Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
Is there a place for Dynamic Phytotherapy in Conventional Medicine?
Kimmer Collison-Ris, MSN, FNP-C, WOCN
Homb 501
ACHS
December 31, 2012
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
Abstract
Effective treatments for medical conditions like the common cold and seasonal flu have been
difficult to develop due to the number of viruses that are responsible for these conditions.
Complimentary Alternative medicine has begun to influence Conventional and Integrative medicine
practice with the use of botanical treatments that have been validated through clinical studies. DP
applications (Homeobotanical remedies) have been researched extensively in New Zealand (Hirt,
Nobel, and Barron 2000) and were clinically evaluated in this paper as a means of preventing or
alleviating illness and injuries with good results. This paper explores the types of medical treatment
and introduces Dynamic Phytotherapy applications. Recommending DP applications: Hb C, #3 First
Aid, and Hb X as effective treatment in the management of cold and influenza symptoms. Other
health conditions were evaluated and treated with DP applications and similar positive results were
demonstrated. This clinical evaluation was conducted at two (2) sites over a 3 month period of time
using persons between the ages of 15-70 years. The cold/flu sample group consisted of sixteen (16)
individuals with recent onset of cold and flu virus symptoms. Six (6) individuals received only
supportive therapy. The DP clinical evaluation patients received either Hb C, #3, or C and #3 alone
or in combination with Hb X. All patients were assessed and a symptom interview was used to track
the duration and the severity of symptoms. At evaluation’s end, the average duration of cold and
influenza symptoms was approximately 26.7 hours in the DP application group compared to the non-
treatment control group with an average duration of 164 hours (6.8 days)—a significant difference.
Patients assessed for other conditions such as myalgias and neurological symptoms reported swift
symptoms improvement after receiving DP applications. This paper suggests that DP remedies might
serve as a viable complimentary treatment in the management of resistant medical conditions and
should be explored for incorporation into Conventional and Integrative medicine practice.
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
Introduction
Modern medical providers must assess, diagnose, and treat many individuals who suffer with
acute or chronic illness while required to perform abbreviated exams and contain costs. Many of
today’s illnesses have treatments that are expensive and often inadequate. Dynamic Phytotherapy
(aka DP or Homeobotanical therapy) offers scientifically based formulas that could solve these
dilemmas. DP Therapy (Hb) is the modern use of botanicals involving the extraction of natural
and active agents from plants for the purposes of treating health. DP appears to boost the
immune system and rebalance homeostasis. Through clinical evaluation there is enough evidence
to suggest that Dynamic Phytotherapy could be incorporated into Conventional medicine to
strengthen weak medical treatments. DP applications appear to reduce or reverse the severity of
illnesses, where modern medical practice falls short. Additionally it offers treatment options for
infants, children, elderly, and chemically sensitive individuals; where synthetic medications are
too harsh. This paper explores the possible role DP applications might serve if incorporated into
Integrative and/or Conventional medicine practice.
In New Zealand Dynamic Phytotherapy has demonstrated solid patient treatment solutions in
situations where Conventional medicine fails; among these are reducing the length and severity
of common cold and flu viruses. This novel and fairly new alternative medical practice shows
promise and should be explored further. Conventional medicine is actively seeking evidence-
based treatments to offer patients in the management of acute and chronic illnesses. Aggressive
viruses and resistant bacteria coupled with nutrient poor foods have created weaker immune
systems and treatment resistance. Individuals are becoming more susceptible to aggressive
illnesses resulting in unusual debilitating medical as well as chronic health conditions. DP is a
scientifically based treatment solution that blends the principles of plant based medicine,
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
homeopathy, and molecular medicine (Bone, 2003).
The mounting cost of healthcare along with community viral and bacterial resistance has
become a worldwide health concern. Modern Healthcare still lacks reasonable treatment options
that are cost-effective, readily available, scientifically based, well regulated, amenable to special
populations, easy to use, and have low side effect profiles. Consequently, this Integrative
medicine provider, impressed by the results of DP therapy applications, is proposing Dynamic
Phytotherapy applications as a viable method of complimenting Conventional medicine practice.
Modern Medicine is struggling to provide adequate symptomatic treatment for patients
overcome by viruses, non-addicting/non-sedating pain management, pediatric ADD/ADHD,
non-toxic pediatric parasite/infestations treatment, as well as pediatric and adult anxiety and
depression. Management of these problems remains expensive and plagued with side-effects,
and treatment failures. DP applications appear to resolve and/or ameliorate many symptoms in a
non-toxic manner due to their bioavailable botanical components and do so for significantly less
expense. Current Conventional medicine tends to suppress symptoms and disease; instead of
addressing individual chemistry and underlying causes of illness. Homeobotanical therapy
addresses underlying disease/illness causes while presenting as a valid science.
Because DP remedies are comprised of familiar traditional herbal treatments, many of the
world’s population might be amenable to adopting the use of these remedies. The World Health
Organization (WHO) estimated, that as many as 80% of the world’s population is dependent
upon traditional herbal medicine. Even in developing countries like India, 65% of the rural
population use traditional medicine (from http://cms.cnr.edu.bt/cms/medicinalaromaticDIP).
