tests, the percentage of effectiveness has been considerably higher. There is definitely an individual factor involved which is very important.
Resume of my record of experimental field testing in my practice and acquaintances is as follows:
I find that I have used it in 32 states, Puerto Rico, and 11 foreign countries with an approximate total of 461 people. It was approximately 90% effective. In many instances it deterred flies and other insects from annoying the patient. This was true of the Mexican fleas, the midges in Finland, the little red bugs in Florida, and the gnats and green flies in the Poconos.
In one instance a man claimed the wasps did not annoy him while working near them, having previously been stung by them.
In a few instances, the 3x TT tablets were taken for one month without any reactions. One adult male took 3x TT, two t.i.d. for three weeks with no reaction. A female took 2x dilution and was free from mosquito bites. She later took Sulfa and grippe pills with no result with Staphysagria. Another patient had good results, but after being given Terramycin had no results with the tablets. A patient in the Strategic Air Command took 3x TT with good results. He was given antibiotics and subsequently had poor results after taking the deterrent. A 12 year old, without my knowledge, took two tablets, 3x TT, two or three times a day, for two weeks with no reaction. One patient took two tablets, 3x TT, every hour during his working day. I advised against this. However, he stated it was necessary because he perspired freely and is a big man weighing about 200 pounds. The reason for this frequent repetition of the dose is because, as soon as the mosquitoes sat on him, he took two more tablets. They would alight on him, but did not bite. One patient had good results except during menses when it was only 50% effective. A 25 year old school teacher, black hair, weighing 130 pounds, had excellent results with the 3x dilution #6 in New Jersey. She developed a throat infection and was given Aureomycin. About a month later she used the 3x TT with no results. The following summer while out West, she took 3x TT but was taking iron pills at the same time. Her results were only fair.
Two adults for five years previously had good results with the tablets. On their last trip across country, from Pennsylvania to the State of Washington, they had good results while taking the tablets. The following year they had poor results. They seemed to attribute this to polio injections they received prior to traveling.
A boy scout troop of eight, traveling from Pennsylvania to New Mexico and return, used the tablets with good results.
In nine cases the bites definitely improved within 24 hours after taking the tablets.
Summary
Conclusions
At present, many of my patients faithfully come to my office for a supply of medicine before going on vacation year after year.
Needless to say, the financial and physical resources of one man are too limited to carry out a large scale testing.
The time, effort, and financial expenditures over the last 23 years, in this research for a mosquito deterrent, has been a gratifying and worthwhile experience.
Table of Results
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY
MAY-JUNE 1965 STAPHYSAGRIA AND MOSQUITOES
‘Presented to the Bureau of Drug Pathogenesis and Therapeutics, 116th Anniversary Meeting, A. I. H., 6/26/60 to 7/1/60, Skytop Lodge, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania.
Please be aware of the following changes to our schedule due to the holidays:
| Date | Hours | |
| 12/24/20 | Christmas Eve | 9AM - 3PM |
| 12/25/20 | Christmas Day | CLOSED |
| 12/31/20 | New Years Eve | 9AM - 3PM |
| 01/01/20 | New Years Day | CLOSED |
Many Michiganders are unfortunately familiar with the acronym "PFAS" (which stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance), because several sources of our drinking water have been contaminated by these dangerous chemicals. A lot of the water contamination has been sourced back to factories illegally dumping chemical waste and routine testing of firefighting chemicals.
There have been many news stories in the last several years due to scandals involving township governments that have ignored or tried to cover up PFAS contamination in their drinking water. If you are not already filtering your drinking water, now is a great time to start! Although awareness about drinking water is rising, not many people realize that many everyday household products also contain PFAS.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that were invented in the 1950s and have become common in industrial and household products worldwide. They have properties that make them useful in applications like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, certain cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and any number of product designed to resist grease, water, and oil.
