A case with serious internal bleeding

A Remarkable Case of Healing: Internal Hemorrhage, Cirrhosis, and the Power of Crotalus Horridus
By Sadhna Thakkar, CCH, BHMS

There are moments in every homeopath’s practice when doubt creeps in. Days when patient after patient walks in, reporting little to no improvement. During such times, I find solace in revisiting my old journals, where I meticulously documented my early experiences in homeopathy. These records not only remind me of the profound healing potential of homeopathy but also reignite my passion for this beautiful science. Today, I want to share one such case—a case that has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to inspire me.

The Case of a Young Man in Crisis

This case dates back to my residency at a homeopathic hospital in Bombay. It was a Sunday, and a young man in his 20s was admitted to our hospital in critical condition. He had been transferred from an allopathic hospital where the doctors had given up hope. His condition was dire: he was on the verge of a hepatic coma, suffering from advanced cirrhosis of the liver due to chronic alcoholism. His liver enzymes were alarmingly high, and he was vomiting a dark, coffee-brown liquid—a clear sign of internal bleeding. His stools were similarly dark and offensive, further confirming the hemorrhage.

His physical state was grave. His eyes were half-shut, his nails and sclera had a golden-yellow hue, and his skin had an ashy, dark discoloration. Petechial hemorrhages dotted his body, and bruises on his back and buttocks had turned black from prolonged immobility. His breath was foul, and his vital signs were collapsing. Mentally, he was delirious, mumbling incoherently, and periodically crying out, “I want to die, I want to die.”

The History: A Life of Struggle

From his family, I learned that this young man had been an alcoholic since his teenage years. This was his third hospitalization for liver-related issues, and despite repeated warnings, he had refused to quit drinking. He was described as stubborn, angry, and prone to violent outbursts whenever his alcoholism was mentioned. He lived alone, isolated from friends and family, and had no meaningful relationships. His life was a portrait of despair and self-destruction.

The Challenge: A Resident’s Dilemma

As a resident, I was faced with a daunting challenge. My supervising physician was unavailable, and the responsibility of treating this critical case fell on my shoulders. I decided to rely on the principles of homeopathy and began repertorizing the case using Kent’s Repertory. The rubrics I selected included:

• Generalities; COLLAPSE
• Mind; MANIA-A-POTU (alcohol-induced mania)
• Generalities; HAEMORRHAGE
• Stomach; VOMITING; blood
• Stomach; Vomiting; coffee-brown, dark
• Mouth; ODOR; putrid
• Skin; DISCOLORATION; blackish
• Eye; YELLOWNESS
• Mind; DEATH; desires

After careful consideration of remedies like Arsenicum, Carb-v, Lach, and Phosphorus, I settled on Crotalus horridus (Crot-h), a remedy known for its affinity for hemorrhagic conditions, liver pathology, and collapse. Allen’s Keynotes describes Crot-h as a remedy for “diseases caused by a previous low state of the system; chronic alcoholism; exhausted vital force; genuine collapse… Hemorrhagic diathesis; blood flows from every orifice of the body… Yellow color of conjunctiva… Prostration of vital force… Dark, green vomiting; black or coffee grounds.”

The Turning Point: Crotalus Horridus in Action

I administered a single dose of Crot-h 30C and waited. Within half an hour, the patient asked for water—a small but significant improvement. His vomiting persisted, but his color began to lighten. I repeated the dose, and within the next hour, his vital signs stabilized, and the vomiting ceased. By the next morning, I was astonished to see him sitting up in bed, conversing with his mother and sister. He asked for breakfast, and his consciousness had fully returned. His vital signs normalized, and his skin regained its natural color.

Over the next few days, his recovery was nothing short of miraculous. He was discharged within three days, and within a week, his liver enzymes returned to normal. Over the following year, he received periodic doses of Crot-h in higher potencies (200C and 1M). Not only did his physical health improve, but his life transformed entirely. He reconciled with his family, found a job, and even got engaged.

Reflections on the Healing Power of Homeopathy

This case remains one of the most profound experiences of my career. It exemplifies the depth and precision of homeopathy when the correct remedy is matched to the totality of symptoms. Crotalus horridus, with its affinity for hemorrhagic conditions, liver pathology, and collapse, was the simillimum in this case. It not only saved his life but also gave him a second chance to rebuild it.

In the U.S., where homeopathy often faces skepticism, cases like these are rare to encounter. Yet, they serve as powerful reminders of the potential of homeopathy to address even the most severe and life-threatening conditions. As homeopaths, it is our duty to continue documenting and sharing such cases to restore the respect and recognition this healing art deserves.

To all my fellow practitioners, I encourage you to keep meticulous records of your cases. They are not just a testament to your journey but also a source of inspiration and learning for future generations. And to those who doubt the power of homeopathy, I offer this case as proof that healing is possible, even in the most desperate of circumstances.

With gratitude and dedication,
Sadhna Thakkar, CCH, BHMS
Founder & Director, National Institute of Classical Homeopathy
Private Practice: Santa Monica & Thousand Oaks, California