An Australian Documentary reported that multidrug resistance is rampant in both India and
Australia due to overuse of antibiotics in the community and new affordable and alternative
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
medical treatments are needed to decrease the rise of the “superbugs” (2012). Homeobotanical
remedies could offer solutions to the problems experienced worldwide in conventional medicine
practice.
Background
People are dynamic beings, characterized by energy or effective action. Every individual is
unique and their body systems though similar; all handle stress, injury, and illness differently.
Likewise, age and gender along with environmental and genetic influences play a role in a
person’s recovery from illness and injury. Add emotional, psychological, and spiritual
dimensions and their ability to adapt changes once again. Conventional medicine relies on
diagnostic tests, brief exams/medical histories, symptoms, and medical algorithms. Gaps in
healthcare and recovery can be the result of only addressing the physical aspect of a person
without incorporating these other areas.
Conventional Medicine
Conventional (Allopathic) medicine is an expression commonly used by homeopaths and
proponents of natural medicine to refer to mainstream medical use of pharmacologically active
agents or physical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms or pathophysiologic processes of
diseases or illnesses. Using synthetic drugs and surgery to treat health conditions, this medicine
is exclusive to westernized hospitals and clinics. Often expensive and invasive, it is ideal for
handling emergency conditions like massive injury or a life-threatening stroke. (retrieved from
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02054/Andrew-Weil-Integrative-Medicine.html).
Conventional medicine relies upon evidence-based practice, which is a process of turning
clinical problems into questions and then systematically locating, appraising, and using
contemporaneous research findings as the basis for clinical decisions. Critical appraisal is used
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
to determine the validity and applicability of the evidence, which is then used to inform clinical
decisions. Conventional practice is largely influenced by pharmaceutical industry, where
validation comes from randomized controlled trials (Rosenberg 1995).
Complimentary Alternative Medicine
Complimentary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical and health care
systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.
As the name implies, therapies are used to complement or enhance conventional medicine
practice (retrieved from http://progressivehealthcenter.org/integrative-medicine /National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. http://nccam.hih.gov). These therapies
often include the use of vitamins and nutrients to control heart disease, hypertension,
hypercholesterolemia, edema, digestive problems, prostate enlargement, and a myriad of other
health conditions. Complimentary therapies work with conventional medicine to help restore
balance to an individual’s health; where many “folk wisdom” practices have been clinically
tested, validated, and incorporated into CAM practice.
Integrative Medicine
Integrative Medicine blends the best of both CAM and conventional medicine (retrieved from
http://progressivehealthcenter.org /integrative-medicine) and combines the practices and methods
of alternative medicine with evidence based conventional healthcare practices (retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_medicine). This practice also affirms that healing-
oriented medicine takes account of the whole person including all aspects of their lifestyle;
emphasizing the therapeutic relationship while making use of all appropriate conventional and
alternative therapies (Rakel 2007).
Integrative Medicine practitioners combine CAM treatments with Conventional medicine
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
therapies. They never encourage patients to abandon conventional therapy, but utilize
complimentary alternative therapies alongside conventional medicine. Integrative medicine
emphasizes the difference between 'healing' and 'cure' affirming that healing can take place in
absence of cure (retrieved from http://progressivehealthcenter.org/integrative-medicine).
Conventional, CAM, and Integrative Medicine all attempt to utilize best practice standards of
care. This the generally accepted way of providing patient care and refers to a specific treatment
for an illness or disease that has been judged optimal after weighing the available outcome
evidence. (retrieved from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Best_practices). Evidence-based
practices eliminate subjective professional judgment when developing appropriate plans of
action.
Homeopathy
Unlike westernized medicine, Homeopathy is well known and practiced in Europe and Asia.
Homeopathy is a therapeutic method using preparations of substances whose effects when
administered to healthy subjects correspond to the manifestations of the disorder (symptoms,
clinical signs, and pathological states) in the individual patient. Samuel Hahnemann developed
this method which is now practiced throughout the world. Homeopathy is based on two main
principals: the first, ‘like cures like’. Here patients with particular symptoms can be treated with
homeopathic remedies that produce the same symptoms in healthy persons. The second principle
is that homeopathic remedies retain biological activity after repeated dilution and sucussion even
when diluted beyond Avogadro's number (Ernst 2002).
Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process called potentization. This involves a
series of systematic dilutions and succussions (forceful shaking actions). Homeopathic
practitioners report that these actions eliminate chemical toxicity and enable the therapeutic
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
effect. Homeopathic potencies are designated by a combination of a number and a letter (for
example, 6X or 30C). The number refers to the number of dilutions that the tincture has
undergone in series to prepare the remedy. The letter refers to the proportions used in each
dilution of the series (the Roman numeral X means 10 and the Roman numeral C means 100)
and the number of succussions that the vial of solution undergoes at each successive stage
(Oberbaum, Yaniv, Ben-Gal, et al, 2001).