A large number of studies have evaluated the confirmed health risks of high blood levels of PFAS, which include:
Most commercially available dental floss has been coated with chemicals that contain PFAS in order to make it glide more easily around teeth. Dental floss picks are even worse - not only are you ingesting PFAS chemicals, each single-use pick generates unnecessary plastic waste.
If you're shocked to learn this truth about your floss, consider switching to a more eco-friendly and health-conscious alternative. We currently carry two varieties of naturally waxed and naturally flavored floss from Desert Essence. We may bring in more varieties in the future as well!
Tea Tree Oil Dental Tape
Here's a list of the most common sources of exposure, according to the CDC:
1. Drinking contaminated municipal water or private well water
2. Eating fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS (PFOS, in particular)
3. Accidentally swallowing contaminated soil or dust
4. Eating food that was packaged in material that contains PFAS. *Note: Many fast-food and carry-out food & drink containers have an inner coating that contains PFAS. How can you tell? Usually these containers are made from cardboard or paper and have a waxy coating on the inside that prevents the paper from absorbing liquid or grease.
5. Using some consumer products such as non-stick cookware, stain resistant carpeting, and water repellant clothing. *Note: If you are using non-stick cookware, especially if the coating has been damaged and is flaking off, switch ASAP to a non-coated option such as stainless steel, ceramic or cast iron.
Research has suggested that exposure to PFOA and PFOS from today’s consumer products is usually low, especially when compared to exposures to contaminated drinking water. Some products that may contain PFAS include:
Michigan PFAS Action Reponse Team
https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/
CDC: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
Further Reading: TreeHugger Article About PFAS in Dental Floss
https://www.treehugger.com/does-your-dental-floss-contain-pfcs-4858586
Further Reading: Lindsay Dahl Article About PFAS in Dental Floss
https://lindsaydahl.com/dental-floss-oral-b-pfas-safer-alternatives/
Blog Post by Caitlin Potere
Dr. Linkner’s view on the COVID-19 vaccine:
"Although I am not a fan of most vaccines, this is a challenging time. Good science has developed a safe and effective vaccine, and I will accept it. My reasoning is that I am a health care worker and want to be safe for my patients and our community. It is basically a public health issue. While most vaccines are to help the person, this will help others not get sick or die. Therefore, this vaccine protects you. However as someone who practices holistic and preventive medicine, I see getting the vaccine as a spiritual experience of kindness to helping others not get sick. Too many people have died in all age categories. I will do telemedicine for those who choose not to be vaccinated. I have to protect my staff, family and patients. Especially those too young for the vaccine. Again, to me this is a spiritual act of kindness to others.
Do not take Tylenol or ibuprofen the day before the shot, but OK afterwards if needed. We needed to vaccinate those at risk first. With age and other medical problems, you are a greater risk to die from COVID-19 than the worries about side effects. It is up to you to decide. I agree that there are many unknowns, but with the risk/benefit ratio it appears best for most everyone.
I personally am extremely healthy. When it was time to vaccinate myself (2 shots were necessary), I took Ledum 30 C before and after the injection and a few hours later and if I have a sore arm as needed. The next day I took Thuja 200 C twice a day to offset any undesirable response for a few days. Remember that having side effects or not, the vaccine is equally effective.
Of course, I will continue to take my supplements and will practice safety of masking, social distancing, etc. However, as a physician, it will be necessary to be in close contact for evaluating symptoms and performing physical exams.
PS: I had both my vaccines and followed this regime and had no side effects. A little sore injection site that didn’t limit me at all. Remember we still need to use precautions even after getting the vaccine.
Be safe and stay healthy!"
-Lev
Important Notes:
*Ledum 30C and Thuja 200C.
Both of these homeopathic remedies (Ledum 30C and Thuja 200C) are available at Castle Remedies. Call (734) 973-8990 to place an order for contactless pick up or shipping. We recommend the smallest size bottle (20 doses of each remedy, $12 altogether) if only 1 or 2 people are getting vaccinated. We have 40 dose and 80 dose bottles available as well.
