Homeopathy (Neal's Yard Remedies)

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h

NEAL'S

YARD

REMEDIES

Principles • Sources of remedies • Modalities Mental symptoms • Emotional symptoms Physical symptoms • Raw materials • Dosai

REBECCA WELLS

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REMEDIES

Homoeopathy

V

NEAL'S

YARD

REMEDIES

Homoeopathy Principles • Sources of remedies • Modalities Mental symptoms • Emotional symptoms Physical symptoms • Raw materials • Dosages

Rebecca Wells AURUM

Author’s Acknowledgements I would like to thank Alison Wells and C’lideon Berman For all their w'onderful support and adviee, Romv Fraser For giving me the opportunity to write the book, and Tom Mettyear For his initial introduction to the jovs oF homoeopathy and his continued enthusiasm that has touched my life enormously. RW *^■•4 ■

First published in the URNji 200(1 by Aurum Press Ltd 25 Bedford Avenue London WCilB 3AT Text copt'i'ight © Neal’s Yard Remedies, 2000 Artwork copyright © Haldane Mason, 2000 (iopvright © Hakhme Mason, 2000 Fhe right of Rebecca Wells to be identified as the author of the text has been asserted hv her in accordance with the Copx'right, Designs and Patents Act I98(S. Ail rights reserved. No part of this publication mav be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any Form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners and publishers. ISBN: I-854I0-709-7

A HALDANE MASON BOOK Cionceived, designed and produced by Haldane Mason, London Art Director: Ron .Samuel

Editoriiil Dirirtor: Sydney Francis Mciiiaging Editor: Beck Wartl

Desigticr: Zoe Mellors

Editor: Ben Keith

Picture Research: Ben Keith

dolour reproduction by Emirates, Dubai

Printed in Hong Kong

Picture Acktunvledgemeuts Ciover photograph bt’ Amanda 1 lex-wood. All photographs Iw )off Lee, with the e.xception of the following: A-Z Botanical Collection: /Anthony Sweeting 2 1, /Oleg Kostei in 49, /Adrian Fhomas 5 I, /Bob t'libbons 57, /Dan Sams 64, /Malkolm Warrington 69; Mark Warren:

14. 1 7; Mary Evans Picture

Library: 9; Natural History Museum: 27, 63, 78; NHPA: /Robert Erwin 8 & 90, /Stephen Dalton 25, /Daniel Heuclin 42, /Bill Wood 96; OSF: /Michael P. Cadomski 53; Rowan McOnegal: 28, 29, 35, 36, 37, 52, 54, 61, 82, 87, 89, 101, 102; Science Photo Library: /Hattie Young 13,/Carl Schmirlt-Luchs 50, /Dr Moiiex- Read 68, /Eve of .Seience 7 1, /Seth )oel 73, /Charles 1). Winters 85.

IMPORTANT The information contained in this book is generally applicable but is not tailored to specific circumstances or individuals. Any of the substances can produce an allergic reaction, and the author, Neal’s Yard Remedies, and the publishers cannot be held responsible for any problems arising from the mistaken identification or the inappropriate use of any remedy or healing regime. Homoeopathic remedies should be taken as part of a complete system of medicine under the guidance of a qualified homoeopathic practitioner. Always seek professional medical advice if already taking any other medicines or dnigs, or for serious complaints, or if symptoms persist.

Contents FOREWORD INTRODUCTION THE MATERIA MEDICA

6 8 18

Ignatia Ipecac

62 64

Kali bich Kali carb

65 66

Kali phos Lachesis

67 68

Aconite Allium cepa

20 22

Ant tart Apis

23 24

Arg nit

26

Ledum Lycopodium

69 70

Arnica Arsenicum

28 30

Mag phos Merc sol

72 74

Aurum

32

Belladonna Beilis perennis Bryonia

34 36 37

Nat mur Nat sulph

76 78

Calc carb Calc fluor

38 40

Nit ac Nux vomica Opium

79 80 82

Calc phos Cantharis

41 42

Carbo veg Caulophyllum

43 44

Phos ac Phosphorus Phytolacca Podophyllum

83 84 86 87

Causticum

45

Pulsatilla Rhus tox

88 90

Chamomilla

46

China Cocculus

48 49

Ruta Sepia

91 92

Coffea

50

Colocynth

51

Silica Spongia Staphysagria

94 96 97

Drosera Eupatorium

52 53

Thuja

Euphrasia

54

Ferrum phos

55

Gelsemium

56

Graphites

58

Hamamelis

59

Hepar sulph Hypericum

60 61

Sulphur

98 100

Urtica Veratrum alb AILMENTS & REMEDIES

102 103 104

GLOSSARY USEFUL ADDRESSES

134 138

FURTHER READING

140

INDEX

141

Homoeopathy

Foreword H

omoeopathy was the principal motivation behind the setting up of Neal’s Yard Remedies in 1991, whichris why it is particularly exciting

to be introducing this book - the third in the series. ICnowing that Beclcy was a popular practitioner as well as the manager of our busy shop in Elgin Crescent, we asked her to try writing the monographs for the natural medicine course. The result was excellent. In fact, it was so good that we realized that the material could be used to form the basis of the longawaited homoeopathy book.

In the early 1970s I studied homoeop¬

adaptable

to

social,

athy, and for three main reasons: first, I

environmental changes or disasters. In

wanted to be able to look after myself

addition,

and my new baby; second, I was

remedies are made from very small

intrigued by the notion that something

amounts of their raw materials. When

could be more powerful the more subtle

you consider the number of lavender

it becomes - ‘less equals more’ defies our

plants needed to produce a small bottle

modern materialistic understanding of

of the

the world; and third, I loved the remedies

appreciating that from the sting of a

themselves, wath their strange sounding

single bee it would be possible to treat

names and even more extraordinary

each and every person in the whole

descriptions of the indications.

world with the remedy Apis (page 24).

enormous

essential

oil,

climatic

and

quantities

it

is

of

worth

Homoeopathic medicines took priority

It is a highly practical system for the

at the first shop in Neal’s Yard in

future, and this makes it accessible to

Covent Garden, and although herbs and

everyone, wherever they live.

essential oils quickly found their places

At a time when public health services

on the shelves, the homoeopathic

are coming under increasing pressure

principles have remained a fundamental

and their quality of service is being

part of the company. It is a system of

more closely scrutinized, learning how

healing that can only become more

to look after ourselves can give us a

popular in a society that is becoming

great sense of empowerment. We

increasingly aware of its environment.

increasingly want to know what is

More importantly, because the remedies

going on with our own bodies and we

are made from the substance that can

want to be able to be more in control of

cause the disease, homoeopathy can

our health. Indeed, as our environment

provide solutions to many new health

changes - from the food we eat to the

problems, as well as being uniquely

clothes we wear - the one thing we can

6

and should be most aware of is onr

confidence

health. This is, of course, what t\e try

customers to recognize the remedy

to encourage people to do at Neal’s

most suited to their needs. This has

Yard Remedies.

contributed to the excellent reputation

I established the business in 1981

and

she

has

success enjoyed

assisted

many

by the West

so that people could purchase natural

London shop. She is now a full-time

remedies.

practitioner hut

1

also

provided

e.xpert

for me

it

is

her

assistance to help people choose the

experience in answering customers’

remedy to match their type. From

queries which

studying

invaluable book as she is so familiar

homoeopathy

1

learned

about people and how they function and

gained

patterns

an

in

in

with what people want to know.

of

There are currentlv so many books

individual

available on natural medicine that it is

understanding

illness,

makes this such an

One

impossible not to wonder if there is

observing

room for another. I believe that there

When one starts to place

is. This book not only contributes an

oneself in the context of society one

excellent series of remedy pictures to

can

start to

enjoy for their own sake but it also

laws of cause and

provides a background for simple and

effect. This might seem irrelevant, but

effective prescription. This book will

in a situation where there is a shop

help you to understand homoeopathy,

full of people, each wanting to choose

how it works and how to pick your

the right remedy, it is vital to know

own remedy, it is a book we are proud

not only which remedies treat which

to add to our collection, and I know it

illnesses

will be invaluable to our customers and

symptoms becomes people.

and an

in

behaviour.

expert

at

spot trends and can

appreciate

the

but

also

to

have

an

understanding of which remedies suit

staff,

as well

as to

homoeopathic

which personalities. This will hecf)me

practitioners who like to recommend

clearer the more you delve into the

to their patients an

descriptions of the remedies in the

intelligent guide to treatment.

informed and

Materia Medica section of this book. Becky has been working behind the

Homy Fraser

counter at our shop in Elgin Crescent

NeaFs Yard Remedies, London

for

several

years,

and

with

calm

january 2()()()

Homoeopathy

Introduction to Homoeopathy T

here are many different kinds of alternative and complementary health practices available today. This abundance of choice can leave us feeling

overwhelmed and confused. Informed choices are vital, however, as part of the responsibility that we now have - and need - to understand our own health and the health of our families. Homoeopathy is a holistic health practice, treating the person as a whole when diagnosing the problem, rather than taking the illness out of its personal context and treating it in isolation. This book aims to give a better understanding of homoeopathy and its philosophy through the detailed yet straightforward

accounts

of

some

of

the

more

commonly

used

homoeopathic remedies. The accounts, described in the Materia Medica section, illustrate the peculiarities of each remedy to make it easier to administer in accordance with the peculiarities of the patient.

Homoeopathy is a complex subject and

can

be

Self-knowledge is an important and

confusing

exciting thing, but respect for different

when applied for the first

healing methods and how these are

time. An understanding of

used is important in the safety and

the homoeopathic process

understanding

and philosophy behind it is

of

our

health

and

general well-being.

vital for effective prescription, making The remedies mainly come from natural

any introduction to homoeopathy an

WHAT IS HOMOEOPATHY?

important part of the whole.

Homoeopathy comes from the Greek

sources. Poison ivy,

The best introduction to homoeopathy

for example, is used

is to see a professional homoeopath, who

pathos, meaning ‘suffering’. This literal

is

translation

when making Rhus tox.

trained

to

provide

word omcos,

constitutional

meaning ‘similar’, and

indicates

one

of

the

treatment (this will be discussed later).

fundamental aspects of homoeopathy:

1 hese visits will help the new patient

the principle of ‘like cures like’ -

to learn about homoeopathy, and they

something causing imbalance in the

will also help strengthen the immune

body being used to restore balance.

system

This

and

increase

vitality.

The

was

first

introduced

bv

the

patient will then be able to apply the

ancient philosopher Hippocrates, but

remedies at home when needed.

brought to life and developed by a

8

Introduction

Clerman doctor, Samuel Hahnemann,

he was

in the late eighteenth century,

SN'inptoms that

1 lahnemann was a highly respected

malaria.

physician who became disillusioned by

the

medical

practices

exjieriencing were all

are associated with

Hahnemann

was,

in

fact,

producing the very symptoms that

ol

Permian hark was prescribed

the time. He was dismayed bv the

the

to cure!

lack ot curatiye

response to the methods

Stiinuel Hdlviemnnn

that were used and the

(I 755-1S43), an eminent

inadequate philosophy

Gennan physician, was the

of these practices.

founder of homoeopathy.

PROVING

THE LAW OF As

SIMILARS Hahnemann’s

these

first

of

Peruyian

extraordinary Hahne¬

could discover the effects

the

bark

of

mann realized that if he

like’ came as a result of

uses

result

observations,

ohseryation of‘like cures

reading an article on

a

that other substances had on a

(the

healthy individual, then he could

source of the homoeopathic remedy known as China - page 48) for the

also discover what these substances

treatment of malaria, Hahnemann felt

would

that the author’s explanation ot why

experiment on himself, using an array

the bark was such an effective remedy

of substances and studying existing

was unsatisfactory, so he decided to

accounts

take small quantities of the Peruvian

thereby

bark himself to discover, by first-hand

remedies. I le called this me

observation, if it had any effect on a

of establishitig the effects the

healthy person.

substances hail on healthy

help to cure.

I le began

of accidental broadening

1 lahnemann made a note of all the

|x-o|-)le ‘|irovings’.

symptoms that he felt after taking the

Hahnemann’s

to

poisonings,

his

range

ol

work

bark, and experienced what we know

led

today to be the symptom picture of

detailed understanding of t

China,

homoeopathic remedies.

Phis needed

extremities, intermittent fever, a hard,

to

matched

by

a

small pul.se, anxiety and mental stupor.

understanding of

the

He found that the symptoms would

individual and unique symptoms ol

fluor is used to treat

disappear after a few hours only to

each

chilblains

reappear if he repeated the dose. What

importance in diagnosing the illness.

namely;

numbness

f)f

his

9

to a comprehensive,

be

patient

detaikal

|iatient;

became

of

the

vital

Oeeiirring naturally in our bodies, Calc

and toothache.

Homoeopathy

Due to the subtle nature of homoeopathic medicine, tablets should be stored aivay from direct sunlight and strong¬ smelling substances.

