Introduction
Novel corona virus disease or Covid 19 continues to spread, and while media is highlighting the upcoming vaccines and high recovery rates, what goes unrecognised and unacknowledged is the role of homoeopathy in those who have recovered. Having treated more than 700 Covid 19 cases, as on date, descriptions of a few shall be shared over successive case series.
A case series is a descriptive study that follows a group of patients who have a similar clinical condition or undertaking the same therapeutic/ diagnostic procedure over a defined period of time. It is suitable for a description of interventions viz. it can serve as a means of initial reporting on novel therapeutic strategies, particularly when the option of waiting for comparative evidence is considered unacceptable.
Though lacking in comparable data and susceptible to bias of different kinds, it is certainly inexpensive, prompt and covers a wide range of patients with high external validity.
Homoeopathic therapeutic approach vis a vis conventional treatment
A homoeopathic therapeutic approach warrants assessment, clinical examination and treatment of the patients with Covid 19 rather than conventional medical targeting of the causative micro-organism or the targeted organ system. This poses unique challenges to each, whilst the former has to ascertain the remedy anew in each case, the latter has to resort to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants till the vaccine is found. While the former requires no additional funding (since the available remedies are to be administered), the latter requires extreme investments, for example, there are more than 118 vaccine candidates being investigated by various agencies, each with a budget of over a 100 million USD.(1)
The only advantage of the conventional system of medicine is the patient management paraphernalia viz ICU care, ventilator support etc. which shall be required by less than 7% of Covid 19 patients in India.(2)
The remaining nearly 93% of Covid patients can be managed with relatively inexpensive homoeopathic medicines!
Homoeopathic philosophy and rationale to treat Covid 19
Covid 19 as an epidemic/ pandemic disease (3)
Organon § 73: ….Allied to these are those diseases in which many persons are attacked with very similar sufferings from the same cause (epidemically); these diseases generally become infectious (contagious) when they prevail among thickly congregated masses of human beings. Thence arise fevers, in each instance of a peculiar nature, and, because the cases of disease have an identical origin, they set up in all those they affect an identical morbid process, which when left to itself terminates in a moderate period of time in death or recovery…
Organon § 73 foot note 1: The homoeopathic physician, who does not entertain the foregone conclusion devised by the ordinary school (who have fixed upon a few names of such fevers, besides which mighty nature dare not produce any others, so as to admit of their treating these disease according to some fixed method), does not acknowledge the names goal fever, bilious fever, typhus fever, putrid fever, nervous fever or mucous fever, but treats them each according to their several peculiarities. (Bold my own) [Comment: The clinical features of previous corona virus infections shall not govern the treatment of current Covid 19, neither shall these during future recurrence. See § 100 below]
Organon § 73 footnote 2: Subsequently to the year 1801 a kind of pupura miliaris (roodvonk), which came from the West, was by physicians confounded with the scarlet fever, notwithstanding that they exhibited totally different symptoms, that the latter found its prophylatic and curative remedy in belladonna, the former in aconite, and that the former was generally merely sporadic, while the latter was invariable epidemic. Of late years it seems as if the two occasionally joined to form an eruptive fever of a peculiar kind, for which neither the one nor the other remedy, alone, will be found to be exactly homoeopathic.
Organon § 100: In investigating the totality of the symptoms of epidemic and sporadic diseases it is quite immaterial whether or not something similar has ever appeared in the world before under the same or any other name. The novelty or peculiarity of a disease of that kind makes no difference either in the mode of examining or of treating it, as the physician must any way regard to pure picture of every prevailing disease as if it were something new and unknown, and investigate it thoroughly for itself, if he desire to practice medicine in a real and radical manner, never substituting conjecture for actual observation, never taking for granted that the case of disease before him is already wholly or partially known, but always carefully examining it in all its phases; and this mode of procedure is all the more requisite in such cases, as a careful examination will show that every prevailing disease is in many respects a phenomenon of a unique character, differing vastly from all previous epidemics, to which certain names have been falsely applied..