*Each person is an individual who may react differently to vaccination. Communicate with your healthcare provider to learn what you can expect and contact the appropriate medical provider if you believe you are having an unusual reaction.
*Dr. Linkner's office is not administering COVID-19 vaccines. For information about when and how you can get vaccinated, visit your county's health department website. For Washtenaw county residents: https://www.washtenaw.org/3269/COVID-19-Vaccination
Click the button to download a printable version that you can cut and share with family and friends.
We accept orders over the phone for shipping. Call (734) 973-8990 to place your order. We ship within the United States via USPS Priority Mail. We do not offer expedited shipping options. We do not ship via UPS or FedEX. We do not offer international shipping.
The cost is typically $8, although if the package is very large, or going very far away, the charge might increase by a few dollars. (We'll notify you before proceeding if this is the case.)
You can expect your package to be processed and shipped out within 1 business day. Our out-going mail is picked up once daily. Once it enters the care of USPS, it typically takes between 3 - 7 business days to arrive at its destination, depending on far it is going. However, we have increasingly noticed delays occurring as the Post Office struggles under the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delays: In some cases we've noticed packages taking longer than expected to arrive, typically several business days. However, for some packages the delivery window stretches up to 8 to 15 business days.
Lack of Tracking Updates: We have also noticed that tracking information is often not updated for a package until the day of delivery, or even after it has been delivered. This can cause some confusion, because on the tracking website, it appears that USPS is still waiting to receive the package from Castle Remedies. This appears to be affecting Michigan-bound deliveries most frequently.
If your order is urgent or time-sensitive, we recommend arranging for contactless curbside pick up, since we cannot guarantee consistently fast shipping at this time. If you do place a shipping order you can expect us to process your shipping order as quickly as we can. However, once your package leaves Castle Remedies, we do not have any influence over the shipment. We ask for your patience and understanding. If any issues arise, don't hesitate to give us a call.
An herbal oil is a special preparation where dried medicinal herbs are steeped in oil and strained after a number of weeks. The resulting oil has been imbued with the healing properties of the herb and can be used topically (rubbed into the skin) for a variety of ailments. The herbs used vary – most people choose to infuse one herb at a time, but some others like to mix several herbs together for a “compound” oil. The oil used varies as well. The most common oil used is extra virgin olive oil because it has a long shelf life and has many therapeutic benefits on its own. Other common oils include coconut, almond, grapeseed, sunflower, castor, jojoba, shea, cocoa butter, or rosehip seed.
The use depends a lot on what herb is used. In general, they are used to relieve pain, prevent infection, reduce swelling, and speed healing of wounds and injuries. Other uses include aromatherapy, anointing, massage, as well as general moisturizing and skin care.
Herbal oils are for topical use only, which means they should applied only to the skin and never ingested. One big consideration when using oils is that the potential for them to stain your clothing and bedsheets. Use with care and wipe off any excess oil before putting clothes on.
There are several ways to use herbal oils in your daily life:
Trauma Oil (Product Page Link)
If you’re on the fence and would like to start with one, I would recommend Trauma Oil by Herb Pharm. It’s a combination of three common infused oils: Calendula, Arnica, and St. John’s Wort. It’s a really powerful combination and makes a great addition to any medicine chest.
Arnica Oil (Product Page Link)
Traditionally used for blunt trauma, closed injuries to soft tissue, general pain, soreness and bruises. Do not use on open wounds. An excellent massage oil for sore muscles after over doing it – whether from gardening, a work out or a home improvement project.
Calendula Oil (Product Page Link)
Traditionally used on scrapes, cuts, burns, cat scratches, rashes, bug bites, and dry skin. Works especially well on inflamed, minor wounds. Think cat-scratch-like wounds where the skin has been abraded or ripped.
Comfrey Oil (Product Page Link)
Traditionally used for joint pain, wound healing, and deep bruising, especially bruises to the bone. Do not use on puncture wounds. Do not use on wounds before disinfecting them. Best combined with Tea Tree Oil and Calendula Oil for open wounds.