10

Introduction

POTENTIZAT ION Tlie

remedies

were,

scientilictilU', hut we ttre ;iw;ire of the

howexer,

still

dux th;it we experience in our own

side-effects.

energx’ st;Ue. I he homoeoiitithic concept

Hahnemann found that he diluting the

is that when our \'it;il force is out of

substances further, these side-effects

htikmce, then otir bodies ;md minds

disappeared. He also established that if

produce

the remedies were shaken xigorousK'

rashes and depression as ;m expression

during the dilution - a practice known

of this disharmony.

as

the

within the remedies helps to stimulate

|

the

the energx' of the vital force, thereby

I

capable

of

producing

succussion

previously

-

this

dormant

released

energx'

ot

ssniptoms

such

;is

|

colds,

1 he energx' heUl

rebalancing at this fundamental level.

substance, making the remedies more potent. Each remedx’ was diluted to

SUSCEPTIBILITY

such an e.vtent that in some cases there

-

I

material

The issue of how vulnerable different

!

substances left. Hahnemann believed

people are to disease tmd ill health is

that what existed after this dilution

an important one. Some people have

and succussion was the transference ot

amazingh' robust constitutions, rarely

the energ\- belonging to the original

succumbing to illness,

material into the new, neutral material.

their lifestyle. Others are susceptible to

were

bareh-

an\'

actual

regardless of 1

every illness imaginable, even if they exercise daily and eat a halanced diet.

THE VEEAL FORCE

Many factors determine the strength

The concept ot energe; or vitality, is an important one in homoeo|tathy. lust as

of your constitution, (lenetic

it

inheritance is an important

is

necessary

Kj

understand

vitality of the remedy, so it

the

one.

is to

Illnesses

ami

weaknesses that run

understand the vitality of the patient.

through families are

We all have a life-force or energy running

through

which,

c|uite

often passetl tiown

literally,

keeps tis alive. 'Ibis

force

through generations, ami

us,

maintains balance, enabling our hotlies

many people liml that they

tf)

have similar health patterns to

adjust

to

the

constant

change

required in our lives. In homoeopathy

other familv members, such

this is known as the ‘vital force’ ;md is

as a tendency to asthma or

a similar concept

eczema. Others may find

to the ‘chi

ami

that there is one area that

‘prana’ of Eastern medicine. just as nature has its own regulating

is ahvavs affected w'hen

mechanism so to do individutil people.

experiencing disharmony in

We are

their life, such as heatlaches

unable

to understtmd

the

or a skin irritation.

exact meaning of this, or to locate it

11

j Rue, from the Greek

j

reuo, meuns ‘to set

! free’. It is used in the

Homoeopathy

We all respond in different ways

A chronic illness occurs over a longer

according to our own constitution.

period of time, with a gradual increase

Homoeopathic

of debility,

remedies

can

lielp

often

strengthen and change these patterns,

different

thus

develops. The

altering

the

susceptihility.

patterns

By

of our

doing

illness

this,

displaying many

symptoms

is

as

the

illness

length of a chronic

largely

unknown,

and

homoeopathy can prove vital in the

‘guesstimates’ will vary depending on

prevention of disease as well as being

the nature of the disease and the

curative in specific cases of illness.

constitutional strength of the patient. The

Repeated stresses in our environment

question

suppression

that put pressure on both our physical

without

our constitutions. The concept ot a

cause - is an

maintaining cause - a continuous stress

The

that creates no room for change - can

emotional

damage pur ability to rebalance. It is

disharmony.

The common

important that we address these issues

constantly arise and are continuously

red onion is the

as part of our increasing commitment

suppressed

to health.

looking at the causation, then

cepa, a highly

presenting

-

and emotional selves can also weaken

source of Allium

a

of

alleviating

looking at the

bodv

symptom underlying

important one here.

shows

physical

symptoms If

by

and

as a sign

acute

medicines

of

illnesses

without the

underlying imbalance mav ultimately ACUTE AND CHRONIC

versatile remedy.

produce a more chronic condition.

DISEA^

This

It is important to define

is

not

treatment

an illness as either acute

process

to

is

of

sav

that

inadvisable, homoeopathy

self-help but can

the be

or chronic as this helps

particrdaiiy effective, supportive and

patient and practitioner

empowering in the treatment of acute

alike to recognize the

illnesses

level on which it should

are understood.

The

remedies do not act in a suppressive

he treated. Acute

that

way, but instead allow the body to heal

illnesses

are

self-

and rebalance itself as a whole.

limiting; that is, they have a defined duration, which usuallv includes an

THE REMEDIES AND

incubation period, a showing of the

HOW THEY ARE MADE

illness and then a time in which to

The

convalesce. Death can also be the final

remedies

stage of an acute illness, however, so it

homoeopathy are collectively know'n as

is

consider

the ‘Materia Medica’. There are many

professional advice when treating an

Materia Medica books available to the

acute condition.

homoeopath, listing all the findings from

always

important

to

12

selection that

and are

description

of

available

in

Introduction

Remedies are dispensed in tablet form after the patient's symptoms have been earefidly obsen’ed.

the original provings. The number ot

of times that

remedies is vast and is increasing all the

diluted and shaken, and therefore what

time as ditterenl

strength

substances become

or

the remedy has been

amount

out. There are 62 remedies included in

remedy has been shaken and diluted,

this

the stronger it is.

is also a

table of

The

more

is

containetl

There

it.

energy

available and new provings are carried

book.

within

of

a

I here are two main scales useil in the

External Materia Medica on page 14.

making

Intricate knowledge of the remedies is

of

remedies

aiul

these

are

increasing due to recorded clinical use,

representetl at the end of the remedy

not

name, e.g. Pulsatilla 6x or Pulsatilla 6c.

to mention

improved communi¬

I he '(■>’ represents the number of times

cation in the homoeopathic world. The from

remedies nature

-

are

mainly

plants,

minerals - although substances

‘x’

or

‘c’

represent

the

lu'oportions in which the substance has

.synthetic

been diluted.

is

no

The source of the remeily is first

cruelty to animals in the making of

steeped in alcohol lor a period of lime.

homoeopathic remedies.

This is knowt) as the ‘mother tincture’.

note

used.

the

is

to

also

shaken;

and

It

important

are

animals

some

that the remedy has been diluted aiul

sourced

that

there

The

When biming homoeopathic medicines,

‘x’

is

a

representation

of

the

are

decimal scale of tiilution. This means

available. Potenc'y refers to the amount

that one-tenth of the mother tincture

remedies

of different

potencies

13

Homoeopathy

EXTERNAL MATERIA MEDICA External Materia Medina are plant extracts. They have not been ‘proved’ so are not proper homoeopathic remedies, but they can be very effective when applied directly to the affected area. Vhey come in two main forms; oil-based creams and tinctures. Tinctures are made by steeping the relevant plant in alcohol for a long period of time to extract its healing properties, then diluted with water before application. Arnica A cream or a tincture that

never to put the undiluted

is applied to reduce swelling and

tincture directly in the eye.

bruising after an injury. It is important that the cream is not

Hypericum and Calendula This

applied to an area where the skin

combination has powerful

is open from a cut or wound.

antiseptic properties as either a cream or a tincture, helping to

Calendula In its cream form it is

promote rapid healing in cuts and

particularly soothing for skin

wounds. It is also used lo reduce

irritations, such as eczema, burns

profuse haemorrhaging from open

and nappy rash. As a tincture it

wounds and is excellent for

can be applied in a diluted form

injuries to parts rich in nerves.

as an antiseptic lotion for routine cuts and grazes.

Hypericum and Uriica These two

Conifrey It is used as a cream to

that soothes the pain and

promote the healing of stubborn

irritation of minor burns.

plants combine to form a cream

cuts and sores; it also helps scar tissue to form correctly However,

Rhus Tox and Ruta This cream

because of its speed in healing

relieves injuries to the ligaments

wounds care must he taken to

and muscles.

ensure all wounds are cleaned thoroughly to eliminate any

Stellaria Made from the herb

infection. Comfrey’s affinity with

chickweed, it is a cream used to

broken bones means that the

relieve itchy irritations, such as

cream is also effective in retlucing

chicken pox and eczema.

swelling and promoting the healing of fractures.

Thuja A tincture that is usually applied undiluted to treat warts

Euphrasia The tincture-is diluted

and verrucae. It should be used

and used to bathe sore and

three times a day for at least one

irritated eyes. Use two drops

month and is best used in

diluted in half a cup of boiled,

conjunction with internal

cooled water and apply. Be careful

homoeopathic remedies.

14

Introduction

is taken

and diluted

nine-tentlis

of

into a

aleoltol

further

and

sliaken. This is called the ‘ 1

drinking

for

about

twenty

minutes

then

before or alter taking the remedy is

potency.

adx'ised. Due to the subtle nature ol

One-tenth of this dilution is then taken

homoeopathic remedies,

and diluted into a further nine-tenths

antidoted by very strong smells aiul

of

substances such as eucalyptus, camphor

alcohol

and

then

shaken.

This

be

becomes the “2\' potency, and so on.

or

The

toothpaste can be obtained from most

‘c’

is

a

centesimal means

representation

scale

that

the

of

of the

dilution.

mother

This

tincture

peppermint

they can

product.s—alternative

health food shops. OnK' one remedy should be taken at

is

diluted by taking a one-hundredth ot it

any

and diluting it into ninet\ -nine parts of

remeds' can be selected onl\' after cktse

alcohol and shaking it, creating the 'Ic’

observation of the patient’s symptoms.

potencc’.

this

One tablet or a few granules is equal to

solution is again diluted into a further

one dose. y\fter taking the initial dose

ninet\-nine

anrl

it is important to observe any changes

shaken, creating the ‘2c’ potency, and

of symptoms as the remedy starts to

so on. The niore the source is diluted,

work. Always stop if there are signs of

the greater the strength ot the remedy,

improvement

therefore be is stronger than bx and

symptoms return, or change the choice

2()()c is stronger than

of remedy if the symptoms change.

One-hundredth

parts

f)f

ot

alcohol

be.

Remedies

one

time,

and

and

the

start

appropriate

again

Side effects are rare when using the

that do not naturally dissolve in water are grftund for man\' hours so that they

remedies,

become water-soluble.

remedy is taken too often, symirtoms

but

il

ol

any

it

may

When the required potency has been

or ‘proving’. Moreover, it

achieved, the remedy is administereil

is not necessary to take

via a carrier; this is usually in the form

the

of tablets or granules made from lactose

long period ol

or sucrose. ITr first-aid prescriptions, it

as

is better to use lower potencies, although

stimulants to the

the remedy potencies can go very high,

body’s own healing

and many homoeopaths use remedies

mechanism.

have

been

diluted

one

sometimes start dis|rlaying

HOW TO TAKE A REMEDY

that

if the

remedies

tiu'y

act

over

a

time as

EiiH’riinents n'ith

^

Pcntvitin bark Ictl Ilahucmanji to

thousands of

investigate the uses

IHE HOMOEOl’AEH

times. The remedy should be placed under the tongue and left to dissolve.

Unprejudiced

It

when taking a case as assumptions can

is

important

that

the

remedy

is

lead

taken in a clean mouth, so nt) eating or

15

to

false

observation

information

is

crucial

that

may

of lionweojjathic nieilieine.

Homoeopathy

mask

any

important

features.

The

It is common for the patient to receive

emotional state of a patient is of great

just

significance: if you have a friendship or

stimulate the body’s natural healing

a relationship with your patient, then

mechanism,

it is often very difficult to look at their

heSjing over several months. This is a

condition from an objective viewpoint,

dramatic

especially if the psychological aspect of

conventional

their

which

condition

is

important.

This

two

or

three

aiding

move

tend

consult

homoeopath

on

away

use

and

from

any

practices,

repeated

and

long periods of time.

close friends, and is a good to

help

rebalance

medicinal to

to

multiple doses of medicine over

makes it difficult to prescribe for

reason

tablets

After

a

taking

a

constitutional

a

professional basis. Homoeopaths

Phosphate of potassium -

will

one of the body’s tissue salts that

tend to ask detailed questions,

is used to make the remedy Kali phos.

including those that may often seem irrelevant, such as what type of weather or food the patient prefers, as well as

remedv from your homoeopath, the

specific

symptoms can

responses

to

the

patient’s

sometimes get worse

condition. The medical history of the

briefly - known as a ‘healing crisis’.

Carbo veg - a

family is also important. This depth

This reaction is often perceived as a

remedy taken from

and detail of questioning is vital in the

good sign because it shows that the

holistic

body is starting to speed up its natural

charcoal may seem an unlikely

aspect

of finding

the

right

healing

remedy for the whole person.

that

processes.

occur

Other

mav

symptoms

include

colds,

medicine hut it is

The art of finding the right remedy

excellent for asthma

can be a difficult one. The remedies

diarrhoea,

and indigestion.

can often reveal old imbalances that

even a return of old symptoms. These

have been masked by conventional

will not last long, however, and are all

medicine

or

an

suppression The

period visits are

of

to

a

generally

the

body

is

or

starting

to

treatment

corresponds of illness.

that

of tearfulness

cleanse itself.

of symptoms.

period

usuallv

signs

unknown

feelings

to

THE MATERIA MEDICA

the

The way in which the remedies are

Monthly

homoeopath advised

as

discussed quite

a

starting point.

and

peculiar

explained on

first

may sight.

seem The

accounts of the remedies are known as ‘remedy

During the early stages of treatment

pictures’.

These

pictures

from a homoeopath, remedies will often

usually cover all aspects of the human

he administered in a higher potency.

condition, from mental and emotional

16

Introduction

I louioeoiuithic ycmcdies are prepared from plants, minerals and animals.

_

states

to

the

-1

^ -

plivsieal

one.

AILMENTS & REMEDIES

The

I bis final section contains desciiptions

remedies have their own eharaeters or ‘essences’, and the person wlto needs a

of each

particular remetix' ma\' Ite descriheti as

ap|)ropriate to the relevant ri-medies to

a remedy 'tvpe': we ma\' talk about ;i

help \'ou choose the right one'.