The law of infinitesimals in homeopathy states that dilution increases the curative power of
homeopathic medications. This means that a 1-part-per-million solution of a substance is more
medicinally powerful than a 1-part-per-thousand solution, which in turn has more curative power
than a 1-part-per-hundred solution. In contrast, many modern drugs are ineffective at low doses,
with their efficacy increasing with increasing dosage.
Dynamic Phytotherapy/Hb
Dynamic Phytotherapy (Homeobotanical) is a careful balance between herbalism and
homeopathy that draws upon and combines the benefits of both fields (ACHS HomB 501, 2012).
Phytotherapy is an age-old tradition, yet new research is being generated and published;
demonstrating how plant molecules act to balance hormones naturally. Phytocrine is a term that
refers to biologically active plant molecules and they share several key features with our own
hormones (Oberbaum et al 2001).
Hb Remedies (DP) consist of unique blends of organic and wildcrafted herbs that naturally
have more balanced constituents when compared to cultivated plants. DP applications are
biologically active plant constituents; which are potentized via succession to magnify their
synergistic effects (Blomgren 2003) in treating symptoms of imbalance and illness. Hb
concentrates are classical blends of herbal extracts and tinctures that have been prepared to cover
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
common problems; then diluted and potentized in the homeopathic manner.
These remedies are held to stringent standards and could bridge the gap in the treatment of
cold viruses, emotional and psychological stresses, hormone imbalance, and drug resistance
(Oberbaum et al 2001). Hb remedies are classed as Dietary Supplements, designed for use as
part of a comprehensive health care program. The classical and traditional indications arise from
herbal or Homeopathic literature and were supplied for academic interest (ACHS HomB 501,
2012).
Developed by Dr. Brian Murray in 1984, Homeobotanical Therapies (DP) involves the
application of natural plant extracts for symptom control, health treatment and immune system
restoration. The term “homeobotanical” was coined by a team of natural health practitioners and
is a combination of Homeopathy and Botanical Therapy. The remedies in this system consist of
blends of Botanicals which are diluted from concentrated fluid extracts to mother tincture
strength. Each of the primary remedies is organ or system specific (Blomgren 2003).
Research involving DP applications have identified active components that quantify and
qualify therapeutic effects and are deemed comparable to pharmaceutical results. This suggests
that Hb remedies may provide specific alternatives or adjuncts to conventional medical
treatment, in both dosage, and the management of adverse reactions. DP technique additionally
combines practices from both herbal and homeopathic medicine in patient treatment (Bone
2003).
Hb remedies are supplied as a concentrate of blended herbal tinctures to be diluted and
manually potentized by the specialist consultant and these blends (unlike homeopathic tinctures
have only one potency). The 1V potency means the original blend is diluted to one in five.
Unlike Homeopathy, further dilutions are not carried out; otherwise, the delicate balance of
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
physical and dynamic properties would be lost. Every remedy in the range stimulates healing in
either an organ or a system of the body and each primary tonic is identified alphabetically
(ACHS HomB 501, 2012).
Dr. Murray and colleagues conducted a DP/Homeobotanical research program involving
hundreds of patients and whole staff practitioners. The relationship between herbal indications
and their corresponding references in Homeopathic literature was researched extensively. All
remedies within the range were found to be mutually compatible and dosages varied from 1-40
drops three times daily; the liquid remedy ingested either sublingually, or added to tea, fruit
juice, or water (Blomgren 2003 and Murray 2009).
Therapeutic Action
Through homeopathic potentization, each DP application is found to be capable of selectively
stimulating homeostasis. Hb therapy is a “mix and match” philosophy where the Consultant
addresses the holistic symptom picture presented by each client on an individual basis. A typical
blend contains a combination of three or four primary DP remedies to reinforce the natural
efforts of the body to restore health. The physical action that occurs is a physiological affect of
the remedy on the body (Murray 2009). An application, may dry up mucus, or slow heart rate, or
decrease spasm. Hb remedies stimulate the removal of toxins from the various organs of
elimination. A DP remedy can provide nutritional support on a physical level, enhancing the
assimilation of nutrients. The components possess synergistic action thus amplifying other
healing techniques or remedies. According to homeopathic principles, the low potency adopted
produces a gentle, sustained response resulting in remarkably few problems in sensitive clients.
Components from these botanical extracts and tinctures are often employed in both herbal and
homoeopathic manners. Indications for the botanical components are determined using both
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
homoeopathic and botanical indications for therapeutic purpose (Peterson 2012).
Homeobotanical remedies are made from herbal tinctures that are supplied to the Practitioner
in liquid concentrate. The formulas are prepared by stabilizing various components with ethanol,
glycerol and purified water. Concentrates are then blended into various combinations with
several different solvents which are used to prepare an integrated “remedy” that is stable and
fully dispersible in water.