Organon § 102: In the course of writing down the symptoms of several cases of this kind the sketch of the disease picture becomes ever more and more complete, not more spun out and verbose, but more significant (more characteristic), and including more of the peculiarities of this collective disease; on the one hand, the general symptoms (e.g., loss of appetite, sleeplessness, etc.) become precisely defined as to their peculiarities; and on the other, the more marked and special symptoms which are peculiar to but few diseases and of rarer occurrence, at least in the same combination, become prominent and constitute what is characteristic of this malady. All those affected with the disease prevailing ….. are suffering from the same disease; but the whole extent of such an epidemic disease and the totality of its symptoms (the knowledge whereof, which is essential for enabling us to choose the most suitable homoeopathic remedy for this array of symptoms, is obtained by a complete survey of the morbid picture) cannot be learned from one single patient, but is only to be perfectly deduced (abstracted) and ascertained from the sufferings of several patients of different constitutions. (bold, my own) [Comment: common clinical features are of little value unless indicated by a modality; it is important to have a characteristic totality of symptoms of each patient of Covid 19]
Some persons are immune to the epidemic/ pandemic of Covid 19
Organon § 31: The inimical forces, partly psychical, partly physical, to which our terrestrial existence is exposed, which are termed morbific noxious agents, do not possess the power of morbidly deranging the health of man unconditionally; but we are made ill by them only when our organism is sufficiently disposed and susceptible to attack of the morbific cause that may be present, and to be altered in its health, deranged and made to undergo abnormal sensations and functions – hence they do not produce disease in every one nor at all times. [Comment: when researchers tested blood samples taken years before the pandemic started, they found T cells which were specifically tailored to detect proteins on the surface of Covid-19. This suggests that some people already had a pre-existing degree of resistance against the virus before it ever infected a human. And it appears to be surprisingly prevalent: 40-60% of unexposed individuals had these cells.(4)]
Assessing the patient and recording the clinical symptoms (for diagnosis) and indications (for individualised homoeopathic treatment) of Covid 19
Organon § 3: If the physician clearly perceives what is to be cured in diseases, that is to say, in every individual case of disease (knowledge of disease, indication)…. (bold, my own)
Comment: In every case of disease of Covid 19, besides the common clinical features (knowledge of disease), there are some symptoms which are unique and distinguishing signs or symptoms, which could be found as a precipitating factor (§ 5), side affinity, direction of symptoms, sensation, alternation of complaints, modality or concomitant generality or disposition. These were termed by Hahnemann as indications, which identify the individual with disease, and which ought to be matched with the symptomatology in materia medica or repertorised.
It is useless to match in materia medica or repertorise the common clinical features of the diseased while determining the individualised homoeopathic remedy.
Organon § 6: The unprejudiced observer – well aware of the futility of transcendental speculations which can receive no confirmation from experience – be his powers of penetration ever so great, takes note of nothing in every individual disease, except the changes in the health of the body and of the mind (morbid phenomena, accidents, symptoms) which can be perceived externally by means of the senses; that is to say, he notices only the deviations from the former healthy state of the now diseased individual, which are felt by the patient himself, remarked by those around him and observed by the physician. All these perceptible signs represent the disease in its whole extent, that is, together they form the true and only conceivable portrait of the disease.
Comment: Only the symptoms or modalities or disposition that have developed or altered (increased, decreased or deviated) ought to be considered for delineating the totality of symptoms or indications of the sick individual. For example, if the patient becomes increasingly or decreasingly or abnormally sensitive to cold after onset of disease, then it ought to be considered as an indication of the sick individual and matched with suitable remedy in materia medica or repertory. Similarly, onset of irritability or weeping disposition concurrent to onset of symptoms ought to be identified as an indication. This has also been mentioned under the chapter on Calcarea ostrearum by Constantine Hering in his Guiding Symptoms to Materia Medica and Henry Clay Allen in his keynotes mention, “During either sickness or convalescence, great longing for eggs”
Determining the Genius Epidemicus in homoeopathy
John Henry Clarke in introduction to The Prescriber writes, “The doctrine of genius epidemicus is another practical aid in prescribing. Just as one proving gives only a partial idea of a drug, so one case of an epidemic disease gives only a partial idea of the disease. It is perfectly legitimate homœopathy to take a number of cases and having found the drug disease which corresponds most closely to the disease in all its developments, to give that drug in a routine fashion to all cases which do not manifestly call for some other drug. …. That does not mean that I have given no other remedy, on the contrary, I have had to use in some case or other almost every remedy in the materia medica ; but the knowledge of the doctrine of the genius epidemicus has saved a vast amount of trouble, nevertheless.”(5) (bold, my own)
The key fact is to investigate thoroughly a number of cases and try and find out a drug or drugs that corresponds to the disease process in all its developments, that is to say, in its unique peculiarities that are reflected in those afflicted with the epidemic. The similarity between the disease and pathogenetic effect of the genius epidemicus (on the healthy) should be not at the level of common clinical features of the epidemic but in the unique peculiarities (indication, §3) that are found in the individuals’ reaction. And this is what ought to be studied in materia medica or while repertorising. We can’t study the common clinical features of an epidemic in materia medica or repertorise them in order to find a genius epidemicus.
Further, Clarke recommends routine application of the genius epidemicus in all cases but only after verification of the indications. The availability of genius epidemicus however does not obviate the requirement for assessment of patient, as per the guidelines of Organon and Homoeopathic Philosophy.
Bönninghausen had also published an article titled, ‘Brief instructions for non-physicians concerning the prophylaxis and treatment of asiatic cholera’ for the 1846 epidemic and recommended the use of Camphora as a Genius epidemicus (both therapeutic and prophylactic) to lay-practitioners and non-physicians for public at large. The homoeopathic practitioners were required to prescribe Camphora or any other remedy after thorough case recording.(6) In other words, the scope of genius epidemicus is to help non-physicians and the common man before they find access to a homoeopathic physician for individualised treatment. The determination of genius epidemicus does not preclude recording of details of history and symptoms in each case afflicted with the prevailing epidemic, for the homoeopathic physician.
