Homeopathy and Prostate Cancer

Source: Many thanks to Dr. Luc De Schepper

What are the symptoms of malignant prostate cancer? They are very characteristic. First, there is a constant urge to urinate with little or no result. The patient gets up at night because of a strong urge but in spite of pushing hard, he only produces a few drops. This can be anxiety-provoking, causing perspiration and headaches. After some time the exhausted patient returns to bed, only to be awakened again later by the same nagging urge with the same frustrating result. Another unusual specific symptom is the loss of prostatic fluid caused by merely touching a woman (i.e. the older man who complains about losing fluid from the penis when he touches his wife).

An enlarged and hardened prostate gland (even if only part of the gland is hard) strongly indicates a possible malignancy. If there is also the combination of ineffectual urging to urinate and vertigo from lying down, getting up from or turning in bed, the remedy Conium (spotted hemlock) will be highly effective. As already mentioned, the decision as to whether the patient will undergo radiation and/or surgery is a very personal one made by the (hopefully well-informed) sufferer. But whatever the choice, Conium can be used, even after a prostatectomy is performed. Conium is usually needed when the cancer arises from a change in sexual habits (a sudden cessation of what had been a normal part of hte man's life). Consult a well-trained homeopathic physician for the potencies and follow-up. Do not institute this treatment for yourself! The doctor might do well to order a new ultrasound 6 months after the homeopathic treatment to gauge the results.

Remedies for benign tumors

For prostate problems linked to a simple benign enlargement, homeopathy has a rich arsenal of remedies specific to the patient's complaints. One of the best is Clematis, typically needed when the man has the sensation that the bladder is never empty. The patient complains that there is always some urine left (usually the first indication of prostate gland problems). Another symptom is the feeble urine stream due to the constriction of the urethra. Frequently, there is involuntary dribbling or loss of urine, so that the patient has to stay at the toilet for a while in order not to wet his trousers. This patient can also suffer from a burning pain at the cessation of urination. The above symptoms are often found in the patient who once had inflammation of the testes (orchitis) and/or epididymitis. Clematis is indicated especially when the patient has a history of gonorrhea being "cured" (driven deeper inwards) with antibiotics.

Another excellent remedy is Selenium (in homeopathic doses). The dominating characteristic is the physical and mental debility and exhaustion of the patient. A classical example is the patient with an increased sexual desire and the inability to have an erection (Selenium can be used as an erection remedy). At the same time, he experiences physical weakness from the slightest exertion, also obvious after the few times he manages to have sex. He loses prostatic fluid during stool or sleep. Some very specific symptoms calling for Selenium are hoarseness and hair loss on any part of the body (including eyelashes and pubic hair). An important note is that "Selsun" shampoo can counteract this remedy (because it contains selenium) and should be avoided when taking homeopathic Selenium!

When we mention digitalis we think of a heart remedy. Yet homeopathic Digitalis is the most important remedy for urine retention caused by an enlarged prostate. There is a strong desire to urinate but it is impossible for the patient to do so. He also feels his heart beating in his bladder and has a constant urge to urinate (tenesmus) at night. Then he has the strange feeling that the bladder is always full, even after urination. The above symptoms should alert the vigilant physician to the use of digitalis. Zinc is often used as an antioxidant together with Vitamin C, E and beta carotene to fight free radicals. Zincum metallicum, homeopathic zinc, is very specific for the man who can only urinate when sitting on the toilet. It is impossible for him to urinate while standing. Classically, his symptoms are also aggravated by drinking wine. Another remedy, one giving another etiology for prostate enlargement, is Staphysagria. The causalities for this remedy are sexual excesses and humiliation situations like verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Specifically these men can be impotent with their wives, yet have an erection when they masturbate. Often they have strong sexual dreams and thoughts when in bed, forcing them to masturbate in order to fall asleep. Uncontrolled itching of the testes may be symptomatic. There are many more specific prostate remedies such as Pulsatilla, Causticum, Nitric acid, Cannabis sativa and Thuja. The homeopathic physician will determine which one fits each patient's symptom complex.

Prevention with Supplements

Supplements play a great role in the prevention of prostate suffering. First is Vitamin A: Investigators at the National Cancer Institute found that men with significantly lower than normal Vitamin A levels had twice the risk for prostate cancer than those with normal levels. Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene is safe and effective. A daily dose of 25,000 I.U. is sufficient. Zinc has been shown to reduce the size of the prostate and to reduce symptomatology in the majority of patients. Take 50 mg elemental zinc a day. A great source of natural zinc is pumpkin seeds. Amino acids like glycine, alanine and glutamic acid have been shown to relieve many symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Urgency and frequency of urination is markedly decreased under the influence of these amino acids. Take 3 capsules daily. Effective Botanicals are also available. The best known is the saw palmetto berry (also known as Sabal serrulata), native to Florida. These berries were used to make a homeopathic remedy for the prostate long before their herbal use by holistic physicians. This remedy is indicated for frequent urination at night, painful ejaculation, impotence and acute prostatitis.

The message is clear. Before you are rushed into an operation, explore all options and make informed conscientious decisions. Consult a trained homeopathic physician who can determine the right remedy for your prostate suffering. Don't forget: nothing can beat prevention.