During a clinical consultation, the DP Practitioner determines which of the 42 Hb formulas
are needed to rebalance and reinforce the healing activity in the patient. A selected Hb
concentrate is then diluted 500% and potentized in the classical Homoeopathic manner through
succession. The resulting remedy produced is considered midrange of herbal and homoeopathic
medicine but retains the unique clinical combination of both the physical and dynamic chemical
action (Murray 2009).
Liquids that are used to dilute Hb concentrates are called "bases". When using DP
concentrates, one volume of concentrate is diluted into four volumes of finished remedy and then
potentized by succussion. Several bases are often used for different applications depending upon
the specific use. The solvents that are used in making up the variety of bases are comprised of a
combination of ethanol, vodka, glycerol, acetic acid, and/or purified water (Peterson, 2012).
Conventional Medical Treatment Challenges
Conventional medicine faces many challenges and has numerous treatment gaps that do not
address or fail to restore an individual’s health. Moreover, conventional medicine is expensive
and plagued by side effects, chemical sensitivities, and age related contraindications. Standard
medicines are powerful and often interact with both food and nutritional supplements that are
aimed to restore homeostatic balance. Persons suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
and/or allergies often react to conventional medicines and must have alternative choices.
Infants, children, elderly adults, and immunocompromised persons are often not candidates
for taking certain standard medicines deemed appropriate for adults. Although many
medications are useful in eradicating symptoms or disease, there are numerous medical
conditions where treatment is inadequate or put the client at risk for adverse reactions. Among
those named are anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, chronic ear infections, chronic yeast
infections, depression, Dysmenorrhea, Fibromyalgia, gluten intolerance, infertility, influenza,
migraine, irritable bowel, insomnia, perimenopause management, post-concussive inflammation
with headache, post traumatic stress, restless legs, stress induced myalgias, tension headaches,
and the common cold.
The common cold is caused by a viral infection in the nose. Its symptoms vary in severity,
including sneezing, rhinorhea, nasal congestion, sore and/or itchy scratchy throat, cough,
hoarseness, and mild general symptoms such as headache, fever, and body aches. The lack of
effective treatments of the common cold is of concern because adults contract an average of
approximately 3 colds per year and children experience twice as many. The number of work days
lost per year is substantial (Hirt, Nobel, and Barron 2000).
The use of DP supplement remedies for boosting the immune system for the treatment of the
common cold and flu viruses has been studied in New Zealand by the formula creator, Brian
Murray, DO, ND, PhD with great success. DP remedies continue to be fairly new but are
increasingly being used by some Integrative medicine physicians and Naturopaths around the
world. Unlike medicines, they are considered only food supplements. Because the U.S. has no
viable treatment to decrease the duration or severity of the common cold and because the only
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
treatments for seasonal influenza are an injection and/or an expensive antiviral medication,
Tamiflu; other affordable remedies and treatments need to be explored.
Materials and Methods
This researcher utilized the following Hb applications on human subjects in this informal
clinical evaluation from October 2012 through December 30, 2012. Employed in this evaluation
were the following DP Remedies: Hb A, Hb B, Hb C, Hb E, Hb F, Hb H, Hb I, Hb J, Hb M, Hb
N, Hb Q, Hb W, Hb X, and Hb #1.
Symptom control was assessed on individuals who had either early onset of viral cold and
influenza, symptoms, respiratory allergies, topical dermatitis, chronic reoccurring headaches
related to neck and shoulder tension, restless leg syndrome related to nerve compression, restless
leg syndrome related to Multiple Sclerosis, stress induced myalgias, anxiety, post-concussive
syndrome with headache, and premenstrual tension. Findings were based upon observation of
symptom resolution or improvement or patient report after administering Homeobotanicals (DP)
utilizing custom patient Hb remedies over a course of a few hours to a few days.
The methodology involved recruiting family members and friends who complained of
specific symptoms and with their consent, provided them with Hb applications. The study
consisted of 12 total subjects in the Edmonds, WA and Lake Forest, CA area. They were
assigned Hb remedy drops or lotions based upon their symptoms and given instructions on
dosing and frequency. Only subjects who manifested symptoms within the first 24 hours were
utilized in this clinical evaluation. Cold and flu symptom subjects were required to have at least
three of the following complaints: cough, headache, soreness, myalgias, fever, nasal drainage,
nasal congestion, scratchy throat, sore throat, or sneezing. None of the clinical evaluation
participants were pregnant, immunocompromised, had symptoms prior to 24 hours, or were
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
undergoing medical treatment with Tamiflu or antibiotics.
The Hb Remedy bases consisted of either an Herb Water Stabilizer or a Non-alcoholic
Acetract. Hb remedies were created utilizing 1 part concentrate to 4 parts of base. DP remedies
that were mixed into an aqueous base were blended in at 1 part concentrate to 10 parts aqueous
base. Only subjects presenting with cold and flu symptoms were placed in treatment and control
group .