Case series
| S. N. | Initials, age, sex | Clinical features | Co-existing diseases |
Laboratory findings | Radiological findings |
Severity of Illness
1: Mild 2:Moderate 3: Severe 4: Critical |
Lesser accessory symptoms |
Prescription | Follow up 1 | Follow up 2 | Follow up 3 | Follow up 4 | Follow up 5 | Result of treatment- time of remedial response/ recovery | Reflection and discussion |
| 1. 1 . | SM
36 years; Female |
Productive Cough [yellowish sputum].
Fever ~ 100.4 – 101 F. Dyspnoea [Grade 4]. Fatigue. [VAS score 6]. SPO2: 88-92 Weakness and bodyache since 3 days. |
Prone to respiratory allergies | RT PCR: COVID-19 POSITIVE | 7-6-2020 CECT CHEST: WIDESPREAD BILATERAL GROUND GLASS OPACITIES WITH POSTERIOR PREDOMINANCE- LIKELY COVID | 2 | PROFOUND WEAKNESS ESPECIALLY IN THE CHEST WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO TALK +++;
SENSATION OF EMPTINESS IN THE CEHST +++ |
6-6-2020
Stannum metallicum 200 Thrice a day for 7 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
12-6-2020
Cough improved. Afebrile post 24 hours of remedy. Dyspnoea improved post 36 hours. Improved levels of energy. Rx Placebo |
20-6-2020,
Tested Negative on Day 7th post medication Complained of profound weakness and drained out feeling which had relapsed. Typhoidinum 200 Thrice a day for 3 days followed by Placebo . |
27-6-2020
She informed that her weakness disappeared in 3 days. Rx Placebo |
4-7-2020
No complaints. 30-6-2020 HRCT CHEST: MARKED IMROVEMENT Rx Placebo |
– | Prescription of Stannum met does not really require any explanation.
Typhoidinum has been prescribed empirically (and successfully) in some cases wherein weakness persisted in the absence of other indications. |
|
| 2. 2 | PC
50 years, Female |
Sore throat.
Dry cough. Chills and Fever ~ 99 – 100 F. Bodyache. Fatigue [VAS score 4] Dyspnoea [Grade 2] since 6 days
|
NAD | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | CHILLY +++
THIRSTLESS +++ ONSET OF COMPLAINTS WITH SORE THROAT +++ PROFOUND WEAKNESS, NAUSEA (at times) |
4-6-2020
Streptococcin 200 Thrice a day for 7 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
10-6-2020
Cough improved. Dyspnoea reduced. Afebrile post 36 hours of remedy. Rx Placebo |
17-6-2020
Tested negative on Day 10th of treatment. Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | Streptococcin is a useful remedy for all infections that begin with sore throat or have that as a predominant or persisting symptom. In addition patient is thirstless and sensitive to cold (Pulsatilla too is thirstless in respiratory affections and chilly but prefers open air)
Also Streptococcin patients describe sore throat as persisting dryness that is soothed but not relieved with warm drinks. |
|
| 3. 3 | BDA
69 years, Male |
Cough with sore throat. Fever ~ 101 – 102 F.
Dyspnoea [Grade 4] Fatigue [VAS score 4]. Bodyache. Weakness. Headache. Loose watery diarrhoea with wind since 17 days. |
Known case of DIABETES MELLITUS. CABG (2000)
UROLITHIASIS ( UNDERWENT SURGERY WITH DJ STENT INSERTION IN FEB 2020), H/O RECURRENT DIARRHOEA. HOSPITALISED AT SAFDARJUNG HOSPITAL FOR PREVIOUS 2 WEEKS. |
RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE ON 12-5-20 AND 21-5-20. | – | 3 | PERSISTING FEVER WITH CHILLS,
NOT RESPONDING TO ANTIBIOTICS, HCQS AND CORTICOSTEROIDS |
26-5-2020
Insulinum LM 1 once a day |
10-6-2020
Afebrile after 48 hours of remedy. Dyspnoea improved. Bodyache and fatigue reduced. Discharged after testing negative on day 7th of homoeopathic treatment Rx Insulinum LM2, once daily |
27-6-2020
Slight weakness persists. Notices reducing blood sugar levels, requires lesser units of injectible insulin. Bowels unfinished. Rx Insulinum LM3, once daily |
– | – | – | Insulinum is useful in remedying obstinate infections, both in diabetics and non-diabetics.
It has proven to be useful in painless suppurations and tendency for diarrhoea. It can also rile up the vitality to clear up remnant effects of previous infections and their sequelae. |
|
| 4. 4 | SA
65 years, Female |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 101 F Dyspnoea [grade 4] Chills Rigors Bodyache Headache Chest pain for previous 17 days. Hospitalised at Safdarjung hospital for previous 2 weeks. |
HYPERTENSION.