Mullein Garlic Oil (Product Page Link)
Traditionally used to reduce pain and speed recovery from minor ear infection. Warm oil gently and apply drop-wise into ear canal or massage into the base of the ear.
St. John’s Wort Oil (Product Page Link)
Traditionally used for nerve pain, injuries to nerve rich areas, burns, and wound healing. As for nerve rich areas – think crushed fingers and toes, blows to the hands and feet, bruised tailbone, etc. It can also be used on the area surrounding an incision to help reduce pain.
Swiss research has just released a work on the data of more than 15,700 insured by a German health insurance company, SECURVITA, who have been treated with homeopathic therapies for at least three years and compared with an equally large control group that has not received homeopathic care but only ordinary care conventional.
A research work just published on the SECURVITA health insurance company website found that those who receive homeopathic care are significantly better off and need fewer conventional medicines than those who do not receive homeopathic care. This applies to children and adults who suffer from a wide range of pathological problems (the link provided in the first words of this paragraph will send you a PDF of an article in German).
Researchers with their work have emphasized how medical treatment with homeopathy is an important and effective addition to conventional medicine.
In daily care, homeopathy, in fact, shows a clear positive therapeutic effect and a better cost-benefit ratio for selected diseases than purely conventional therapies.
Securvita
This is demonstrated by a long-term care study which evaluated the data of 15,700 policyholders who had been regularly treated for at least three years by homeopathic health insurance doctors. The study showed that the homeopathic user group had health advantages over a conventionally treated comparison group in terms of economically important parameters such as hospital stays, drug use and sick days.
The results obtained were particularly noticeable in young children from birth: with homeopathic treatment, the number of young children treated with antibiotics decreased by 16.7% over the three-year study period, while it increased by 73.9%. in the comparison group.
Young children with allergies, neurodermatitis and asthma benefited particularly from homeopathic treatment compared to the comparison group.
Clearly positive effects were also found in adult patients in terms of decreased morbidity and related improvement in quality of life. For example, the use of painkillers decreased during homeopathic treatment in cancer patients and in more patients, while it increased in the comparison group.
The analysis of hospital data also showed the advantages of homeopathic treatment: for example, the number of hospital admissions for adults with depression decreased by 9.8% during homeopathic treatment. In comparison, hospitalizations in the conventionally treated comparator group increased by nearly 32.6% .
This has been confirmed in the development of periods of inability to work which were triggered by the depression and are very economically relevant. They decreased by 16.8% during homeopathic treatment, while absenteeism in patients treated exclusively with conventional medicine increased by 17.3%.
The study was conducted for Securvita Krankenkasse by the Leipzig Health Forum , an independent analytical institute specializing in health services research. The basis for the data collection was a contract between the health insurance company Securvita and the National Association of Legal Health Insurance Physicians (KBV). Compulsory health insurance physicians with additional homeopathic qualifications have been treating Securvita policyholders on the basis of this contract since 2009 and offer them in-depth medical history discussions, homeopathic counseling and therapeutic support.
The Securvita study provides many arguments for the coexistence of conventional medicine and homeopathy. Additional homeopathic training of doctors should be promoted.
“We don’t need fewer, but more homeopathic doctors who will continue on this successful path,” says Götz Hachtmann , director of the health insurance company Securvita.
Communication by:
SIMOH Biomedical Research Center
Italian School of Hahnemannian Homeopathic Medicine
From the American Institute of Homeopathy:
“Anticovid, the open access platform which gathers all available information regarding global clinical trials for SARS-CoV 2, lists ten clinical trials assessing the potential of homeopathy in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 symptoms. Some of them are observational, and others are controlled, randomized, and double-blind. The ten clinical trials are being conducted in Brazil, China, Cuba, India, and Iran.
You can find all ten trials here: https://covid.inato.com/search?query=homeopathy&page=1
For more on Anticovid: https://covid.inato.com/analysis”
In this blog, we will take a closer look at each study and highlight which homeopathic remedies the scientists are using in their approaches. At the time of writing, these studies are still underway, or are just beginning. It will be interesting to keep tabs on these studies and patiently wait for the results.