Patients receiving Hb remedy formulas either received them alone or in combination based
upon their presenting symptoms. All patients were interviewed twice daily by researcher who
documented the severity of their symptoms based upon patient report. Twice each day (morning
and evening) patients were queried on the severity of their symptoms and placed on a graded
Likert scale 0 (absent) to 1 (present) scale. The initial symptom scores were added together. The
primary endpoint for cold and flu symptoms was the complete resolution of symptoms. The
primary endpoint for patients experiencing non-influenza type symptoms was their self-report
and satisfaction of significantly lessened or absent symptoms. Subjects were interviewed by
researcher for verification and follow up to validate resolution or improvement of symptoms.
Results
The duration of each patient’s symptoms was defined as the number of days from the
evaluation entry to the improvement or resolution of symptoms. Hb remedies had significant
effect upon the improvement or shortened duration of symptoms. The average cold and flu
severity was 8.1 (SD 1.44) and resolution time was 26.7 hours (SD 13.08) for the 10 Hb remedy
patients; compared to 6 controls with a severity average of 10 and duration of 164 hours (SD
16.39). This difference is striking (see Table 1).
Subjects did not report any unusual side effects to the Hb treatments which could have
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
included nausea, rash, bad taste, odor, dizziness, or drowsiness; and asked during the evaluation
and at the end whether they had experienced any of these symptoms or others.
Patients receiving Hb remedy treatments for other conditions reported overall improvement
via interview and described their symptom improvement through remarks (see Table 2).
Discussion
DP Therapy is about balance between herbalism and homeopathy (from http://www.examiner
.com). Conventional Medicine is an evidenced based practice that is relied upon in most of the
western world and throughout Europe. The improvement of patient reported symptoms in this
preliminary broad clinical evaluation highlights the need for a more formalized clinical study on
the use of Hb remedies in patients with common cold and influenza symptoms, myalgias, restless
legs, post-concussive headaches, and attention deficit or Fibromyalgia.
Clinical Observations
This researcher observed resolution or improvement of specific patient symptoms after
administering customized Hb remedies over a course of a few hours to a days. Early onset of
cold and flu symptoms within a 2 to 24 hour period of time was tested on 10 individuals utilizing
remedies prepared with Hb C , Hb C and X, Hb C and #3, or Hb #3 (First Aid). Cold and flu
symptom resolution was directly observed by the researcher and reported as significantly
improved or resolved by 26 hours in patients receiving the Hb Formula. Severity of symptoms
was subjective per patient report and this may account for the difference in severity between the
treatment and control groups. Length of illness in the control group averaged 6.5 days.
Five individuals with chronic muscular pain and spasm in the shoulders, neck, and upper back
were treated with 10% Hb EIN and EJM formulas mixed into an aqueous cream base and
massaged into the affected areas. Patients reported muscular relaxation with decreased spasm
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
and a calming response. One female suffering from Fibromyalgia type headache with
inflammation of the neck, shoulders, thorax, and lumbar back was given a formula containing Hb
F, M, I, and B and mixed into an aqueous base solution and massaged into the neck, shoulders,
arms, and back; reported decrease in spasm, pain, headache, inflammation, fluid retention, and
tension. She further reported a loss of 2.5 lbs of water retention in the area of the thoracic and
lumbar back with extensive relief the following day and a total cessation of headache within 24
hours of the Hb formula massage.
Two male individuals, aged 46 and 75, previously diagnosed with neurologic pain from
restless leg syndrome, and previously unresponsive to conventional medicines received a 10%
Hb NZ formula mixed into an aqueous cream base and were instructed to apply the cream into
the calf muscles of the lower extremities before bed. Both clients were told that the cream may or
may not help yet they both individually reported a decrease in burning pain significant enough to
allow them to sleep soundly. The researcher verified improvement with a daily observations and
patient interviews.
Based upon observation, documentation, and patient report; the researcher concluded that the
various DP treatments administered had merit and appeared to be effective in decreasing or
ameliorating symptoms in a timely manner. Further clinical trials involving larger treatment
groups and crossover studies are recommended for comparison and future evaluation.
Mechanism of Action
The precise mechanism of action of specific Hb remedy applications upon common
complaints such as cold, influenza, myalgias, mood, or restless legs has yet to be elucidated but
this preliminary clinical evaluation suggests that an individual’s immune system is enhanced.
Dr. Murray suggests that in using low potency Hb remedy formulas, the body is able to drain and
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
eliminate viruses, inflammation, and toxins leaving an absence of illness or disease to treat.
Murray reports that by stimulating homeostasis a healing cascade occurs in the patient. The
underlying principal is that the body has an innate intelligence and Hb remedies provide it with a
wide range of choices to cause a therapeutic response (Murray 2009).
Although Hb remedies are considered nutritional supplements not intended for use as
prescribed medical treatments the dramatic patient reports and swift resolution of cold and
influenza symptoms indicate that these nutritional supplements are underestimated and
underutilized. Further study and evaluation by independent Conventional and Integrative
medicine providers utilizing larger groups of study subjects is warranted.
