DISCLAIMER
- IMPORTANT NOTICE "In case of sickness,
it is important that you contact your physician, so that he can diagnose,
prescribe and otherwise care for your physical disability. Do not attempt
self-diagnosis or self-cure. You are not qualified to do this."
WHAT
ARE SOME OF THE SPECIFIC DRUGS THAT ARE MENTIONED AS BEING HARMFUL?
Several
of the drugs commonly used in her day were mentioned by name. Since that time,
additional drugs have been developed which operate on similar physiologic
principles as those used earlier (eliminate symptoms by transferring physical
activity to coping with the introduced poison). Of the nine drugs she
specifically named (calomel, alcohol, mercury, mercurial preparations, nux
vomica, opium, quinine, strychinine, and nicotine) most of these are used
today in medical practice:
Calomel
-is mercurous chloride, and the common dosage today is 2% gr. or 0.15 Gm.
Alcohol
-as ethyl alcohol, is used in various syrups that are dispensed, because of
its preservative qualities.
Mercury
and murcurial preparations - of which quite a few are in use today. Mercuric
chloride, mercuric oxide, and mercurous chloride. These are used as
purgatives, cholagogues, alteratives, antiseptics, disinfectants and
astringents. Mercurochrome, calomel, and mercurol are three well-known names
for murcurial preparations.
Nux
vomica -a poisonous seed from an East Indian tree, containing several
poisonous alkaloids, the principal ones being brucine and strychinine. This is
a standard USP item. Dosage is 1 ½ m.
or 0.1 cc.
Opium-The
dried juice of the unripe poppy capsule, Papaver somniferum. It contains a
number of alkaloids, including morphine, narcotine, codeine, papaverine,
thebaine, narceine, cryatopine and laudanine. The derivatives of opium are
very important today in the medical world as sedatives, in cough medicines,
respiratory depressants pain relievers (in liniments, plasters, and in direct
injections), and hemorrhoidal preparations. Dosage for opium is 1gr or 0.06
Gm. For laudanium: 10 m or 0.6 cc. Camphorated opium or paregoric is 1 dram or
4 cc.
Quinine-a
bitter, crystalline, white alkaloid derived from conchona bark. Its salts are
used therapeutically as the most common treatment for malaria. Its four
alkaloids are used in various forms for the treatment of this illness. Dosage
is 15 gr. or 1 Gm. for malaria, and as a general tonic, 1 ½ gr. or 0.1 Gm.
Strychine
-a poisonous alkaloid obtained from plants. It is used today as a stimulant
to increase the heartbeat, bowel action, gastric secretions, as well as reflex
actions. It is also used as a tonic for those convalescing from weakening
diseases, as well as those with some nervous conditions, and as a purgative
stimulant. It is also much appreciated in lead poisoning, alcoholism, and
diphtheria. Dosages of its two primary forms, strychnine nitrate and sulfate,
vary greatly with the conditions for which they are dispensed.
Nicotine-
it appears that this alone, of the nine specific drugs mentioned by Ellen
White, is no longer dispensed by physicians. But of this I may be mistaken.
The statement is often made that the drugs that Ellen White spoke of as being
used in her day, are no longer used today. And, in addition we are told from
time to time that modern medications do not change the form or location of
disease or have injurious side-effects, as did those of a century ago.
The
pattern of personal health care outlined in the writings of the Spirit of
Prophecy we believe was given of God to mankind to help mankind at this
difficult time in history.
The
following question was penned to Ellen White: "From our study of the
Testimonies and the little work, How to Live, we can see that the Lord is
strongly opposed to the use of drugs in our medical work .. Several of the
students are in doubt as to the meaning of the word 'drug' as mentioned in How
to Live. Does it refer only to the stronger medicines as mercury, strychnine,
arsenic, and such poisons, the things we medical students call 'drugs,' or
does it also include the simpler remedies, as potassium, iodine, squills,
etc.? We know that our success will be proportionate to our adherence to God's
methods. For this reason I have asked the above question." Here is the
reply:
"Drug
poisons mean the articles which you have mentioned. The simpler remedies are
less harmful in proportion to their simplicity; but in very many cases these
are used when not at all necessary. There are simple herbs and roots that
every family may use for themselves and need not call a physician any sooner
than they would call a lawyer. I do not think that I can give you any definite
line of medicines compounded and dealt out by doctors, that are perfectly
harmless . . The practitioners are very much in earnest in using their
dangerous concoctions, and I am decidedly opposed to resorting to such
things. They never cure; they may change the difficulty to create a worse one.
