Georg
Soldner, Thomas Breitkreuz
Last
update: 21.07.2020
https://www.anthromedics.org/PRA-0939-EN
Introduction
An
integrative medical concept is required for prevention, understanding and
therapy of the new COVID-19 disease which appeared at the end of 2019. This
article summarizes preventive and therapeutic concepts and the practical
experience of anthroposophic doctors regarding COVID-19 from the authors’ point
of view, as far as this is possible at the time of publication.
Many
COVID-19 patients have been and still are being treated as outpatients with
Anthroposophic Medicine. Severe, advanced stages of the disease require
clinical treatment and possibly all measures of intensive care, up to temporary
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). At this level too, several
anthroposophic clinics in Germany are involved in patient care, up to and
including maximum intensive medical therapy. For example, Havelhöhe Community
Hospital in Berlin developed into a focal point for COVID-19 diagnostics and
therapy in the German capital. This demonstrates the specific integrative
medical competence of Anthroposophic Medicine in the field of conventional
medicine as well as in the extended complementary medical framework of a
regulative therapeutic approach. Scientific evaluation of this integrative
medical therapy is planned.
Viruses and
human beings – a dialogue
Many people
infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not fall ill or do so only slightly. Children are
largely protected against severe disease progression and, in contrast to
influenza, also play a subordinate role as carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1,
2). These facts alone show that in COVID-19 the pathogen is just as important
as the respective susceptibility to the virus and individual disposition to
disease. There is a relationship of biological dialogue involved (3) which
opens up valuable opportunities in both prevention and treatment, especially of
early stages of the disease. As important as it is to avoid infection by
washing hands, distancing, cough hygiene, mouth-nose protection and protective
goggles, etc., especially for medical professionals and so-called risk patients,
it is also essential to comprehensively strengthen the human immune system and
its resilience in dialogue with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This approach is at the
heart of a therapeutic procedure such as Anthroposophic Medicine, which is
primarily oriented towards self-regulation.
Other
approaches in complementary medicine, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM), also work in this direction. It is noteworthy that during a WHO hearing
at the end of March 2020 (4) Prof. Zhang Boli reported that 91.5% of all
COVID-19 patients recorded in China (about 74,000 patients) at that time
received integrative treatment with TCM, with medicines containing, e.g.,
bitter substances, which are also used in Anthroposophic Medicine. (Zhang Boli,
MD, TCM practitioner and Vice Chairman of the World Federation of Chinese
Medicine Societies (WFCMS).) Their activating effect on the immune system of
the respiratory tract has now been researched (5). According to Chinese
experts, this integrative approach has alleviated symptoms in many patients,
prevented the progression of the disease into severe stages and also reduced
the mortality rate. Since corresponding studies had not yet been published in
writing when this work went to press, we refer here to this expert hearing.
While in western countries, especially at the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic, symptomatic fever reduction was widely carried out, in therapeutic
experience such an approach, which is contrary to letting the organism
self-regulate, has often proven to be unfavorable. In Anthroposophic Medicine,
on the other hand, a positively regulating approach to fever is practiced as a
matter of principle, which should enable patients to develop fever at an
appropriate level. On the other hand, an integrative medical approach does not
exclude the use of conventional drugs for COVID-19 (e.g., Remdesivir (6)).
Infection
and disposition
The
SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the organism primarily via the mucous membranes in the
facial region (eyes, nose, mouth) and can penetrate early into the alveolar
space of the lungs. The infection itself is caused by the virus binding to the
ACE2 receptor, which normally has a protective function for the cardiovascular
system. The viral infection weakens this system. The path of infection means
that COVID-19 is primarily a disease of the respiratory and cardiovascular
systems, which in Anthroposophic Medicine are summarized as the rhythmic
system. This system plays a central regulating and balancing role in the human
organism, balancing between the head-centered neurosensory system close to
consciousness on the one hand and the motor-metabolic system centered below the
diaphragm (7, p. 23–46) on the other. The connection between the rhythmic
system and human soul experience is close. A first fundamental description of
this psychosomatic connection can be found in Rudolf Steiner’s book Riddles of
the Soul, see also (8). It is well known that every emotion changes respiration
and pulse rate and that stress and anxiety, for example, promote high blood pressure,
sinusitis and asthma, while moderate exercise, for example, has a balancing
effect on the health of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. According
to our own observations, mental/social conflict situations experienced as
stressful can also play a role in the medical history of patients with
pneumonia. If one looks at the human organism in this way, it becomes
understandable why, for example, sufficient sleep and exercise can increase
resilience against infections. Sunlight also plays an important role, not only
through the formation of vitamin D (if sunscreen is not used), but also through
direct light-dependent immune processes in the skin. Conversely, smoking and
air pollution, for example, weaken the rhythmic system. The first ‘epicenters' of
COVID-19 happened in ecologically massively impaired conurbations such as Wuhan
and Lombardy in northern Italy (9). For the genesis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus,
ecological correlations – particularly the relationship between humans and
animals – probably play a major role (10).
We find
that based on this the constitutional disposition for COVID-19 disease can be
noted in a first approximation as follows:
anxiety,
stress,
lack of
sleep,
lack of
exercise and the light/vitamin D deficiency that is often correlated,
insufficient
warmth generation and distribution,
malnutrition,
vitamin and trace element deficiency, high sugar consumption (5),
nicotine
and alcohol,
older age.
All these
factors can be accompanied by a weakening of the rhythmic system (respiratory and
cardiovascular systems) and immune system.
COVID-19
Georg
Soldner, Thomas Breitkreuz
Last
update: 21.07.2020
Introduction
An
integrative medical concept is required for prevention, understanding and
therapy of the new COVID-19 disease which appeared at the end of 2019. This
article summarizes preventive and therapeutic concepts and the practical
experience of anthroposophic doctors regarding COVID-19 from the authors’ point
of view, as far as this is possible at the time of publication.
Many
COVID-19 patients have been and still are being treated as outpatients with
Anthroposophic Medicine. Severe, advanced stages of the disease require
clinical treatment and possibly all measures of intensive care, up to temporary
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). At this level too, several
anthroposophic clinics in Germany are involved in patient care, up to and
including maximum intensive medical therapy. For example, Havelhöhe Community
Hospital in Berlin developed into a focal point for COVID-19 diagnostics and
therapy in the German capital. This demonstrates the specific integrative
medical competence of Anthroposophic Medicine in the field of conventional
medicine as well as in the extended complementary medical framework of a
regulative therapeutic approach. Scientific evaluation of this integrative
medical therapy is planned.