Summary and Recommendations
Alternative and Complimentary Medicine is practiced worldwide. A study published in 1995
in the Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, reported 69% of family practice
physicians expressed interest in learning about Homeopathy. Increasing public and professional
use calls for further research to study and validate Homeopathy, folk medicine practices,
botanical medicine, and Dynamic Phytotherapy. Systematic quantitative and qualitative studies
on these practices can influence their incorporation and standardization into Conventional and
Integrative medical practice. Currently, there is a growing number of CAM centers affiliated
with major medical teaching institutions. All of this helps to merge evidence-based medicine
with emerging Complementary Alternative Medicine modalities (Merrell and Shalts 2002).
Dynamic Phytotherapy is a new CAM treatment that is practiced by numerous Naturopathic
and Medical healthcare providers around the world. Despite the fact that it is considered a
nutritional supplement, it appears to be a solid complimentary therapy with promise and could
offer patients expanded and specific treatment options if incorporated into an Integrative or
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
Conventional medicine. Larger formalized double blind and crossover clinical studies are
needed to consider utilizing Hb remedies with modern medical practice. Formalized clinical
study is the standard by which new therapies can be introduced into Conventional and Integrative
medicine practice.
Validating DP therapy application as useful treatment options for symptom management and
resolution of viral illnesses and influenza may be part of the solution to curb the overuse of
unnecessary antibiotics. DP treatments have other indications for health applications as well, and
may bridge the gap for clients experiencing minimal conventional treatment success or offer
therapy for age-related contraindications. Additionally, because these therapies are cost-
effective, they may offer both successful treatment options and cost-containment of medical care
to poor and impoverished communities. Clinical trials could start with local Community Health
Centers which are already underfunded and overburdened.
Further areas of study could include investigating the effectiveness of DP remedies upon
individuals with post concussive inflammation, early onset dementia, anxiety, and migraine
management. Substance abuse and mental health practitioners may find their patients benefit
from non-addicting treatment alternatives for balancing out mood, cravings, physical withdrawal
symptoms, and anxiety.
Additional inquiry could explore the use of DP therapies as complimentary treatment for
clients with Fibromyalgia, restless legs, neuropathic pain, and arthritic pain. Because DP
Therapies have a gentler action, young children might respond positively to remedies verses
standard drugs for the treatment of ADD/ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression, food allergy,
Hypoglycemia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress, sleep disorders, and
learning disorders.
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
Conclusion
This informal clinical evaluation of Hb remedies upon a wide variety of medical conditions
and illnesses, demonstrates convincing evidence that DP formulas offer treatment options for
several modern medicine challenges. Having treatment alternatives that work with western
medicine for persons with standard treatment contraindications is exciting. Although
conventional medicine has historically been resistant to naturopathic solutions; the strict
standards of DP concentrate preparation and quality may appeal to evidenced based medicine
values. This may open the door to unbiased conventional medical inquiry. These remedies,
despite being classed as food supplements could be utilized as complimentary therapies or stand
alone in certain medical situations; offering a wider range of treatment choices to patients young,
old, and immunocompromised.
If formal research trials with larger populations of patients can be conducted and verified;
then DP therapies might be the missing treatment option for boosting and enhancing an
individual’s immune response. Perhaps the United States in its endeavor to provide cost effective
evidenced-based practices to address nationalized healthcare needs, will consider Hb therapies.
In the future, perhaps Hb remedies will offer the solution to reversing or reducing the severity of
symptoms in the common cold and influenza. Perhaps DP remedies will be the new treatment
that conventional and integrative medicine providers can offer patients in place of supportive
care or inappropriate antibiotic use. For our future, this could potentially reduce the worldwide
problem of multidrug antibiotic resistance.
