Herbal Medicine in Modern Practice: Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Contemporary Science

Herbal Medicine in Modern Practice: Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Contemporary Science


Prof. Dr. Samo Kreft, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana; Sodobna fitoterapija

The lecture examines the integration of traditional herbal knowledge with modern scientific approaches in healthcare. Medicinal plants are versatile, finding use across various domains such as food, medicinal products, cosmetics, and wellness. Traditional ethnomedicine plays a vital role in modern drug discovery, with well-known examples including digoxin from foxglove and salicylic acid from the willow tree. On the other hand, taxol from the yew tree serves as an example of a modern drug discovered from nature without the direct influence of traditional knowledge.

The presentation underscores the necessity of scientific validation for herbal medicines, which involves rigorous standardization and clinical trials, adhering to regulatory guidelines like those set forth by the European Medicines Agency. The discussion also dispels common misconceptions about the safety and efficacy of natural products, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both traditional wisdom and contemporary scientific methods.

Additionally, the lecture highlights the advantages of plant-based diets, which are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and offer significant environmental benefits. The positive impact of decorative plants and forest therapy on mental health and productivity is also discussed, emphasizing the holistic benefits that nature can offer in modern healthcare.


Integrating Ayurveda and Biological Medicine: A Multidimensional Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Integrating Ayurveda and Biological Medicine: A Multidimensional Approach to Patient-Centered Care


Ajil Kunhumbidukka Veettil, B.A.M.S, PGDY, RAV (General Medicine), MSc (Yoga Science)

The human body exists as a multidimensional entity, requiring medical approaches that reflect this complexity. Integrating Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing, with modern biological medicine offers a comprehensive, patient-centered health care model. This model not only addresses physical symptoms but also considers mental, emotional, and environmental factors that influence health.

In this presentation, we explore how combining the holistic principles of Ayurveda with the scientific rigor of biological medicine can provide an innovative framework for treating complex conditions. Specifically, we will examine its application to autism spectrum disorders, highlighting how this integrated approach supports meaningful progress in managing and improving the condition. Through case studies and evidence-based insights, we will demonstrate how this fusion of disciplines can address the unique needs of patients by treating the body as a cohesive whole.


A GLANCE AT INDIVIDUALISED CLASSICAL HOMEOPATHY THROUGH A CASE OF MIGRAINE AND PINEAL GLAND CYST – A CASE REPORT.

A GLANCE AT INDIVIDUALISED CLASSICAL HOMEOPATHY THROUGH A CASE OF MIGRAINE AND PINEAL GLAND CYST – A CASE REPORT.


Dr.med. Katarina Lucija Glas

Introduction
An increased number of research works is confirming the effectiveness of homeopathic medicine (1,2). The treatment of migraines with classical homeopathy generally follows the same approach as for other chronic exacerbating diseases, both in adults and children. In homeopathic treatment of migraines, the main focus in the beginning is an initial consultation where the patient reveals the primary health issue. During the first consultation for homeopathic migraine treatment, it is crucial to discuss the course of each migraine attack—how it begins, whether it starts with an aura, what other problems arise, what improves or worsens the condition, and what triggers the migraine attack. For classical individualised homeopathic treatment, the development of a migraine headache involves considering the location of the pain, the type of pain, where it spreads, and what accompanies it—nausea, concentration issues, which areas of functioning are additionally impaired, and what modifies the migraine in terms of improvement or worsening. In other words, what the person avoids or what mitigates the migraine attack is important.

This information is equally important for treating migraines with homeopathy in children. The advantage of treating migraines in children is that homeopathic medicines have no side effects or contraindications. There is a difference in migraine treatment in adults and children in modern pharmacotherapeutic medicine, as some specific pharmacological treatments for adults cannot be prescribed to children.