‘Nux

vomica

character’.

t\'pe’

The

or

a

'dale

symptoms

of

tiilment, with

the

symptoms

I lomoeoptithy is a subtle ami elfective

carl)

form of tre;itment when usetl

the

in the

remedy can also he charticterized, such

right way. 1 his hook ttims to provide ;i

as a 'Belladftnna headache’ or an ‘Ant

gretiter understanding of how it works

tart’

ami

cough.

The

more

information

to I'licourage confitience the

Itenelits

that

the

received about a remedc', the etisier it is

remedies

to understand its picture.

amti/.ing s\'stem of medicim' brings.

17

;md

in

this

|

The Materia Medica

T

his section forms the heart of the book, containing portraits of 62 commonly used

homoeopathic remedies. Each remedy portrait has been divided into three parts: a description of the material or plant from which the remedy is made, a mental and emotional symptom profile, and, finally, a description of the physical complaints associated with that remedy Each remedy has a unique symptom picture, so it is important to look at all the aspects of each remedy for a greater understanding of how it can be used effectively. Many of the remedies have a variety of uses, the most common of which are listed alongside their descriptions.

Materia Medica

Aconite

FULL NAME Aconitum napelliis (Plant Family: Ranunculaceae)

T

he tall upright plant of Aconite is a member of the buttercup family and is often found on mountain slopes imshady areas. It reaches about 4-5

COMMON NAMES

feet (1.2-1.5 m) in height and is topped with an asymmetrical array of

• Monk's hood

vibrant blue flowers. They are shaped like a hood or cap, hence one of

• Wolf's bane

Aconite’s most common names: Monk’s hood.

• Helmet flower • Friar's cap

Below the ground, the root is similar to a horseradish root in size ancf colour. This has led to the root being eaten by mistake, as a result of which many of the poisonous indications of the plant have been discovered. Aconite is Icnown to be an extremely deadly substance, and accounts of its powerful action have been documented. It is said that hunters living in the Alps would dip their arrows into the fresh juice of Aconite as a deadly weapon against wolves, giving it its other name of Wolf’s bane. Historical accounts of the Burmese war also talk of Aconite being used with devastating results. From the tragedy of the accidental poisonings, Aconite has become one of the most effective homoeopathic first-aid remedies in the Materia Medica, giving joy, however, rather than grief.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL Throughout tind

that

the

human

picture

There

is

rarely

calmness

with

this

remedy; restlessness prevails, escalating

is

to panic and terror. In fact, Aconite has

particularly evident in Aconite’s use as

been used very successfidlv in labour

a poison, when death can occur within

when the mother becomes scared and

two or three hours of consumption. The

panicked, convinced that there is no

sudden onset of symptoms, therefore, is

way that she will survive the birthing

very

remedy’s

process. The Aconite emotional state

homoeopathic picture. Even the most

may reflect a terrifying experience that

robust people are affected quickly. It is

happened previously - for example, the

this suddenness that causes one of the

suddenness of a heart

main emotional pictures of Aconite -

crash or the experience of labour may

that of fear! This fe; ir is an intangible

leave the patient feeling uneasv and

one:

emotionally traumatized long after the

very

distinctive

the

patient

organism

we is

affected

the

Aconite

predict the exact time that they will die.

rapidly

of

will

-

this

fear

this

darkness,

bed-time, ghosts and some will even

actual event.

20

attack, a car

Aconite

PHYSICAL

high fever, accompany all this. Most of

On tliis level, the reaction of Aconite is

the svmptoms of Aconite are worse at

also sudden, acute and often violent.

night, especiallv around midnight.

One of the most common uses of this

there is haemorrhaging, the blood is

remedv is at the hej^inning of a cold

bright

after

extremely intense and unhearahle.

The

e.xposure bfjdv

to

will

inflammatorN' chill or shock.

dry,

cold

winds.

f’o

into

a

state

after

the

red

and

the

pains

will

II

be

The Aconite [latient will usually he

violent, initial

quite a strong, robust person, which

Ihe respiratory centre

makes the sutiden onset ol illness more

j

of a shock to the system.

I

will be affected by a short, dry, croupy

MODALITIES Worse: sudden

couj>h that causes wakefulness tlurin^

I he Aconite picture will go almost as

the night, inducing the patient to sit

quickly as it a|i|ieared, so it is therefore

bolt upright. The face often becomes

important

initial

j

fright and shock;

hot and flushed, with a look ol anxiety,

stages before another remedy picture

|

being chilled by

or vou will find that one cheek is pale

comes in sight. !(> reiterate, the sudtien

dry, cold winds;

and the other red.

onset is all-important.

cold sweats; noise;

Ihe heart can be

to catch

it

in

the

emotions such as

light; teething;

pounding, especiallv during a fev'er, and there is often a sensation ol tingling,

Common Uses

night-time; sitting

prickling and warmth, usually in the

• Colds • Sore throats • Sudden shock

up in bed

hands and feet. The throat often feels

• Panic attack • Fright • Bronchitis

inflamed,

• Croup • Earache • Fever

raw and

sore.

Restlessness

Better: open air; resting; warm perspiration

and a burning thinst, particularly with a

21

Materia Medica

Allium cepa

FULL NAME Allium cepa (Plant family: Liliaceae)

E

veryone is familiar with the way in which our bodies react when we are chopping onions: yyes stream,

COMMON NAME

noses run profusely and we want to rub at our eyes to

• Red onion

relieve the stinging. If this picture is kept in mind, it becomes easier to understand the main uses for this homoeopathic remedy.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

by the smell of flowers or peaches, and

Allium cepa patients feel dull in the

possibly worsening when the patient

head and mav fear that they will never

enters a warm room. The nose begins to

recover from their illness.

feel raw and sore, then the eyes start to water. The cold mav move down to the larynx,

PHYSICAL

where

the

patient

feels

a

greatly

splitting, tearing sensation, which often

increased in this remedy picture. The

makes them hold their throat to relieve

nose feels as if it is burning and the left

the pain.

nostril is usually affected first, before

trigger a tickle in the throat that sets off

the

coughing. There is a tendency to feel

All

mucus

discharges

right

one.

The

discharges

from

the

are

burning, nose

acrid

make

the

much

Walking into cold air can

worse

at

night

and

in

the

upper lip red, raw and incredibly sore.

evening because the body is too warm.

The eves feel tender and burning and

The

head

mav

feel

congested

and

water profusely, but the tears are bland

throb and the eves are often sensitive

MODALITIES

and do not affect the face, unlike the

to light. Allium cepa is a good remedy

Worse: warm

nasal discharge. The opposite occurs

for colic in children when they have to

rooms; smell of

with the remedy Euphrasia (page 54),

double up to try to relieve cutting,

flowers and

where the nasal discharge is bland but

tearing pains.

peaches; eating

the tears will burn.

cucumbers; cold,

Patients are also averse to cucumbers,

Allium cepa is an excellent remedy

but, unsurprisingly, they crave onions.

wet, windy

for colds and hay fever, especially when

weather; autumn;

the colds usually start as a result of

Common Uses

spring

cold, wet weather and the hay fever is

• Hay fever • Colds • Tickly coughs

worse in August. Profuse sneezing is

• Headaches

Better; fresh air; moving around

usually the first tell-tale sign, triggered

22

Allium cepa • Ant tart

Ant tart

FULL NAME Antimonium tmtaricum

A

ntinionv is another of the poisons used in lioinoeopathy. It is odourless

and comes in the form of white powder or clear crystals, fliis made it a fine tool for murderous acts in the same way as Arsenic (page 30). Medicinallv, it was used in small quantities as an emetic to encourage

SOURCE • Antimony potassium tartrate

vomiting, although obx iouslv this could be a very dangerous, even deadly practice. The dangerous effects of Antimony are harnessed in this remedy to

COMMON NAME

establish a positi\’e homoeopathic use.

• Tartar emetic

.MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

to lie down. The entire body becomes

The patient feels exhausted: there is

e.xtremelv pale and sickly, with sunken

great lethargw drowsiness and pitiful

eves and a bluish pallor to the face.

moaning.

Clold,

clammy

sweating is

typical;

from

children.

suffer

extreme

hands and feet feel like ice, but warmth

irritation. particularK' when they think

makes the symptoms feel worse, so

that thev are being watched or are

patients prefer having the windows

about to be touched. Frightened by the

open and the bed covers off. They

sx'mptoms,

should also avoid drinking fluids as

Patients

especialK' will

also

howes'er,

some children

this mav ctmse vomiting.

want to be held, usually in an upright

Ant tart is a useful remedy when

positiftn, and may cling tightly to their parents,

while

others

try

to

the jratient

find

h;is continuous attacks

of bronchitis and repeated colds, or a

solitude, just wanting to be left tilone.

cough

th;it

h;is been

present

sinee

MODALITIES

PHY.SICAL

their time of viiccination. It c;m tilso be

The Ant tart patient produces a great

effective against ehicken pox when the

Worse: heat; anger;

deal of white, watery, slimy mucus,

rash appears slowly ;md the cough is as

eating; drinking;

especially from the lungs. Any rattling

descrihed tibove.

touch; being

when

Ant tart shoukl be used when ;iny

looked at; lying

the respiratory system is suffering can

exhaustion suffered is particukirly ;icute.

down; autumn;

and bubbling from the chest

be

extremely

noisy.

I he

spring; very early

p;itient’s

weakness and lethargy' make it difficult

Common Uses

to cough up much of this mucus, which

• Bronchitis • Colds • Cough

then

• Chicken pox

builds

up

rapidly,

restricting

hours Better: coughing up

mucus; sitting up; cold

breathing and making it uncomfortable

23

Materia Medica

Apis

FULL NAME Apis melifica

SOURCE

T

his remedy captures the essence of the honey bee. It is usual for the whole body of this extraordinary insert to be used in the making of the

• Honey bee

remedy, not just the contents of the venomous sac. Bees are sensitive and restless creatures, which toil unrelentingly in an almost predetermined way for the good of the hive and their queen - hence the expression ‘busy as a bee’.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

loved one. They are given to flirting a

The mental and emotional picture of

great

Apis is somewhat predictable if one

important

thinks

Apis

communication.

even

ment and dancing, and often dream of

types

about are

bees

fidgety,

themselves. restless Thev

and

slightly

nervous.

can

feelings

of hvpersensitivitv

show

and

deal,

and

part

in

can

play

an

their methods of

Thev

enjo\'

move¬

flying or travelling.

are

PHYSICAL

occasionally aggressive - think of the bee that

sex

is interrupted in its work!

As with Aconite (page 20), the onset of

Their hard work is often fruitless and

illness

unproductive, characterized bv clumsi¬

quite violent, becoming rapidlv worse.

ness

number of silly

The pain with Apis is fierv, stinging

mistakes. Socially, Apis patients may act

and burning, and the affected area will

in an ungainly and awkward manner,

look

perhaps

Sometimes the pain mav feel as if a

and

other

a certain

laughing people’s

inappropriately misfortunes,

at for

in

and

red-hot

an

Apis

feel

needle,

patient

very

is

hot

very

often

and

similar

red.

to

the

example, only to find that no one else

sensation of a bee sting, has pierced the

is amused.

affected area. In fact, not surprisingly.

Apis

types

hate

to

be

alone and

Apis is one of the primary first-aid

demand attention. However, when that attention

is offered,

perhaps

in

remedies for bee and wasps stings.

the

Inflammation

and

form of affection, thev reject it. There

swellings

is also a concept among Apis patients

rushes

that

symptoms of Apis

empty

spaces

whether it is a gap in

must

be

filled,

conversation or

to

often

occur

the

affected

oedematous as

the

part.

are due

to

fluid Many fluid

‘filling the spaces’ - i.e., fluid in the

the physical void left by the death of a

testes,

24

ovaries

and

pleural

cavities.

Apis

microscope

may he a cras'ing for milk, taken in

oedeniatous tissue looks very similar lo

small sips. I he patient feels incredibly

the intricate cavities of a beehive.)

hot-blooded and cannot tolerate heat

(IiK'identallv,

Anv

under

swelling

a

ma\'

lia\’e

a

in anv form.

sliiny

appearance or a pale, waxy look, and

Many complaints will start on the

there is often a stiffness and tension in

left-hand side and spreail to the right;

the affected part, althouj^h movement

the pain can move around the body.

j

Worse; heat; touch;

.Symptoms are much worse hetw'een

isn’t a^ravatin^ in the same way as

MODALITIES

fluid

three and five o’clock in the afternoon,

;

after sleeping;

becomes redistributed. A finger may

and anything cool will give enormous

I

mid to late

leave

relief.

j

afternoon;

Brvonia

an

(page

37),

as

indentation

the

when

it

has

prodded a pufh' area. Apis is a useful remedy for cystitis when

the

last

few

drops

of

Iduch

of

any

sort

is

rarely

toleraterl; even touching the hair can

pressure; lying

feel painful.

down Better; being cold;

urine

sting and smart and the patient must

Common Uses

moving about

strain to pass water. There is a definite

• Insect bites • Abscesses • Allergies

and changing

lack

• Cystitis • Mumps • Styes

position; sitting

of

thirst

especially when

with hot,

this

remedy,

although

upright

there

25

nit

FULL NAME Argentum nitricum

SOURCE

A

lchemists knew silver nitrate

as lunar caustic

in

medieval

times.

It was used then as it is now: for^ the treatment of epilepsy and

• Silver nitrate

cauterizing wounds. Silver nitrate comes in the pure form of colourless, odourless crystals, which are acutely light sensitive, turning grey or black upon exposure and turning the skin black on contact. It is an extremely effective disinfectant but it is highly poisonous if consumed, causing inflammation, especially of the mucous membianes, violent cramping, convulsions and eventual paralysis.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

bridge. The underlying irrationale of

The Arg nit person is nervous, hurried

Arg nit is ‘but what if ... ? What if 1

and impulsive. There is a huge lack of

did jump - what would happen then?’

coordination on both tlie emotional and

Th ese

physical levels.

