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Chemicals, Allergens, Drugs! Oh My!

Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M

September 18th, 2016  |  36 Comments

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If you are Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz, then living in a bubble (or at least traveling in one) probably seems glamorous and fun. But most of us are not Glinda, and when I recall what it was like living in a figurative bubble due to my severe allergies and chemical sensitivities… well it was neither glamorous, nor fun.

When my serious and debilitating chemical sensitivities first developed as an adult, I was a member on several civic boards. Unfortunately, I had to give that part of my life up because I could no longer physically attend any of the meetings. This was the 80s mind you, and the presence of aftershave & perfume (everyone wore some form of it) was too much for my body to endure.

Do you remember what else was happening in the 80s? Smoking in public establishments was still legal, which meant I had to stop going to restaurants because my body reacted terribly to that as well.

I had just finished renovating a tiny house that I put my heart and soul into but couldn’t live in due to the construction chemical residue and paint smells. I was forced to sell that house and move in with my parents. I had to sell my car (I couldn’t handle the “new car” smell), quit my job, and drop all my positions on the civic boards I once so proudly served on; I basically became an entirely different person.

When I’d look in the mirror, I wouldn't recognize myself. I had dark circles under my eyes, I gained weight, I was fatigued, depressed, worn out and almost hopeless.

But (thankfully) not totally hopeless. I got to work looking for an answer. Diet helped a little, herbs took a layer of the illness off, but homeopathy is what freed me from the oppressive bubble I had found myself living in.

For me specifically, it was Nux vomica 200 (Apply the discount coupon code – “Joette”– at check-out for an additional 20% off!). As I recall, I took it one day every week for about 8 weeks. Was I instantaneously better after taking the remedy? No… there was a process to my healing, with a number of discernible shifts throughout my journey. I’d take a few steps forward, pause and turn around to look back and appreciate how far I’d come. Within two months I saw around 50% improvement, and that gave me confidence that there was hope.

A yellow brick road to follow, if you will!

Traveling along that road, I couldn’t initially abandon my bubble completely. Sometimes I’d leave it behind for a day and then have to climb back in.

People think that the human body is like a machine, with a steady and constant progression toward either worse or better when actually, health ebbs and flows. Significant life changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause all have their effect.

Stress, diet, acute illness, etc.; these things all affect how long you may have to stay in that bubble and how long you can stay out of it before needing to retreat back to safety.  

My goal is for you to be able to step out more frequently. To help you remember, it’s just a bubble…not a concrete bunker.

Do you recall those magic markers that help us determine whether we’re making progress on the road to healing? (Review them again here: https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/expect-using-homeopathy-part-1/

https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/homeopathy/expect-using-homeopathy-part-2/

https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/expect-using-homeopathy-part-3/ )

In short, as health is restored using homeopathy, the three magic markers are:

  1. Symptoms present with less severity.
  2. Symptoms present for a shorter duration.
  3. Symptoms present less frequently.

If you start seeing any of these three markers, then you know your remedies are acting. When two are met, that's better and when all three are being realized, that's better still. 

For example, if your bubble is more necessary during spring and fall, what you want to see is that you need to climb into that bubble for shorter periods during those seasons.

Or let’s say you’re still in there for the same amount of time, but when you do occasionally step out, your symptoms are less intense.

Or maybe you get to the point where you need your bubble in the spring, but hardly at all in the fall.

The greatest question we often fear when employing homeopathy is: Am I improving? With careful observation and notes, we can often reassure ourselves that the answer to that is YES!

The reason Nux vomica worked so well for me was because I had taken so many drugs in the past: codeine, antibiotics, birth control pills, allergy drugs, allergy shots, steroids – you name it, I took it! (I was dutiful back then.)

Furthermore, Nux vomica is a powerful remedy for someone who is Type A: living life to excess, driven, workaholic, etc.

That fit me to a T!

The fact that I had taken a lot of meds and suffered from GI conditions just completed the big picture.

Now I’m not telling everyone they should take that particular remedy, but if the picture fits, it could certainly be a good choice. Remember: it is essential to look at the whole picture.

Nowadays, using a Banerji protocol, I would open the case with Camphor 200, one dose for one day only, as a response to too many meds. (Learn more here: https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/homeopathy/stop-it-how-to-antidote-a-bad-drug-reaction/). This is the Banerjis’ top choice for undoing the negative effects of conventional drugs.

During my recovery from chemical sensitivities/environmental illnesses, I also took the nosode Tuberculinum 200. I chose this medicine because of my childhood history that included frequent sore throats, ear infections, eczema, allergies and food intolerances.

When you see someone with that history, Tuberculinum can undo it on a miasmatic (some would say genetic) level. This is a topic we’ll really be going into in my course, “Allergic?!”

Interested?

Click here to learn more.

So this is my story of how, back in the 80s, I started a journey down a long and winding road. At the beginning of that journey, I was stuck in a bubble. By the end of it, I was able to let that bubble float away and continue forward with my feet on firm ground.