One interesting note is that most of the studies (9 out of 10) are using pre-chosen remedies for the entire patient population, rather than choosing an individualized remedy based on the symptoms presented by each patient. Tailoring the remedy choice to the patient and using a single remedy at a time form the basis of classical homeopathic practice. However, this classical approach does not translate well to epidemics. This “constitutional” approach requires lengthy, time consuming interviews, which reduces the number of patients that in-demand homeopaths can help.
Homeopathy has been utilized in past epidemics, such as when Hahnemann used Belladonna to treat scarlet fever. Ever since then, many different approaches to treating epidemic diseases with homeopathy have been proposed and explored. An epidemic disease often manifests a similar symptom picture in those whom it afflicts. This common symptom picture often leads practitioners to a single remedy which is used in the majority of cases, known as the “Genus Epidemicus.” Cuba has seen success in the past few decades using homeopathic combinations prophylactically during disease outbreaks. Read more about that here: https://magicpillsmovie.com/cuba-the-country-that-dares-to-be-wise/
The single remedies chosen in these studies have been chosen based on symptoms common in most COVID-19 infections. Some of these studies appear to be an attempt to find and prove the “epidemic remedy,” or genus epidemicus.
*This information is not intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. We present this information with the hopes that it will serve as a resource for those interested in reading about the scientific study of homeopathic medicine. If you wish to take steps to bolster your health, contact us for a list of local holistic practitioners who may be able to help. If you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your doctor or hospital immediately for further instruction.
The answers may surprise you, especially if you routinely purchase supplements online or from bargain bin stores. Companies that manufacture supplements are held to few standards in the United States, which has caused the market to be flooded with products whose quality ranges from unsafe to just barely adequate. It is for this reason that from day #1, Castle Remedies only stocks nutritional supplements from companies that are able to satisfy our rigorous standards of quality.
NOW Foods recently released the results of a series of product tests they performed on almost two dozen CoQ10 and SAMe supplements purchased online from Amazon.com. The tests were designed to reveal whether the products lived up to their labeling -- to determine if the products contained the ingredients and potency that they claimed.
The results: for CoQ10, no products passed the test. Out of 10 products tested, 5 out of 10 had less than 20% of the labeled potency. All 10 had less than 80% of the labeled potency. In 2 of the products, CoQ10 was not even detected!
For the SAMe trials, NOW was concerned not only about potency but also the stability of the product, since SAMe is relatively unstable and degrades rapidly unless it is protected by proper manufacturing techniques.
The results: for SAMe, no products passed the test and all products were suspected to be unstable or low potency forms of SAMe. Out of 10 products tested, 2 did not have any detectable SAMe and the rest had very low potency. Just a few products managed to squeak in at 50% potency.
The takeaways: not all supplements are created equal. A unfailing commitment to quality is the first feature that a supplement manufacturer should possess. Quality comes at a price, unfortunately, and companies offering bargain bin prices are often dangerously cutting corners. It's not worth saving a few dollars if the discounted supplement doesn't even contain the advertised ingredient.
Another important note is that many high quality supplement brands, like Metagenics, Ortho Molecular, Xymogen, and Pure Encapsulations, are "Doctor's Line" supplements, and are generally unavailable to purchase online without a doctor's recommendation. These brands have been targeted by fraudsters and counterfeiters who post real looking, but counterfeit products for sale online.
Always check directly with the manufacturer before considering purchasing these brands online from a 3rd party.
If only things could be simple again... Oh wait, you could just call Castle Remedies! We work directly with these manufacturers, ensuring your access to quality supplements. Ask about our generous Frequent Buyer Program, which nets you a $5 coupon every time you spend $100.
Read about NOW's test on their website by clicking the "Read More" button.