Weakness prevails in

crazv scenarios that lead on from one

the mental process, and a loss of mental

‘what if’ to another, then another, until

ability occurs as the emotional state

they are actually reacting to something

takes over. Patients feel overwhelmed,

that isn’t happening at all.

patients

can

envisage

entire

excitable and apprehensive. Anticipa¬

Arg nit patients suffer from a great

tory anxiety predominates: if there is a

many fears, which are often expressed

project to be completed or a public

physically

performance or examination looming,

diarrhoea. They are terrified in crowds

patients

nervous

or situations where thev feel trapped

and anxious about failing. They know

and claustrophobic. Heights present a

that their brainpower is diminishing

particular problem, and their legs mav

and

gi\'e way. Alternatively, they mav fear

will

feel

extremelv

their memory loss is becoming

increasingly acute.

by

an

upset

stomach

or

that tall buildings will fall down on top

Rationality can also fade as the Arg

of

them.

Even

bridges

and

spiral

nit patient starts to react too quickly,

staircases are frightening, as are anv

rather than stop and think - so all

view'points from which it is possible to

reasoning goes

window.

look down, below' or through. This is a

Worse still, this irrational behaviour

great remedy for fear of flying, which

may lead to impulsive ideas, such as

combines all the usual fears of the Arg

jumping in front of a train or off a

nit patient in one.

out

of the

26

Arg nit

Arg nit t\ pes need lots of compans’ and get \er\’ norsous being in tlie house, or e\en leas ing the house, on their own. Nerx'ous break¬ downs are eoninion within this renied\-, nothing seems eas\' and simple.

e\en

the most

e\er\da\'

tasks

become an enormous ordeal -

patients

simpK

cannot

cope with the da\’ ahead of them. A strange ssniptom that Arg nit patients have, which in mans-

svavs

expresses

their

internal situation, is the delusion of being a soda bottle. It represents the feeling that some part of them is Diarrhoea is noisy, splutterv and

about to explode because the stress is

often green, full of mucus or offensive

just too great.

in smell. Nervous digestive symptoms are much worse after eating.

PHY.SICAL As ssith Pulsatilla (page 88), Arg nit

Anxiety also manifests itsell in heart

patients need a great deal of fresh air,

palpitations, together w-ith vertigo and

and

fainting,

thes'

like

to

sleep

svith

the

although,

strangely,

the

ssinilosvs open or svalk outside, (iold

palpitations are felt mainly on the right

food and drink can also help, although

side of the hody, aw-ay from the heart.

their craving

The legs tremhle from w-eakness.

for

ssveet

foods

can

Many

are

j

thev eat too much. A nursing child can

accompanied by vomiting, sometimes

}

even be affected if the mother eats a lot

whole

of sweet things and then hreast-feeds.

Headaches feel congested aiui full, and

anxiety; warm

normally

rooms; sugary

aggrasate the tligestion, especially it

Extreme anxietx' accounts (or much of

the

general

tiigestive

effort;

tlisorder.

of

the

]

mouthfuls,

start

thev

are

symptoms

tjuite

iluring

relieved

by

Patients

tight

j

foods; hot food or drink; confined spaces

very unpleasant gaseous and bloated feelings.

mental

bandaging or pressure to the head.

Abdominal pain is rife, together with

Worse: emotion;

sucklenly.

any

MODALITIES

Common Uses

may experience a

Better: fresh air;

great deal of flatulence and belching,

• Anxiety • Diarrhoea • Flatulence

hard pressure;

which are very loud yet ilon t seem to

• Belching • Fainting • Fleadaches

cold food or drink

relieve anv discomfort.

27

Materia Medica

_I__ ■ —

Arnica

FULL NAME Arnica montana

Compositae)

A

COMMON NAMES

Andes in South America. It is related to the daisy and grows to about 6

• Leopard's bane

inches (15 cm) in height. The flowers are bright yellow - like the daisy’s -

• Mountain tobacco

and have a slightly dishevelled appearance, as if they have been bashed

(Plant family:

rnica can be found growing just below the snow line at high altitudes and is most common in Switzerland, northern Germany and the

around by driving winds. The root is woody and has a peculiar smell of apples. Arnica prefers to grow in soft, rich, moist soils made from decaying matter - ground that would cushion a fall. It has traditionally been used in the Andes as an infusion for those who have been badly injured after a mountain accident.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

the\' are unwell or hurt, they are averse to being touched,

Arnica is one of tlie best known and most effective first-aid remedies

^

because of the pain, and

available to us. There

thev will he irritable, sending

are very few accidents,

awa\' an\'one who tries to help.

bumps,

scrapes and

Thev have a feeling of detachment

shocks

that

from themseh'es and others.

do

not

initiallv benefit from a

Numbness can be present and

dose of Arnica. To

a feeling of contrariness - these

understand

the

patients don’t

of

want or who thev are. Arnica is a

Arnica you just need to

great remedy for jet lag when these

think of someone in ;i

feelings can be strong and anv

state of shock. There is

sense of time is lost. Apathv and

emotional

a

huge

picture

reaction

of

know what thev

weakness are often apparent.

withdrawal, as if thev

There is a darkness to this remedy,

have been knocked out

often showing itself through dreams of

of their physical

dark

body

forms

and

hallucinations

of

and a wall has been built

mutilated bodies. Arnica patients mav

around

Arnica

have a strong fear of death, hut not as

patients usually dismiss

strong as in the picture of Aconite

any

(page 20).

them.

suggestion

that

28

Arnica

PHYSICAL Arnica

is

the

accielcnts,

rcnicil\

traumas

lor

ot

stranye

s\'m|itom

rotten

ot

e^i^s.

/Xinica

is

A

that

is

eruptions appear sx'mmetricallx' on the

tlicrc

is

hotlw such as a boil on each cheek or

tcarint; or hreakint;

thigh or acne et|uall\’ on cither side ol

elown ot hloori \csscls. With haemor-

the lace. Man\- ol tiiese eruptions max'

rhagos it is inxalnahic witen tr\intt lo

appear alter a trauma.

rclc\aiu

hrnisim; or an\’

shock.

smelliny

It

p;irticiil;irl\

ami

injnrics,

breath

wlicrc

Fhe heail can Icel extrcmclx' hot in

arrest hlcctlinr; anwvhcre in tlic liodx.

contrast

ritis remcd\ rcall\' is a master healer at

to the both’, which

is cold.

an\' time ot crisis, aiding tlie hod\ to

1 his can cause manx' diHering tx’pes ol

reco\er at ;i taster rate.

headache. For example, the head can teel as it ;i nail has been drix'cn into it,

I Itere ;ire nnmerons \\a\ s in w liich Arnica can tie used, ami it

or as it the brain ;is been shtitlered into

is

a

otten

heneticial

administer

to

he

dose

can

amount

swellinj; or

mav

occur.

the

remedx'

Arnica,

is

an

reiluce

lakeii

exciting

remedx'

max’ be usetl at

to

home

saleix' and eftectixelx' as an e.xcellent

ot

the ilentist

that

hx'

discoxer ami

tirst

Arnica Iielore a \isit to

ot

treated

Arnica

examiile, a

this,

is suHering Irom.

he anticipateti.

taking

Despite all

whatex-er tx'pe ol pain it is the |i;itient

where

a tniuma can

For

pieces.

anx' blow to the head should initiallx'

it

in those situ¬ ations

thoustiml

I

the

aid

tretitment

lor

exerx'dax' mishaps.

hrnisinj; dnrini; ami

iitler ciiililliirth. Arnica is ;i lanlastic hciiler, especitilK' it there is a lar);e iunonnt ot li;iemorrhai;in,i;. In cases ot

conenssion,

w Inn her

ilnn'e

tracture or not. Arnica will

is

MODALITIES

a

Worse: motion;

hilp to

rest; lying on the

reduce s\vellin,i; alter any injury.

affected part;

I here is olten increased sensiti\'it\-.

damp; cold

Fhe hod\- teels sore, hruiscti all o\'er, and the muscles really achic

Better: lying down;

I he hed

open air; cold;

can leel too html, causing restlessness

Common Uses

;md mtiking sleeji impossible, and ;my jarrinji^ ot the hetl will lie unhe;ir;ihle. Manx- ot the discharges experienced

washing;

• Shock • Injury • Accidents • Trauma

uncovering;

• Haemorrhage • Bruising

changing position; sitting upright

c;m he ot'tetisixe, with swetit, stools and

29

Materia Medica

Arsenicum

FULL NAME Arsenicum album

SOURCE • Arsenic trioxide • Sulphide of arsenic

^"r'liere are many poisons in the homoeopathic Materia Medica, but none

JL

is as famous as arsenic. If one wefe to consider niurder then the

administration of arsenic would be high on the list for undetected efficiency. From the Borgias in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries to the present day, there

have

been

innumerable

deaths

from

this

seemingly

harmless,

odourless, colourless substance. Arsenie was so widely used in the reign of Louis XIV that the whole era was known as ‘The Age of Arsenic’. Death is not a certainty, however, as there are many different levels of tolerance. Indeed, it is a known practice for people living at high altitudes to use arsenic to aid breathing. Toxicity is dependent on the size of dose, the form of administration, where it enters the body and the susceptibility of the subject. In the horse-racing industry small doses of arsenic are administered to give the horses sleek, shiny coats and to keep them on their toes for races. It is also given to turkeys to increase levels of bleeding and to prevent disease, although it can prove fatal if a treated turkey is consumed at a later date. From the results of arsenic poisonings, we can develop a homoeopathic picture of one of the most widely used remedies in the Materia Medica.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

anxiety and restlessness creates a great

There is great anxiety and restlessness

deal

present in this remedy. Even wlren ill,

counter-balanced bv a sense of extreme

and

and

order in tbeir lives. Things need to be

exhaustion, an unexpected restlessness

neat and tidy, socks need to match and

is

pictures need to be straight, otherwise

despite

present.

extreme

Anxiety

weakness

about

health

is

especially evident.

ot

\'ulnerability,

but

this

is

they will feel nervous.

Arsenicum characters are the ones

People also plav a big part in the lives

who corner you at a party to tell vou

of Arsenicum types. Thev need a great

about

The

deal ot support and are always better in

prospect ot cancer is particularly in

company, especially when ill. Thev will

their

create a strong network of friends and

their

latest

thoughts,

affliction.

and

thev

have

a

constant worry that their body will let

acquaintances

them

security.

down.

The

combination

of

30

to

They can

give

themselves

be great

leaders.

Arsenicum

enjoying

tlie

fact

that

people

need

them tor decision-making and group etticienc\’. 1 heir

dependency

on

otlters

can

make them seem like human leeches. They can

be helpful

and

kind,

but

usualh’ tor their own gain and securitx’. The\' tend to know and

make

sure

what the\' want

the\’

can

get

it.

manipulating people where necessaiw.

PHYSICAL Arsenicum

patients

teel

onset

extremeh'

is

usually

very

extreme

the pains are burning and tiers'. All

Patients are yery fearful and cannot lie

their ssniptoms are much better tor

down, but have to prop up their heads

hot things and they will desire warm

with pillows. The attacks will usualh'

drinks, lots of warm bedding and hot

happen after midnight, w'hen patients

applications.

will suddenly sit bolt upright with a

head will feel yery cold hut the body

suffocating

will be warm.

expectoration

Restlessness extreme

is

and

lot

of

egg.

In

the lungs. Warm, sweet milk may ease the attack.

j

Any cokls experienced produce fluid in the form of corrosive tiischarges that

is expressed in an extreme way. a

whipped

an

exhaustion

the patient’s complaint. Eyery reaction

are

like

produces

addition, burning pains will be lelt in

that is completely out of proportion to

There

that

restlessness.

with

conspicuous,

prostration

cough

and

with

chilly, but the chill is external - inside

During a headache the

weakness

sudden,

stream from the no.se, making it sore

complaints

and ulcerated. Snee/ing is profuse.

associated with the digestiye tract, anti

The

Arsetiicum is one ot the main remedies

skin

can

be

dry,

scaly

and be a

for food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

unhealthy

The diarrhoea is fretpient hut comes in

desire

small amounts, vyith burning pains in

Ulceration or'cnrs here as well, both on

the stomach and vyhen passing stools.

the skin and in the stomach. Malignancy

Anything that is eaten will he yomited

may be present in later stages.

to

looking.

There

may

scratch

until

it

a

great

remedy

for

asthma, especially if an attack has been triggered from emotion.d stress.

food; after midnight; lying down j

Better: company;

being warm; j

for small sips of water. is

Worse: cold drinks;

bleeds.

immediately, although there is a thirst

Arsenicum

MODALITIES

,

moving around;

Common Uses

raising the head;

• Diarrhoea • Gastroenteritis

cold air -

• Food poisoning • Asthma • Anxiety

especially for headaches

I he

31

Materia Medica

Aurum

FULL NAME Aunim metallicum

SOURCE

G

old has great meaning in human society; it is the symbol of wealth and success. Athletes run for it, wa^s have been fought for it and, in

• Gold

many ways, the beauty of this substance has led to much destructive behaviour, which reflects nothing of its original qualities. Nevertheless, gold still holds world-wide fascination. It is a shiny, bright and enticing metal, and, symbolically, it can be used as a remedy when the light and beauty represented by gold has disappeared from a person’s life, only to be replaced by the more empty values that we have given to it in our society.

quite separate from their surroundings

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL There is a dark, bleak feeling with this

and

remedv, where tlte love for life seems to

friendships, often throwing themselves

have been lost. Aurum patients feel

into their work instead - hence their

weary

enormous

and

depressed

and

lack

find

it

painful

sense

to

form

of ambition.

close

This

confidence in their abilities, perhaps

means that they have very little outlet

with a desire to die. They can become

for expressing their true feelings. Thev

so

often

desperate

that

suicide

possibility

for

them.

enjoyment

of anything

is

Thev or

a

real

show

great

generosity

and

no

kindness that does not actually involve

anyone.

an^' emotional commitment on their

feel

Work, family and things that used to

part.

bring jov and happiness to them no

attempt to connect with people can

longer

pessimistic,

lead to feelings of resentment that thev

gloomy and full of self-condemnation

try to hury. They can have an immense

and guilt. Despite hard work and the

sense of logic that tends to overrule

ambitious goals thev set themselves,

negative thoughts. It is this suppression

the burden of feelings such as a deep

that

sense

depression.

do

of

so.