Viruses and
human beings – a dialogue
Many people
infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not fall ill or do so only slightly. Children are
largely protected against severe disease progression and, in contrast to
influenza, also play a subordinate role as carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1,
2). These facts alone show that in COVID-19 the pathogen is just as important
as the respective susceptibility to the virus and individual disposition to
disease. There is a relationship of biological dialogue involved (3) which
opens up valuable opportunities in both prevention and treatment, especially of
early stages of the disease. As important as it is to avoid infection by
washing hands, distancing, cough hygiene, mouth-nose protection and protective
goggles, etc., especially for medical professionals and so-called risk patients,
it is also essential to comprehensively strengthen the human immune system and
its resilience in dialogue with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This approach is at the
heart of a therapeutic procedure such as Anthroposophic Medicine, which is
primarily oriented towards self-regulation.
Other
approaches in complementary medicine, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM), also work in this direction. It is noteworthy that during a WHO hearing
at the end of March 2020 (4) Prof. Zhang Boli reported that 91.5% of all
COVID-19 patients recorded in China (about 74,000 patients) at that time
received integrative treatment with TCM, with medicines containing, e.g.,
bitter substances, which are also used in Anthroposophic Medicine. (Zhang Boli,
MD, TCM practitioner and Vice Chairman of the World Federation of Chinese
Medicine Societies (WFCMS).) Their activating effect on the immune system of
the respiratory tract has now been researched (5). According to Chinese
experts, this integrative approach has alleviated symptoms in many patients,
prevented the progression of the disease into severe stages and also reduced
the mortality rate. Since corresponding studies had not yet been published in
writing when this work went to press, we refer here to this expert hearing.
While in western countries, especially at the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic, symptomatic fever reduction was widely carried out, in therapeutic
experience such an approach, which is contrary to letting the organism
self-regulate, has often proven to be unfavorable. In Anthroposophic Medicine,
on the other hand, a positively regulating approach to fever is practiced as a
matter of principle, which should enable patients to develop fever at an
appropriate level. On the other hand, an integrative medical approach does not
exclude the use of conventional drugs for COVID-19 (e.g., Remdesivir (6)).
Infection
and disposition
The
SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the organism primarily via the mucous membranes in the
facial region (eyes, nose, mouth) and can penetrate early into the alveolar
space of the lungs. The infection itself is caused by the virus binding to the
ACE2 receptor, which normally has a protective function for the cardiovascular
system. The viral infection weakens this system. The path of infection means
that COVID-19 is primarily a disease of the respiratory and cardiovascular
systems, which in Anthroposophic Medicine are summarized as the rhythmic
system. This system plays a central regulating and balancing role in the human
organism, balancing between the head-centered neurosensory system close to
consciousness on the one hand and the motor-metabolic system centered below the
diaphragm (7, p. 23–46) on the other. The connection between the rhythmic
system and human soul experience is close. A first fundamental description of
this psychosomatic connection can be found in Rudolf Steiner’s book Riddles of
the Soul, see also (8). It is well known that every emotion changes respiration
and pulse rate and that stress and anxiety, for example, promote high blood pressure,
sinusitis and asthma, while moderate exercise, for example, has a balancing
effect on the health of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. According
to our own observations, mental/social conflict situations experienced as
stressful can also play a role in the medical history of patients with
pneumonia. If one looks at the human organism in this way, it becomes
understandable why, for example, sufficient sleep and exercise can increase
resilience against infections. Sunlight also plays an important role, not only
through the formation of vitamin D (if sunscreen is not used), but also through
direct light-dependent immune processes in the skin. Conversely, smoking and
air pollution, for example, weaken the rhythmic system. The first ‘epicenters' of
COVID-19 happened in ecologically massively impaired conurbations such as Wuhan
and Lombardy in northern Italy (9). For the genesis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus,
ecological correlations – particularly the relationship between humans and
animals – probably play a major role (10).
We find
that based on this the constitutional disposition for COVID-19 disease can be
noted in a first approximation as follows:
anxiety,
stress,
lack of
sleep,
lack of
exercise and the light/vitamin D deficiency that is often correlated,
insufficient
warmth generation and distribution,
malnutrition,
vitamin and trace element deficiency, high sugar consumption (5),
nicotine
and alcohol,
older age.
All these
factors can be accompanied by a weakening of the rhythmic system (respiratory and
cardiovascular systems) and immune system.
Less
Prevention
Conversely,
this already provides important preventive possibilities in terms of
strengthening resilience:
Care of
personal body warmth (exercise, nutrition, clothing); suitable teas, e.g.,
ginger/lemon/honey tea; active and possibly passive warming of cool extremities
(warming foot baths and oil rubs); restrained use of air conditioning.
Fostering
mental and physical balance by cultivating relationships (!), spending time in
the great outdoors (!), singing, meditation and meditative movement exercises
(e.g., yoga, eurythmy).
Stress
reduction, especially reduction of screen media time; conscious handling of
social conflicts.
Care of
vitality-promoting rhythms: regular meal times and meal breaks, healthy sleep
rhythm, sufficient nightly sleep.
Regular
exercise in sunlight. In the case of
slight infections, reduce physical strain.
Wholefood
diet, freshly cooked food, (bitter) vegetables, fruits (vitamin C, etc.).
Moderate
consumption of sweets, restraint with alcohol, avoidance of nicotine.
Clinically
there is often an increased susceptibility to infections due to zinc (11) and
iron deficiency (12). The ACE2 receptor is also a zinc-containing enzyme
(metallocarboxypeptidase). In the area of the lungs, iron plays a central
physiological role in oxygen exchange. Immune processes against invading
microorganisms are directly linked to iron and targeted production of free
oxygen radicals and are particularly important in the respiratory tract.
Corresponding trace element deficiencies should be avoided or compensated.
In medical
terms, Anthroposophic Medicine offers the following possibilities for
strengthening resilience to viral respiratory tract infections:
Meteoreisen
(Meteoric iron) pilules WALA: 10 pil. 10 x daily in the morning on an empty
stomach; for unspecific signs of an upper respiratory tract infection 10 pil. 3
x daily.
Ingredients:
Ferrum sidereum D11, phosphorus D5, quartz D11 (conjointly potentized in the
final step).
This
preparation has proven itself for many years in the prophylaxis and therapy of
influenza. “The composition combines three mineral substances (phosphorus,
quartz, meteoritic iron), which show a strong relationship to light and are
leading substances in meteorites. It strengthens the inner relationship to
light, presence of the ‘I’ and immunocompetence, especially during winter.”
(13, p. 540) This medication is widely recommended and used for prevention in
connection with SARS-CoV-2.
Echinacea
seems to be suitable for increasing resilience towards this pathogen in a
phytotherapeutic context:
Echinacea
Mund- und Rachenspray (Echinacea mouth and throat spray) WALA: 5 sprays into
the throat 2–3 x daily
Ingredients:
Argentum nitricum D13; Calendula officinalis, Flos 20%; Echinacea pallida,
Herba 20%; Eucalyptus globulus e foliis D1; Gingiva bovis Gl D4; Gingiva bovis
Gl D8; Salvia officinalis, Folium 20%; Tonsillae palatinae bovis Gl D4; Tonsillae
palatinae bovis Gl D8.