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
TABLE 1: Cold & Flu EvaluationAge Sex Initl Complaint Symptoms Hb Tx Directions Results/Report46 M DG Cold/Cough Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, Cognitive Fogginess, congestion, myalgias
Hb C Take 5 gtts 5x daily Start 10/17 12 @1700Finish 10/19 10A
1 Score: 7 Duration: 40h48 F KCR Cold/congestion Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, myalgias, HA, cognitive fogginess, congestion
Hb C Take 5 gtts tid Start 10/28/12 8Afinish 10/28 10p
2 Score: 8 Duration: 14h*“ “ “ Sinusitis Sudden onset
Periocular edema, facial px w/palp, fever, congestion, dizziness, cognitive fogginess, myalgias, HA
Hb #1 Take 5 gtts q1h x 5 then qid till sx abate
Start 11/26/12Finished 11/29/12
3 Score: 10 Duration:48h“ “ “ Influenza Sudden onset
Cough, congestion, fatigue, Headache, myalgias, Fever, anorexia, nausea, Cognitive fogginess
Hb #3First Aid
Take 10 gtts qh x 5, then qid x 2 days, then bid x 1d
Start 12/25/12 @1700Finish 12/26 11A“dramatic difference w/in 1h!”“felt almost normal”“wears off at end of day if >4h gap ininitially”
4 Score: 10 Duration: 18h15 F LCR Cold/Congestion Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, myalgias, nausea, HA, cognitive fogginess
Hb C Take 5 gtts q1h x 5, then 5x daily till sx abate
Start: 10/30/2012 12NFinish: 10/31/12 9A
5 Score:8 Duration: 21h“ “ “ Cold/Congestion Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, congestion, myalgias, HA, cognitive fogginess
Hb C & X
Take 5 gtts q1h x 5, then 5x daily till sx abate
Start: 11/20/12 Finish: 11/22/12“feel a lot better”“less congested & hoarse”“I can sing”
6 Score: 8 Duration: 30h“ “ “ Influenza Sudden onset
Cough, congestion, fatigue, Headache, myalgias, runny noseFever, anorexia, nauseaCognitive Fogginess
Hb #3 Take 10 gtts qh x 5-6, then qid x 2d, then bid x 2d
Start: 12/28/12 10AFinish: 12/28/12 12MN“felt better w/in 1h of first dose”“way better than tylenol cold”
7 Score: 10 Duration: 14h12 F RB Cold/Congestion Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, myalgias, HA, Cognitive Fogginess
Hb C & X
Take 5 gtts q1h x 5, then 5x daily till sx abate
Start: 11/16/12 9PFinish: 11/18/12 1800“feel a lot better”“less congested & hoarse”“I can sing”
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
8 Score: 7 Duration: 45h70 F JG Cold/Cough Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, HA, myalgias
Hb C Take 3gtts 5x daily while symptomatic
Start: 10/20/12 1800finish: 10/21/12 1200N“worked great, noticed a difference that first day”“I need my own”
9 Score:6 Duration:18h48 M DCR Cold/Congestion Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, congestion, myalgias, HA
Hb C Take 5 gtts qid while ill
Start: 12/1/2012 1900finish: 12/2/2012 1400“symptoms went away fast!”
10 Score: 7 Duration:19hAv Severity: 8.1SD: 1.449137675
Av Duration: 26.7hSD: 13.08986037
15 M DR Influenza Sudden onset cold, chills, cough, fatigue, congestion HA, myalgias, runny nose, Cognitive Fogginess
Supportive care Start: 12/23/12Finish:6.5d
11 Score: 9 Duration:156h62 F SW Influenza Sudden onset cold, chills,
congestion, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, HA, myalgias, Cognitive Fogginess
Supportive care Start: 12/23/12Finish:6.5d
12 Score: 10 Duration:156h19 F AM Influenza Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, fever, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, HA, myalgias, Cognitive Fogginess
Supportive care Start: 12/25/12Finish:7d
13 Score: 11 Duration: 168h19 M JS Influenza Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, fever, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, myalgias, HA
Supportive care Start: 12/25/12Finish:7d
14 Score:11 Duration:168h46 M DG Influenza Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, HA, myalgias, Cognitive Fogginess
Supportive care Start: 11/22/12Finish:6d
15 Score: 10 Duration: 144h70 F JG Influenza Sudden onset cold, chills,
cough, fatigue, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, myalgias, HA
Supportive care Start:12/1/2012Finish:8d
16 Score: 9 Duration: 192hAv Severity: 10SD: 0.894427191
Av Duration: 164hSD: 16.39512123
Table 2: General Problems
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
Age Sex Initl Complaint Symptoms Hb Tx Directions Results/Report46 M DG Insomnia Freq night awakening re:
restless legsHb Q Take 5 gtts at HS “Improved sleep w/o
night time awakening x 5 nights”
“ “ “ Restless legs MS, burning pain Hb N Take 3 gtts at HS “no problems at night”“slept well”
“ “ “ Allergy congestion Irritant, sneezing, nasal congestion, post nasal drip
Hb A Take 3 gtts bid “Its better”“barely noticeable”
48 F KCR Allergies Congestion, sneezing, post nasal drip
Hb A Take 3 gtts tid Oct-Dec 2012“no am congestion”“no am phlegm”“no am forehead HA”
“ “ “ Hyperglycemia FSBS>120 Hb P Take 3 gtts tid Oct 2012No change noted
“ “ “ Muscular Tension Trapezius, SCM w/palpable inflammation
Hb N Massage into affected area prn
Oct-Dec 2012“Noticed relief within 30 min, less tension”“less edema next day”
