Why I Chose Homeopathy: My Road to Healing by Patricia Cardona
A Teenager with POTS, MCAS & hEDS: A Homeopathic Case Study from Homeopath Josie Semmes
A 15-year-old female diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) came to see me with a primary concern of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Her POTS symptoms began at age 12 following a viral infection from mononucleosis. Since early childhood, she had experienced significant reactions to food coloring, additives, pool chemicals, and household cleaning products. Even minor exposure — through ingestion or contact — would trigger distressing physical and emotional reactions.
In addition, she struggled with gastric dumping and gastroparesis after heavier meals and required anti-nausea medication before eating.
Primary Concerns at Intake
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) triggered by food dyes and chemicals
- Migraines, often associated with MCAS flares or forgetting to eat and drink
- Insomnia due to body pain and racing thoughts
- Extreme fatigue from POTS-related overexertion
What Is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system in which the heart rate increases abnormally when moving from lying down to standing. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty tolerating daily activity. Severity varies widely, and for some individuals it can significantly impact quality of life.
What Is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) occurs when mast cells release excessive chemical mediators, such as histamine, leading to multi-system symptoms. These may include flushing, hives, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, diarrhea, brain fog, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Conventional management typically focuses on stabilizing mast cells and blocking mediator release.
How Symptoms Presented in This Case
When exposed to triggering substances, she would become nauseous, irritable, and experience intense body pain accompanied by emotional dysregulation. She described episodes of overwhelming heat in her head requiring a fan, sudden dizziness, and an urgent need to lie down.
As a child, reactions included pulling her hair and a strong impulse to bite. She shared:
“I cannot think when it happens. I cannot regulate my emotions. I don’t understand what is going on. I become really aggressive toward my mom.”
These episodes were followed by profound exhaustion and muscle fatigue, sometimes leaving her unable to walk comfortably.
She also experienced frequent migraines beginning after her POTS diagnosis. These headaches were better with cold applications and worse from overheating.
Notable additional symptoms included:
- A strong desire to bite during episodes
- Intense craving for lemon
Homeopathic Prescription
Based on the totality of symptoms — particularly the intense heat in the head, emotional intensity, impulsive lashing out, and lemon craving — Belladonna 200C was prescribed, one dose every other day.
Follow-Up Progress
One Week
- Increased energy for schoolwork and extracurricular activities
- Improved morning energy
- Fewer headaches
- Improved sleep onset and continuity
One Month
After increasing Belladonna 200C to once daily:
- More stable energy levels
- Continued reduction in migraine frequency and intensity
The patient reported:
“Before, my energy levels were all over the place. I feel more energy after starting Belladonna daily.”
Three Months
At three months:
- Significant reduction in migraine frequency (from almost daily to 1–2 per month)
- Marked improvement in chemical sensitivity reactions
- Increased social confidence and dietary flexibility
She shared:
“I was able to eat candy and birthday cake with no reactions. I have had only one migraine in the past month and did not need medication for it. I have more energy and don’t have to worry about what I can and cannot eat when I’m with friends.”
Final Thoughts
Complex chronic conditions such as POTS, MCAS, and hEDS can present with overlapping and multi-system symptoms. This case illustrates how individualized homeopathic prescribing seeks to address the person as a whole, rather than focusing solely on diagnostic labels.
If you are navigating POTS, MCAS, hEDS, or another chronic condition and are curious about how homeopathy may support overall balance and well-being, consider learning more about this individualized approach.
Learn more about Josie Semmes, LHP, CHP, CH, and her work at https://www.nexushomeopathy.com
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