In
preclinical studies (as yet unpublished at the time of going to press),
echinacea extracts increase resilience against the adhesion and penetration of
corona viruses into the mucosa of the respiratory tract. From the point of view
of and according to the therapeutic experience of Anthroposophic Medicine,
echinacea extracts strengthen the human warmth organization, and echinacea,
calendula and sage enhance resilience against the penetration and advance of
pathogenic micro-organisms. Potentized silver nitrate can counteract
inflammation of the mucous membranes.
If the
patient is prone to iron deficiency, headaches and susceptibility to
infections:
Ferrum-Ouarz
capsules (Bidor) WELEDA: 1 capsule 1 x daily in the morning
(original
substance produced from Ferrum sulfuricum, Mel, Vinum, quartz),
which
contains iron in an elaborately produced complex with sulfur and silicic acid
in a well-tolerated form. Zinc can be supplied dietetically or as a supplement.
Zinc-rich
foods include poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, oat
flakes, sesame seeds and whole grain flour.
COVID-19
Georg
Soldner, Thomas Breitkreuz
Last
update: 21.07.2020
Introduction
An
integrative medical concept is required for prevention, understanding and
therapy of the new COVID-19 disease which appeared at the end of 2019. This
article summarizes preventive and therapeutic concepts and the practical
experience of anthroposophic doctors regarding COVID-19 from the authors’ point
of view, as far as this is possible at the time of publication.
Many
COVID-19 patients have been and still are being treated as outpatients with
Anthroposophic Medicine. Severe, advanced stages of the disease require
clinical treatment and possibly all measures of intensive care, up to temporary
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). At this level too, several
anthroposophic clinics in Germany are involved in patient care, up to and
including maximum intensive medical therapy. For example, Havelhöhe Community
Hospital in Berlin developed into a focal point for COVID-19 diagnostics and
therapy in the German capital. This demonstrates the specific integrative
medical competence of Anthroposophic Medicine in the field of conventional
medicine as well as in the extended complementary medical framework of a
regulative therapeutic approach. Scientific evaluation of this integrative
medical therapy is planned.
Viruses and
human beings – a dialogue
Many people
infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not fall ill or do so only slightly. Children are
largely protected against severe disease progression and, in contrast to
influenza, also play a subordinate role as carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (1,
2). These facts alone show that in COVID-19 the pathogen is just as important
as the respective susceptibility to the virus and individual disposition to
disease. There is a relationship of biological dialogue involved (3) which
opens up valuable opportunities in both prevention and treatment, especially of
early stages of the disease. As important as it is to avoid infection by
washing hands, distancing, cough hygiene, mouth-nose protection and protective
goggles, etc., especially for medical professionals and so-called risk
patients, it is also essential to comprehensively strengthen the human immune
system and its resilience in dialogue with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This approach
is at the heart of a therapeutic procedure such as Anthroposophic Medicine,
which is primarily oriented towards self-regulation.
Other
approaches in complementary medicine, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM), also work in this direction. It is noteworthy that during a WHO hearing
at the end of March 2020 (4) Prof. Zhang Boli reported that 91.5% of all
COVID-19 patients recorded in China (about 74,000 patients) at that time
received integrative treatment with TCM, with medicines containing, e.g.,
bitter substances, which are also used in Anthroposophic Medicine. (Zhang Boli,
MD, TCM practitioner and Vice Chairman of the World Federation of Chinese
Medicine Societies (WFCMS).) Their activating effect on the immune system of
the respiratory tract has now been researched (5). According to Chinese
experts, this integrative approach has alleviated symptoms in many patients,
prevented the progression of the disease into severe stages and also reduced
the mortality rate. Since corresponding studies had not yet been published in
writing when this work went to press, we refer here to this expert hearing.
While in western countries, especially at the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic, symptomatic fever reduction was widely carried out, in therapeutic
experience such an approach, which is contrary to letting the organism
self-regulate, has often proven to be unfavorable. In Anthroposophic Medicine,
on the other hand, a positively regulating approach to fever is practiced as a
matter of principle, which should enable patients to develop fever at an
appropriate level. On the other hand, an integrative medical approach does not
exclude the use of conventional drugs for COVID-19 (e.g., Remdesivir (6)).
Infection
and disposition
The
SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the organism primarily via the mucous membranes in the
facial region (eyes, nose, mouth) and can penetrate early into the alveolar
space of the lungs. The infection itself is caused by the virus binding to the
ACE2 receptor, which normally has a protective function for the cardiovascular
system. The viral infection weakens this system. The path of infection means
that COVID-19 is primarily a disease of the respiratory and cardiovascular
systems, which in Anthroposophic Medicine are summarized as the rhythmic
system. This system plays a central regulating and balancing role in the human
organism, balancing between the head-centered neurosensory system close to
consciousness on the one hand and the motor-metabolic system centered below the
diaphragm (7, p. 23–46) on the other. The connection between the rhythmic
system and human soul experience is close. A first fundamental description of
this psychosomatic connection can be found in Rudolf Steiner’s book Riddles of
the Soul, see also (8). It is well known that every emotion changes respiration
and pulse rate and that stress and anxiety, for example, promote high blood
pressure, sinusitis and asthma, while moderate exercise, for example, has a
balancing effect on the health of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
According to our own observations, mental/social conflict situations
experienced as stressful can also play a role in the medical history of
patients with pneumonia. If one looks at the human organism in this way, it
becomes understandable why, for example, sufficient sleep and exercise can
increase resilience against infections. Sunlight also plays an important role,
not only through the formation of vitamin D (if sunscreen is not used), but
also through direct light-dependent immune processes in the skin. Conversely,
smoking and air pollution, for example, weaken the rhythmic system. The first
‘epicenters' of COVID-19 happened in ecologically massively impaired
conurbations such as Wuhan and Lombardy in northern Italy (9). For the genesis
of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, ecological correlations – particularly the
relationship between humans and animals – probably play a major role (10).
We find
that based on this the constitutional disposition for COVID-19 disease can be
noted in a first approximation as follows:
anxiety,
stress,
lack of
sleep,
lack of
exercise and the light/vitamin D deficiency that is often correlated,
insufficient
warmth generation and distribution,
malnutrition,
vitamin and trace element deficiency, high sugar consumption (5),
nicotine
and alcohol,
older age.
All these
factors can be accompanied by a weakening of the rhythmic system (respiratory
and cardiovascular systems) and immune system.
