Magic Metal; Mercury Poisoning and Homeopathy
Joette Calabrese,HMC,CCH,RSHom
Published in Wise Traditions, Summer 2008, “Toxic Metals”
The innocence of the 1950's still plagues us. Today, hard science warns us of the dangers of mercury. Presently, given our contemporary climate, if a teacher were to expose children to mercury, she might be subject to the wrath of parents and school board and sited by the DEC. Hardly magical any more.
What of those of us who had been exposed to mercury half a century ago? And those who have suffered its mishchief on a day to day basis via dental amalgams? Consider a medical method that has a world wide reputation with a proven record: homeopathy. Homeopathy has dealt with mercury poisoning and the likes for the last 200 years.
Homeopathy is an intelligent form of medicine that treats the person as an individual. Unlike modern medicine that treats symptoms, homeopathy focuses on the individual and how he is physically and mentally experiencing the illness. This is expressed through the body's innate intelligence via symptoms. Homeopaths don't want to erase symptoms. Instead the goal is to use these symptoms to determine which homeopathic remedy best suits the individual. Once the symptoms are carefully noted, the homeopath looks for a match to a homeopathic remedy that has been shown to address the sufferings. This will uproot the illness.
Although many confuse homeopathy with the term holistic, it is a specific medical discipline that was widely used in the US until half a century ago. It never lost favor in lieu of drugs in England, India, France and Germany where over 40% of the doctors are homeopaths. It is indeed a medical discipline in a unique category. Homeopathy uses minute amounts of plant, animal and minerals that, when properly utilized, stimulate the person's ability to bring itself to its best economy. This means homeopathy believes that we have the ability to resolve health issues when given the correct stimulus.
Once homeopathy has been employed and the suffering diminished, a blood test to determine the amount of mercury remaining will confirm the changes. This often takes months, but the reward for waiting is worthwhile.
Each person with mercury poisoning will present in his own way. One, for example, will have ataxia (a type of paralysis), another may have excessive perspiration, a swollen tongue and profuse saliva, while another may have memory loss and foggy thinking. Choosing the correct remedy is best left to a homeopath with solid credentials and experience. However, for the sake of interest, let us examine the possibilities.
The most common remedy that has historically addressed poisoning, even low levels, is Natrum muriaticum 6x, (Nat mur). The picture that Nat mur 6x covers is one of oversensitivity. For someone who suffers from being around perfumes, cigarette smoke and chemicals, particularly if mercury is associated with their illness, Nat mur should be strongly considered. It may take time and patience, but Nat mur 6x can address the associated issues. This is one of the few remedies that could be recommended for most people who have been exposed to mercury with reasonable accuracy. It could be taken daily for weeks.
If the pathology is paralysis, one of the most valuable remedies is Hepar sulph. Given in proper dosage and timing, it can be most beneficial for those who also are hyper-sensitive. This can include sensitivity to weather changes, sensitivity to pain and to the odors of chemicals as well as to food and even animals. The need for Hepar sulph may also present with painful and swollen lymph glands. Once it is determined that Hepar sulph is the best match, it is usually taken monthly for a specific amount of time depending on the needs of the sufferer.
Metal poisoning can also cause psychological pathology. Nitricum acidum is a powerful remedy that aids someone who has had a disturbance of the central nervous system as a result of mercury poisoning. Its need is determined by behavior associated with strong and persistent fears of death. It is also considered for someone who worries immensely about their health, often expressed in panic attacks. Nitricum acidum is a mainstay of homeopathic literature that is timeless and enduring. Homeopathic Sulphur should be considered if the issue after mercury poisoning is associated with heat. For example, the person may experience heat in an uncomfortable way. He may find that perspiration is excessive and that his odors are of an offensive or metallic nature. This is a remedy that has been shown clinically to provide immeasurable relief for children who have had reactions to vaccines laced with mercury. It can be of value even years after the time of the inoculation.
Consider the case of Robert. On Thursday, this healthy newborn, at six weeks old, was inoculated with polio. By Saturday he was too weak and limp to nurse and presented with a temperature of 105 degrees. His parents linked the reaction to the vaccine since nothing else in his short life could be associated. After three days of suffering, Robert was given two doses of Sulphur 200c. The fever and listlessness were aborted within hours and Robert resumed nursing happily with no residual illness. What is most remarkable, is that there were no side effects. Homeopathy has a sterling reputation for results such as this. Each of the above remedies is only a small sample of the choices to reinstate health in someone suffering from the ill effects of mercury. Even mercury is not to be feared in light of homeopathy's reputation. Nonetheless, if our guileless Miss Miller had known about the dangers of this metal, she might have sought elsewhere for a source of magic to dazzle us.