They

failure

responsibilities

are

and will

a

neglect

prevail.

of

The

can

lack

push

of

reward

them

for

towards

this

deep

These

The Aurum character can feel better

failures, whether real or imagined, are

as the sun goes down, but sleep is often

hard to cope with.

disturbed and patients mav moan and

Initially, Aurum types find it difficult

call

out

in

their

sleep

as

vivid

to connect with the world on anv deep,

nightmares

emotional level; in fact, thev can feel

also when many of their physical pains

32

take

over.

Night-time

is

Au ru m

intensif\', leading them to feelings of

pain will either create tlcpression or

despair. Any attempt to overcome their

make anx' mild tlepression more severe.

feelings of gloom can lead them to

The

tiestruction

and

hreaktlown

e.xpress themseKes through anger and

described on the emotional level are

irritabilitc’. This can seem hurtful and

exident

irrational to others but their intention is

LMceration is common in many areas of

not to be cruel - it is their only outlet.

the hodx'. The nose can be painfullv

on

the

phx'sical

level

too.

The people who figure in the lic es of

ulcerated, xxith the ulcer producing a

Aurum characters will often be shocked

foul-smelling discharge and causing an

when

they

collapse.

observe

As

a

any

result,

state

of

patients

are

determined to tr\' particularK' hard not to let anyone see their true feelings until the last possible moment.

PHYSICAL Aurum has an affinity with the heart one of the emotional centres of the body. There is a weight on the chest as if the

heart

has

stopped,

and

this

sensation is as if the heart is thumping too

violently.

breathlessness

Palpitations may

be

and obstruction

experienced

that

difficult.

swellings of the lower limbs anti ankles.

gums and they may start to look red

High blood pressure is also common.

and sxvollen, with the breath smelling

Aurum

putriti as a result.

can

get

waves

of

is

breathing

when mox'ing around, alongside watery

patients

Ihere

makes

ulceration

of

the

flushing heat throughout the hotly, as if

Headaches are violent, with tearing

the blood is about to burst out of their

pains in the bones as if the skull is

veins, with rushes of blootl to the head.

bruised or fractured. incredibly

Ihev can suffer with aching, boring bone

pains,

which

travel

longer bones, especially

in

down the

sensitive

I he eyes can be to

light,

with

the

soreness ami pressure of the eyes and

legs.

eyeballs that disturb vision. I he bones around the eyes are also painful.

The pain can be so severe that it feels

MODALITIES Worse: night-time;

cold air; mental exertion; guilt;

as if the legs are broken. Lhe joints are akso affected: the cartilage around the

Common Uses

joints can .swell anti become extremely

• Depression • Heart palpitations

painful, especially at night, preventing

• Headaches

resting; winter Better: warmth;

movement¬ walking; summer

sleep or waking the person up. This

33

Materia Medica .

>

-i ^

.

Belladonna

FULL NAME Atropa belladonna (Plant t'amily: Solanaceae)

B

elladonna is found throughout Europe, where it flourishes in chalky, shaded areas. It grows at an incredibly rapid rate, almost to the height

COMMON NAME

of an average human being in just one season. The stem is tall and hairy,

• Deadly nightshade

with a reddish-purple tinge, and the leaves are dark green. The flowers hang like large bells and are a pinky-purple colour. It is the berries tbat are most appealing: succulent and shiny, they look like small cherries that are sweet to taste; children adore them at their peril. As with Aconite (page 20), Belladonna is another viciously acting poison, which has been repeatedly used for tbe disposal of unwanted persons. It was especially favoured by tbe Lithuanians in the seventeenth century: if debts failed to be delivered. Belladonna was promptly administered to the debtor’s drink! Tbe name Belladonna means ‘beautiful woman’ and comes from tbis remedy’s use - primarily in Italy - as eye drops because it helped pupils dilate, supposedly making women more alluring.

Fear is pronounced, and Belladonna

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL Witli Belladonna we Find an acuteness

patients

of

great

strange things - especially black dogs

excitement, nrovcment and an inten-

and gallows - eyen though their eyes

sitv of reaction. Manv of the symptoms

are closed, The\' may also haye a fear

are

of water.

all

the

senses.

sudden

often with

lead

and to a

delirium

There

violent,

is

which

can

an

intense

imagine

All

these

that

thev

symptoms

see

can

appear and disappear very quickly.

hallucinogenic state

and

will

fever.

Belladonna patients mav have terrible

PHYSICAL

nightmares, which cause tliem to kick,

In an acute situation. Belladonna can

strike, bite and pull people’s hair. The

be indicated very early on. Patients will

phrase ‘an angel when well, a devil

have hot, red skin, and the pupils will

when sick’ is particularlv a|ipropriate

he dilated and glassy, like ‘beautiful

for Belladonna types. These patients

women’, as mentioned above. The face

often

thing:

will be flushed and the pulse will be

noises, jarring of the bed or light, and,

throbbing, making the patient agitated

therefore,

and

react

to

they

the

feel

slightest

better

for

rest,

silence and darkness.

very

restless.

The

mouth

and

throat are usually dry. and the patient

34

Belladonna

MODALITIES Worse; sunshine; getting too hot; 3 p.m.; draughts around the head; cold wind; a hair cut; not being has a eras ing for lemons or lemonade,

the sufferer has become far too hot. In

able to sweat;

altliou^h there will be a stronjr aversion

tonsillitis, when the throat is dry, red,

light; noise;

to water. 1 leat, redness ami dryness are

burning ami inflamed, belladonna is

jarring touch;

all iisiialK’ present. Loetil areas tiround

tigain

the bod\’ ean be j;reatl\’ inflamed, as

patient w;mts to swallow but liquids do

parts of the body

well as biirninj^-hot ;md temler when

not go dov\n well.

hang down (e.g.,

toiiehed.

look red

A

exposed to eolti air, whieh may e\'en

Anv

a

siaiden,

heatiaehes

;ire

violent

and

remedy.

The

The tongue may

textured

lying on painful

belladonna

picture

can

that it is at its most atutt' at

ami

i

symptoms to look out lor are dry heal,

cutting

redness ami |)ain.

on

objects; after

these

midnight;

o’clock

turmoil in the brain; e\'en wtishin^ or bring

side; bright, shiny

ap|K'ar

in the afternoon.

ean

a hand); company;

like the skin

throbbinj^, and there is a sensation of

h;ur

movement letting

j

anvwhere in the hotly, hearing in mind

retietion.

pounding

invtiluable

ol a strav\berr\’.

belladonna tv|ies are mueh worse if

prox'oke

an

bending the

The most important

head forwards Better: resting in bed; light bed

sx'mptoms. (liitching the heail during a

hetidache

backwards

or

are

bending

common

tbe

covers; bending

Common Uses

head

• Abscesses • Boils • Bronchitis

tactics with

these patients to try to relieve the pain.

• Chicken pox • Earache • Fever

.Silence and darkness will help.

• Headaches • Mastitis • Mumps

j

the head backwards; warm, dark rooms;

I

• Sore throat • Sun burn

belladonna is a particularly useful

]

standing or sitting upright

remedv for sunstroke he;td;iches when

35

Materia Medica

Beilis perennis

FULL NAME Beilis perennis (Plant family: Compositae)

T

he common daisy is also known as ‘bruisewort’ and is similar in its healing action to the better known Arnica (page 28). It is a cheerful and

COMMON NAME

much loved plant with small, white petals and a sunny, yellow centre - a

• Daisy

plant that nineteenth-century homoeopath John Henry Clarke describes as

• Bruisewort

constantly being trodden on, only to bounce back up again. Culpeper, the seventeenth-century herbalist, used it widely for treating trauma, pleurisy, pneumonia and consumption of the lungs, and suggested that it grew in abundance because of its usefulness.

MENTAL AND

painful bruising from the movement or

EMOTIONAL

kicking of the baby. It is also useful

There

is

exhaustion

when the woman experiences bearing

great and

down, labour-like pains after delivery.

a

desire to lie down, alliiough continual

The action on the blood vessels makes

movement makes this patient feel better.

it a useful remedv for varicose veins that feel bruised, squeezed and throbbing.

PHYSICAL

The stomach feels very heavv and

Beilis perennis is used for deep trauma,

can

strains,

and

touched bv clothing. Patients have a

more

strong desire for vinegar and pickled

internal than external. Beilis perennis

foods, but this mav cause vomiting of

is particularly good tor injury to deep

acids. It may also be affected if cold

tissue following surgerv that has left

drinks are taken when

the patient with post-operative pain.

feels hot.

bruising,

sprains, the

blows,

latter

tails

feeling

be extremely sensitive to being

the stomach

It can be very helpful after a \'iolent

A sudden chill from getting cold or

blow to the breast. If swelling remains

wet when over-heated is a svmptom

MODALITIES

after the initial use of Arnica (page 28)

peculiar to Beilis perennis. However,

Worse: injury;

then Beilis perennis will help reduce

the remedy should not be taken late at

surgery; sprains;

this. It is particularly indicated after a

night as it can cause sleeplessness.

heat; becoming

painful fall on the coccvx.

cold or wet when hot Better: motion

Common Uses

Pregnant women mav find it useful if they are having problems walking due to

strained

abdominal

muscles

• Injury • Bruising • Pregnancy

or

36

Beilis perennis • Bryonia

Bryonia

FULL NAME Bryonia alba (Plant family:

Bryonia is a tall, herbaceous, perennial climber w itb berries the size of a pea

C.’ucurbitacae)

that bang in gioiips. It is found creeping and crawling very slowly in damp, dark areas, as if biding from \iew. It climbs high, using its long tendrils to

COMMON NAME

cling to whatever it can find for support. There are many species of Bryonia

• White bryony

to be found, but it is the root of the black-berried Biyonia tilhti that is used in homoeopatbv. The root is large and flesbv, exuding a foul-smelling, milky resin, which has a violent, purgative action if consumed. Another deacily poison, known in France as the ‘Desil’s turnip’, Brvonia has been used extensively for medicinal purposes, but with caution, as just fifteen berries can kill a child.

Anv movement exacerbates the pain,

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL The

BiAonia t\pe otten

insecure

and

insecurit\-

stretches

s'ulnerable. to

and thev need to lie quietly in a dark

feels alone,

room,

Their

fears

in

contrast

to

the

Rhus Tox

picture (page 90) where motion helps.

about

1 he

.sense of \ ulnerabilitv is increased by a

strong, firm pressure and the patient

hot; moving

\ague

will often lie on the painful side.

about; being

stuimr.

When

unwell

in

are irritable ami unpleasant patients.

especially

Their insecuritv is borne out by the

membranes.

delusion

is

relieved by

Dryness is an important symptom,

thev need to withdraw, otherwise they

strange

Bryonia

Worse: becoming

povert\- ami fear of the future, and their

mental

pain

MODALITIES

excellent

that

as

it

affects

This

remedy

makes for

touched; taking

mucous

cold; lying on

Bryonia an

painless side;

the

pleurisy,

when

during sleep; in the morning

the\' want to go home

dryness ami movement from the cough

even if they are already

cause

there,

social

.Stools are also dry, almost as il burned,

pressure on the

often

causing

Meat

painful part; in

causes aggrtivation, hut drinking water

cool, damp air;

ami keeping cool bring great relief.

being quiet; being

and

situations

in they

feel threatened.

sticking

pains

extreme

on

inhalation.

constipation.

in a dark room;

PHYSICAL Ailments slowly,

come and

it

on is

impr)rtant that Bryonia patients

slow

Better: warmth and

Common Uses

drawing up knees;

• Coughs • Bronchitis • Flu • Headaches

applying cold

• Injuries • Constipation.

water; eating cold foods; belching

down.

37

Materia Medica

Calc carb

FULL NAME Calcarea carbonica

SOURCE • Oyster shell

T

his remedy is made from the soft inner layer of the oyster shell, which is lined with chalk and limestone. Qysters are molluscs that lie wide

open on the sea bed, displaying their soft, snowy-white interiors. It takes just one, small disturbance for the shells to snap shut in an instant, showing a hard, impenetrable exterior. These elements are fundamental to the picture of Calc carb: the rock-like exterior covering the vulnerable interior. Calcium is of vital importance to the body. It is the main component of bone, thereby providing us with our framework, and is the most widely present element in our bodies. It affects our metabolism and keeps sodium, potassium and magnesium in equilibrium. Without a sufficient balance of calcium we can easily become malnourished, stunting our development.

industrious,

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

with

a

great

sense

of

Calc carb is vitally important at times

responsibility. Howewr, they will work

in our life when we need most stability

only

and support.

usually slow and methodical. Anything

In the early stages of

at

their

own

threatens

pace,

their

which

is

childhood, tliis remedy is useful for the

that

much-loved

solidity and strength that is needed for

securit}' brings up many fears: fear of

the future, it is thought that 40-50%

poverty,

health,

of babies will need Calc carb.

insanity.