In choosing a homeopathic medicine for treating migraines with classical homeopathy in children, as in adults, various other factors are important, such as potential causes of the migraine onset, frequently recurring chronic illnesses, injuries, mental trauma, the onset of menarche, etc. Additionally, when treating children or adults with migraines, the homeopathic practitioner needs information about appetite, thirst, digestion, sleep, dreams, menstruation in girls and women, sensitivity to climatic conditions, type of perspiration, as well as the mental and emotional shades of the person undergoing homeopathic treatment.
Scientific research suggests the success of homeopathic treatment for migraines in both children and adults (3, 4).
Clinical experience shows that:

  • The duration of migraine attacks gradually shortens with classical individualised homeopathic medicine
  • The intensity of migraine attacks decreases with classical individualised homeopathic medicine
  • The frequency of migraine attacks reduces, with milder headaches occurring, and in some cases, a headache-free state is achieved with homeopathic treatment of migraines. This outcome

in general practice confirms the Theory of Levels of Health by Prof. Vithoulkas (5), with more and more successfully treated cases in neurology (6) and other fields of medicine (7).

The presentation of a migraine case accompanied by a Pineal gland cyst of an adolescent
This case involves an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with migraines by neurologists after 10 episodes of headaches. The mother opted for homeopathy as she had experienced satisfactory results after 20 years of homeopathic migraine treatment (6).
Personal medical history of the girl: The mother had some migraines during pregnancy, and both the grandmother and great-grandmother likely had migraines. The girl suffered head injuries at ages 1.5 and 6, with a three-hour disruption in response after the latter. She had pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia at age 3, was vaccinated according to schedule, and had pollen and hair allergies. At the start of treatment, she had not yet reached menarche. Pharmacological treatment: non-specific painkillers were used, but the headache lingered two days after a migraine attack. Homeopathic medicines (Phosphorus and later Natrum muriaticum in various potencies) were used. Acupuncture was also suggested. Laboratory tests: CT (computed tomography) after the injuries showed normal results, as did blood tests, TSH (thyroxine-stimulating hormone), and serological tests for Lyme disease. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) recommended by the neurologist after the first homeopathic consultation revealed a pineal cyst the size of a pea. MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) endocrine and ophthalmologic results were normal. Surgical treatment of the pineal gland cyst was not indicated.

Description of main issues in line with homeopathic treatment:
Headaches followed auras with various visual disturbances—blurred vision before the migraine episode, unilateral hemianopsia, or dim, foggy vision during the aura. Over time, episodes were accompanied by vomiting and tingling in one arm. The headaches were unilateral, usually on the right side, lingering two days, but slightly alleviated by standard analgesics prescribed by a neurologist. Migraine episodes were followed by memory and concentration issues, and she was often picked up from school. Migraines often began after physical exertion, and were worsened by light and noise.

Other symptoms relevant to the homeopathic approach of case taking:
She was sensitive to cold. She liked milk and ice cream. Headaches worsened when she did not drink enough. She had sour burps and usually slept on her right side. After daily stress and worries at night, she had nightmares. She sweated on her face and back. Mentally and emotionally she was a compassionate girl, especially during her mother’s migraine attacks. Otherwise, she was clingy and afraid of being alone when she was younger.

Prescribed homeopathic medicine: Phosphorus C 200

Progress and treatment development over nine check-ups:
V.2018: The headache occurred twice, improving after drinking more water in a few hours. She felt sleepy soon after taking the homeopathic medicine. Conclusion after the first check-up: no initial worsening of symptoms, main issue improved. Additional diagnostics performed as directed by the neurologist revealed a pineal cyst measuring 9×5 mm. First MRI performed in 2018. The remedy was not changed.
Progress continues with homeopathic check-ups in subsequent months in five years, with a gradual improvement in migraine symptoms after adjustments of homeopathic treatment. The child was continuously under paediatric specialist supervision.
Homeopathic remedies were produced following the instructions of the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia and the European Pharmacopoeia in Homeocur (Austria) and Remedia (Austria), with Adriapharm (Slovenia) supplying these in Slovenia.