OPERATED FOR RIGHT SIDED BRAIN TUMOR IN 2003 |
RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | 2020-05-07- HRCT CHEST- ILL-DEFINED PERIPHERAL (MULTIPLE)GROUND GLASS OPACITIES INVOLVING SUPERIOR SEGMENT OF LOWER LOBE OF LEFT LUNG. F/S/O INFECTIVE ETIOLOGY: LIKELY COVID | 4 | SHOCKED BY THE NEWS OF HER SON TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID 19 TRIGGERED THE SUDDEN DEVELOPMENT OF SYMPTOMS +++ 17 DAYS BACK. DISORIENTED,
BEDRIDDEN SINCE ONSET OF ILLNESS LEFT HALF OF BODY PARALYZED SINCE DEVELOPED CVA RECENTLY AFTER SHE FELL ILL. FREQUENTLY ASKING FOR A GLASS OR MORE OF WATER. +++ COUNTENANCE EXPRESSIVE OF FEAR +++ |
09-05-2020
Aconite 200 Twice a day [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
14-05-2020
Afebrile after 12 hours of remedy. Dyspnoea improved. Bodyache reduced. Conscious and well oriented after 24 hours of remedy. Rx Placebo |
27-05-2020
Discharged after testing negative on day 10th of treatment. Rx Baryta carb LM1, OD
|
– | – | – | Aconite can be useful for ailments triggered by fright, even if the fright has occurred days, weeks, months or even years earlier. The impression of fright is reflected in the countenance of the individual.
Due to hospitalisation, she continued to be on Aconite even after she improved. At the end of any acute illness there is a window for prescription of deep acting consitutional remedy due to which she received Baryta carb LM1. |
|
| 5. 5 | DA
38 years, Male |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 100.8 Fatigue [VAS score 4] Dyspnoea [Grade 3] Chills Bodyache Hospitalised at Safdarjung hospital for previous 15 days. |
NAD | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | INTENSELY FRIGHTENED AFTER BEING TESTED POSITIVE;
BESEECHING +++ WANTED COMPANY OF FAMILY CONSTANTLY +++ REQUIRED ALL THE LIGHTS SWITCHED ON AT NIGHT +++ |
28-5-2020
Stramonium 200 thrice a day [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
2-6-2020
Afebrile after 15 hours of medication. No fatigue and bodyache. Slight sore throat. No cough. Dyspnoea improved. Rx Placebo |
4-6-2020
Tested negative on day 7th of medication and discharged from hospital. Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | Stramonium is the remedy of terrors. Along with the fright, the concomitant desire for light and company determined the choice of remedy. | |
| 6. 6 | KA
34 years, Female |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 100 – 100.8 F Fatigue [VAS score 4] Loss of sensation of taste and smell Chills Bodyache Headache for 15 days. |
NAD | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | INTENSELY FRIGHTENED AFTER BEING TESTED POSITIVE;
WANTED COMPANY OF FAMILY CONSTANTLY +++ REQUIRED ALL THE LIGHTS SWITCHED ON AT NIGHT +++ |
29-5-2020
Stramonium 200 thrice a day [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
3-6-2020
Afebrile after 12 hours of medication. No fatigue and bodyache. Headache improved. Sensation of taste and smell better. Slight cough. Rx Placebo |
9-6-2020
Tested Negative on 7th of medication. Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | Same as above | |
| 7. 7 | VA
5 years, Male |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 100 – 101 F Diarrhoea with semisolid consistency of stools Chills Rigors Bodyache Hospitalised since 3 days. |
PRONE TO RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | 2020-05-27: CXR- B/L LOWER LOBE HAZINESS | 1 | FEVER WITH FLUSHING +++
SUSCEPTIBLE TO CHEST TROUBLES +++ |
29-5-2020
Ferrum phos 200 every 4 hours [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
1-6-2020
Afebrile 24 hours after medication. Cough improved. Diarrhoea absent. No chills or rigors. Rx Placebo |
5-6-2020
Discharged after testing negative on day 6th of medication. 4-6-20: CXR- WNL Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | Ferrum phos is often overlooked as a remedy for pneumonia, most of the times because people consider it as a remedy for first stages of inflammation only. However, the remedy cures personalities susceptible to chest troubles. | |
| 8. 8 | RK
46 years, Female |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 100 – 100.5 Diarrhoea with loose watery consistency of stools Fatigue [VAS score 4] Dyspnoea [grade 1 ] Loss of sensation of taste and smell Bodyache since 4 days
|
KNOWN CASE OF DIABETES MELLITUS | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | LACHRYMOSE.