This

heights

last

fear

and -

even

that

of

help us through

insanity - is brought on by other fears,

puberty as we move into adultItood,

especially fear of the unknown and loss

and during old

of control.

This remedv can

movement

awav

age

it

from

supports the

the

Calc carb t\'pes are also

anxious about others perceiving these

physical

fears, which leads them to object to

realm into one that is more spiritual.

being watched.

Calc carb types tend to be quite happy, jolly people who know where

The exterior shell of the oyster is

they are, providing thev have a secure

represented in a patient’s ability to be

home,

incredibly

enough

monev

and

a

safe

stubborn

and

obstinate.

environment for themselves and their

Calc carbs are no-nonsense people who

loved ones.

need

Work

is

important

to

Calc

carb

although

characters, who are generally highly

to

be they

met will

anything for anybody.

38

half-way,

ultimately

do

Calc carb

PHYSICAL C]alc carb babies tend to be flabbc and unfit, rather like an o\ster witliont tlie shell. They are slow

to

talk,

\\alk

and

and

their

teething is often dehwed and difficult.

They can

haye unusualK’

large heads that are sweaty, which, as with their feet, can smell sour. Their bellies are round and the fontanels are often late to close. There is a lot ot to

Milk is something that they will either

enlarged glands, although, in general,

los e or hate. The\' will he prone to sour

their

\'omiting, and Calc carb children will

mucus,

and

they

constitution

can

is

be

prone

quite

strong.

Constipation is common, but because

often yomit

curdled

this giyes them more time it fits in well

w'hile teething.

milk, especially

with the C'alc carb picture and tends

Abscesses frequently occur, which are

not to distress them; any stools are

spong\', not hard, and uterine fibroids are

often pale, resembling chalk or clay. If

quite common. I he skin can often take

the constipation changes to diarrhoea,

a long time to heal after any injury. Ihere

howeyer, patients become agitated.

is

a

convulsive

tendency,

and

also

menstruation c;m he hetivy - particularly

present in adults. This is especially true

itround the time of the menopau.se - and

in the alimentary canal, as

involve ptiinful cramping.

Ihe

and

sourness

yomit

in

will

children

haye

a

is

diarrhoea

The musculo-skelelal .system is greatly

particularly

MODALITIES Worse: being cold;

is

affected in the Calc carb patient, with

he

rheumtitism and arthritis commonplace.

exercise and

iierspire

The ptiins usually start in the lower hack

exertion; teething;

yerv easily. The bones are brittle and

and

other

puberty; milk;

break

can

areas. Most of the skeletal problems are

anxiety; after

develop easily, due to the inability to

aggrtivated by cold, wet weather anti

eating; sexual

absorb calcium.

eased by wtirmth.

excesses

unpleasant liifficult,

odour. and

oyerweight

;i

causes

easily,

and

An\'

exertion

tendency them

to

to

osteoporosis

then

gradually

extenti

Better: dry weather;

There is a Uwe of eggs, sugar, cakes, pastries heightens

and their

pasta, flabby

to

which

only

Common Uses

morning; passing

nature.

Calc

• Teething • Ailments in children

wind; lying on

• Backache

their back; being

carb people also hav'e a strange desire

in a dark room

for indigestible things, such as chalk.

39

Materia Medica ^

.

Calc fluor

FULL NAME Calcarea fluorica

SOURCE • Fluoride of lime

C

alc fluor is an insoluble salt that is found naturally in the body, aiding the strength of the bone structure, te^th and tissue elasticity. It is one

of twelve homoeopathic remedies, known as tissue salts, that are present in the tissues of the body.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

skin is badly cracked and chapped -

In most of the Calc remedy types

improving the elasticity of the blood vessel walls

there is a need for security. In Calc fluor

and

helping to

improve

circulation. It can be a good support

characters this is expressed by a fear of poverty. They tend to be quick-witted

remedy

and grasp

an

tow'ards varicose veins or haemorrhoids

underlying chaotic tendency that can let

caused by a loss of tone in the walls of

them down. They can be clumsy and

the blood vessels.

ideas

easily but

have

lack coordination.

All

when

there

discharges

is

a

are

tendency

thick

and

yellow\'-green. Hence, Calc fluor can be useful for long-term catarrh, suppuration

PHYSICAL As a tissue salt, the remedy Calc fluor is

of the middle ear and adenoids.

used to support various parts of the

Tendons

and

ligaments

that

have

body that have lost tone and structure.

been strained may benefit from Calc

It can also be used as a supplement,

fluor,

helping to

severe w'hen it is kept mo\'ing but feels

strengthen

teeth

enamel.

especially

It also helps to soften areas of the body

worse

that have become hard, such as glands in

applicable

if

the

for being rested. to

other

injury

This

structural

is

is

less

also

pains,

the tonsils or neck, and redress bony

such as in the low'er back, making it

MODALITIES

growths, such as on the head or jaw' line.

similar to the remedy Rhus tox (page

Worse: when

Similarly, it is a good treatment for corns

90); in fact. Calc lluor can be used if

when the skin has become hard.

Rhus Tox fails to help.

starting to move; sprains and

Lack of elasticity is a typical symptom

strains; cold and

of the Calc fluor patient, making it a

Common Uses

damp

useful prevention against stretch marks

• stretch marks • Varicose veins

during pregnancy. Its affinity with the

• Chilblains • Haemorrhoids • Tooth decay

movement; warm

venous system means that it is also

• Injuries

applications; heat

effective against chilblains - where the

Better: constant

40

Calc fluor • Calc phos

FULL NAME Calcarea

A

phosphoriai

dding phosphoric acid to lime water creates Calc plios. Within tliis

remedy we see a combination ot two of the most widely used remedies in the Materia Medica, Cale earb (page 38) and Phosphorus (page 84).

SOURCE • Calcium phosphate

Calc carb is a slow, steady remedy, and Phosphorus is fast and fnrions, so in Calc phos we see a combination of the two. Calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate are two of the most important constituents of bone, and this remedy has, therefore, a great affinity with the bones and the early formation of the skeleton.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

child,

sometimes

accompanied

by

This remedx' is, perhaps, most useful in

green, spluttery diarrhoea. The teeth

earl\' childhood or during adolescence.

ma\'

Imagine stroppt; discontented children

gums. The mouth

or teenagers who don’t know what the\’

and the tongue may become blistered.

want

Tlie child

and

can’t

articulate

their

be

soft,

with

swollen,

painful

tastes unplea.sant,

may be intolerant

of the

mother’s milk aiul vomit on feeding.

problems, and a Calc phos image will

Assimilation of essential nutrients is

begin to emerge. Calc phos t\’pes feel tired and sluggish and can’t concentrate.

a

1 hey may dread going to school, which

brittle anti soft, anti curvtiture ol the

brings on anxiety and diarrhoea.

spine may occur. Ii also helps to knit

Many

of

these

symptoms

huge

experienced.

growth

The

bones

can

be

(laic

phos

is

excellent

timing

are

fonsalescente as it stimulates hetilthv

brightness

cell division anti tiigeslion, stimulating

spurts

Ihe flair and

here.

fractured bones back together.

are

e.xacerbated b\’ malnutrition at a time when

problem

are there, but the patients do not have

the

appetite.

Calc

phos

patients,

the energx’ to express them. .Stimulation

however, ctmnot bear to eat or think

from a social occasion helps to distract

coltl things. Fresh air can also worsen

MODALITIES

them from their malaise.

the symptoms, es|iecially heatlaches.

Worse: changing

seasons; teething;

Common Uses

dampness;

Lime is essential to bone growth and

• Teething • Fractures • Exhaustion

adolescence

healthy teeth, and in this picture we

• Promoting growth • Convalescence

phy.sic:al

Better: resting;

warm weather

find problems with late teething in a

41

Materia Medica

Cantharis

FULL NAME Cantharides

SOURCE • Spanish fly • Blister beetle

T

he Spanish fly is a small, green-blue beetle that excretes

cantharidine,

an

irritant,^

that produces an unpleasant blistering of the skin. The whole insect is ground to powder in the making of this remedy.

little,

causing

The irritant nature of the Spanisli fly is

pain;

there

reflected in the emotional picture ot

blood. Overall, this is a particularly

Cantharis

agonizing condition.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

types.

They

can

have

The

violent tempers that make tlieni want

spasms,

may

throat

even

also

scalding be

has

and

traces

a

of

burning

to lash out at other people. They seem

sensation, making swallowing difficult.

frenzied, and their language can be

There

uncontrollably foul, containing sexual

patient has a fear of drinking because it

swear-words. There can be great sexual

aggravates the pain. Even touching the

excitement and an erotic mania that

larynx can send spasms through the

isn’t relieved bv sex.

body and cause breathing difficulties.

Bright light or

is

an

intense

thirst,

but

the

shinv objects can be aggravating to

For burning conjunctivitis, Cantharis

Cantharis types, and they can have a

is a useful remedy to consider. The eyes

great

seem

are inflamed and they feel as if they

lose

are burning; tears feel as if they are

fear of water. They can

possessed

and

then

suddenly

scorching the face. The eyes can have a

consciousness or lapse into a stupor.

staring quality in a face that is hot

MODALITIES Worse: looking

and flushed.

PHYSICAL

Cantharis can also be used to help

The sensation of burning dominates

at bright, shiny

this remedy. Burning pain accompanies

to

objects; drinking;

all the ailments suffered. The urinary

smarting, stinging pains or when the

touching the

tract

skin is badlv blistered.

larynx; moving

Cantharis is a soothing remedy for the

about

unpleasant condition cystitis. Violent

Common Uses

burning and cutting pains are felt in

• Cystitis • Burns • Conjunctivitis

resting; being

the bladder. There is a constant urge to

• Sore throats

guiet

urinate but it is only excreted little bv

Better: being warm;

is

the

most

affected,

and

42

heal

burns

that

look

raw,

with

Cantharis •

Carbo veg

Carbo veg

FULL NAME Carho vegettibilix

C

harcoal is taniiliar to most of us. Makers of this remedy originally took

SOURCE

it from birch trees, but now it is prepared from beech wood.

• Wood charcoal

The process b\' which charcoal is made gixes an indication of how this remedy is best used. The wood is slowly heated until red hot, driving out the oxygen; then

it is smothered

in a closed container to

carbonize, creating the compact but fragile substance. It is the slow eking out of the oxygen that corresponds so well to our picture of Carbo \eg, with cyanosis and respiratory weakness presenting major problems in this remedy picture.

attacks are common: the breathing is C'arbo \eg has often been referred to as

short and laboured so they need direct

the ‘corjrse rex ixer', presenting a picture

air into their lungs; an open window is a

of very low vitality, even

stagnation.

gretit relief, although cold air may bring

Tltere is a definite lack ot reaction on all

on an attack. Calculation is poor, and

lesels. EmotionalK; on a less acute lesel,

varicose veins, which may ulcerate ami

there is a dull, exhausted indifference to

blacken, are common. The

life; patients are too tired to know how

digestive

symptoms

of

this

they realK’ feel and don’t seem to care if

remedy are also distinctive - charcoal

the\'

do,

tablets are still used lor correcting acidity

however, have a strange fear of ghosts,

in the stomach. I'here is a great deal of

and

bloating, especially in the upper alnlomen,

are

alive

there

is

a

or

dead.

marked

I hey

anxiety

and

I he Clarbo veg |iatient feels exhausteil, so

PHY.SICAL low

vital

circulation,

signs

MODALITIES Worse; eating rich

and fatty foods;

accomiianied by excessive flatulence.

uneasiness in the dark.

The

:

lead

making patients

to

this

remedy

is

particularly

illness

feel very

from

which

thev

have

'

after debilitating

useful

when someone has had a tlebilitating

poor

being too warm;

i

illness; pressure of

'

clothes around

never I

the waist; walking

fuilv recovered.

cold and clammy. I heir skin is pale, with even a blue tinge due to lack of oxygen.

i I

in fresh air Better: being

In a situation of collapse or fainting the\'

Common Uses

j

have a great need for air and are helped

• Flatulence • Indigestion • Asthma

j

fanned; belching;

I

enormously

by

being

fanned

• Coughs • Fainting

- the

|

passing wind; lying down

keynote of this remedy picture. Asthma

43

Caulophyllum

FULL NAME Caulophyllum thalictroides (Plant family:

B

lue cohosh is found growing in the United States and Canada. It flourishes in damp, rich soils and ,^flowers during May and June,

Berberidaceae)

displaying small yellow and green petals. The seeds can grow to the size of COMMON NAMES

a pea and can he roasted to make a drink similar to coffee, although the taste

• Blue cohosh

is more bitter. The homoeopathic remedy is made from the root of the plant.

• Squaw root

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

it.

Caulophyllum

uterus after childbirth)

In

feels

cases

the

extremely

patient

in

the

(discharge

long

time

from

the

may last an or

be

totally

absent as the womb is too inactive. The uterus feels very sore and the woman

labour where

mother

lochia

unusually

exhausted:

this remedy is particularly useful

The

does not want to be touched.

feels and

The period pain of this remedy starts

unable to continue

in the small of the back. The blood

useless,

with

tearful

the

birthing

process. There is tear

doesn’t

flow

easily,

coupled

with

vomiting,

common

and apprehension, and the

occurrence.

cramping,

memory is weakened. Caulopht'llum

sharp

and

and

nausea,

can

The

be

pains

a are

unpredictable.

types have mood swings, sometimes to

The symptoms are much better when

the point of hysteria.

the patient is warm, cold being felt easily. A strong thirst is also common.