Results
The case illustrates the treatment of an adolescent girl diagnosed with migraines and a subsequent discovery of a larger pineal gland cyst, following the HOM Case Care guidelines. The classical individualised homeopathic treatment began as no specific treatment was available for both diagnoses. Surgical treatment of the pineal gland cyst is indicated in large, symptomatic pineal gland cysts. Over five years, after the initial consultation and nine follow-up check-ups, the frequency and intensity of migraines gradually decreased. At the same time, the larger pineal gland cyst regressed completely. The agreed MONARCH score was +8 on a scale from -6 to +13 points.

Conclusions
The MONARCH score suggests that classical individualized homeopathic treatment may have contributed to the improvement of migraine issues and the subsequent discovery of a pineal gland cyst in the adolescent girl.


Defining Integrative Oncology

Defining Integrative Oncology


Dr. med. Jana Pahole

Integrative Oncology offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to cancer patient care. It requires fine-tuning of available and scietifically approved methods for each  individual based on their preferences and abilities. Orchestrating mainstream treatments and complementary methods can sometimes be challenging, considering obstacles in implementing them into standard oncology care, not only in terms of cost  but also in terms of knowledge. Palliative care is also considered an important part of the disease trajectory when curing transitions into healing.


The smouldering fire in the jawbone – Systemic diseases and neglected RANTES/CCL5 inflammation detected by ultrasonography.

The smouldering fire in the jawbone – Systemic diseases and neglected RANTES/CCL5 inflammation detected by ultrasonography.


Dr. J. Lechner

Widely unrecognised pathology in the jawbone produces an inflammatory messenger known as chemokine RANTES/CCL5. These local chronic RANTES inflammatory signalling cascades propel undesirable dysregulations in the immune system: Individual organs derail inflammatory or degenerative. Thus, the development of rheumatism, fibromyalgia and depression can be traced back to the RANTES pathways, as can the promotion of tumours or neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. The systemic effect of RANTES on the body thus acts like a “creeping poison”. The removal of these RANTES foci in a simple dental surgery Jawbone Detox® procedure results in impressive healing. Why is this new in dentistry? RANTES jawbone foci are not to detect by conventional X-ray. Alternatively new transalveolar ultrasonography (TAU/www.cavitau.de ) device is available for a radiation-free diagnosis of bone density and able to objectivize the fatty-degenerative condition of jawbone beyond radiography. This opens a new aspect for future Integrative Oral Medicine and Preventive Integrative Medicine and Dentistry.


Stage 6

Dedifferentiation stage 6 is the last stage in which cells genetic material is damaged and new growth (cancer) has emerged.


If patients still don't act with the correct integrative medicine strategy, the buildup of noxious agents, aka "garbage" damages the cell`s genetic material and severely affects cellular respiratory mechanisms.

OXIDATIVE-FREE RADICALS CONTINUE TO DAMAGE ORGANS AND INCREASE THEIR DYSFUNCTION AND TISSUE DEGENERATION. CELLULAR RESPIRATION IS NO LONGER OXIDATIVE, BUT IT CHANGES TO FERMENTATION, i.e., WARBURG EFFECT.

Diagnoses that fall into this group are basically all forms of cancer. Especially in this stage, we work together with our good partner clinic from Switzerland, Biomedicine Sonnenberg which has plenty of experience in the integrative oncology field, and together we have great success.

INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY CANCER TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Logically, therapies in this stage must be carefully planned, and besides all of the explanations in the first five stages, in stage 6, strictness in the removal of chronic foci is mandatory. This includes periodontal disease, “dead” teeth, metals in the mouth, and any scars in the body. Working the gut microbiome is of the essence since 80% of the immune system grows in the walls of the intestines. Integrative oncology offers a series of direct antitumor substances and specific blood tests for testing the effectiveness of chemotherapy agents and integrative medicine anticancer agents in order to make treatment as effective as possible. All the other strategies are in essence the same as in previous phases since the body still needs to unload the accumulated toxic burden.