Many of those who practice the prescribing of drugs, would not take the same
or give them to their children. ..Not a particle of these strong drugs should
be introduced into this human living organism.
"As
the matter was laid open before me, and the sad burden of the result of drug
medication, the light was given that Seventh-day Adventist should establish
health institutions discarding all these health-destroying inventions, and
physicians should treat the sick upon hygienic principles."-Letter lie,
1893.
SOME
OF THE MOST COMMON DRUGS USED TODAY DRUGS THAT AFFECT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Drugs
given for various other conditions may have side-effects on the nervous
system, many of which may not be desirable. Specific nerve drugs include:
STIMULANTS:
Caffeine -to reduce fatigue -in excessive doses it may cause headache and
heart palpitation. Over long-range usage, it damages the heart muscle. Many
people do not realize that it is an addictive narcotic.
Amphetamine
Sulfate (Benzedrine) -to keep one awake-and lessen the appetite, weakens the
heart muscle, and may become addictive.
Dextro
Amphetamine Sulfate (Dexedrine) -similar uses and dangers as Benzedrine.
DEPRESSANTS
-Alcohol-in various medications -can affect the heart rate, and blood
pressure, and cause coma. Organic and brain damage are long-term effects.
Cocaine
-lessens
fatigue and pain -powerful addictive narcotic which increases pulse and
respiration rates, followed by fainting and failing respiration.
Curare
-toxic extract of Strychnos plant used to paralyze nerve endings -and unless
closely supervised it will also adversely affect the patient permanently.
The
Opiates: Opium, Morphine, Codeine, Dilaudid, Metopon, Demerol, and Paregoric
-powerful narcotic pain relievers -most of these can result in nausia,
vomitting, and permanent addiction.
Marijuana
-stimulates and depresses-and causes dangerous loss of judgment and
restraint, and inevitably results in brain damage.
HYPNOTICS
AND SEDATIVES- Choral hydrate -powerful hypnotic or sleep inducer -can cause
coma and death by paralyzing the heart or stopping the respiration.
Bromides
-slow down mental and physical activity and remove worry -and irritate the
stomach and cause nausea and vomiting, and gradually accumulate in the body,
and cause skin eruption, loss of appetite, digestive disturbances and mental
depression.
PAIN
AND FEVER REMEDIES- These are coal-tar products and include Phenacetin,
acetanilid and Pyramidon -mild pain relievers and help reduce fevers- and
cause difficult breathing, irregular pulse, pallor or cyanosis, cold sweat and
subnormal temperature. These dangerous preparations are often included in
headache powders.
Sodium
Salicylate-a common pain reliever can result in stomach irritation, nausea,
vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears and profuse sweating. Aspirin
(acetylsalicylic acid) -a widely used form of salicylic acid for headache
and nerve pain -and can lead to intense hives, extreme skin and mucous
membrane swelling and other reactions. These symptoms are sometimes fatal.
Wintergreen
oil- a salicylate applied to the skin to relieve pain-may cause irritation if
rubbed too vigorously, and internally has brought fatal results.
TRANQUILIZERS
-which include the following brands: Serpasil, Thorazine, TrilaIon, Sparine,
Equanil, and Miltown -reduce worry, anxiety and over activity -and can result
in drowsiness, dizziness, nasal dryness, edema, dermatitis and other
difficulties.
Barbiturates
about 200 of them are now available (Luminal, Nembutal, Seconal, etc.), but
are alike in action and reaction-sleep inducers -and leave after-effects of
depression, general weariness, rashes, etc. Over dosage is common because of a
desire for a stronger effect. The result frequently is death.
DRUGS
THAT AFFECT THE HEART AND THE BLOOD VESSELS
Digitalis
(and Digalen and Digifolin)-the most important heart stimulant, derived from
the poisonous Foxglove plant -produces a marked slowing of heart rate, nausea,
abdominal discomfort and poor appetite. Even slight changes in dosages may
result in coma and death.
Quinidine
-cardiac depressant -undesirable symptoms are headaches, faintness, nausea,
vomiting and heart palpitation.
Nitroglycerin
-a powerful heart stimulant. One dose could also blow up a bridge, for it is
the explosive constituent of dynamite -and unless carefully given, can bring
instant death.
