In 2002, a 34 y/o female amputated her finger in a large metal door. Her surgical repair was successful, but she was plagued with severe neuropathic from the episode.She was Prescribed Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone) by her surgeon. The pain continued to persist, and she was allowed to remain on the drug for 12months time. Unfortunately, she became addicted and her social and emotional life became seriously affected.The patient came to me (DrZ) at my clinic in Woodbury, CT, for help with this addiction, and to perhaps help with the chronic pain.Previous to this, DrZ read a citation in Mills/Bone a reference by Fundythus et al. that plants with chelerythrine reduce morphine dependence in animals. 3
AbstractIn the US today, a staggering 115 people die daily due to the tragedy of being addicted to opioids. 1 Some estimates are that this epidemic will cripple the economy with an 80-billion-dollar burden on taxpayers, who foot the bill for intervention, legal fees, and health for these individuals in the drug's insidious grip. 2 The crisis has permeated everywhere in our society…even into small towns across America, and into my practice in rural CT.In this editorial are two cases highlighting the power of botanical medicine, which assisted several patient's to beat this addiction.Citation: Zampieron ER. Successful application of Eschscholzia californica to combat opioid addiction. Int J Complement Alt Med.