DESIRED COMPANY. DRY MOUTH WITH NO THIRST. |
1-6-2020
Pulsatilla 200 every 3 hours for 3 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
5-6-2020
Afebrile since 48 hours of remedy. Diarrhoea improved. Cough and sore throat improved. No dyspnoea now. Slight improvement in sensation of taste and smell. Rx Placebo |
9-6-2020 Fever spiked once in between to 99.2 F. Rx
Pulsatilla 1000: 1 dose daily for 3 days followed by Placebo |
19-6-2020
Cured and tested negative on Day 10. Rx Placebo |
– | – | Prescription of Pulsatilla does not require any explanation. | |
| 9. 9 | KK
40 years, Female |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 100.8 – 101 Diarrhoea with loose watery consistency of stools. Vomiting. Fatigue [VAS score 6] Loss of sensation of taste and smell Bodyache Headache since 3 days |
KNOWN CASE OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROLAPSE | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | POOR THIRST
+++ VOMITING WANTED TO STAY OUT IN THE OPEN PREFERING A PARK +++ LACHRYMOSE +++ DESIRED COMPANY +++ |
13-5-2020
Pulsatilla 200 every 3 hours for 3 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
20-5-2020
Afebrile within 48 hours of medication. Coughing reduced. Vomiting stopped. Diarrhoea improved. Rx Placebo |
25-5-2020
Continues to be Covid +ve. Fever spiked once in between to 98.8 F. Rx Pulsatilla 1000: 1 dose daily for 3 days followed by Placebo |
28-5-2020
Cured and tested negative on Day 14. Rx Placebo |
– | – | Prescription of Pulsatilla does not require any explanation. | |
| 10. 10 | MM
3 years, Female |
Cough.
Sore throat Fever ~ 100 F. Chills Wheezing. |
TENDENCY FOR CHEST TROUBLES | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 1 | “FEVER WITH FLUSHING.
COUGHING < BENDING FORWARD” |
6-6-2020
Ferrum phos 200 Thrice a day for 6 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
12-6-2020
Coughing reduced since the day 2 of treatment. Afebrile since 48 hours of remedy. No wheezing. Rx Placebo |
15-6-2020
Tested negative on Day 8th of treatment. Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | Besides what is mentioned under case no 7 above, Ferrum phos has marked flushing with febrile affections (Bell, Ferrum met) and modality of Coughing < bending over and touching larynx. | |
| 11. 15 | RC
38 years, Female |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Chills and Fever ~ 101 F Fatigue [VAS score 6] Dyspnoea [grade 4 ] Loss of sensation of taste and smell Bodyache Headache since 2 days. |
Past history OF RECURRENT RTI (RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS) & MIGRAINE (Cured a few years earlier with Typhoidinum) | NASO- PHARYNGEAL SWAB: COVID -19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | AMICABLE
INVOLUNTARY TEARS WHILE SMILING +++ GRIEVING OVER THE REPEATED MISBEHAVIOUR BY MEMBERS OF FAMILY+++ INVOLUNTARY SIGHING +++ |
3-6-2020
Ignatia 200 every 3 hours for 3 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
6-6-2020
Afebrile within 48 hours of remedy. Cough and dyspnoea improved. No headache now. Rx Placebo |
13-6-2020
Sensation of taste and smell improved. Tested negative on 8th day. Rx Placebo |
17-06-2020 Reported relapsing weakness and bodyache. Also, there was slight feverish feeling with temperature hovering between 98.6 – 99 F. Rx Typhoidinum 200 thrice a day for 3 days with Placebo | 21-06-2020 Reported that weakness and bodyache completely recovered within 3 days.
Rx Placebo |
– | The prescription of Ignatia was obvious. She was one of the first patients to receive Typhoidinum, which had cured her poor physical stamina, recurrent RTI with fever and migraine few years back. The feverish feeling and weakness was similar to what she had been treated for many years earlier and therefore received Typhoidinum 200 as a constitutional remedy, after the recovery from acute phase and recovered completely. | |
| 12. | PRD
34 years, Male |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 99.7 – 100.3 F with chills, wanted hot water bags even though it is summers. Fatigue [VAS score 5] Dyspnoea [grade 3 ] Headache Chest pain since 3 days. |
NAD | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | GRIEVING OVER MOTHER’S DEMISE DUE TO COVID-19 ONE WEEK BACK +++
INVOLUNTARY SIGHING +++
|
12-6-2020
Ignatia 200 thrice a day for 7 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
19-6-2020
No chest pain now. Afebrile within 15 hours of medcation. Dyspnoea reduced, however Chest discomfort persists. Rx Placebo |
22-6-2020
Tested negative on Day 9th of illness. Rx Ignatia 1000, 3 doses, 12 hourly followed by Placebo |
– | – | – | The overwhelming grief of his mother’s demise eclipsed his concerns over his illness. His family members therefore reached out for his treatment. Also Materia Medica for Ignatia mentions chills better by external heat. In spite of Summers, with soaring high temperatures around 40 C, he wanted hot water bag to relieve himself from chills. Ignatia 200 relieved his complaints and he tested negative. But the persisting grief warranted prescription of 1000 potency later. | |
| 13. | UB
59 years, Female |
Dry Cough
Fever ~ 102 F Diarrhoea with loose watery consistency of stools Dyspnoea [grade 5 ] Chills Episodes of Seizures. Bodyache Headache Disoriented since 5 days. Admitted to the hospital.
|
KNOWN CASE OF DIABETES MELLITUS
HYPERTENSION CAD COPD CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME |
NASO- PHARYNGEAL SWAB: COVID -19 POSITIVE | 30-05-2020 NCCT CHEST: MULTIPLE GROUND GLASS OPACITIES INVOLVING RIGHT LOWER ZONE AND LEFT MIDDLE ZONE OF LUNGS. FEW SUBCENTIMETRIC PARATRACHEAL AND SUBCARINAL LYMPHNODES WERE ALSO NOTED. F/S/O INFECTIVE ETIOLOGY: LIKELY COVID | 4 | DISORIENTEDAGITATED,
CONFUSED, TREMORS, EPISODES OF SLURRING SPEECH.