Hydralazine
Hydrochloride (Apresoline)-lowers blood pressure and may give disturbances
such as headache, heart palpitation, nausea, vomiting, and joint pains.
Pentolinium
Tartrate (Ansolysen)-for hypertension-with unpleasant side effects such as
mouth dryness, visual disturbances, urinary retention and faintness.
DRUGS
USED TO TREAT INFECTIONS
THE
ANTIBIOTICS -the "miracle drugs" made from molds and bacteria and
used to treat infections. They operate by destroying organisms (both good and
bad) within the system.
Penicillin
-hives, fevers, and a large number of other reactions may occur. A sudden
drug-reaction can result in death.
Streptomycin
-impaired hearing, disturbances of the equilibrium, ringing in the ears,
dizziness, rashes, aching muscles, and other symptoms. Other related drugs
include Terramycin and Aureorrrycin, which are used to treat skin
infections-and are accompanied by a history of similarly induced symptoms.
THE
SULFONAMIDES- prepared from sulpher compounds, include sulfadiazine,
sullamethazine, sulfamerazine, sulfasurxidine, Gantrisin, etc. and are used
in treating various infections -and may cause skin rashes, kidney damage,
nausea and dizziness. They are often given in combination with the Antibiotics
for a stronger effect.
DRUGS
THAT AFFECT THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SPRAYS
AND NOSE DROPS -including ephedrine and epinephrine are applied locally to
shrink the mucous membranes, or as antiseptics in silver preparations, such
as Argyrol or Silvol, applied by spray, drops, or swabbing. Many physicians
feel they do more harm than good by spreading infection into sinuses or the
middle ear. Also the dropper may transmit the infection from one patient to
another.
EXPECTORANTS
-such as terpin hydrate and codine, and Brown's mixture, remove mucus and
reduce coughing -but it has been found that a preparation that helps one kind
of cough may be harmful for another.
ANITUBERCULOSIS
DRUGS -streptomycin, isoniazid and para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) are used in
the treatment of tuberculosis -but the tubercle bacilus tends to become
resistant to them, and over a long period they have marked toxic effects on
the body. The best combination is PAS -which has dizziness, nausea and
vomiting as side-effects, -as used with Streptomycin which over a prolonged
period will produce deafness which often may be permanent.
DRUGS
THAT AFFECT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
It
is well known that these drugs deal with symptoms alone. BITTERS -given to
increase appetite, are generally an elixir of iron, quinine and strychnine,
and may increase gastric action. The effect of quinine and strychnine have
been listed on the preceding page in this tract. Both are dangerous..
ANTACIDS
-alkali substances that neutralize stomach acids, the most common being sodium
bicarbonate or soda -which can cause alkalosis, which is a dangerous excess
of alkali in the body. Magnesium oxide is used for the same purpose -and may
cause diarrhea.
ANTIEMETICS-especially
chlorpromazine (Thorazine) for relieving nausea and vomiting caused by cancer
and x-ray treatments, and the action of certain drugs -with side-effects of
this tranquilizer being drowsiness, nasal congestion and urticaria.
CATHARTICS-to
induce defecation, include mineral oil -which absorbs oil-based vitamins in
the digestive tract and is there to be considered harmful, and the saline
cathartics (mineral salts), which include magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts),
magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia, and Seidlitz powders-which remove
excessive amounts of water from the body and may deposit unwanted salts within
the tissues.
DRUGS
THAT AFFECT THE URINARY SYSTEM
The
sulfonamides and streptomycin are replacing earlier drugs for urinary tract
infections. We have earlier discussed the dangers of these two drugs. The
sulfa drugs, as we have observed, tend to damage the kidneys.
DIURETICS
to increase urine flow, include theophyfline, theobromine, and caffeine, all
of which cause stomach problems. Mercuhydrin and salyrgan are mercury-based
drugs, and the effects of mercury, we have already mentioned on the
preceding page of this study.
DRUGS
THAT AFFECT THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
ERGOT,
the well-known poison derived from a parasitic fungus or mold of rye, is used
to increase uterine contractions (as well as treat migraine), and has several
adverse effects, which include vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, weak pulse,
convulsions, gangrene, etc.
THE
ESTROGENS, prepared from female hormone extracts and used to treat various
female diffaculties -are also the subject of much controversy within the
medical profession and outside of it, due to several striking
contraindications that the estrogens manifest.
