How to prescribe Thuja occidentalis in oncology? Analysis of the literature, study of practices and personal experience

Abstract

Thuya occidentalis (T.O.) is one of the most prescribed homeopathic medicines in France. A leader in the sycotic reaction mode, it is often mentioned in the treatment of benign and malignant tumours. Is cancer a sycotic disease and T.O. its treatment? Should we routinely prescribe T.0. in case of cancer? Should we on the contrary avoid it as some authors advise? Study of the literature, from the first pathogenesis of T.O. in 1816 to the present day. Reading of the 11 in vitro and in vivo tests of T.O. on cancer cells. Electronic analysis of the 50 sections of Kent's cancer repertory. Analysis of the practices of homeopaths specialising in homeopathic supportive care. The majority of authors agree to prescribe T.O. in oncology following the principle of similarity. Some routinely offer it according to the type of cancer. All dilutions are used. Some warn against high dilutions. Seven out of eleven studies show a positive activity of T.O. in mother tincture or in high dilution on cancer cells without harmful action on healthy cells. T.O. is in 17th position in the 50 cancer sections in the Kent repertory. Its prescription in supportive care is very useful in cases of sycosis secondary to cancer treatments. There is no contraindication to the prescription of T.0. in oncology when indicated by the similarity of symptoms or by a chronic sycotic reaction mode.