PHYSICAL

Another feature of Caulophyllum is

Caulopylltim is an invaluable remedy

the tendency to joint pain. A lot of

in childbirth when the labour pains are

joints will

may

be

both

severe drawing pains, which can

fly

short

and

very

paintul.

The

crack and

there

mother feels exhausted and there is

about the body arbitrarily The smaller

rigitfity of the cervix, w'hich will not

joints tend to be more affected, such as

open. The afterpains are spasmodic,

the fingers and toes. The pain often

MODALITIES

with

leads to very restless nights.

Worse: during

abdomen.

cramping

across

Exhaustion

the

lower

prevents

the

labour; in the

uterus from cramping down properly

Common Uses

evening

to expel the placenta, therefore only

• Labour • Period pains • Rheumatism

Better: warmth

partially expelling it or even retaining

44

C a u I o p h y 11 u m • Causticum

Causticum

FULL NAME Causticum

C

austicuni is a combination ot calcium bvdroxicic, also known as marble,

SOURCE

and potassium bisidpbate, and was made and introduced by Samuel

• Calcium hydroxide

Hahnemann. Homoeopathicallv, it combines the traits of two groups of

and potassium

remedies, the Calcs and the Kalis, some of which are discussed in this book.

bisulphate

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL W’e

find

deepl\'

bladder has become too distended.

sympathetic

and

Coughing, sneezing or laughing c;m

sensitive people in this remedy. They

cause the

generalh’ start life with an open, li\ely

ins'oluntarily

character, which gradualK’ gets battered

ma\' also wet the bed on going to sleep.

by what life throws at them, leaving them

emotionalh'

parahsed.

It

particular symptom

Causticum

urinating.

is

one

of

Patients

of

the

great

is a

remedies for serious burns. It will help

usehil remed\' lor griet, especialb' for

to relieve the raw, burning pains that

those who suppress their emotions.

are common in this picture as well as to

Causticum patients abhor injustice, but

their stubborn

it

I he cough in this picture is a deep,

often brings on mental and emotional

dry, hard and scraping one, hurting the

ptiraK’sis.

shut

chest. It is olteii brought on by cold,

down: they lorget where they have put

dry winds and is easily provoked by a

things,

tickle in the throat. It is very liifficult

j

stuttering, especially if they are very

to

I

e.xcited or anxious. The\' are generally

dislodge the mucus. .Small sips ol water

insecure: they don’t like being alone,

will ease the cough hut lying in herl

MODALITIES

nor do they like the dark.

makes it much worse.

Worse: co/d, dry

The

and

stand

mind

the\'

against

heal scar tissue.

begins

can

he

to

prone

to

cough

deeply

enough

always

to

Warts are very common, especially on

EHY.SICAL

the

hands,

lace

aiul

eyelids.

winds; drafts; lying down;

As well as mental paralysis there c;in also

Causticum types tirncl to he chilly hut

entering warm

be physical paralysis, but ustially only ot

are worse lor both heat and cold. In

rooms after being

specific

adrlition, they crave smoked looil.

parts.

constipation

Ailments

or urinary

such

;is

in the cold Better: warm air;

incontinence,

especially in the elderly, are common.

Common Uses

warmth of the

Paralysis of the bladder can also occur

• Grief • Burns • Coughs

bed; damp

after retention ot urine or when the

weather

Materia Medica

Chamomilla

FULL NAME Matricaria recutita (Plant t'aniily: Compositae)

C

amomile is a European plant familiar to many, particularly as a herbal tea. It is related to the daisy and has similar flowers, which are just

under 1 inch (20 mm) in diameter, with narrow white petals around a golden COMMON NAMES

centre. It tends to flourish mainly in September, but may bloom earlier.

• German

These plants love sunshine and are rarely found in damp or shady areas,

camomile • Wild camomile

preferring roadsides and open cornfields. There is a certain untidiness to the plant, with straggly stems rising above the bushy and spindly, fern-like foliage. Camomile grows fairly rapidly, finishing its growing cycle within two months, and often providing a second crop. There is an energy and exaggerated quality to the Chamomilla type, which is profiled below. The aroma is strong and slightly sweet yet, when tasted, there is a distinct bitterness. The essential oil is a deep blue colour and is said to be excellent for inflammation. In fact, there is a great deal of inflammation in the remedy picture of Chamomilla, especially on the emotional level.

seems

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

to

them

that

little

is

Chamomilla types tend to have very

being done to soothe their anguish.

short

Very

tempers.

Their

highly

strung

little

calms

teething

children:

natures often give way to excessive

toys, for example, are demanded, then

irritahilitv, where everything seems to

thrown across room; they want to be

make

are

held, perhaps rocked back and forth,

demanding, dissatisfied and generally

but then scream as soon as this motion

very temperamental.

is stopped.

them

angry.

I hey

Chamomilla

Thev have a very low pain threshold.

characters

are

so

Any pain thev feel will be vocalized by

sensitive to pain and loathe it so much

screaming, shouting and even stamping

that thev resent the illness and pain

about - not necessarilv for attention,

thev are suffering and take out their

hut to vent the agony they feel and

anger and frustration on those around

hopefullv

purge

them. Such high emotions are felt in

children

usuallv

Chamomilla

the

pain.

show

picture.

The

Teething a

the

typical pain

stomach;

digestive

in

in

teething is obviously had, hut it often

46

tbe

how

system physical

is

this

effects

described

profile.

the

below

Stimulants

C hamomilla

such as coffee and narcotics lia\e a profound effect on mood. Iteiglitening angry and aggressi\-e behac iour. Cdiamomilla will often lielp a woman in labtjur, wltere pain is almost unbearable. .She ma\- scream

resentfulh-

at her partner, cursing him for the pregnancw. even though he mav be trxing to help bv holding and

her

tr\ing

hand

to

keep

her calm and focused; Chamomilla

types

hate to be touched or spoken to when they

are

going

through

an\'

kind of trauma.

PHYSICAL (diamomilla heads and feet can be

The teething child will feel a great need to

be angr\':

the gums are swollen,

particularly

hot

tender and innamed. One cheek will be

restlessness

can

red and hot. the other cool aiul pale.

|tatterns. I hey will suffer with spells of

All heat makes the situation vs'orse for

jumpiness,

them. particularK' between 9 p.m. and

vs'hich,

mirlnight.

hetw'een 9 p.m. and midnight.

Bouts

of

flatulence

often

and

sweaty,

predominate

jinking

once again,

and are

and sleep

twitching, much

worse

MODALITIES

Pulsalilla

Worse: teething;

diarrhoea may be present, vshich has

(page SB), there may be acute earache,

cold air; coffee;

the appearance and odour of chopped

ticcompanied by anger, irritability and

drugs; heat; late

egg and spinach.

a

in the evening;

In

accompany the teething problems, and

(ihamomilla,

flushed

face.

as with

The

pain

exacerhateil after exposure to cold.

(diamomilla patients need to tuck

to

relieve

makes them

colicky

pain

intensely restless,

he

drafts Better: sweating;

themselves up and then extend their bodies

may

that (iolic

can also be brought on by drinking too

Common Uses

being carried;

• Teething • Earache • Diarrhoea

mild or warm,

• Labour • Pain • Colic

wet weather; cold applications

much coffee or after overindulging.

47

Materia Medica ^___.-1-

China

FULL NAME Cinchona officinalis (Plant family: Rubiaceae)

T

he remedy China comes from the quinaquina tree, which grows at high altitude in the Andes of Peru and Ecuador. As well as growing alongside

many other species, the tree can also be found growing alone as high as 9,000

COMMON NAMES

feet (2,740 m). It stands tall and proud, the blossom exuding a delicate scent.

• Peruvian bark

There are many alkaloids contained in the bark, most famously quinine, which is still used extensively for the treatment of malaria. This remedy was Hahnemann’s first proving (page 9), and his discoveries after taking the bark in large quantities led him to develop homeopathy.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL The world is a difficult place for

raw material of China — the bark — has long been administered as a cure.

China patients, who feel sensitive,

There can be digestive disturbances

debilitated and, like the tree on the

with China. Flatulence and bloating are

mountainside, vulnerable. They are

very common, hut the symptoms are not

delicate and refined and need to be

relieved hv passing wind or burping. |ust

handled carefully - like bone china. The

as thev cannot assimilate the world,

harsh

China patients find food digestion very

reality of the outside world

sometimes tempts China types to resort

difficult:

diarrhoea

may

contain

to a fantasy world.

undigested food. They have a craving for sweet and delicate food, but coarse

PHYSICAL

hrods, such as fats and bread, aggravate

The exhaustion and weakness felt by

their digestive systems; fruit can often

China types can be extreme, resulting

bring on diarrhoea. Everxlhing they eat

MODALITIES

mainly from a loss of fluids. China is a

tastes salty and bitter.

Worse: loss of

helpful tonic after childbirth if a lot of

China tvpes are extremely sensitive,

fluids from

blood has been lost. It also helps during

even to the lightest touch, although

anywhere in the

an intermittent

fever when there is

oddlv, hard pressure eases their pain.

body; cold winds;

profuse sweating or following chronic

Drafts and c(tld air tend to worsen things.

drafts; fruit

bouts of diarrhoea that totally debilitate the patient. Of course, an intermittent

Common Uses

pressure; bending

fever, numbness, anxiety, a hard, small

• Exhaustion • Bloating • Flatulence

double; fasting

pulse and mental stupor make up the

• Diarrhoea • Malaria • Fever

for a few days

svmptom picture for malaria, which the

Better: hard

48

China • C occu I us

Cocculus

FULL NAME Antimirta cocculus

(Plant family:

C

occulus is found on the coast of Malabar in India and in Sri Lanka.

M e n i spe r m aceae)

It is a climbing plant, with yellow flowers and large, beart-sbaped leaves on long stalks. It bears reddisb-brown berries tbe size of a pea, wbicb contain

COMMON NAMES

within them a poison called picrotoxin. Local fishermen used to throw the

• Indian cockle

berries into the rivers to drug tbe fish. The fish would lose their ability to

• Fish berry

swim and eventually drown, as their gills filled with water, and tbe fishermen would gather the floating bodies. The picrotoxin poison has also been used in beer to make it seem stronger. The toxin does actually cause staggering and incoherent speech, familiar symptoms of someone who has had too much to drink.

Cocculus

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

one

of

the

best

Cocculus types appear to be slightly

remedies for travel sickness.

disconnected: their speech is slow and

Anx' motion will worsen the symptoms,

they may find it difficult to understand

even sitting down or standing up, or

what is being said to them. Slowness

looking out

frequently alternates with

travelling.

I'he thought of food or

chattiness, however, which ma\' bring

drink will

also

on hysterics. They can seem weak and

extremelv sick,

worn out and generally react in a dazed

generally feel thirsty.

and confused fashion.

flatulence and diarrhoea, distention of

wit

and

is

suffering

from

make jiatients although

feel

they will

Ihere may be

the stomach and griping pains. A hitter

This is an e.xcellent remedy if the patient

of the window when

taste in the mouth and an increa.se in

sleep

MODALITIES

saliva may accompany burping.

deprivation, due to looking after other

A heatlache at the hack ol the heatl

people. They are worn out and anxious

this

sit down or stand

Any

up; travelling by

from their duties. They can have a

is another common

feeling that time passes too quickly.

remedv,

There may be a sense of sadness -

exjiosure to cold air will w'orsen the

car; lack of sleep;

many of the symptoms stem from grief.

patient’s condition.

noise; thought of

also

feature of

Worse: moving to

causing

nausea.

food or drink;

Common Uses

PHYSICAL

• Travel sickness • Hangovers • Vertigo

Patients feel very nauseous and wobbly

grief, anxiety Better: resting; being still

on their feet, often vertiginous, making

49

Materia Medica

Coffea

FULL NAME Cqffea cruda (Plant family: Rubiaceae)

M

ost of US are familiar with coffee and its stimulating effect, whether it is drunk first thing each morning to give a kick-start to the day, or late

COMMON NAME

at night after a meal, frequently leaving'us to toss and turn in search of

• Unroasted coffee

sleep. Coffee is a stimulant that alerts the brain and acts on the central

beans

nervous system. If you have ever drunk several cups in a short time, this remedy picture is easy to understand.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

point of mild hysteria. They can be

Coffea does not allow the brain to switch

exceptionally funny and joyful, when

off because the patient is stimulated

the joy is so intense that it may cause crying or even palpitations.

both mentally and physically. As a result,

it

is

remedies

one

for

of the

main

insomnia,

when

PHYSICAL

thoughts race around the mind, preventing sleep. ay

Brilliant

mind

that

ideas are

so the body reacts in the same wav,

so

feeling acutely sensitive to pain of any

exciting that sleep is impossible, or

sort. The patient experiences extreme

X

spring to

Just as the mind is alert and sensitive,

dread from the day may linger

restlessness

in the mind. All the senses in

touched. They may feel too hot, suffer

this

from

remedy

feel

more acute

be

palpitations or appear flushed,

fresh air, as any exposure to cold only

leading to feelings of agitation.

heightens

when to

the

her

mother

surroundings.

their

condition.