Less
Prevention
Conversely,
this already provides important preventive possibilities in terms of
strengthening resilience:
Care of
personal body warmth (exercise, nutrition, clothing); suitable teas, e.g.,
ginger/lemon/honey tea; active and possibly passive warming of cool extremities
(warming foot baths and oil rubs); restrained use of air conditioning.
Fostering
mental and physical balance by cultivating relationships (!), spending time in
the great outdoors (!), singing, meditation and meditative movement exercises
(e.g., yoga, eurythmy).
Stress
reduction, especially reduction of screen media time; conscious handling of
social conflicts.
Care of
vitality-promoting rhythms: regular meal times and meal breaks, healthy sleep
rhythm, sufficient nightly sleep.
Regular
exercise in sunlight. In the case of
slight infections, reduce physical strain.
Wholefood
diet, freshly cooked food, (bitter) vegetables, fruits (vitamin C, etc.).
Moderate
consumption of sweets, restraint with alcohol, avoidance of nicotine.
Clinically
there is often an increased susceptibility to infections due to zinc (11) and
iron deficiency (12). The ACE2 receptor is also a zinc-containing enzyme
(metallocarboxypeptidase). In the area of the lungs, iron plays a central
physiological role in oxygen exchange. Immune processes against invading
microorganisms are directly linked to iron and targeted production of free
oxygen radicals and are particularly important in the respiratory tract.
Corresponding trace element deficiencies should be avoided or compensated.
In medical
terms, Anthroposophic Medicine offers the following possibilities for
strengthening resilience to viral respiratory tract infections:
Meteoreisen
(Meteoric iron) pilules WALA: 10 pil. 10 x daily in the morning on an empty
stomach; for unspecific signs of an upper respiratory tract infection 10 pil. 3
x daily.
Ingredients:
Ferrum sidereum D11, phosphorus D5, quartz D11 (conjointly potentized in the
final step).
This
preparation has proven itself for many years in the prophylaxis and therapy of
influenza. “The composition combines three mineral substances (phosphorus,
quartz, meteoritic iron), which show a strong relationship to light and are
leading substances in meteorites. It strengthens the inner relationship to
light, presence of the ‘I’ and immunocompetence, especially during winter.”
(13, p. 540) This medication is widely recommended and used for prevention in
connection with SARS-CoV-2.
Echinacea
seems to be suitable for increasing resilience towards this pathogen in a
phytotherapeutic context:
Echinacea
Mund- und Rachenspray (Echinacea mouth and throat spray) WALA: 5 sprays into
the throat 2–3 x daily
Ingredients:
Argentum nitricum D13; Calendula officinalis, Flos 20%; Echinacea pallida,
Herba 20%; Eucalyptus globulus e foliis D1; Gingiva bovis Gl D4; Gingiva bovis
Gl D8; Salvia officinalis, Folium 20%; Tonsillae palatinae bovis Gl D4;
Tonsillae palatinae bovis Gl D8.
In
preclinical studies (as yet unpublished at the time of going to press),
echinacea extracts increase resilience against the adhesion and penetration of
corona viruses into the mucosa of the respiratory tract. From the point of view
of and according to the therapeutic experience of Anthroposophic Medicine,
echinacea extracts strengthen the human warmth organization, and echinacea,
calendula and sage enhance resilience against the penetration and advance of
pathogenic micro-organisms. Potentized silver nitrate can counteract
inflammation of the mucous membranes.
If the
patient is prone to iron deficiency, headaches and susceptibility to
infections:
Ferrum-Ouarz
capsules (Bidor) WELEDA: 1 capsule 1 x daily in the morning
(original
substance produced from Ferrum sulfuricum, Mel, Vinum, quartz),
which
contains iron in an elaborately produced complex with sulfur and silicic acid
in a well-tolerated form. Zinc can be supplied dietetically or as a supplement.
Zinc-rich
foods include poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, oat
flakes, sesame seeds and whole grain flour.
Less
Disease
pattern
COVID-19
disease shows a characteristic temporal sequence. Its weekly rhythm offers a
certain orientation. The incubation period is usually between 3 and 7 days
(fluctuation range 1–14 days). The end of the first week of illness often plays
a decisive role in the course of the disease. Accordingly, guidance of patients
should be rigorous already in the first week of illness (sick leave, relief,
rest).
Influenza
stage
A
characteristic early symptom is a
usually
temporary loss of the ability to smell and taste.
Other
symptoms in the initial, influenza stage of the disease are
fever
headache
and sore throat
cough, dry,
but sometimes with mucus,
diarrhea.
The lab
results may show lymphopenia, increased prothrombin time, LDH and D-dimers –
the issue of blood coagulation must always be taken into account with COVID-19,
especially during hospitalization and in cases of limited mobility, and
appropriate prophylaxis must be initiated if necessary. A positive swab result
(PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 is relatively reliable; initially false negative results
are not uncommon even in infected people (14).
In the
experience of Chinese doctors, this first phase of the illness can be regarded
as a “golden window” for regulative treatment. The aim here is to stabilize the
patient, alleviate the symptoms of the disease and above all prevent pneumonia.
This goal justifies intensive treatment with anthroposophic medications at this
stage of the disease, as described by the authors in the next section. The
symptoms of the disease initially show that the person’s immune system, which
is centrally linked to their individual warmth organization, is actively trying
to stop further virus replication. In this respect, the symptoms themselves are
signs of meaningful activity of the organism in “dialogue” with the virus.
Warmth and self-regulation, not symptom suppression, are therefore the focus. In
the majority of cases, the course of the disease, often lasting about one to
two weeks, is followed by a considerable convalescence period, since SARS-CoV-2
infections are often followed by significant exhaustion. The time needed for
convalescence must be taken into account.
COVID-19
pneumonia
The second
stage of the disease, COVID-19 pneumonia, can occur quickly, but in many cases
not until about a week after the onset of symptoms. It follows that careful
treatment and care during the first week of illness is all the more important.
The
pneumonia initially appears in the thoracic CT in characteristic milky
glass-like changes that indicate a developing interstitial edema (15). The
oxygen saturation of the blood drops and the breathing frequency increases,
often without the patient clearly noticing this. – At this stage of the
disease, it is appropriate to use Anthroposophic Medicine’s approach to
treating outpatient-acquired pneumonia (which often has viral causes), which
has been tried and tested for decades. Great importance is attached to external
applications and the injection of anthroposophic medicines. The aim here is to
further strengthen the person’s immunological self-regulation and individual
warmth organization and at the same time to counteract an independent increase
in inflammatory edema in the lungs. The treatment stimulates respiration and
excretion processes. Figuratively speaking, the aim is to prevent the lungs
from “drowning” in the inflammatory interstitial edema. Breathing and self-regulation
are central. If COVID-19 pneumonia occurs, CT images and clinical experience
show that the course of the disease can be expected to last approximately four
weeks, even if no invasive intensive care measures are taken. The peak in the
disease process, as far as the pneumonia itself is concerned, is generally
reached towards the end of the 2nd week of illness. Convalescence can take a
long time and must be carefully monitored.