MUTTERING religious hymns loudly +++ Lascivious : -PULLING HER CLOTHES UPWARDS EXPOSING HERSELF +++ |
30-5-2020
Hyoscyamus 200 Thrice a day for 3 days |
5-6-2020
Fever started reducing within 12 hours; Afebrile within 72 hours. Other symptoms continue. 3-6-2020: MRI BRAIN- SIGNAL ABNORMALITIES IN MEDIAL TEMPORAL LOBES B/L, AGE RELATED BRAIN ATROPHY, MICRO-HEMORRAHGES IN WHITE MATTER; OLD INFARCTS. DIAGNOSED with COVID ENCEPHALOPATHY. Rx Hyoscyamus 200 Thrice a day for 3 days |
10-6-2020
Regained orientation and control on day 7 of treatment. Bowels still loose and sometimes involuntary.
Tested negative on Day 9th of treatment and discharged from hospital. Rx Placebo |
15-6-2020
Speech still slurred. Weakness ++ Coughing on and off Hyoscyamus 1M Thrice a day for 3 days. |
22-6-2020 Only slight weakness remains now
Rx Placebo |
1-7-20 Much beteer in all. 28-6-20 NCCT CHEST: FEW MEDIASTINAL LYMPH NODES REMAINING Rx Placebo | The lady was extremely conservative by nature and at the time of first visit only partially conscious but constantly pulling her clothes upwards exposing herself. In spite of repeated attempts by family members, she managed to pull some part of her clothes off the moment they stepped out or looked away (§6). Along with the other symptoms, the choice of Hyosyamus was homoeopathic. | |
| 14. | FODM
60 years, Male |
Productive Cough
Fever ~ 100.6 – 100.9 F Fatigue [VAS score 5] Dyspnoea [grade 2] Bodyache Chest pain “SPO2 90-91” Headache since 4 days
|
KNOWN CASE OF DIABETES MELLITUS | NASO- PHARYNGEAL SWAB: COVID -19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | FEVER WITH FLUSHING +++
CHEST PAIN, HEADACHE > COLD APPLICATION +++ BLOOD TINGED SPUTUM |
8-6-2020
Ferrum phos 200 every 4 hours for 3 days. [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
11-6-2020
Dyspnoea improved. Cough settled. No blood tinged sputum expectorated. Afebrile after 36 hours. Rx Placebo |
15-6-2020
Tested negative on day 8. Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | Besides the other symptoms, Ferrum phos also has the characteristic modality of headache > cold application. The provings also reveal the blood tinged sputum. | |
| 15. | JM
31 years, Female |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 100.4 – 100.9 F Diarrhoea with loose watery consistency of stools Fatigue [VAS score 6] Pain abdomen with heated feeling. Bodyache Headache persistent despite analgesics. Vertigo since 5 days Took Arsenicum album 30 once a day for three days as prophylactic. Later took Camphora 1M once a day for three days again as prophylactic. |
NAD | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | – | 2 | HEADACHE BETTER BY CLOSING THE EYES +++
SENSATION OF HEAT IN THE ABDOMEN; WANTED TO UNCOVER THE BELLY +++ PERSISTING NAUSEA AND VOMITING WITH VERTIGO. VERTIGO BETTER BY CLOSING THE EYES +++ |
13-6-2020
Tabaccum 200 200 every 4 hours for 3 days. [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
16-6-2020
Vertigo improved. Pain abdomen and nausea were better. Afebrile after 12 hours. No headache after 6 hours. No cough or sore throat now. Rx Placebo |
19-6-2020
Tested negative on day 8th. Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | One of the singular modalities of > closing eyes, both in vertigo and headache, is found in Tabaccum. It also has the singular feature of desiring to uncover the abdomen. | |
| 16. | VP
51 years, Male |
Dry cough.
