Cancer, Homeopathy, Banerji protocol, Saussurea lappa, Diospyros Kaki, Lung cancer

Two Different Approaches to the Homeopathic Treatment of Cancer: The Banerji Protocol Compared to a Constitutional Remedy

By Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, ND, DHANP, MSW

A Non-Classical Homeopathic Approach

Bob and I, and now just me, have written a column for the Townsend Letter for nearly 30 years. Those of you who have followed these columns know that I am unequivocally (and quite vocally) a classical homeopath. Classical means one remedy at a time prescribed for the whole person. For all of her symptoms—mind, body, and emotions. And, using Rajan Sankaran’s Sensation Method, the remedy (simillum) should fit the totality of the patient’s case as far as Kingdom/Subkingdom, Family, and Miasm. I have long been skeptical of combination homeopathic remedies, figuring that, since only one remedy is the best match, they must work simply because they include the simillimum, among others.

In 2005 we did write a column on Dr. A.U. Ramakrishnan, an Indian homeopath specializing in the treatment of cancer. But it was never a protocol that I used myself—primarily because I did not feel comfortable regarding liability in treating cancer patients—and, secondarily, because that type of rote prescribing never really made sense to me.

On Samuel Hahnemann’s birthday this year, April 9^th, ten or so prominent homeopaths throughout the world, gave excellent case presentations of cured cases. One of these was presented by a homeopathic teacher and colleague from Mumbai, Dr. Sujit Chatterjee, whom I first met there in 1993. His case, which he has kindly given me permission to present in this article, was quite impressive. Around the same time, I watched the recently released film created by a Canadian homeopath, Ananda Moore: www.magicpillsmoviecom. One segment of her film takes place in India at the Banerji clinic in India. Those two synchronous events occurred within weeks of the deadline of this issue, for which Jonathan requested that I write about cancer.

Who Are the Banerjis and What Are Their Protocols?

The late Dr. Prasanta (1933-2018) and Dr. Pratip Banerji are the founders of The Prasanta Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation in Kolkata, India. As with many doctors in India, the daytime is spent treating large numbers (100 or more) of patients in a public hospital or clinic, and the evening is spent in a private clinic setting. Dr. Prasanta treated, tirelessly, the rich and poor alike with love and compassion, and his work is now being carried on by his son, Dr, Pratip. The Banerjis questioned the practicality of spending up to two hours with an individual patient (my first office visit lasts 90 minutes, and occasionally more), and the corresponding fees needed to justify that long an appointment, as well as the difficulty of scientifically validating homeopathy using clinical trials based on the prescription of a single remedy.

The Banerjis, admittedly and unapologetically, do not practice classical homeopathy. Their goal was to develop homeopathic protocols using state-of-the-art scientific methods to prescribe specific remedies, in combination, for specific diseases. Drs. Banerji feared that the true healing potential of homeopathy could be denied by, and eventually lost to, mainstream medicine because of the difficulty of conducting persuasive clinical trials. They have streamlined their treatment protocols utilizing the most modern of diagnostic tools, including ultrasonography, MRI, cancer biomarkers, and other procedures. They often combine two potentized remedies, based on their clinical observations and experience with thousands of patients. Clinicians check carefully for aggravations, adjusting the remedies accordingly. They have quite an impressive track record of recovery, often astoundingly rapid, compared to anything I have seen using conventional chemotherapeutic treatments.

So, what would Dr. Samuel Hahnemann say about the Banerji protocol and success? Would he roll over in his grave, crusty old fellow that he was, yelling, “This is not true homeopathy?” Or would he, foreseeing the current threat to homeopathy internationally and, at this very time by the FDA, find the Banerji approach brilliant and necessary? That we will never know, unless Dr. H somehow figures out a way to come back as a ghost and let us know! In the meantime, the Bannerjis have collaborated with American researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas to demonstrate plausible biological mechanisms for the antitumor effects of the homeopathic medicines tested. In one report, fifteen patients diagnosed with documented intracranial brain tumors were treated exclusively with homeopathic Ruta graveolens 6C and Calcarea phosphorica 3X without additional chemotherapy or radiation. Of these 15 patients, six of the seven who had glioma showed complete regression of the tumors. In their clinic in Kolkata, India, physicians see 1000-1200 patients a day, including about 120-200 cancer cases. Patients come from over 70 countries to receive their care. The clinic has submitted several cases to the National Cancer Institute, where they indeed passed scrutiny, and were presented before the Cancer Advisory Panel. One of the reasons that I felt compelled to present this information is the growing incidence of glioblastoma among our friends and close community within a small radius of our home in Langley, Washington, on Whidbey Island, WA. There is speculation of EMFs as a causative factor, which prompted us make significant changes in our EMF use over the past year.