“ “ “ Dysmenorrhea “8-9” pelvic pain w/first 2d of menses
Hb F Take 3 gtts tid Oct-Dec 2012“mild premens cramps”“1 day of cramping”“no mid cycle cramping”
“ “ “ Post concussive inflammation w/Headache
Injury site HA, palpable inflame at sutures, dizzy, word finding diff, irritability
Hb Cerebra
Take 3 gtts tid Dec 2012“HA resolved slowly”“no HA next day”“felt clearer, less foggy”
62 F JB Immune dysfunction Food sensitivities, skin breakouts, ruddy skin
Hb I Take 3 gtts tid Oct-Nov 2012“skin less red, feel less tired, less breakouts”
“ “ “ LymphedemaAbn Labs
Chronic venous stasis, edema, abn blood work
Hb B Take 3 gtts tid Oct-Dec 2012“improved”“Abn bloodwork resolved”“BP decreased”
“ “ “ Reoccurring Tropical wound
Hx of wading thru monsoon waters & obtaining sores
Hb W Place 3gtts topically in wound x 3d bid
Oct-Nov 2012“slowly healing”“new tissue & healthy granulation not seen before”
“ “ “ Allergies Chronic conjunctivitis, erythema, eczema, dry scaly, erythemic skin; mult food allergies
Hb A Take 3 gtts tid Oct-Nov 2012
“ “ “ Wound & Lower extremity Pain
Burning, deep aching,Stretching, topical
Hb N Take 3 gtts tid & place 1 gtt in wound w/dsg changes
Oct-Nov 2012
“ “ “ Varicose Veins Tortuous lower extremity from pedal to groin varicosities
Hb V Take 3 gtts tid Oct-Nov 2012
15 F LCR Stress/Emotions Hb EQ Rub cream into affected area tid & prn
Oct-Nov 2012
“ “ “ Muscular Pain-upper back
Hb NJ Rub cream into affected area
Oct-Nov 2012
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
prn“ “ “ Tension Headache low
gradeNeck/shoulder pain
Pressure behind eyesTense neck & shoulder muscles
Hb M Massaged cream into shoulders, neck, temples, forehead
“Relief w/in half hour”“able to relax”“decreased discomfort by half-nearly gone”
“ “ “ Premenstrual Mood Swings
Irritability, short temper, sadness, frustration, inability to concentrate
Hb FQ Take 3tts tid x 3d
“eased frustration”“less irritable”“not as upset & sad”“felt calmer”
70 F JG Anxiety/Depression Tension, suspiciousnessPersistent sadness
Hb EQ Massage cream into affected area at HS
“felt relaxed and slept soundly, didn’t wake up in night”“felt peaceful”
“ “ “ ForgetfulnessShort term memory
Easily lost in familiar placesForgets recent conversations
Hb Cerebra
Take 3gtts tid Oct 17-23“don’t notice big affect but I do feel clearer”“less distracted”“interrupts less freq”
“ “ “ Muscular Tension Upper neck, shoulders, arms, full back tension, achiness
Hb JM applied cream into affected area prn
“dramatically calmer and relaxed with short application”“noticed muscles hurt less within minutes”“could tell the difference between side not applied to”
75 M DLG Restless legsInsomnia
“Legs feel hot & jumpy,Burning lower leg pain at night, Wakes me up from sleep, Sleep interrupted, can’t go back to sleep once I wake from sleep”
Hb NQ Rub cream into affected area at HS & prn
Oct 2012“worked great”“really helped take symptoms down”“didn’t go away completely but really helped”“I was able to sleep through the night”
23 F NW Depression/AnxietyDysmenorrhea
TenseChronic anxietyPainful periods
Hb EQF massage lotion into shoulders, neck, feet, and arms at HS
Nov-Dec 2012“relaxed & calmed me”“less irritable next day”
“ “ “ Muscular Tension / Tension Headache
“band like pain around head”“pressure behind eyes, temples, cheeks”Tight neck/shoulder muscles, tender forearms, scapula
Hb NM massaged lotion into shoulders, neck, arms, hands for relief
“improved significantly on face, head tightness”“Noticed difference right away-weird!”“it really helped, nearly gone—wow!”
52 F MC Low grade whiplash2--MVA
Neck/shoulder pxMyalgiasHA
Hb N, Trauma
Rub lotion into affected area
12/20/2012“really noticed less pain”“really experienced relief right away”“didn’t feel I needed to take strong medication because of it”“less stiff/sore next day as well”
49 F MS Muscular Bandlike tension around Hb ME Had friend 12/24/2012
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
Tension/Tension Headache
head, neck, shoulders, upper back swollen, inflamedLower back tight, full, inflamed, tender to touch
lightly massage lotion into neck, shoulders, upper & lower back
“Wow, noticed a big difference in relaxation right away”“next day dropped ton of water weight and inflammation gone from neck, back, shoulders”“Noticed a HUGE difference—what did you give me it was AMAZING!”
“ “ “ Upper/Low Back Px “ Hb BJ “ ““ “ “ Dysmenorrhea “ Hb F “ “
“ “ “ Premenstrual fluid retention
“ Hb U “ “
48 M DR Chronic red eye Chronic eye strainChronic erythemic conjunctiva & sclera
Hb O (mixed w/distilled water only)
Place 1 gtt in affected eye
12/13/12“felt & looked better overnight”12/14/12“remarkable improvement w/in hour
50 M RR Focus/ADD Depression/Anxiety
Hb cerebra Hb Q
Take 3 gtts tid Oct-Dec“noticed I felt less anxious”“I really think it helped me be less grumpy”
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Running Head: Role for DP Therapy in Conventional Medicine?
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