This stage is a final consequence of failed control of the accumulation of exogenous and endogenous noxious agents. Free radicals continue to promote organ dysfunction and tissue degeneration. Cellular metabolism is no longer oxidative phosphorylation, but it changes to “fermentation”, which means “breathing” on a cellular level. The dedifferentiated cells are then released into blood circulation. In general, at this stage, we must be aware that the organism has severely reduced its energy reserves and its regulatory capacity.


Stage 5

The degeneration stage is marked by deeper intracellular noxious agents which is accompanied by reduced cell function.


Cells are by now severely damaged, restoration of the cell's membrane, enzymes, other proteins, and genetic material is crucial.

WE ARE GETTING DEEPER AND DEEPER. ORGAN STRUCTURE WITH ITS FUNCTION IS INCREASINGLY AND IRREVERSIBLY DAMAGED. RESTORATION OF CELL’S MEMBRANE, ENZYMES, OTHER PROTEIN, AND GENETIC MATERIAL IS CRUCIAL TO PREVENT TRANSITION TO THE NEXT MOST UNWANTED STAGE 6.

If there is still no therapeutically planned detoxification with drainage in combination with upbuilding treatment done and only suppressive medication is employed, then organ structure and its function are increasingly and irreversibly damaged.

Typical diagnoses in phase 5 are dermatoses including psoriasis, periodontal disease, Atrophic rhinitis, Parkinson’s’ disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Macular degeneration, glaucoma, Addison`s disease, COPD, Chron disease, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto disease, Scleroderma, Osteoporosis, Arthrosis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Myocardial infarction, etc.

PROTECTIVE AND REPAIRING TREATMENTS FOR CELL’S GENETIC AND NON-GENETIC MATERIAL

Treatment continues with the activation of general bodily defenses to elicit efficacious reactive stage 1 and 2 with neural therapy, homeopathy, herbals, ozone therapy, acupuncture, etc. In targeted antioxidant therapy, as we wrote elsewhere, reactive oxygen species are further produced in this phase. Activation of drainage of organs and extracellular matrix in the microscopic world means draining of cells with specific orthomolecular detoxification, herbal sauna, other medical ayurvedic techniques, colon hydrotherapy or enemas, etc. It is necessary to increase membrane potential since it is lowered with the deepening of the disease process with alkaline minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, and also essential fatty acids. Among many therapeutic approaches, Papimi is extremely effective in this case. Again, special attention must be taken to the use of suppressing pharmaceuticals and smartly and carefully adjusting the dosing during the treatments. During treatment, an orthomolecular strategy must be prescribed and planned. As always, the most important part and the part that you, as a patient, have complete control over is taking care of adequate hydration and reducing the dietary antigenic and toxic load.

Continuous degenerative harm is done to the cells with an effect on genetic and other structures like membranes, enzymes, other proteins, etc. Inevitable toxin accumulation continues, which just multiplies with chronic inflammation. It is valid to say that toxins at this stage due to glandular impregnation cause hormonal imbalance and reduced capacity for immunomodulation. In the end, the body’s defenses in terms of inflammation and cells themselves are so suppressed that the proliferation of anomalous cells occurs. At this stage, improvements are possible, but it is fair to say that full recovery MAY not be possible even with an integrative approach. However, with the modern integration of all medical knowledge and long-term treatment, everything is possible. The focus is always on supporting cell function and improving affected regulation. Again, we must not forget proper oral health, as described elsewhere. Cellular support is planned based on diagnostics, with the main aim being increasing ATP energy production through vitamins, herbs, homeopathic and supporting therapies such as Papimi ion therapy local radiofrequency hyperthermia therapy, and many others. In this way, cells get the basics in order to regain their specialized function and ability to excrete metabolism byproducts and toxic load.