Acute
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and multiple organ failure
If a full
picture of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (16) develops from this,
often in the course of the 2nd week of illness, the focus will be on a
correspondingly extensive intensive medical treatment, which will not be
discussed in detail here. The exceptionally long ventilation times of COVID-19
patients with ARDS are well known. Patients are particularly at risk of
developing a septic inflammatory derailment of the immune system (“cytokine
storm” (17)). The clinical picture thus reaches far beyond the rhythmic system.
This excessive immune reaction can lead to disseminated intravascular
coagulation (DIC), endothelial damage with capillary leakage and multiple organ
failure. In addition, direct viral endotheliitis (18) is also discussed,
mediated by generalized endothelial infection through binding to the
endothelial ACE2 receptor. Laboratory chemical increases may include CRP, LDH,
IL-6, D-dimer, ferritin and NT-proBNP.
From the
point of view Anthroposophic Medicine, intensive medical treatment can be
supplemented by measures that primarily support circulation and the basic life
processes of the organism. In case of imminent multi-organ failure, the
organism’s vital functions are central. The clinical picture no longer shows a
clear temporal structure in the course of the disease, which is an expression
of failing self-regulation.
1. Infuenza
stage
Medication
In this
stage of the disease, antipyretics, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are
not usually indicated. In contrast, anthroposophic medicines and external
applications that strengthen self-regulation of the organism represent an
appropriate and widely available medicinal treatment strategy. Here the therapy
not only aims to relieve the (in principle self-limiting) symptoms, it also
seeks to prevent progression to the stage of pneumonia or even the 3rd stage of
ARDS and sepsis. Although no clinical studies are available at the time of
going to press, the authors’ therapeutic experience and the experience of other
anthroposophic medical colleagues clearly confirm the effectiveness of the not
undemanding therapy listed below, provided it is carried out early and
consistently enough. Appropriate rest and relief for the patient is a strict
requirement: sick leave, bed rest in case of fever, media abstention, basically
strict nicotine abstention, etc.
Mild
abortive courses with moderate fever, no involvement of the lower respiratory
tract and vital patients without concomitant diseases require only oral,
symptomatic treatment. Suitable in such cases is the anthroposophic mixture
Infludoron®
(Ferrum phos. comp.) pilules WELEDA: 10–15 pilules 5 x daily.
Ingredients: Aconitum napellus D1, Bryonia D1, Eucalyptus Ø,
Eupatorium perfoliatum D1, Ferrum phosphoricum D6, Sabadilla Ø.
This
composition already has a preventive effect on the possible progression of the
infection in the lower respiratory tract and has a regulating effect on the
feverish response of the immune system. It is suitable for lighter courses and
should not be given for longer than 5–7 days.
In case of
headache and aching limbs it can be supplemented by
Gelsemium
comp. pilules WALA: 10 pil. 5 x daily.
Ingredients: Bryonia cretica D2, Gelsemium sempervirens e
rhizoma D14, Gelsemium sempervirens e rhizoma D2, Vivianit D7.
For
patients with bronchitic symptoms, for older and weakened patients, patients
with concomitant diseases (arterial hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus type
2) and all other risk patients, whereby obesity (19) must also be mentioned,
the comprehensive therapy concept described below is recommended:
Meteoreisen
Inject (Meteoric iron) amp. WALA and
Pulmo/Vivianit
comp. amp. WALA: mixed in the syringe (1 amp. each) 1 x daily s.c. between the
shoulder blades, approx. 5 cm next to the spine (switch sides daily), if not
possible s.c. in the upper abdomen.
Ingredients: Pulmo D16, Vivianit D7, Bryonia e rad. D5, Tartarus stibiatus D5.
The
composition Pulmo/Vivianit comp. WALA occupies a central position in the
anthroposophic treatment of viral outpatient-acquired pneumonia in children and
adults. The therapeutic experience of the authors in many cases shows that the
medication is very effective for lower respiratory tract infections when
injected early, initially daily. In view of the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus
often attacks the alveoli at a very early stage, which goes unnoticed, this
therapy is already indicated in the first stage of the disease in COVID-19
patients. Vivianit is a natural iron phosphate; in potentized form, phosphorus
has a regulatory function in inflammatory processes in the lungs. The role of
iron with respect to lung physiology and the human immune system has already
been mentioned above. Added to this is the circulation-stabilizing effect of
potentized iron. Potentized iron phosphate is a standard medication in
Anthroposophic Medicine for pneumonia with simultaneous circulatory
instability. “Pulmo/Vivianit comp. primarily strengthens the rhythmic system
itself, both via the circulation and via the lungs.” (20, p. 339) The Tartarus
stibiatus contained in this compositional medication also has a circulation
stabilizing and mucus mobilizing effect. Potentized Bryonia root has proven to
be effective for painful coughing and autonomization of inflammatory fluid
exudates and interstitial edema formation (21, pp. 688–691). Potentized (!)
organ preparations such as the Pulmo recommended here can prove therapeutically
very valuable in the control of excessive inflammatory processes (22).
In the
treatment of deep respiratory tract infections and outpatient acquired
pneumonia (23), Anthroposophic Medicine largely uniformly applies a standard
treatment with relatively concentrated plant extracts of aconitum, wolfsbane,
bryonia, supplementing this orally with a second composition of potentized
phosphorus and Tartarus stibiatus:
Pneumodoron®
1 dil. (Aconite/Bryonia drops) WELEDA: 50 drops in 1 glass of water, taken in
sips throughout the day.
Ingredients: Aconitum D2, Bryonia D2. Recommended from the age of 9, younger children
should be given Bryonia/Aconitum pilules WALA (Bryonia D8, Aconitum D6).
Pneumodoron®
2 dil. (Phosphorus/Tart. stib.) WELEDA: 10 drops 4 x daily, not after 6:00 pm.
Ingredients:
Phosphorus D4, Tartarus stibiatus D2.
If a high,
protracted and debilitating fever develops, or if a feverish COVID-19 patient
shows signs of vital weakness at the same time, an injection preparation of
potentized silver and echinacea – a standard medication in this situation in
Anthroposophic Medicine – can be very effective both s.c. and i.v. (the i.v.
application is an off-label use, but has proven its value many times over,
while there is no risk of undesirable drug effects at these potency levels):
Argentum D30/Echinacea D6 amp. WELEDA: 1 amp. s.c. or i.v. 1 x daily,
especially in the evening.