As I mentioned, I do not treat patients with cancer, so I do not have any clinical results of my own. If you are intrigued and wish to pursue further study of this protocol, I refer you to their book and their foundation: Prasanta Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation in India: https://www.pbhrfindia.org/contact-us.html

Dr. Sujit Chatterjee: A Case of Stage IV Lung Cancer in a Young Man

This case was shown last month in a video case presentation for an International National Homeopathy Day webinar. Though some will find it controversial, if not unbelievable, I think you will understand why I want to share it with you in this issue of the Townsend Letter. Dr. Sujit Chatterjee was one of the original instructors in Dr. Rajan Sankaran’s training program, which we first attended in January of 1994. A brilliant and dedicated homeopath, he treats a number of cancer patients in his practice. I prefer to have long-term follow-up of at least two years when I present my own cases. This young Indian man was first seen six months ago, and this case presented one month ago. However, it is a remarkable case, the opportunity arose for me to write this article now, and this journal reaches many individuals who are open to alternative therapies. If even one life could be saved as a result of either Dr. Chatterjee’s case or the Banerji Foundation protocols, then this article will have served its purpose; and the lack of long-term follow up in the following case might be excused.

First visit: This 31-year-old Indian young man consulted Dr. Chatterjee in Mumbai on November 1, 2019. The PET scan finding from October 16, 2020:

• Multiple cervical and bilateral supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, the largest being 2.6 x 5.9 x 8.9cm.

• A spiculated lesion in the right lung measuring 3.2 x 3.1 x 2.6 cm.

• Multiple pulmonary and pleural nodules in both lungs, the largest in the left upper lobe: 13 mm.

• Linear and nodular septal thickening radiation from the primary lesion and the pulmonary hila onto the lungs (lymphangitis carcinomatosis).

• Mild right pleural effusion and subtle left pleural effusion.

• Multiple mediastinal and hilar/paraesophageal nodes. Multiple retrocrural and left paraaortic nodes, the largest measuring 20×35 mm.

• Multiple lytic lesions in multiple ribs, vertebrae, and pelvic bones.

Symptoms:

• Dry cough past two months not responding to any treatments

• Cough is aggravated by talking, lying down, and cold drafts

• Sleep disturbs the cough, causing the patient to sleep in a sitting position most of the time

• Breathlessness on slight exertion

• Right upper back pain during the cough

• General weakness

• Chilly

• Weight is 87 kg.

Stressors, mental/emotional state, family history: This young man has three small daughters and is responsible for his sisters. He is the only son in the family. He has sole responsibility for the finances, home, and extended family. He feels very depressed and does not want to seek treatment; he has given up. The patient’s father suffered from depression and died after taking out a huge loan which he had to repay. It was up to the son to be responsible for the defaulted loan. As well as to assume responsibility of finding grooms for his sisters. The patient’s nature was silent, quiet, and he kept his feelings inside. His reason for not wanting treatment for his cancer was that it would deplete the money needed for the future of his family.

The initial prescription: Saussurea lappa mother tincture 5 drops three times a day and a homeopathic remedy from the Actinides group with an affinity for lungs, bones, and lymph nodes, plussed three times a day for three days. Dr. Chatterjee learned about Saussurea from a colleague, Dr. Sunirmal Sarkar in West Bengal, because it is indicated for advanced lung cancer with a severe, constant cough and dyspnea. The Actinides, considered a new frontier of remedies in homeopathy, are elements near the bottom of the periodic table, prescribed for patients who exert strong efforts to hold their lives together in order to prevent them from falling apart and being out of control.

The patient’s lung symptoms were 60% improved, but Dr. Chatterjee was not satisfied that the mental state of the patient was covered. His analysis: The patient is extremely responsible for his family and feels that life is a burden. Even in Stage IV cancer, his main preoccupation was for his family, rather than of his own mortality. He used the following rubrics in the Reference Works program: Lung cancer; Delusions, alone, always being; Delusions: being alone on an island; Delusions, being in the world alone; too much sense of duty; forsaken, sense of isolation; Mind; undertaken things opposed to his intentions; and Grief, silent. . Dr. Chatterjee recommended continuing the Saussurea, but changed the homeopathic remedy to Disopyros Kaki 1M twice a day for two days.,

Diospyros Kaki is a homeopathic remedy that was proved in October of 2000 by the Dutch homeopath, Marijke Creveld. The Nagasaki Kaki tree growing close to the impact site of the plutonium atomic bomb on August 9, 1945, miraculously survived the explosion and aftermath. Seedlings of the tree have been planted in the US, Brazil, Japan, and, in the summer of 2000, at the botanical garden at Leiden University in The Netherlands. Also used in Chinese herbal medicine for tumors, as well as for other conditions, it was hypothesized that it might be a fascinating homeopathic remedy. The name, Diospyros, from the Greek, translates as “God Fruit,” and some consider it to be a symbol of the World Tree, possibly playing a role in the survival of the earth.