For those who are unfamiliar, flower essences are safe, gentle plant extracts that profoundly affect emotional health and balance. The original system of 38 different flower essences were discovered and developed by Dr. Edward Bach, a well-known bacteriologist, physician, and pathologist, in the 1920s and 1930s. Flower essences come in a liquid form that can be taken by mouth directly, added to drinks, or used in bathwater or room sprays. They have no known side effects or drug interactions.
The most famous flower essence is actually a combination of 5 essences, known as Rescue Remedy. This mixture was created by Dr. Bach to help people cope with emergencies and crises. It is often used for times of acute stress or anxiety to help the person relax, regain focus, and obtain a state of calmness. Rescue Remedy is an excellent product to have on hand in your holistic medicine chest. However, when time permits, it is a good idea to carefully study each of the 38 individual essences in order to find deeper healing.
We’ve put together a blog post highlighting several flower essences that may be particularly helpful during this stressful time. Flower essences can be taken one-at-a-time or combined with several other essences. Do keep in mind that flower essences should not replace other medications or talk therapy. For those with severe acute mental illness, seek emergency care.
Elm: For feeling overwhelmed by responsibility.
With the recent disruption in our social networks and daily routines, most people are finding that their roles and responsibilities have rapidly shifted. In many cases, this means taking on more responsibilities. Parents suddenly trying to homeschool their children, essential workers facing a mountain of tasks at work, and individuals helping out friends, family, and neighbors in need. Facing these circumstances, many would feel a lack of confidence, self-doubt, loneliness, and a dwindling amount of energy. Elm helps dispel these negative feelings and encourages us to reflect on the limits of our “ability to respond.” Elm allows us to shift our identity away from being the “hero” or the “rescuer.” In this way, we find the emotional space to balance helping others and helping ourselves.
Gorse: For feelings of hopelessness and despair.
For those who find themselves falling into depression and despair, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. In this state, we might even willfully refuse to be encouraged by good news or the positivity of those around us. When we fall ill, we might even think it’s incurable and nothing can be done to improve or heal. At the root of this downheartedness is a loss of faith. We have lost all hope and we think that there is no possible way forward. Gorse comes in like a lighthouse – a beacon of light that illuminates the path forward, reigniting the spark of hope in our hearts.
Impatiens: For feelings of impatience, frustration and irritability.
Impatience is a state of mind that is experienced by everyone at some point or another. However, when it becomes a state of being, we begin to live life at a rush, becoming bitter and irritable at other people who are slower or more methodical. We would prefer to work alone because we can get the job done faster. We may simply be thinking, “I want this to all be over NOW and everything to go back to how it was!” In this state, we may appear to be very busy and engaged, but the truth is that we are skating on the surface of life, missing the more subtle and gentle exchanges that can occur with others and the world around us. Impatiens flower essence encourages us to relax, slow down and become more receptive to the unfolding moment. (This remedy is part of Rescue Remedy).
Mimulus: For fear of something known.
This flower essence is an ally when we are experiencing fear of worldly things which we can readily name – illness, pain, accidents, poverty, loneliness, misfortune. We may quietly and secretly bear our dread, not feeling confident enough to speak freely of it to those around us. Mimulus helps us to meet these fears and transform them. It brings out the quiet courage and strength that lies hidden in all of us so that we can face the trials of life without fear.
Red Chestnut: For over-concern for the welfare of loved ones.
During times like these, it is completely rational and healthy to be concerned for the welfare of our friends, family, and loved ones. However, there may come a point when this concern becomes an amplified and all-consuming fear. This anxiety may start to have a negative effect not only on ourselves, but upon the people who we are worried for. Red Chestnut flower essence gently reminds us to pull back, reigning in and anchoring our mental and emotional energies. Our thoughts become calmer and less worried. In this way, we can become stable rocks on whom others can lean.
Rock Rose: For feelings of gripping terror, panic and fright.