DRUGS
THAT ARE USED IN THE TREATMENT OF ALLERGIES
THE
ANTIHISTAMINES -for treating hives, hay fever, and various drug serum reactions,
include Benadryl -which may bring sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, nervousness
and irritability.
A
far more complete listing of the side-effects ("contraindications")
of the above drugs, as well as hundreds of other current drug medications, may
be found by examining a copy of "The Physician's Desk Reference,"
which you will find in your doctor's office. It is frequently revised and
contains thousands of drug descriptions, with appended lists of uses and
negative effects. "The United States Pharmacopeia," published under
the authority of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, provides legal standards for
the compounding of the various chemicals that are used in drug medications
in the United States. In addition, each year the Council on Pharmacy and
Chemistry of the American Medical Association publishes a book describing new
medications that the Council has investigated and approved. This publication,
"New and Nonofficial Drugs," is considered to be extremely valuable
by physicians in prescribing new medicines that have just been released.
OFFICIAL
MANUSCRIPT READ TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE REGARDING LOMA LINDA
(9 T- 173-178) WASHINGTON D. C., MAY 31, 1909.]
(It
is well to read the whole chapter that begins on pg. 153.)
The
Loma Linda College of Evangelists- While
attending the General Conference of 1905, at Washington, D. C., I received a
letter from J. A. Burden describing a property he had found about four miles
from Redlands. As I read his letter I was impressed that this was one of the
places I had seen in vision, and I immediately telegraphed him to secure the
property without delay. Later, when I visited the property, I recognized it as
one of the places I had seen nearly two years before in vision. How thankful I
am to the Lord our God for this place!
One
of the chief advantages of Loma Linda is the pleasing variety of charming
scenery on every side. The extensive view of valley and mountain is
magnificent. But more important than magnificent scenery and beautiful
buildings and spacious grounds is the close proximity of this institution to a
densely populated district and the opportunity thus afforded of communicating
to many, many people a knowledge of the third angel's message. We are to have
clear spiritual discernment, else we shall fail of discerning the opening
providences of God that are preparing the way for us to enlighten the world.
With
the possession of this place comes the weighty responsibility of making the
work of the institution educational in character. Loma Linda is to be not only
a sanitarium, but an educational center. A school is to be established here
for the training of gospel medical missionary evangelists. Much is involved in
this work, and it is very essential that a right beginning be made. The Lord
has a special work to be done in this field. He instructed me to call on Elder
and Mrs. Haskell to help us in getting properly started a work similar to that
which they had carried on at Avondale. Laborers of experience have consented
to unite with the forces at Loma Linda to develop the school that must be
carried on there. As they go forward in faith, the Lord will go before them,
preparing the way.
In
regard to the school I would say: Make it especially strong in the education
of nurses and physicians. In medical missionary schools many workers are to be
qualified with the ability of physicians to labor as medical missionary
evangelists. This training, the Lord has specified, is in harmony with the
principles underlying true higher education. We hear a great deal about the
higher education. The highest education is to follow in the footsteps of
Christ, patterning after the example He gave when He was in the world. We
cannot gain an education higher than this, for this class of training will
make men laborers together with God.
To
have the higher education is to have a living connection with Christ. The
Saviour took the unlearned fishermen from their boats and their fishing nets
and connected them with Himself as He traveled from place to place, teaching
the people and ministering to their needs. Sitting down on a rock or on some
elevated place, He would gather His disciples about Him and give them
instruction, and, before long, hundreds of people would be listening to His
words. There are many men and women who suppose that they know all that is
worth knowing, when they greatly need to sit humbly at the feet of Jesus and
learn of Him who gave His life that He might redeem a fallen world. We all
need Christ--the One who left the royal courts, laying off His kingly robe and
crown and His majesty in the heavens, and clothing Himself with humanity. The
Son of God came as a little babe, that He might understand the experiences of
humanity and know how to deal with them. He knows the wants of the children.
In the days of His earthly ministry He would not allow them to be forbidden to
come to Him. Send them not away, He said to His disciples, "for of such
is the kingdom of heaven."
In
the work of the school maintain simplicity. No argument is so powerful as is
success founded on simplicity. You may attain success in the education of
students as medical missionaries without a medical school that can qualify
physicians to compete with the physicians of the world. Let the students be
given a practical education. The less dependent you are upon worldly methods
of education, the better it will be for the students. Special instruction
should be given in the art of treating the sick without the use of poisonous
drugs and in harmony with the light that God has given. In the treatment of
the sick, poisonous drugs need not be used. Students should come forth from
the school without having sacrificed the principles of health reform or their
love for God and righteousness.
