Frequently Asked Questions - Epidemics

1. What is a genus epidemicus?

Answer:  In epidemic situations, it is helpful if detailed information about the specific symptoms of the epidemic are collated to determine a genus epidemicus -- a set of remedies that most closely match the symptoms being experienced by most sufferers.  This set of matching remedies will be the ones most likely to cure sufferers or to serve as an effective prophylactic. For more information, read genus epidemicus.

2. How can I quickly find the genus epidemicus as it becomes determined?

Answer: The NCH is leading an effort to create an Emergency Response Team that will determine the Genus Epidemicus of national epidemics as they occur. This information will be posted on this web site and also sent to all the homeopathic organizations as it becomes available.

3. What is a nosode?

Answer: Nosode (Gr. noso, 'disease', eidos, 'from') the potentized homeopathic remedy prepared from diseased tissue or the product of disease. More details

4. Should I be taking the nosode remedies Anthracinum or Variolinum? What about other nosode remedies?

Answer: See articles by J. P. Borneman

5. I have heard that the government is considering irradiating mail. Does irradiation of mail change the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies?

Answer: Only a handful of studies exist on the effect of x-rays on homeopathic drugs. These studies, all conducted in the 1970's, show anomalous results. Thus, one cannot say for sure what the effect of irradiation might be. As a practical matter, many people travel with homeopathic kits in their hand luggage. These kits are routinely x-rayed (as much as once or twice per week), and the medicines are still effective. If you are concerned about irradiation, ask your supplier to ship by UPS ground service.

6. What is the effect of vaccination for anthrax or smallpox on my health? Do you recommend that I get this?

Answer: This is a decision that you should make with your practitioner. (For a related article read Homeopathic Prophylaxis: Fact or Fiction by Todd A. Hoover, MD. Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy, Autumn 2001)

7. What are the side effects of Cipro? Are there any other alternatives?

Answer: See Cipro side effects. If you are advised to take an antibiotic, take the simplest one you can. E.g. in anthrax, penicillin and tetracycline, both available generically, are as effective as Cipro, readily available, and much less expensive. More importantly, penicillin has a much narrower spectrum of bacteria that it kills. This means that it knocks off fewer of the good bacteria needed for digestion and other bodily functions, and it is less likely to create bacteria that are resistant to Cipro if you ever need it for something else that is not sensitive to penicillin.

8. What can I do to help?

Answer: See the NCH President's response and become a member of the NCH

9. In the event of a biological or chemical attack in my immediate area, what should I do?

Answer: (Work in progress. Check back for updates)

10. How can I best be prepared for crisis?

Answer: (Work in progress. Check back for updates)

11. Is anyone working with governmental agencies (Red Cross, Department of Defense) to make sure that homeopathy has a role in crisis intervention?

Answer: The NCH will be working with the Red Cross and FEMA to attempt to obtain larger governmental acceptance of the role of homeopathy in crisis situations. The NCH will be partnering with Homeopaths Without Borders in this work.

12. Which kit of remedies should I buy that would help me be best prepared?

Answer: Any of the medium (50) to large (100) homeopathic kits sold by the companies in the NCH's Resource Guide are recommended. These kits are purposefully designed to contain remedies commonly used to cover the vast majority of conditions which are likely to be encountered. As more information is know we will place it in this section.

13. I have heard much about anthrax. What chemical agents should I be most worried about?

Answer: (Work in progress. Check back for updates)

14. Is there anything that homeopathy can do in the event of a nuclear attack?

Answer: See our page on Nuclear attacks

15. What are the first symptoms of Anthrax? With the cold and flu season coming, how do I know whether my symptoms might be the initial symptoms of anthrax?

Answer: Contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)

16. Does doing homeopathy replace the need for doing conventional medicine?

Answer:Antibiotics are the best-known defense for some of these biological agents, and the window of opportunity for using them successfully is quite short. Stay in touch with your conventional practitioner and public health department as well as your homeopath. If a crisis arises, do not discount the use of conventional medication. Homeopathy is not the only line of defense.

17. I would like to form a study group in my area to discuss these issues more and better prepare. How can I go about doing this?

Answer: See study group information at this site

18. I have been experiencing much anxiety and depression since the attacks began. Is there anything I can take for this?

Answer: See our Tools for responding to stress

19. If I travel, what should I take with me to be best prepared?

Answer: Your practitioner's telephone number or other contact information and any of the medium (50) to large (100) homeopathic kits sold by the companies in the NCH's Resource Guide.