Rock Rose is the foundational remedy of the 5-flower combination Rescue Remedy. Used during times of emergency, deep personal crisis, or cases where there even appears no hope. These feelings may have started small but have spiraled out of control into a panicky, terror-struck fear that makes conscious thought and decision nearly impossible. We might be facing severe illness, our own death, or the death of a loved one. We may even be having an “out of body” experience. Rock Rose restores calm and courage to the spirit so that we can meet these tremendous challenges with transcendent strength. (This remedy is part of Rescue Remedy).
Star of Bethlehem: For the after-effects of shock or trauma.
In the course of this tumultuous time of our lives, we may need to routinely face unexpected bad news, abrupt changes, and unwelcome happenings. The shock of these events can leave us feeling empty, disturbed, and lost. We may begin to feel “out of alignment” with our lives and the world around us. Star of Bethlehem flower essence is like a comforting, warm blanket that helps us readjust and feel safe again. (This remedy is part of Rescue Remedy).
White Chestnut: For unwanted, repetitive thoughts.
This flower essence is indicated when our mind becomes like a prison for our soul. Our thoughts become compulsive, intrusive, obsessive – looping endlessly, replaying and reanalyzing daily events and conversations. These thoughts may not necessarily be filled with anxiety or fear, but they endlessly circle around and around like a looped recording, breaking our concentration. We might even suffer from headaches, or insomnia, unable to turn our minds off and fall asleep. White Chestnut releases us from this mental prison, calming the mind and allowing us to think straight. We are able to calmly deal with any underlying problems.
Willow: For self-pity, bitterness, and resentment about one’s life situation.
During this time, we are all collectively experiencing misfortune and adversity. Many of us will find this difficult to accept, feeling that we have done nothing to deserve this. We may become bitter and resentful, eventually taking less interest and joy in the things that we previously enjoyed. We might withdraw into ourselves and feel ourselves become emotionally stuck, unable to move with the flow of life. In these circumstances, Willow flower essence offers to restore our resilience, allowing us to reclaim responsibility and flow more gently with, rather than against, the flow of life.
Yarrow Protection Magic: For multidimensional protection.
This combination flower essence remedy is handmade by local herbalist Bronwen Gates and contains White Yarrow, Golden Yarrow, Pink Yarrow, and sea salt. Yarrow is not one of the original 38 Bach essences, but all the same, it is a very powerful and important flower essence with a universal application. Yarrow “knits together” any openings in our energy fields (or “auras”), allowing us the protection to re-balance, stabilize, and heal. It bestows a shining shield of light which protects and unifies.
At Castle Remedies, we carry the original 38 Bach flower essences by FES (Flower Essence Society). They are available in 1/4oz bottles for $7.80 each. We carry many varieties of Rescue Remedy as well.
Read more about our collection of Rescue Remedy products
Read more about the 38 original flower essences
Read more about our collection of FES flower essences
Read more about Yarrow Protection Magic
Welcome to the blog! We hope you're enjoying this new feature of our website. Today we're going to share some of our go-to Castle favorites that we routinely lean on and recommend for support during stressful times in life. If you are interested in ordering any of these products, simply give us a call to place a shipping order, or call ahead to make sure we have them in stock for pick up. (734-973-8990, open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 11-4)
These products offer gentle and safe stress support without side effects or known drug interactions. However, if you suffer from serious plant family allergies or sensitivities to scent, always double check the ingredients to make sure they are safe for you.
Rescue Remedy
Bach Rescue Remedy is a flower essence combination that was invented in the 1930s and is still going strong today. We have several different products available in this line, including drops, sprays, gum, candies, and topical cream. There are kid-friendly and pet-safe versions as well. Flower essences are very similar to homeopathic remedies because they operate on an energetic level, which is perfect for engaging the emotional body. Rescue Remedy is subtle yet powerful. Our favorite product is the good old fashioned drops, which can be put into any drink or water bottle and sipped throughout the day. Every time you take a sip of the "medicated" drink, you are getting a dose of Rescue Remedy! Click the button below to browse our line of Rescue Remedy products.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid found naturally occurring in plant sources including green tea, black tea, and some mushrooms. There has been a flurry of research into this compound for its benefits, which include relaxation, improving sleep and improving mental focus. It is a very popular product for these reasons. We carry two L-Theanine products: a chewable tablet and a liposomal liquid that is taken orally. Please note that this supplement may not be appropriate for pregnant or lactating women, or by people who are pharmaceutical medications for blood pressure, stimulant medications (like those used for ADHD), or supplements that contain caffeine. If you fall into these categories, please check with your doctor first. Click the button below to check out our L-Theanine products.