The
education that meets the world's standard is to be less and less valued by
those who are seeking for efficiency in carrying the medical missionary work
in connection with the work of the third angel's message. They are to be
educated from the standpoint of conscience, and, as they conscientiously and
faithfully follow right methods in their treatment of the sick, these methods
will come to be recognized as preferable to the methods to which many have
become accustomed, which demand the use of poisonous drugs.
We
should not at this time seek to compete with worldly medical schools. Should
we do this, our chances of success would be small. We are not now prepared to
carry out successfully the work of establishing large medical institutions of
learning. Moreover, should we follow the world's methods of medical practice,
exacting the large fees that worldly physicians demand for their services, we
would work away from Christ's plan for our ministry to the sick.
There
should be at our sanitariums intelligent men and women who can instruct in
Christ's methods of ministry. Under the instruction of competent, consecrated
teachers the youth may become partakers of the divine nature and learn how to
escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. I have been
instructed that we should have many more women who can deal especially with
the diseases of women, many more lady nurses who will treat the sick in a
simple way without the use of drugs.
It
is not in harmony with the instruction given at Sinai that gentlemen
physicians should do the work of midwives. The Bible speaks of women at
childbirth being attended by women, and thus it ought always to be. Women
should be educated and trained to act skillfully as midwives and physicians to
their sex. This is the Lord's plan. Let us educate ladies to become
intelligent in the work of treating the diseases of their sex. We ought to
have a school where women can be educated by women physicians to do the best
possible work in treating the diseases of women. Among us as a people the
medical work should stand at its highest.
In
Loma Linda we have an advantageous center for the carrying on of various
missionary enterprises. We can see that it was in the providence of God that
this sanitarium was placed in the possession of our people. We should
appreciate Loma Linda as a place which the Lord foresaw we should need and
which He gave us. There is a very precious work to be done in connection with
the interests of the sanitarium and the school at Loma Linda, and this will be
done, when we all work to that end, moving unitedly in God's order.
At
Loma Linda many can be educated to work as missionaries in the cause of health
and temperance. Teachers are to be prepared for many lines of work. Schools
are to be established in places where as yet no efforts have been made.
Missionaries are to go to other states where little work has been done. The
work of promulgating the principles of health reform must be accomplished. God
help us as a people to be wise.
I
feel a deep interest that careful study shall be given to the needs of our
institutions at Loma Linda and that right moves shall be made. In the carrying
forward of the work at this place, men of talent and decided spirituality are
needed. The best teachers are to be employed in the educational work, men and
women who will walk circumspectly, depending wholly upon the Lord. If the
teachers in medical lines will stand in their place in the fear of God, we
shall see a good work done. With Christ as our educator we may reach a high
standard in the knowledge of the true science of healing.
That
which is of the most importance is that the students be taught how to
represent aright the principles of health reform. Teach them to pursue this
line of study faithfully, combined with other essential lines of education.
The grace of Jesus Christ will give wisdom to all who follow the Lord's plan
of true education. Let the students follow closely the example of the One who
purchased the human race with the costly price of His own life. Let them
appeal to the Saviour and depend upon Him as the One who heals all manner of
diseases. The Lord would have the workers make special efforts to point the
sick and suffering to the Great Physician who made the human body.
It
is well that our training schools for Christian workers should be established
near to our health institutions, that the students may be educated in the
principles of healthful living. Institutions that send forth workers who are
able to give a reason for their faith, and who have a faith which works by
love and purifies the soul, are of great value. I have clear instruction that,
wherever it is possible, schools should be established near to our sanitariums,
that each institution may be a help and strength to the other. He who created
man has an interest in those who suffer. He has directed in the establishment
of our sanitariums and in the building up of our schools close to our
sanitariums, that they may become efficient mediums in training men and women
for the work of ministering to suffering humanity.
Let
Seventh-day Adventist medical workers remember that the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth. Christ was the greatest physician that ever trod this sin-cursed
earth. The Lord would have His people come to Him for their power of healing.
He will baptize them with His Holy Spirit and fit them for a service that will
make them a blessing in restoring the spiritual and physical health of those
who need healing.”