As already
mentioned, bitter substances are characterized by the fact that they activate
the body’s defenses in the area of the respiratory tract and by no means only
improve digestion (digestion and the immune system are closely related in terms
of their developmental history). In the form of amarogentine, yellow gentian
concentrates the bitterest known plant substance (24) in its root:
Gentiana
lutea, eth. dec. D1 [= 10%] WELEDA: 7–10 drops 3 x daily.
If the
patient has an allergy tendency in the area of the respiratory tract and a
tendency to winter infections (13, p. 44), a suitable alternative is wormwood
in combination with potentized larch resin:
Absinthium
D1/Resina laricis D3 WELEDA: 10 drops 3 x daily.
As the
sensitivity to bitter substances varies greatly from person to person, it may
be possible to apply a gradually increasing dosage and dilute the drops in a
little water. The bitter taste is essential for its effectiveness.
If there is
a pronounced sensation of coldness and circulatory weakness at the onset of the
illness, it has proven effective to give
Camphora D3
amp. WALA: 1 amp s.c. as needed, as well as
Camphora D1
dil. WELEDA: 5–10 drops 3 x daily during the whole course.
Camphora
particularly strengthens the patient’s warmth organization, thus strengthening
both immunological self-regulation and circulation regulation. It is also
suitable as a preventative measure for patients with winter susceptibility to
infection and frequent freezing (5–10 drops 1 x daily).
Especially
for older patients and for all patients with accompanying cardiovascular
disease, diabetes mellitus (type 2) or obesity it is recommended to accompany
the strengthening of self-regulation in the rhythmic system with (13, p.
266–270)
Cardiodoron®
drops, amp. (Onopordon comp. A) WELEDA: 10–20 drops 3 x daily, where required 1
amp. 1% s.c. daily.
Ingredients:
Cardiodoron® dil., amp. (5%, 1%, 0.1%): Onopordum acanthium, Flos;
Primula
veris, Flos; each prepared with 1% Hyoscyamus niger, Herba Ø.
For
patients with a never-ending, debilitating irritable cough, also during
convalescence, we recommend a composition of plant extracts from the fruits of
Verbascum, the lichen Cetraria islandica, the yarrow flower Achillea
millefolium and anise:
Verbascum
comp. dil. WELEDA: 10–20 drops 3–6 x daily.
External
applications
At this
stage of the disease, primary consideration may be given to lemon throat
compresses for sore throats, lemon pulse compresses for chills and poor
circulation, and lemon calf compresses for relieving high fever and stimulating
circulation. Instructions are available on the website www.pflege-vademecum .
To
accompany the treatment of coughs it is helpful to apply
Plantago
Bronchialbalsam (bronchial balm, oil for external use) WALA: Rub into the chest
thinly 3 x daily.
Ingredients: D-Camphora, Cera flava, Drosera e planta tota
D3, Eucalypti aetheroleum, Petasites hybridus e radice D1, Plantago lanceolata
e foliis D1, Terebinthina laricina, Thymi aetheroleum.
Sufficient
quantities to drink and appropriate tea preparations are also very helpful. For
example: Elderflower blossoms (Sambucus nigra) 20 g, lime blossoms (Tilia
platyphyllos) 20 g, dense-flowered mullein blossoms (Verbascum densiflorum) 7.5
g, cowslip (Primula veris) 7.5 g, narrowleaf plantain (Planta lanceolota) 7.5
g, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 7.5 g. Add 2 teaspoons to 500 ml of boiling water
and leave to stand for 5 minutes (covered). Drink sips of 1 cup of tea 5 times
a day, adding a little lemon juice and up to 1/2 teaspoon of honey.
2. COVID-19
pneumonia (as part of an integrative therapy concept)
The
clinical picture was described above. As with any COVID-19 patient, the
generally applicable guidelines on diagnostics, protection of medical staff and
the environment, and therapy must be observed. The risk of progression (ARDS,
sepsis, see section 3.3) requires close monitoring and diagnosis. In the
following section we present a specific selection of therapeutic options in
Anthroposophic Medicine for COVID-19 pneumonia. In this concept, essential
elements of the treatment with medications were already given for the initial
influenza stage (see section 4.1.1) and are therefore only briefly mentioned
here. An essential and effective element in the treatment of pneumonia in
Anthroposophic Medicine is to administer external applications in the form of
warm, moist chest compresses with powdered ginger root, mustard flour or yarrow
tea. These three compresses can be considered therapeutically for all cases of
outpatient-acquired pneumonia and are presented with their indications in
section 4.2.2.
Medication
The
following medicines, described above in more detail in terms of composition,
effect and dosage, form the basis of COVID-19 pneumonia therapy from the
perspective Anthroposophic Medicine:
Pneumodoron®
1 dil. (Aconite/Bryonia drops) WELEDA: 50 drops in 1 glass of water, taken in
sips throughout the day.
Ingredients: Aconitum D2, Bryonia D2. Recommended from the age of 9, younger children
should be given Bryonia/Aconitum pilules WALA (Bryonia D8, Aconitum D6).
Pneumodoron®
2 dil. (Phosphorus/Tart. stib.) WELEDA: 10 drops 4 x daily, not after 6:00 pm.
Ingredients:
Phosphorus D4, Tartarus stibiatus D2.
Pulmo/Vivianit
comp. amp. WALA: mixed in the syringe (1 amp. each) 1 x daily s.c. between the
shoulder blades, approx. 5 cm next to the spine (switch sides daily), if not
possible s.c. in the upper abdomen.
Ingredients: Pulmo D16, Vivianit D7, Bryonia e radice D5, Tartarus
stibiatus D5.
Pulmo/Vivianit
comp. can be supplemented with
Formica ex animale D8 amp. WALA: 1 amp s.c. daily and, if needed
Equisetum/Stannum
amp. WALA: 1 amp s.c. daily
The use of
the latter two preparations (13, pp. 393, 417) is primarily aimed at treating
interstitial inflammation and increasing infiltrates in the lung tissue. These
medications have a limiting and resorption-promoting effect, they stimulate
excretion and thus promote aeration. Formica is particularly indicated in
patients who are exhausted and tend to get cold, often older patients (25).
We pay
special attention to kidney function in COVID-19 patients. Not only because the
infection itself via the ACE2 receptor can impair important regulatory
processes related to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), but also
because the maintenance of good excretory function is important for lung
aeration. The following composition is suitable for therapeutic support,
especially for older patients and those with impaired kidney function:
Renes/Equisetum comp. pilules, amp. WALA: 10 pil. 2x/d or 1 x/d 1 amp s.c.
Ingredients: Apis mellifica ex animale Gl D31, Equisetum
arvense ex herba D14, Renes bovis Gl D6, Veratrum album e radice D5, Viscum
album (Mali) e planta tota D14.