Herbal Tinctures
Herbal tinctures are liquid supplements that are made by steeping herbal plant material in alcohol and water. We carry several herbal tinctures that can be used as needed to calm the nerves and help with the mild, occasional anxiety that can sneak up on anyone during acutely stressful times. Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Skullcap, and Lavender are all great options for this use. Lemon Balm and Chamomile both taste very nice, so they're at the top of our list. Skullcap and Lavender are extremely effective, but have strong tastes. Skullcap is earthy and quite bitter. Lavender is very aromatic and flowery tasting, like a concentrated version of the smell that most of us are familiar with. We also have a couple of useful combination tincture products from Herb Pharm, like Anxiety Soother and Anxious Moment Spray.
Herbal Teas
Sipping on herbal tea is an excellent way to calm down and center yourself. Not only are you hydrating and getting some nice plant phyto-nutrients, you're nourishing your emotional and mental health with healthy, organic, naturally occurring plant allies straight from the Earth. We carry dried organic Chamomile and Lavender from Starwest Botanicals in 4oz bags. Either one alone makes a nice, calming tea. Chamomile is a worldwide favorite. Note that these are loose teas, so you'd want make sure you have a tea strainer on hand, or empty tea bags that you can pack by hand. Our favorite is a 50:50 blend of Chamomile and Lavender, topped off with honey. Use 1 tsp of dried herb per 8oz freshly boiled water. Steep for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on strong you want it to be.
Aromatherapy Roll-Ons & Essential Oils
We have a wide variety of roll-ons and essential oils that can help decrease stress and anxiety levels. Lavender is the go-to essential oil for both roll-on and room diffusers. Chill Pill is a really pleasant alternative, which is a nice combination oil that has a more complex scent. Other options that shouldn't be overlooked include Rose, Neroli, Jasmine, Chamomile, and Vetiver. Rose and Jasmine feature more uplifting, floral scents. Neroli is also floral but more understated. Chamomile has a strong, sweet, apple scent. Vetiver is more of an earthy, grounding scent. While these are the most popular and obvious options, it's our opinion that you can't go wrong with any single oil that you find personally delightful. If picking one gives you anxiety, go for Lavender and forget the rest! Simply taking a moment throughout the day to pause and indulge in a ritual such as applying a roll-on or topping up your diffuser will help you to return and ground, again and again, to the present moment. We don't have them listed online yet, but please note that we have the following essential oils available as premade roll-ons: Chill Pill, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Medieval Mix, Rose, Peppermint, and Tea Tree. Click the button below to browse our essential oil products.
Flourish Flower Essence Sprays
We carry all 12 Flourish Sprays from Flower Essence Services. Several of them are appropriate for stressful times, but our favorite pick is Fear-Less. These sprays combine expertly formulated flower essences and tiny amounts of essential oils. They can be sprayed into the mouth and taken orally, sprayed in a room to create a sacred space, or misted over the face and body to inspire an instant shift in energy. Click the button below for more information about the full line of Flourish Sprays.
We hope that this information has been helpful to you. We receive lots of requests for information about products that can help with occasional anxiety and stress. Beyond using supplements to help you maintain peace of mind, don't forget to go outside and take a short walk! Fresh air, sunlight, and regular exercise are the fastest and cheapest ways to maintain mental and emotional balance. The therapeutic benefits of a walk through the forest can't be overstated. There are actually studies going on about this -- search for "Forest Bathing" to learn more. How wonderful!