Fever ~ 100.9 F. Dyspnoea Grade 3. Fatigue [VAS score 6] Headache Bodyache Chills Sore throat Loss of sensation of taste and smell. Pain in chest since 2 days
|
Known case of Depression | NASO- PHARYNGEAL SWAB: COVID -19 POSITIVE | 15-6-2020
NCCT CHEST: MULTIPLE GROUND GLASS OPACITIES INVOLVING B/L LUNGS. FEW SUBCENTIMETRIC LYMPHNODES WERE ALSO NOTED IN THE SUBCARINAL, PARATRACHEAL AND AP WINDOW. F/S/O INFECTIVE ETIOLOGY: LIKELY COVID |
4 | BLACK STOOLS
DURING DECLINING FEVER, SWEATS OVER BACK WITH CHILLINESS DESIRE JUICY FRUITS WEAKNESS AND EXHAUSTION POOR THIRST |
15-6-2020
Acid phos 200 every 4 hours [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
18-6-2020
Afebrile after 36 hours. Normal stolls the following day. Weakness has reduced. Not chilly anymore. Rx Placebo |
22-6-2020
Tested negative on 7th day of treatment. Rx Placebo
|
26-6-2020
Fever relapsed after received news of death of close family member, with bodyache,weakness and chilliness and loss of thirst. Rx Acid phos 1M: 3 doses 1 daily followed by Placebo |
29-6-2020
Reported that weakness and fever vanished after 2nd dose. 27-6-2020 NCCT CHEST: NO SIGNIFICANT LYMPHADENOPTHY SEEN. Rx Placebo |
Acid phos is one of the foremost remedies in our materia medica for ailments from grief, and with the other concomitant symptoms, demanded a higher potency of the same to remedy relapse. | ||
| 17. | MXYZ
16 years, Male |
Dry Cough
Sore throat Fever ~ 101 – 102 F Dyspnoea [grade 5] Loss of sensation of taste and smell Chills Rigors Bodyache Headache Vomiting SPO2 80 – 82 admitted and on ventilator support since past 15 days. Not much improvement despite corticosteroids through nebulization. |
NAD | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | NCCT CHEST: MULTIPLE GROUND GLASS OPACITIES INVOLVING B/L POSTERIOR LOBES OF LUNGS. | 4 | FIDGETY FEET +++
SLIGHTLY BETTER AFTER VOMITING +++ |
27-3-2020
Zincum met LM 1 every 3 hours |
31-3-2020
Afebrile after 36 hours. Was weaned off ventilator support by 30-3-2020. But required O2 suport and nebulising. Dyspnoea improved. No chills and rigors. Fidgety feet +++ Rx Zincum met LM 2 4 Hourly. |
4-4-2020
Could maintain SPO2 ~ 92 – 93 at room temperature without O2 support. Not nebulised for previous 24 hours. Rx Zincum met LM 3 QID. |
9-4-2020 Discharged on 6-4-20 after tested negative. Still had fidgety feet ++ Rx Zincum met LM 4 TDS. | – | – | Observing the persisting fidgety feet and > discharges guided towards Zincum met. | |
| 18. | UBD
32 years, Male |
Dry Cough.
Sore throat. Fever ~ 99.5 – 100.5 F. Loss of sensation of taste and smell. Diarrhoea with semi solid to liquid consistency of stools. Chills. Bodyache. Since 3 days. |
HEPATITIS C.
VERUCCAE VULGARIS |
RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | 3 | STRONG CRAVING FOR SWEETS +++
HEAVINESS IN RIGHT HYPOCHONDRIUM < LYING OVER IT +++ INTOLERANCE OF MILK +++ ANXIOUS. WANTED TO BE LEFT ALONE. > OPEN AIR +++ |
13-6-2020
Magnesium mur 200 Thrice a day for 5 days [WATER POTENCY, 1 DROP IN 100 ML OF WATER; 1 TEASPOONFUL DOSE AFTER 10 SUCCUSSIONS] |
17-6-2020
Cough and sore throat improved. Afebrile after 48 hours. Diarrhoea stopped after 24 hours. Rx Placebo |
19-6-2020
Tested negative on day 9th. Rx Placebo |
– | – | – | Magnesia mur is one of the anti-miasmatic remedies mentioned in practical part of Hahnemann’s The Chronic Diseases. It has also produced in the provings the sensation of loss of smell and taste. Besides this the other obvious symptoms like intolerance of milk, heaviness in right hypochondrium < lying on it etc. guided the choice of remedy. | ||
| 19. | MLTLR
58 years, Male |
Productive Cough
Fever ~ 101 – 102 F Fatigue [VAS score 7] Dyspnoea [grade 5 ] Loss of sensation of taste and smell Chills Chest pain. Since tested positive, hospitalized and was kept on corticosteroids for nebulization and Oxygen support despite that he could only maintain SPO2 81-83. Also was being administered NSAIDs and HCQs. |
NAD | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | 2020-07-02 HRCT CHEST- GROUND GLASS OPACITIES IN B/L PERIPHERAL LUNG FIELDS | 4 | FAN LIKE MOTION ALAE NASI +++
PERSPIRATION OVER FACE +++ WEAKNESS +++ FREQUENT THIRST FOR SMALL QUANTITIES OF WATER +++ CHILLS +++ INCREASED APPETITE DULL BUT IRRITABLE. |
4-7-2020
Antimonium ars 6 EVERY HOUR TILL HE RESPONDS AND THEN GRADUALLY INCREASE THE INTERVAL |
6-7-2020
After 8 hours of remedy noticed reduced requirement of nebulization as well as oxygen support/ ventilator as SPO2 was >90. He was gradually weaned off oxygen support over following 48 hours. Afebrile since evening of day 2. O/A- Basal crepts b/l. Rx Antimonium ars 6, every 6-8 hours and Placebo every 4 hours. |
9-7-2020
Much better now. Able to maintain SPO2 at 92-93 mmHg. O/A occasional left basal crepts. No chest pain. Appetite good. Rx Placebo |