Stage 4

Stage 4: causative noxious agents have penetrated into the cells. The treatment strategy must include cellular detoxification.


In this phase, the noxius agents damage the cell membranes, enzymes, etc.

STAGE 4 MEANS THE TRANSITION OF THE DISEASE FROM THE EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX TO SPECIALISED ORGAN CELLS WITH CONCURENT MORE SERIOUS DIAGNOSIS OF ORGAN DAMAGE.

Diagnoses that fall into this stage are migraine, eye twitching, viral infections, asthma, ulcers, toxic liver damage, nephrotic syndrome, autoimmune glomerulonephritis, chronic arthritis, benign prostate hyperplasia, bronchitis, angina pectoris, myocarditis, and many others.

The treatment strategy in this phase is more complex, and at the beginning, it is necessary to support the cellular processes. It is imperative to start with boosting the cellular energy mechanisms with orthomolecular therapy, ion induction therapy, hyperthermia, boosting the catalysts of the citric acid cycle, coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, specific herbs, and many, many others. In this way, we give the cells the energy they need to excrete disturbing agents into the extracellular matrix and maintain organ function. Since the extracellular matrix is now the “dumping ground”, we need to concurrently activate the drainage of the extracellular matrix itself and all the excretory organs, namely the liver, kidneys, skin, intestinal mucosa through again orthomolecular remedies, herbs, special herbal tonics and oils, and specific therapies. We must not forget to neutralize reactive oxygen species. In a way, it is about triggering an effective stage 2 that is able to remove the disturbing noxious agents from the body. In the clinic, we support this with neural therapy, ozone, cupping, many of the Ayurvedic techniques, and others. Increasing the membrane potential is achieved through ion-induction therapy with Papimi and Indiba accompanied by minerals, essential fatty acids, etc. Pharmaceuticals are used with the awareness that suppression is not desirable at this stage. On the other hand, we have to be extremely strict about oral health at this stage because many of the root causes could originate in the mouth, such as infectious inflammation of the bone and soft tissues (periodontitis, “granuloma”—dead teeth), non-infectious FDOJ, or in older days, NICO, materials (metals and plastics), and also the effects of the bite on postural problems. In the end, of course, more rigor in diet, hydration, etc.

So we observe direct effects on cellular functions, e.g., enzymes, but also on cell membranes and mitochondria. As Reckeweg wrote, at this stage, we are usually presented with a patient who has some form of chronic inflammation. Basically, the inflammation is going on in an extracellular matrix, which, because of its chronicity, leaves damaging after-effects. The whole biochemical imbalance accumulates around organ parenchyma, and the inflammation is just a stage 2 reaction that tries to isolate the noxious situation by “scarring” it. Ultimately, this process damages the organ itself. If the ongoing defense is not treated and detoxification is not initiated, degeneration of the organ structures is inevitable.


Stage 3

Stage 3: The body’s own defense processes cannot manage to completely expel toxins. They are deposited in the extracellular matrix, in adipose tissue, and in the entire vascular system.


At this stage, it is of utmost importance to stimulate cellular metabolism to get rid of deposited material of any origin.

THE DEFENCE MECHANISMS OF STAGES 1 AND 2 MUST BE ACTIVATED DUE TO THE DEPOSITION OF NOXIOUS AGENTS IN THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE. DRAINAGE AND IMMUNE SYSTEM-SPECIFIC TREATMENTS MUST BE ACTIVATED.

Diagnoses at this stage are atheromas, warts, cysts, polyps, neuromas, constipation, cholelithiasis, obesity, gout, edema, lymph gland swelling, prostatic hypertrophy, fibroids, and rheumatism, to name a few.