Homeopathy was my yellow brick road back to the Emerald City of health!

yellow-road-small-resized

“If you have allergies, remember that modern medicine has written you off. The CDC itself will tell you: “There is no cure for allergies. Strict avoidance of the allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction.” I lived decades living in a bubble, dealing with my allergies. Things improved when I stopped taking prescription drugs and changed my diet, but I was not cured. So I kept searching until I found the thing that changed my life forever: homeopathy. Want to learn the same homeopathic steps I took to clear myself of allergies? Learn them today with my newest course: Allergic: http://allergies.joettecalabrese.com/allergic/ and download a free infographic, and start learning what remedies could help uproot your allergies. “

 

I am a homeopath with a worldwide practice working with families and individuals via Zoom. I'm also a teacher and most importantly, a mom who raised my now-adult children depending on homeopathy over the last 31 years. I lived decades of my life with food intolerances, allergies, and chemical sensitivities until I was cured with homeopathy, so I understand pain, anxiety, and suffering. You may feel that your issues are more severe or different than anyone else’s, but I have seen it all in my practice and in my work in India. My opinion is that nothing has come close to the reproducible, safe and effective results that my clients, students and I have achieved with homeopathy.

Call today and learn how homeopathy might just be the missing piece in your health strategy.


Joette is not a physician and the relationship between Joette and her clients is not of prescriber and patient, but as educator and client. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Joette presents. Homeopathy doesn't "treat" an illness; it addresses the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. Joette believes that the advice and diagnosis of a physician is often in order.


We've provided links for your convenience but we do not receive any remuneration nor affiliation in payment from your purchase.


The Author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.



 

36 thoughts on “Chemicals, Allergens, Drugs! Oh My!”

  1. kmanley21 says:

    You mentioned Nux Vomica 200C and when I follow the link the only strength available is 30C of Nux Vominca. Please advise. Thanks!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      There’s a drop down box that gives you the ability to make your choice of dilutions. Click on it and choose the potency you want.

  2. Michele says:

    Hi, would can for undo reactions from a nosode (taken 6 years ago, but still having issues)? Or does it only undo conventional drug reactions?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Pls rephrase your question.

  3. Barbara Harrington says:

    Good information and the animation is an apt illustration and hysterical!

  4. Jackie says:

    Excellent post! Thank you for laying out the markers to check for improvement!

  5. Kay says:

    I have been using homeopathy for about 16 years. I have consulted with many, many homeopaths during that time. None were able to help me with my chronic issues, unfortunately. I had severe environmental allergies, IBS, reflux, and depression. Going grain-free 4-1/2 years ago (as an experiment to see if I could lose the last stubborn 15 pounds I couldn’t get rid of) led to almost instant and complete elimination of all these issues AND the weight loss! It was truly a miracle for me as I had suffered so much in life and tried every treatment, natural and mainstream, known to humankind to no avail! I still use homeopathy for acute issues with great success, but just wanted to share my experience with getting rid of grain in my diet.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I’m happy to hear that you found this out, but I frequently find that its important to correct the grain intolerance in order to get to the essence of the problem. Generally speaking, I don’t believe that its grain,(or dairy, or meat, or nuts, or chocolate, or alcohol, etc) that is the culprit, but rather the gut that is incapable of utilizing foods properly. You’re right in making the connection with the gut, but to be forced to obstain from a food, particularly one that is so ubiquitous, is not the full solution. The GI system must be corrected using homeopathy. I discuss this and the solutions in full in my course “Good Gut; Bad Gut”.

      1. Kay says:

        I completely agree! I’ve also been working on my gut health for going on 3 years and making great strides there as well.

  6. Eileen says:

    If you take a remedy and things go fantastic and 90% of the symptoms that one has experienced are gone completely, and it stays that way for months. Then all the symptoms return, but not as bad as before. Are the steps back you refer to remedy adjustments or does one still stay on the same remedy and it is the body still just adjusting. Thank

  7. Amy G. says:

    Thank you so much for this post! I am like you used to be with being so sensitive to chemicals, perfumes, and smells. Ugh. However, the thing that I can never get past about homeopathy are that the pellets contain sugar – something anti-healthgiving. Even though the amount is small, it always stops me from pursuing homeopathy. Any advice, and your thoughts on the added sugar? Thanks!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      You can buy homeopathic medicines in drops of water, alcohol (this is my personal choice) or put a few pills in half an ounce of water and from that mixture use one teaspoon as a dose.

      By the way, sugar is not added. The medicine is added to the outside of blank sugar pills. Some find that by sucking on the pills for a few seconds, draws off the medicine enough so they can spit out the remaining pills and eliminate the extra sugar.

      1. Amy G. says:

        Thank you! I am coming up pretty empty in searching for nux vomica 200 in alcohol on the web. Where does a consumer purchase the full array of homeopathics in non pellet form (which are easy to find?)