Follow-up Visit After One Month:

• The cough has reduced by 70%.

• Breathlessness is significantly improved. The patient can walk for two kilometers a day.

• Weakness is much less.

• Sleep is improved.

• Attitude is much more positive. Weight has increased by two kilograms.

He began palliative oral chemotherapy as prescribed by his oncologist.

Three and a half-month follow-up:

• Cough nearly gone

• 90% overall improvement in symptoms.

• Weakness nearly gone

• Much more hopeful

Repeat CT scan of the neck and chest results March 5, 2020 (four and a half months after the previous scan):

• Multiple enlarged and discrete, conglomerate, bilateral cervical and supraclavicular metastatic lymph nodes are mildly regressed in size and number.

• Small soft tissue density lesion of right upper lobe regressed in size.

• Mild septal thickening in both upper love and right middle lobe are significantly regressed since previous scan. Multiple other nodular lesions in both lungs previously seen are also regressed.

• A residual, mildly prominent right paratracheal lymph node is regressed in size. There is regression in the size and number of mediastinal lymph nodes.

Conclusion by Dr. Chatterjee at this point of treatment: “The patient is clearly improving.” In advanced cancer cases, only one remedy is not enough to bring significant changes, A nosode or an Actinide remedy with deep pathology, and an organ-specific remedy (in this case, Saussuria lappa) is needed. If you wish to contact Dr. Chatterjee about this case, he can be reached at drsujitc@gmail.com.

I found this case compelling, due to the fascinating materia medica of the Kaki tree and the rapid response of the patient to the combination of Kaki and Saussurea Lappa mother tincture. Saussurea, also known as Kuth root, is an endangered plant from the Himalayas. It is commonly known as castus, saw-wort, and snow lotus, and is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is also a famous Ayurvedic herb used to treat respiratory disorder, skin diseases, and gout.

This case clearly needs to be followed over time to make sure that the tumor regression and improvement continues. I wanted to present this case as a counterpoint to the Banerji method. As a classical homeopath for nearly four decades, I am steeped in the tradition and belief of the constitutional prescription. It is through finding the one remedy to treat the whole person that Hahnemann postulated deep and permanent healing could occur. There is a highly respected, experienced Indian physician who does work at a distance treating patients with cancer using the classical approach. His name is Dr. Farokh Master, email: drfarokhmaster@gmail.com and his website is www.farokhmaster.com. You can watch a YouTube interview with concerning his work with cancer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmEiPfq1gYY.

Resources

Banerji P, Banerji P. Homeopathy: Treatment of Cancer with the Banerji Protocols. www.intechopen.com.

Banerji P, Banerji P. The Banerji Protocols: A New Method of Treatment with Homeopathic Medicine.

Banerji P, Campbell DR, Banerji P. Cancer patients treated with the Banerji protocols utilising homoeopathic medicine: A Best Case Series Program of the National Cancer Institute USA. Oncol Rep. Jul 2008;20(1):69-74.

Sarkar, Sunirmal. Just You See: Broadening the Homoeopathic Horizon (2013).

Judyth Reichenberg -Ullman is a licensed naturopathic physician, board certified in homeopathy. She previously received her Master’s in Psychiatric Social Work from the University of Washington. Dr. Reichenberg sees patients in person at Serene Natural Health in Edmonds, Washington, as well as by phone consultation internationally. Fluent in Spanish and French, Dr. Reichenberg is passionate about homeopathy and uses the Sensation Method of Dr. Rajan Sankaran. Drs. Reichenberg-Ullman and Dr. Robert Ullman have been together over 35 years and live on Whidbey Island, Washington, and in Pucón, Chile. Avid adventure travelers, they have visited nearly 50 countries, including hiking two Caminos in Spain and Portugal. Dr. Ullman retired from homeopathic practice as of April 1, 2020.

Dr. Reichenberg is the author of Whole Woman Homeopathy and co-author with Dr. Ullman of eight books on homeopathy: Ritalin-Free Kids, Homeopathic Self Care (with companion kit), The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Homeopathy and Natural Medicine, Whole Woman Homeopathy, A Drug-Free Approach to Asperger Syndrome and Autism, The Homeopathic Treatment of Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, and Rage-Free Kids as well as Mystics, Masters, Saints and Sages—Stories of Enlightenment. Pioneers in their field, they have been columnists for the Townsend Letter since the early 90s. They taught originally at Bastyr University, then offered seminars internationally, most recently in Prague in 2018.

Please visit their website at www.healthyhomeopathy.com (which contains a wealth of articles, blogs, and more) and Facebook at Healthy Homeopathy. She can be reached by phone at (425) 774-5599 or through email at drreichenberg@gmail.com. Dr. Reichenberg-Ullman was recently honored by the American Holistic Health Association in their anniversary ebook: https://ahha.org/30th-anniversary .