SPECIFIC CONNECTIVE TISSUE DRAINAGE AND ACTIVATION OF DETOXIFICATION ON A CELLULAR LEVEL

  • Specific drainage remedies
  • Specific Ayurvedic treatments
  • Osteopathic drainage treatments
  • Specific papimi Ion-Induction-Therapy regimen
  • Specific local and systemic hyperthermia
  • IHHT: Intermittent hyper, hypoxic treatment
  • Integrative Dentistry

In general, the first 3 stages can be treated with great success if the therapies are planned appropriately and integratively. It must be remembered that these three stages affect the fluid and the extracellular matrix, and the biochemical mechanisms of the cell are not yet damaged. We must be aware that from the 3rd stage until the next 4th stage, the organism does not have an efficient biological defense and draws energy away from detoxification. The cellular metabolic functions need stimulation from your integrative therapist to recover and support the release and gradual elimination of toxin deposits to maintain energy for the vital organs.

The therapeutic strategies in this phase are similar to those in the previous stage. That is, activating the body’s own drainage through the kidneys, liver, skin, and intestinal mucosa and draining the extracellular matrix through the lymphatic and vascular systems We can achieve this by combining Ayurvedic herbal medicine, orthomolecular therapies with either supplements or infusions or both, medicinal saunas, enemas or intestinal hydrotherapy, cupping, homeopathy, and others. When stage 2 defenses are prolonged over time, we need to be wary of oxidative processes. Based on laboratory results and our experience, high doses of antioxidants are prescribed. Again, dietary review is essential to ensure adequate hydration and reduce the antigenic load of food. The activation of immune cell-producing organs such as bone marrow and thymus is essential. The secondary lymphoid organs must not be forgotten. These organs include the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and certain tissues in various mucosal layers of the body (e.g., Peyer`s patches in the intestine).


Stage 2

Stage 2: Reaction Stage
It is characterized by expelling the noxious agents, which can be of internal or external origin.


In this stage, the body`s natural defenses are activated. The most frequent are vomiting, diarrhea, fever and inflammation

STAGE 2: ACTIVATE THE DEFENSIVE MECHANISMS. SUPPORT THE BODY’S DEFENCES AND TARGET-DIAGNOSED ”NOXIOUS AGENT” WITH SPECIFIC NON-INVASIVE OR INVASIVE THERAPIES.

This group includes dermatitis, erythema, eczema, stomatitis, rhinitis, herpes zoster, poliomyelitis, neuralgia, pharyngitis, laryngitis, colitis, hepatitis, abscess, osteomyelitis, tonsillitis, and polyarthritis, to name a few.

TARGET SPECIFIC CAUSATIVE ”NOXIOUS AGENT” THAT WAS DISCOVERED DURING ANAMNESIS AND DIAGNOSTICS.

  • Chemical substances (glyphosate, PFOA, pesticides, DDT, herbicides)
  • Bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, borrelia, etc.)—most importantly
  • Viruses (EBV, VZV, CMV, Influeza, COVID-19, etc.)—the most relevant
  • Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, etc.)

The most common defenses are fever, diarrhea, and inflammation, and with them can come troublesome symptoms. In integrative medicine, symptoms are seen as a serious attempt by the body to get back to stage 1 health. Symptoms, though annoying, become valuable signs that the organism is attempting to regulate toward recovery. Only in rare cases does one need medication for fever, pain, and inflammation. More so, overuse of so-called NSAID drugs can progress the disease to deeper stages. In some cases, they are used, and the dosage has to be chosen carefully.

The therapeutic strategies at this stage are to activate the drainage of organs such as the kidneys, liver, skin, and intestinal mucosa, as well as the drainage of the extracellular matrix, as described elsewhere. We can achieve this by combining Ayurvedic herbal medicine, orthomolecular therapies with either supplements or infusions or both, medicinal saunas, enemas or colon hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and others. When inflammation is prolonged, we need to be wary of reactive oxidative species in layman’s terms. We need to watch out for high levels of antioxidants, based on laboratory results and our experience. Again, dietary review is imperative to ensure adequate hydration and reduce the antigenic load of food.