13-7-2020 Discharged on 11-7-20 after testing negative. Rx Placebo | – | – | A perspiring face with fan alae and dulling of senses is classic triad calling for Antimonium tart. Antimonium ars has all the symptoms of Antimonium tart (a thirstless remedy) but has thirst of Arsenicum album. | |
| 20. | MABC
35 Years, Female |
Productive cough
Fever ~ 100 – 101 F (Did not reduce even after paracetamol 650) Dyspnoea [grade 3 ] Chills Diarrhoea. Chest pain Since past 10 days so hospitalised with ventilator support despite that maintained SPO2 at 85 – 86. Also was being nebulized with corticosteroids. |
KNOWN CASE OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA | RT PCR : COVID-19 POSITIVE | HRCT CHEST- CRAZY PAVING & GROUND GLASS OPACITIES IN B/L PERIPHERAL LUNG FIELDS. F/S/O INFECTIVE ETIOLOGY: LIKELY COVID. | 4 | COMPLETE INDIFFERENCE TOWARDS HER STATE OF ILLNESS, HER FAMILY AND NOT COOPERATIVE TOWARDS ATTENDING PHYSICIAN. | 17-6-2020
Sepia LM 1 every 3 hours. |
20-6-2020
Perspired profusely after 12 hours and was afebrile the following day. Dyspnoea improved. Weaned off ventilator support to O2 support- maintained SPO2 at 91-92. Rx Sepia off LM2, 4 hourly |
25-6-2020
Smiled and greeted for the first time. Complained of weakness. Felt chilly and hungry, though ate little. Fretted about the hospital bill. No O2 support or nebulisation and maintained SPO2 at 92-95. Tested positive on 22-6-2020 so still in hospital. Rx Sepia off LM3, QID |
30-6-2020 Tested negative and discharged on 29-6-2020. No weakness now but complained about persisting heaviness in belly and flatulence. Rx Sepia off LM4, TDS | – | – | Sepia is often overlook as a remedy for febrile affections. Reputed as one of the remedies for complicated cases of Malarial affections, the keynote of Indifference that runs through the remedy. The appearance of perspiration or any discharge (as per Hering’s directions of cure) after a homoeopathic prescription indicates incipient cure. |
To be continued…..
References
- https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/who-says-8-covid-19-vaccine-candidates-in-clinical-trial/75784597
- https://theprint.in/india/6-39-of-all-covid-19-cases-require-hospital-support-says-health-ministry/425870/
- Hahnemann, S. Organon of Medicine. New Delhi, India; B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.; 5th and 6th edition combined; 2016
- https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200716-the-people-with-hidden-protection-from-covid-19
- Clarke, J.H. Genius Epidemicus. The Prescriber. New Delhi India. Indian Books and Periodicals Publishers. Reprint Edition 2009; pp 34
- Von Bönninghausen, CMF. Brief instructions for non-physicians concerning the prophylaxis and treatment of asiatic cholera. The lesser writings of C.M.F. von Boenninghausen; New Delhi, India. B Jain Publishers (P) Ltd; 1990 (Reprint edition); pp 299-308.
Thank you Dr. Wadhwani for this exceptional case series. This is homeopathy at its best. It is a wonderful lesson for students and skeptics alike.
Martin Earl
With the second wave of the pandemic looming large in front of us, this case series reaffirms what homeopaths all over the world have been saying, “Homeopathy can deal with COVID-infected people.” Dr. Wadhwani points out that just a small number of those infected would require hospitalization/ ventilator. The majority of Infected people could be a symptomatic or mild/moderately symptomatic and these people could use Homeopathic remedies that are indicated for their individual symptoms.
While scientifically tested treatments and vaccines are still in the developmental phase, Dr Wadhwani has shown in this case series that COVID positive people are recovering very well under homeopathic care. Truly an impressive and eye-opening case series.
Oh, I think I get it. The patient with fidgety feet got Zinc, the patient with a craving for juicy fruits (refreshing things) got Phos-ac., the patient exposing herself got Hyoscyamus, the one who needed the lights on all night got Stramonium, the one with ailments from fright got Aconite… no one got a “covid remedy”, per se. Some of the remedies I don’t know if I could have come up with them–Sepia because of indifference, for example. But I feel more oriented now, thanks to your article. Please write more.
So impressed with this. Loved the references to the Organon at the beginning. The remarkable thing I saw here was not only how the remedies were prescribed to fit the individual’s Lesser accessory symptoms and I understood the reasons for the prescriptions but the low potency and gentle prescribing as most of the reading I have done on COVID19 show high potency frequent prescriptions. This should be compulsory reading for allopathic medical staff treating COVID.
Homoeopathy, an art and a science, being used expertly! Absolutely fascinating!