In cases of
pronounced dyspnea, potentized birch charcoal can have a relieving effect:
Carbo
Betulae D20 amp. WELEDA: 1 amp s.c. as needed, 1–2 x daily
Alternatively,
a composition of potentized birch charcoal with hawthorn extracts is indicated
in cases of respiratory distress and circulatory weakness, especially for
elderly patients and patients with cardiovascular concomitant diseases. In
medical experience, this composition has also proven successful for COVID-19
patients:
Carbo Betulae D8 / Crataegus D2 amp. WELEDA: 1 amp s.c. daily
In cases of
high fever, weakness with disturbed microcirculation and incipient sepsis, a
continuous infusion with the addition of 1 ampoule each of the following
anthroposophic medicines can be used as part of clinical treatment
Argentum metallicum praep. D30 amp. WELEDA
Stibium
metallicum praep. D6 10 ml amp. WELEDA
Lachesis
D20 amp. WELEDA
Cardiodoron®
0.1% amp. WELEDA
The
therapeutic goals are warmth regulation, limitation of excessive inflammatory
reactions, preservation of capillary microcirculation and the basal vitality of
the vital organs.
All other
medications mentioned under “Infuenza stage“, e.g., bitter substances, may also
be considered individually at this stage of the disease. There is experience in
administering these to intubated patients via stomach tubes.
External
applications
For
instructions on how to administer all three external thorax applications mentioned
below, we refer to the Vademecum of External Applications in Anthroposophic
Medicine, available online under the indication “Pneumonia” (26). Normally
these compresses are applied once a day. These external applications can also
be adapted for use on ventilated patients. Maintaining the necessary protective
measures for the person administering the compress is a prerequisite for all of
the applications mentioned below.
We describe
the following three compresses in reverse chronological order in terms of their
therapeutic application, since yarrow lung compresses are relatively easy to
apply and have a broad indication for pneumonia, whereas mustard lung
compresses are the most demanding in application and indication. It should be
emphasized that each of the three compresses should only be applied when the
patient’s feet are sufficiently warm or have been warmed up, otherwise their
effectiveness can be significantly reduced. As a rule, the chosen compress is
applied once a day.
A yarrow
lung compress (27) is an easy-to-handle, effective and safe chest compress for
COVID-19 pneumonia, even for weakened patients or high fever.
In addition
to all other measures, it supports the organism in stabilizing the pulmonary
interfaces and counteracts fluid accumulation in the lung area. In this respect
it can be used for all stages of pneumonia. It is particularly important in the
resorption and healing phase of COVID 19 pneumonia.
Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium) is a plant characterized by outstanding structuring
power. Its finely feathered leaves form a “structured air space”. Its composite
flowers are grouped umbel-like above them, spread out to form a surface. The
bitter substances of yarrow, which also work through bitter substance receptors
in the skin (28), support differentiation and circulation processes in the
lungs. The compress reduces swelling and promotes absorption, relieving
interstitial inflammation in the lung tissue. Adding freshly squeezed lemon and
lemon peel can enhance the effect, especially in cases of high fever, and can
also have a positive effect on the patient’s alertness. It is also well
tolerated by patients of an advanced age.
Ginger lung
compress (29)
The domain
of ginger compresses is to achieve lasting stimulation of the patient’s warmth
organism and blood circulation in the depths of the organism. Ginger compresses
have an antispasmodic effect, relieving and deepening breathing. They have a
relaxing and anxiety-relieving effect on both the soul and the body. They are
particularly indicated for patients with warmth deficits, cold extremities and
a nervous, head-dominated constitution. They are mainly used in the first week
of clinically manifest Pneumonia, especially in the absence of warmth or fever,
and are particularly suitable for patients with concomitant chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD).
Ginger
compresses should be used with caution when there are existing cardiac problems
because these patients may experience the resulting intensive, inwardly
directed warmth generation as stressful.
Mustard
lung compress (30)
Mustard
powder lung compresses are impulse-giving and irritating compresses that deepen
respiration, which can be very helpful in the initial phase of COVID-19
pneumonia if the patient has sufficient strength. Due to the strong irritation
it causes on the skin, it reflexively enhances inhalation, which can have a
measurable positive effect on oxygen saturation (hypoxemia). This application’s
irritating effect contributes to diverting excessive local inflammatory
activity to the outside, thus relieving respiration and circulation.
Mustard
compresses are not indicated for patients who are not able to develop a strong
warmth response (immune response, e.g., with fever). This is especially
important to bear in mind for older and weakened patients. On the other hand,
if the patient is sufficiently vital, mustard lung compresses can show rapidly
observable effects in the first days of COVID-19 pneumonia treatment.
3. Sepsis,
multiple organ failure
We would
like to briefly point out the therapeutic possibilities offered by
Anthroposophic Medicine in this third stage of the disease. With regard to lung
treatment (ARDS), the measures and medications mentioned in the previous
sections remain applicable. The treatment options for sepsis and multiple organ
failure can be grouped according to their indications as follows:
Medication
for microcirculatory disorders
A
continuous infusion with the addition of 1 ampoule each of the following
anthroposophic medicines can be used as part of clinical treatment
Argentum metallicum praep. D30 amp. WELEDA
Stibium
metallicum praep. D6 10 ml amp. WELEDA
Carbo
Betulae D30 amp. WELEDA
Cardiodoron®
1% amp. WELEDA
Carbo
Betulae D30 has a toning effect on the cardiovascular system, especially in
cases of acidosis. It stimulates and supports kidney function (13, p. 257). The
potentized silver in D30 has been used in Anthroposophic Medicine since its
inception for excessive inflammatory processes that lead to destruction (31)
(13, p. 118) and it strengthens the coherence of the organism’s basic vital
functions. The intravenous application of potentized antimony (Stibium
metallicum praep.) counteracts structure-dissolving inflammatory processes in
the endothelial area.
Medication
for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) / coagulopathy
This
life-threatening disorder, which is characteristic of advanced COVID-19
disease, can be treated by Anthroposophic Medicine beyond the standard
intensive-care measures with
Kalium aceticum comp. D6 amp. WELEDA: 1 amp. s.c. or i.v. 1–2 x daily.
The leading
indication for this medication is an independent disseminated coagulation
process which, from the point of view Anthroposophic Medicine, is an expression
of a failure of the overriding integrating self-regulation of the organism in
the flowing blood. This preparation has a specific connection to the area of
venous circulation and pulmonary vessels (“low pressure system”). It has proven
itself as a supportive therapy for circulation and coagulation disorders in
this area of the circulatory system (20, p. 1052).
A
toxicologically clear relationship to coagulopathies is shown by snake venoms,
especially those of the Crotalidae (Lachesis, Crotalus, Bothrops and others)
(32). From this perspective, potentized bushmaster poison is primarily
indicated for COVID-19 in Anthroposophic Medicine:
Lachesis
D20 amp. WELEDA: 1 amp. daily as a continuous infusion or i.v.
