Daphne indica 1x

Introduction

Smoking adversely affects both mind and body. In fact every organ in the body is affected by smoking in one or the other form. Initial adverse symptoms include headache, disturbed appetite affecting weight, drowsiness or sleeping disturbances. Over a period, symptoms such as anxiety, tension, restlessness, frustration, impatience, difficulty in concentration, irritability and depression are felt.1 As per reports, approximately half of all cancers in men in India are tobacco related, while over 60% of those suffering from heart disease below the age of 40 years are smokers. India has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world, with 90% of the patients being tobacco chewers.2 Cigarettes contain cancer causing toxic agents such as tar, etc. The combination of an addictive substance (nicotine) with mutagens has made tobacco the foremost human poison.3

Homoeopathy for tobacco de-addiction 

Homoeopathy helps in tobacco de-addiction.  There have been age-old literature about homoeopathy in tobacco de-addiction.4,5,6 Further there are specific drugs like Daphne indica indicated for tobacco de-addiction, which is a common ingredient in many preparations in the market. Use of Daphne indica 1x is specific for de-addiction helping elimination of associated symptoms. This drug was proved and introduced by Bute. Its homoeopathic tincture is made from the bark.7 It is covered by Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India.8 

Literatures indicate it usefulness in craving for tobacco, especially in cases trying for cessation of smoking tobacco. Daphne indica acts on the tissues, muscles, bones and skin. It helps elimination of fetid breath, offensive urine and sweat. Withdrawal symptoms cover pains which are erratic and electric-like, sudden, lightning jerks in different parts of the body.4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12 A report submitted to the University of Johannesburg has found that a homoeopathic anti-smoking complex containing Daphne indica with 30 participants is effective in the treatment of smoking cessation.13

Indications: Tobacco de-addiction and related symptoms

Complementary medicines for withdrawal symptoms: Alpha-DP (Digestive problems), Alpha-HA (Headache), Alpha-TS (Anxiety, tension and sleeping disorders), Bacopamonnieri 1x (Difficulty in concentration) and Ginseng 1x (Irritability or depression).

Dosage:  Unless otherwise prescribed, 2 tablets 2-3 times a day. Reduce the dose as symptoms improve. If complaints are not relieved, consult a specialist.

Side effects:  No side effects of Schwabe’s Daphne indica 1x are known.  

Contraindications and interactions:  No contra-indications and interactions with other drugs for the use of Schwabe’s Daphne indica 1x are known.

Presentation:  Bottle of 20gm.

References:

1. David Zieve, David C. Dugdale, Nicotine addiction and withdrawal, Medline Plus Medical Encyclopaedia, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000944.htm. Retrieved on: 23 July 2012.

2. NyoNyoKyaing, Regional Situation Analysis of Women and Tobacco in South-East Asia, World Health Organization – Regional Office for South-East Asia. Available at: http://www.searo.who.int/LinkFiles/NMH_regSituationAnalysis.pdf. Retrieved on: 23 July 2012. 

3. Tobacco Control Foundation of India, Tobacco facts. Available at: http://tobaccoindia.org/Tobacco-Facts.html. Retrieved on: 23 July 2012.

4. J. H. Clarcke, Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica, Reprint Edition 1992, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.

5. W. Boericke, New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory [with Relationship of Remedies], Second Re-Augmented & Revised Edition Based on Ninth Edition, Reprint Edition 2002, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.

6. J. T. Kent, Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica and a Word Index, Reprint Edition 1995, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.

7. P. N. Varma, InduVaid, Encyclopaedia of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Updated edition 2007, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.

8. Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

9. R. K. Chauhan, Expressive Drug Pictures of Materia Medica, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.

10. F. Schroyens, Synthesis Treasure Edition 2009V, RadarOpus 1.33, Archibel S.A. Rue Fontaine St. Pierre 1E, Zoning Industriel de la Fagne, 5330 Assesse, Belgium.

11. R. Murphy, Homeopathic Remedy Guide, RadarOpus 1.33, Archibel S.A. Rue Fontaine St. Pierre 1E, Zoning Industriel de la Fagne, 5330 Assesse, Belgium.

12. R. Murphy, Repertory Version 3, RadarOpus 1.33, Archibel S.A. Rue Fontaine St. Pierre 1E, Zoning Industriel de la Fagne, 5330 Assesse, Belgium.

13. Grové, Yolani, Efficacy of Anti Smoking Complex in nicotine withdrawal and smoking cessation. Thesis/dissertation submitted to Department of Homoeopathy, University of Johannesburg. Available from: https://ujdigispace.uj.ac.za/handle/10210/2349. Retrieved on: 23 July 2012.