        Thanks again.
        Amy G.

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          Washington Homeopathics in W. Virginia, Hahnemann Labs in CA, Helios in England. All are on line.

          1. Amy G. says:

            Thank you for the sources – I’ll check in to those no sugar solutions. It’s interesting that you, too, prefer those.

          2. Julia says:

            Dear Joette: I love your writing. So captivating. And so full of hope. I’m afraid (no pun intended) our western medicine modality immediately puts us in fear. We must battle and kill and the mind set is, “something is wrong with you.” Now there is a boost of confidence.
            I was looking up chemical sensitivity because my son’s friend came over and he said he was doing some demolition work and he was stuffed up. I gave him some nux vomica. Told him to remember to wear his mask And reminded him to visit nature because he’s a workaholic. Thanks for all you do!

      2. Connie says:

        Joette, did you mean 1/2 ounce or 1/2 cup?

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          1/2 ounce.

          1. Connie says:

            Have you found 1/2 oz to be better? I’ve been following the 4 oz recommendation from your article “Best Remedies for Seniors”. I sooooo appreciate all that you are doing–thank you!

  8. Gay H. says:

    Love the animation, and of course the article!

  9. Martha says:

    Not to take away from this great article but………Nux Vomica is also a remedy that should be considered by moms who have children with temper tantrums and behavioral issues (biting others, throwing things in anger). It is also great to calm children down at night — particularly those that are not “morning people” but have energy and/or mental excitability @ bedtime.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      You bet! Thanks for your perspective and fleshing out this wonderful medicine.

      1. Jackie says:

        We are dealing with horrendous tantrums with our 3 year old right now. Chamomilla 200 was wonderful when she was about 1.5 years old…stramonium seemed to make her worse. I think we will try Nux next. Tuberculinum is on my radar as well. She is so very disruptive (despite discipline) but yet very sweet at times. We are at our wits end.

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          Chamomilla is good at any age, so if you’ve not used it again, it might be time once again.

  10. Andrea says:

    Joette can you clarify the difference between someone who would use Cal Carb 1M and Nux Vom 200 for their chemical allergies and sensitivity?? Thanks

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I’ll be covering differentials in my upcoming course “Allergic!?”

      1. Dave says:

        Where did you cover this in the course? I have the course but didn’t find this yet (though I am not finished.) I saw where Calc Carb was recommended, but not Nux Vomica.

  11. Margie says:

    Hello Joette

    I listened to the first webinar on allergies and I missed the protocol for chemical and perfume sensitivity
    Can you please let me know what that is.
    I have the carbolicum acids, nat mur and arsenicium album. I just don’t know which ones to taken when

    Thank you

  12. barb says:

    joette you hit the nail on the head for me ive been having allergy problems and sinus headaches day after day cant get rid of them so I found this post over the holiday and started it 2 days ago wow what a difference im feeling so much better just a little headache right now I work around cleaning solutions all day for 10 hrs or more I think it is messing with my sinuses and it wasnt getting any better for me until I started this thank you thank you and thank you again!!!! your a lifesaver!!!

  13. Sheri Fletcher says:

    How often do we take the Tuburculinum?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      It depends on the case.

  14. Becca says:

    Joette,
    I have been a hair stylist for about 11 years. In the past few years I have just been doing hair casually for friends. I have noticed that when I color someone’s hair, the skin on my wrist breaks out into painful, itchy red bumps that weep a yellow fluid and form orange crusts. Sometimes the bumps go all over my body and are extremely itchy. The Banerji protocol for atopic dermatitis seems to help it heal as long as I’m not using the hair color, but it has not cured the sensitivity/allergy. Obviously, hair color is something I’m going to have to avoid unless my sensitivity/allergy can be cured. (I am very aware of not using chemicals in other areas of my life like cleaning products, and this is the only chemical I am aware of that I haven’t actively avoided) Is nux vomica 200 the appropriate remedy to root out a chemical sensitivity such as this one? Would it be advisable to take it more than once a week? I know you are a busy woman, and I very much appreciate you taking the time to read our responses and questions on your blog!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I cover these kinds of questions extensively (and that is what this subject requires) in my course Allergic. I urge you to consider taking it to get the entire picture.

  15. Mounish Choudhury says:

    I have highly sensitive issue with indoor chemical allergens (formaldehyde)

    My nose get reddish, feels itchiness, scratch and etc.
    While Out door I don’t face any issue.
    This happens from house to house (If I stay on the ground floor these issues are highly disturbing to me ).

    Also, I am sensitive to smoke, fumes, the smell of Perfume, the smell of soap, detergents etc.
    All this irritates my nose and throat.

    I heard below Two remedies in this case. Can you please guide me ?

    Carbolic Acid 30
    Natmur 6 X

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      Both are very good choices for chemical sensitivities.

  16. Sonia says:

    Hi Joette, did you take the nosode tuberculinum on your own or did the practitioner you were working with who gave you Nux Vomica also give that to you?

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