Medication
for cardiomyopathy
Especially
vital in the third stage of COVID-19 disease are heart and kidney function.
Anthroposophic Medicine also uses potentized organ preparations to treat this
vital threat to basal organ function (33, pp. 1176–1177). The medication
characterized above
Carbo
Betulae D8/Crataegus D2 amp. WELEDA: 1 amp. s.c. 1–2 x daily
can thus be
supplemented by
Cor/Aurum I
Amp. WALA: 1 amp. i.v. or s.c. 1 x daily.
Medication
for nephropathy
The
maintenance or recovery of kidney function can be supported by
Renes/Cuprum
amp. WALA: 1 amp. s.c. or i.v. 1 x daily.
or by the
preparation described above.
Renes/Equisetum
comp. amp. WALA: 1 amp. s.c. or i.v. 1 x daily.
The basis
for convalescence, the duration of which can be roughly equated with the
duration of the acute illness, is to ensure sufficiently long discharge from
work (sick leave) as needed and the observance of all the principles and
measures mentioned in the section on prevention (see above, 2.).
Medication
The
following medications are suitable as specific support for the rhythmic system:
Roseneisen/Graphit
(Rose Iron/Graphite) pilules WALA (13, p. 647–649).
Ingredients: Graphites D14, Rosa e floribus cum Ferro D2
or
Ferrum
rosatum D3/Graphites D15 dil. WELEDA: 10 pil. or 10 drops 2 x daily.
in
combination with
Prunuseisen
(Prunus/Iron) pilules WALA: 10 pilules 2 x daily.
“The
vitalizing forces of the tips of blackthorn shoots and flowers are specifically
directed towards the respiratory system through additional use of hematite
(iron oxide) in the WALA manufacturing process. Prunus/Iron can be understood
as a plant-acidic iron preparation. It is particularly relevant for etheric
weakness in the respiratory system that also manifests as weak appetite.” (13,
p. 622)
These
medications focus on lung recovery. They can be given for 2–4 weeks. Valuable,
vitalizing support can be given through the subcutaneous administration of a
potentized lung organ preparation in the form of
Pulmo Gl
Serial pack III amp. WALA: every 3rd day 1 amp. s.c. in descending
potentization over a total of 4 weeks (10 amp.).
Potentized
Christmas rose extract (Helleborus niger) can have a profound effect during
convalescence. This medicinal product shows a clear relation to kidney
function, promotes edema resorption and excretion processes and can positively
influence attention and concentration:
Helleborus
niger D6–D12 amp. HELIXOR, WALA: initially D6, later D12 amp. s.c., 2–3 x per
week.
For many
patients, it is also helpful to support the cardiovascular system by
prescribing
Cardiodoron®
drops (Onopordon comp. B) WELEDA: 10–20 drops 3 x daily.
This
medication has a stabilizing effect on the rhythmic system in a comprehensive
sense. Especially in the senium it can regulatively counteract disintegration
of rhythms, especially the sleep-wake rhythm (13, p. 269).
Potentized
gold enhances the effect of Cardiodoron®. It has a fear-dispelling effect and
promotes alert ‘I’-presence. A specific therapeutic option in Anthroposophic
Medicine is the use of jointly potentized myrrh and frankincense in the form of
Aurum comp.
pilules, amp. WALA: 10 pil. or 1 amp. s.c. 1 x daily.
External
applications
The
medicinal plants yarrow and ginger characterized under 4.2.2 are also suitable
for other organotropic external applications in the form of moist-warm
compresses. Exhausted patients with weakened vitality, possibly sleep
disorders, reduced appetite, weak digestive activity benefit greatly from the
use of a
Yarrow
Liver Compress (34): 1 x daily to 3 x weekly in the early afternoon or evening.
Nervous,
hypersensitive, weakened patients who tend to freeze appreciate the use of a
Ginger
kidney compress (35): 1 x daily to 3 x weekly preferably in the morning.
This
compress does not only strengthen organ function. Lasting strengthening of
inner warming can be achieved by administering a series of ginger kidney compresses.
This can lead to significant relaxation and, where needed, reduced anxiety.
Note: This
contribution was translated from the German and will appear as chapter 52 in
the book “Anthroposophische Medizin. Arzneitherapie für 350 Krankheitsbilder”,
published by Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart in September 2020.
Less
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spiritual aspects of diagnosis and counseling. Stuttgart: Wissenschaftliche
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21 Vogel
HH. Wege der Heilmittelfindung. Ein Beitrag zum Verständnis der Heilmittel der
anthroposophischen Therapierichtung am Beispiel der
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and nature. A contribution towards understanding anthroposophic remedies, based
on the example of the Wala remedy compositions. Vol. 2 Bad Boll: Natur - Mensch
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22 Roemer
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23 Vagedes
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24 Wölfle
U, Schempp C. Bitterstoffe - von der traditionellen Verwendung bis zum Einsatz
an der Haut. Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie 2018;39(5):210–215. [Crossref]
25 Arendt
A, Baur F, Bindler A, Janach P, Keller Roth W, Kessler N, Roth D, Schirmer F,
Schmid M (ed.). Erfahrungen in der Anwendung von Acidum formicae venenum als
subcutane Injektion in der ärztlichen Allgemeinpraxis 1999–2003. Manuscript
printing. 2nd ed. 2010. (Address for correspondence: Dr. med. F. Baur,
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26
Information available at: https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/indikationen.php
(12.05.2020)
27
Information available at: https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/schafgarbe.php
(12.05.2020)
28 Kohlhase
M, Wölfle U, Schempp C. Bitterstoffe als belebende Wirkstoffe für die Haut.
Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Ganzheitsmedizin 2017;29(4):197–199. [Crossref]
29
Information available at: https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/ingwer.php
(12.05.2020)
30
Information available at: https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/senf.php (12.05.2020)
31 Steiner
R, Wegmann I. Grundlegendes für eine Erweiterung der Heilkunst nach
geisteswissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen. GA 27. 8th ed. Dornach: Rudolf Steiner
Verlag; 2014. English translation: Steiner R, Wegman I. Extending practical
medicine. Fundamental principles based on the science of the spirit. London:
Rudolf Steiner Press; 2000.
32
Spielberger F. Schlangengifte als Heilmittel. Der Merkurstab
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33 Simon L.
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Arzneimittel. Vol. 1. 4th ed. Munich: Gesellschaft Anthroposophischer Ärzte in
Deutschland; 2017. English translation: Vademecum of Anthroposophic Medicines.
3rd ed. Munich: Verlag der Gesellschaft Anthroposophischer Ärzte in
Deutschland; 2019.
34
Information available at:
https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/schafgarben_leberwickel.php (12.05.2020)
35
Information available at: https://www.pflege-vademecum.de/ingwer.php
(12.05.2020)
