What is special about Anthroposophical Medicines?
Treatment through medication in anthroposophical Medicine functions under the old but tried motto: as little as possible and only for as long as necessary. In cases of serious acute and life-threatening illness, or whenever the constitution of the patient is sufficiently depleted, one cannot avoid the use of allopathic medicines. Wherever possible, however, the attempt is made not to suppress the symptoms of an illness, but, with the help of homoeopathically manufactured anthroposophical preparations, to strengthen and activate the immune and innate self-healing powers so the body is stimulated to restore the disturbed equilibrium.
In this process, anthroposophical doctors try to be particularly aware of what special stimulations the organism requires in order to be restored to health. For instance, the bitter substance from the roots of the yellow Enzian or the Wegwarte can foster the secretion of digestive juices and stimulate the stomach and bowel movements. Essential oils from Lippenblüttler such as Rosemary and Lavender have innate warmth that can relax muscular tension and promote blood supply to the area.
There is also medication in use that is specially adapted to particular illnesses, and their composition is determined by the overall picture the illness creates on the researchers. To these belong preparations utilising undiluted plant extracts, as also mixtures deriving from mineral and animal sources.
What exact prescription the doctor decides upon, whether it is an undiluted extract or a homeopathic potency thereof, depends on the nature and progress of the illness, its symptoms, the degree of irritation, its duration, the life forces and age of the patient, but most of all, her capacity for inner and outer activity.
The understanding that anthroposophical medicine has of illness and of the human being consequently requires also in that part of therapy that is based on medication a pluralistic and holistic approach.