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Curing pains with a plant that goes by the name “deadly nightshade” might sound like a bad idea for those who want to outlive their ailment. However, according to Linda McDonald, some ailments are cured by what seems like the least likely substances – some that are toxic at higher doses. Such is the branch of therapeutics known as homeopathy.
“I know it sounds crazy,” McDonald said, “but it works.”
Deadly nightshade is used to treat headaches and fevers, said McDonald, an Elkton, Md.-based homeopathic practitioner who has plans to expand into the Cape Region. She spoke at Rehoboth Beach Public Library, Nov. 1, to promote the use of natural cures in small, distilled doses.
The theory, created in the late 1700s by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, is that small doses of harmful substances will actually work in an adverse or positive way. For example, skin rashes can be treated by rhus toxicodendrum, a product made from poison ivy. Hahnemann University hospital in Philadelphia originally practiced homeopathy.
For those who want to dismiss the practice as quackery, McDonald pointed out that homeopathy is regulated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Remedies are taken orally but not swallowed. Small pellets are placed under the tongue until they dissolve and seep into mucus membranes. The medicine will not work properly, McDonald said, if swallowed. She also said pellets should not be taken near a microwave or cell phone. Coffee, mints and menthol have also been known to disrupt the effectiveness of remedies if ingested within a half hour of the medication.
McDonald explained to the group gathered in the library’s second-floor meeting room that she began using homeopathic treatments when her son was born, preferring to use natural remedies to synthetic medicines. “I very quickly realized how well homeopathy works,” McDonald said.
After seeing the results in her family, McDonald - who has a master’s degree in psychology and behavioral neuroscience - decided to take up the practice. She studied homeopathy at the Allen Academy in Wilmington and completed her training at the New England School of Homeopathy.
She said most modern medicines suppress symptoms instead of curing them. Recent reports have shown Americans are becoming immune to certain antibiotics, she said.
“We’re actually in a big mess right now because of that,” McDonald said.
Homeopathic remedies are natural. Some are known poisons. A vigorous dilution process makes the remedies safe for all ages, said McDonald. Homeopathy offers remedies for various ailments and can even be used on pets.
For more information, contact McDonald at 410-392-3930.
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Wednesday programs offered countywide
Wellness Wednesdays is a program coordinated by Linda Leonard, the consumer health librarian for Sussex County.
The following is the Wellness Wednesdays schedule at Sussex libraries for each month:
First Wednesday: Selbyville, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; South Coastal, 2 to 4 p.m.; Frankford, 5 to 7 p.m.
Second Wednesday: Seaford, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Delmar, 2 to 4 p.m.; Laurel, 5 to 7 p.m.
Third Wednesday: Millsboro, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Georgetown, 2 to 4 p.m.; Lewes, 5 to 7 p.m.
Fourth Wednesday: Bridgeville, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Greenwood, 2 to 4 p.m.; Milton, 5 to 7 p.m.
The services offered are free to the public. Leonard, who is a member of the Delaware Academy of Medicine and has a master’s degree in library science, has made her rounds throughout Sussex County to answer questions and line up speakers.
She can be reached at 227-2854 or by email at ljl@delamed.org.
Contact Eddie Phillipps at eddiep@capegazette.com
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