Excessive

emotion can cause painful headaches,

feels

which feel as if a nail is being driven

The

into the side of the head.

sound of anyone talking, or even the

Coffea is useful for toothache, when

smell of the room, becomes irritating.

the nerve pain feels better for swilling

Pain

cold w'ater around the mouth.

can

seem

unbearable,

noise; touch;

patient

over-excitement

unshakeable fear of dying.

ice-cold water

to

sounds are all heightened, possibK'

sensitive

Better: resting;

reluctant

although they prefer not to be in the

labour,

Worse: cold air;

is

than normal: touch, smell and

This is an excellent remedv for

MODALITIES

and

may

Incessant

also

talking

suffer

is

and

the

from

an

Common Uses a

common

• Insomnia • Hyperactivity • Toothache

feature of Coffea types, almost to the

50

Coffea • Colocynth

Colocynth C

FULL NAME (ii trull us colocyii this (Plant family:

olocynth

is

a

gourd

belonging

to

the

same

family

as

Bryonia

Cucurhitaceae)

(page 37), trailing along the ground in a similar fashion. The fruit has a thin rind and looks similar to an orange. It is bitter in taste and was used as

COMMON NAME

a purgative by ancient medics. If taken in large quantities, vomiting and

• Bitter cucumber

nausea can become so intense that death may residt. The homoeopathic

• Bitter apple

remedv is made from the fruit once it has been dried and reduced to a powder.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL.

remedx’ tor food poisoning.

.Manx ol the sx’mptoms tliat we find

Nausea xxill accompanx' the

in

bv

cramping, colickx' pains and

emotional states, ('olocxiith t\pes are

patients xxill vomit until the

easih' ottended. and emotions such as

stomach

anger or

diarrhoea is usuallx' white and ropx'.

tliis

remedx'

are

humiliation

brouglit

will

on

cause

the

is

emptx'.

Anv

Pain will often come in xvax'es, leax’ing

cramping and agitated state that we see on the phxsical lex'el. 1 he\' don’t want

the patient

e.xhausted and

to see or talk to anx'one, preferring to

sjreak. Menstrual cramps can he reliex'eti

hitie their distressed state. Their pain

hv

max’ become so intense, howexer, that

|iressure on the abdomen ;mtl warmth,

thex’ crx’ out loud in agonx', (Children

riiis remedv also eases neuralgia, and

are angrx' and restless and max’ scream

is helpful tor siiatica, xxhen there are

if thex’ are pickeii up.

shooting pains that

Colocvnth,

together

unable to

with

hard

leel hettei' when

lving on tlu’ afk'Ctc'd sidi'. It

PHYSICAL

is

important

to

e.xamine

the

Pain is e.xtremelv violent, with cramping,

causation carelullx’ before administering

MODALITIES

twisting, gnawing and pinching sensa¬

this

Worse: emotion,

tions. Relief comes from heat and x’ery

svmptoms

hard

emotional situation, long-term anxiety,

irritation; being

irritahilitx' or anger.

offended; during

pressure,

such

as

a

fist

being

pushed into the abdomen, or bending

remedx',

however,

will

come

as Irom

Common Uses

on the affected part can also help. Manx’ of the svmptoms occur around stf)mach,

abdomen

and, as such, Colocvnth

aiul

an

such as anger or

the evening

oxer double. Lving on the abdomen or

the

manx’

ovaries,

Better: heat; hard

• Colic • Diarrhoea • Gastroenteritis

pressure; bending

• Period pains

double; lying on the abdomen

is a useful

51

Materia Medica

Drosera

FULL NAME Drosera rotimdifolia (Plant family: Droseraceae)

D

rosera grows close to the ground in the wet, boggy highlands of Scotland, among the heather. It has cup-shaped leaves, which grow on

COMMON NAME

stumpy stalks. Each leaf has red hairs',^exuding a sticky substance that

• Sundew

glistens in the sunlight, hence its name ‘sundew’. Although delightful in appearance, these hairs are used to trap unsuspecting insects, which are then devoured by this carnivorous plant.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

sounds deep, hollow and barking, and

Drosera patients are irritated

sufferers may feel that thev have to hold

by the slightest criticism. Their

the

obstinacv is infuriating as they

them.selves.

insist

on

their

cough up bitter-tasting, yellow sputum,

ideas,

despite

objections

and the severity of the cough can even

carrying out the

sides

of their chest In

addition,

support

patients can

of otliers. They can also feel restless

rupture

and find it difficult to concentrate on

nosebleeds. Patients’ suffering is much

anything minutes,

for

longer

before

than

getting

blood

to

vessels,

causing

a

few

worse for lying dow'ii, and, therefore,

bored

and

worse at night when going to sleep. Heat

moving on to the next task.

also aggravates the symptoms, with fresh

The Drosera type can easily become

air and moving about soothing the pain.

anxious and paranoid, doubting the

The tickling sensation that occurs in the

motives of others. On the other hand,

throat

they cannot bear to be alone, especially

coughing fit, and the voice generally

if they wake up in the middle of the

becomes

night when thev are ill. Thev mav even

laughing also prompt coughing.

fear ghosts.

inevitably

hoarse,

brings

so

that

on

another

talking

or

The face mav look flushed and hot

MODALITIES

but the rest of the body will feel cold,

Worse: heat; lying

PHYSICAL

with cold sweating during the night.

down; at night;

The cough in the Drosera picture is the

The patient feels weak, and their eyes

talking; laughing

most predominant feature, and this can,

may be sunken.

Better: moving

therefore, be an excellent remedv for

around; cool,

whooping cough. Patients feel suffocated

Common Uses

fresh air;

by the cough because it comes in fits,

• Coughs • Asthma

sitting up

making breathing difficult. The cough

52

Drosera • Eupatorium

Eupatorium

FULL NAME Eupatorium

B

peifoliatuin

oneset is a perennial herb that grows in clamp meadows. It was used by

(Plant family;

the

Ciompositae)

North American

Indians

for colds and

flu

and

is still

used

extensively today in herbal medicine. COMMON NAME • Boneset

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

copious, and there may be a constant

The patient feels e.xhausted and. as a

urge to sneeze.

result, capable of \er\' little, except, perhaps,

moaning

and

crsing

Eupatorium tx’pes would much rather

from

the pain.

simply lie down and sleep until they feel j

^ -

'Y''

better,

but

the

■'

make

PHYSICAL

impossible

Tliere is a great deal of

Headaches in

in this remed\' picture.

for

colds,

and

Any

Eupatorium

intense

thought

of

patients

feel

sick, although they crave

aching and a .sensation of all

feel worse with

food can often make

pain is felt deep inside the

being bruised

and,

tender.

are broken. During flu, the

an

brain

ache and feel extremely

incredibly painful, as if they

with

throb

any sweating. The eyeballs

fevers,

especialK' when the hones feel

bone

the

unlike flu,

is excellent

flu

it for

them to do so.

restlessness and pain

Eupatorium

restlessness

water,

over.

despite

the

fact

(.'hills start in the small

that it olfen makes the

of the hack, causing the

symptoms much worse.

patient

to

shudder

I laving

and

fell

w'orse

lor

only

drinking water, however,

milclK'. Sweating, however,

they frec|uentlv become frightened

MODALITIES

often seems to relieve the symptoms.

to think.

Worse; being cold;

perhaps sweat,

but

staying still; the

There is a desperate desire to he as warm

as

possible, although

once

warm patients may feel as if they are burning

up.

Catarrh

can

often

Common Uses

thought of food;

• Colds • Flu • Fever

drinking water Better: sweating

be

53

Materia Medica

Euphr asia

FULL NAME Euphrasia officinalis (Plant family:

E

uphrasia grows abundantly in Europe and North America in mountainous meadows and on high, chalky downs. The flowers are borne in upright

Scrophulariaceae)

racemes, and they are white with flecks of purple and yellow. Some say that,

COMMON NAME

on close examination, it also resembles a bloodshot eye, a description that

• Eyebright

may have led to its first medicinal use. It has been used for many centuries; Milton describes in Paradise Lost how the Archangel Michael used this herb to enhance Adam’s vision in the Garden of Eden. The

name

Euphrasia

comes

from

the

Greek

word

meaning

gladness, as it was thought that by restoring sight it gave joy to life.

help if the cornea has blistered and

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL There are no distinctive mental emotional

or

eyesight

seems

mistv

and

blurred.

The eyes may feel painful, gritty and

indications to note with

sandy, and there may be intolerance to

this remedy.

bright lights, PHYSICAL

may

also

help

to

ease

It is logical that, with evebright as a

colds, although only when

common name, Euphrasia is used to

generally moves down

ease a multitude of eve problems. Any

causing coughing that is worse during

catarrhal condition of the eves when

the day but almost disappears at night

the

when the sufferer lies down.

tears

relieved

MODALITIES

Euphrasia

are

acrid

and

burning

by

this

remedy.

is

the cold

to the chest,

These

Patients will feel extremely chilly and

symptoms may appear together with a

find it difficult to warm up, although

nose that is constantly runny during

they will feel better for fresh air. They

Worse: bright light;

the day but gets stuffed up at night

ma\' also possibly show signs of fever.

being inside in a

when the patient lies down. Euphrasia

stuffy room; at

is

night, for a runny

conjunctivitis or hav fever.

nose; daytime, for

also

an

excellent

treatment

Two drops of the Euphrasia tincture

for

in some boiled, cooled water is excellent for external applications to the eves.

The eyelids can be sore, inflamed and

a cough; windy

very itchy, possibly oozdng acrid pus; the

Common Uses

weather

eyeballs

• Conjunctivitis • Colds • Hay fever

Better: fresh air; darkness

may

appear

bloodshot.

On

waking, the eyes mav be stuck together

• Eye injuries

and be difficult to open. Eupbrasia will

54

Euphrasia • Ferrum phos

Ferrum phos

FULL NAME Ferrum

W

phosphoricum

hite phosphate of iron is a tissue salt. It forms part of the haemoglobin in our red blood cells, carrying oxygen to all parts of tbe body and

helping to strengthen yeins and arteries. Ferrum phos is an extremely useful remedy in the first stages of illness, before any discharges haye occurred. It

COMMON NAME • White phosphate of iron

is particrdarly good in treating anaemia, inflammation and feyer.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL Ferrum

phos

patients

are

This is also a good remedy for the initial

talkatiye,

stages

excitable and o\er-sensiti\e. The\’ haye

respiratory

mood

bronchitis,

swings

and

memor\’

lapses,

of

all

inflammatory

conditions, painful

tickly

such

as

coughs

or

where forgetfulness is accompanied by

croup, as well as loss of yoice through

anxietc

.Sadness,

hoarseness. Those who are susceptible

displace

to colds w'ould do w'ell to take Ferrum

about

listlessness

the

and

future.

depression

phos at the onset of any symptoms,

courage and hope.

especially a sore and ulcerated throat. PHYSICAL

The mucftus membranes are congested

The patient feels much better for sleep.

in a similar way to the Aconite picture

This is the remed\’ to use when the top

(page

of the head feels dull and heayy, w'ith

fevers when the face is flushed and the

pain on one side, as if a nail is being

skin

driven in. Hammering pains are worse

Ferrum phos hel|rful.

20).

is

hot

Patients

anti

dry

suffering

from

may also

fiiul

Ferrum phos is a good remetly for

on the right side and feel better after a Ferrum

both haemorrhoids and haemorrhaging,

phf)s is useful for children’s headaches,

especially where the blootl is bright retl.

especially when the eyes and face are

For instance, it etises nosebleetls, and

red.

very

nosebleed

Eyes

or

cold

are

pressure.

generally

red

and

heavy

periods.

It

is

usetl

in

inflamed, with a burning .sensation, as

combination with (laic phos (jiage 41)

if a piece of grit is under the eyelid.

for cases of anaemia.

MODALITIES Worse: at night; moving about; noise

Ferrum phos can be effectiye in the

Better: having a

early stages of an ear infection, when

Common Uses

the symptoms include inflamed ears,

• Onset of a cold • Fever • Inflammation

nosebleed;

radiating pains and pulsating, chronic

• Nosebleeds • Anaemia • Earache

slowing down; solitude

catarrh of the middle ear.

55

Materia Medica

Gelsernium

FULL NAME Gelsernium sempennrens (Plant family:

G

elsernium

is

a wonderfully scented climbing plant,

displaying a

magnificent set of bright yellow flowers, which bloom between March

Loganiaceae)

and May. It is found mainly in wooded areas and along the coastlines of the COMMON NAME

southern states of the United States. It flourishes in rich soils where its roots

• Yellow jasmine

embed themselves deep into the ground for extra strength and support. As it climbs high, Gelsernium needs to fasten on to things around it. Although beautifully scented, it is a poisonous plant that, if consumed in its natural state, can cause paralysis and breathing difficulties. The root and stems are used in the preparation of the homoeopathic remedy.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

clear-headed, but this soon turns into

In this remedy we find a picture of

a sense of heaviness and weakness.

weakness, debility and paralysis, with

They can experience a great fear of

an

up.

heights, especially when landing in an

Gelsernium characters may experience

aeroplane. This fear of downward motion

anticipatory anxiety, with a dread of

is most clearly displayed by young

what is to come. Exams, interviews,

children and babies, w'ho scream as thev

public speaking or an\' new. previously

are put in their cot.

inability

to

hold

oneself

unexperienced situations will all make

Gelsernium is useful during labour if

them fearful. They may feel their legs

the

giving w'ay and shake with fear.

mother feels too scared to give birth.

contractions

cease

because

the

There is an element of cowardliness; Gelsernium

types

are

much

more

PHYSICAL

inclined to admit defeat and withdraw

Gelsernium is the main remedy used to

than be confrontational. As a reaction,

treat heavy colds and flu. The classic

the mind has a difficulty in functioning

symptoms

properly,

insight

perhaps

feeling

paralysed.

of

flu

give

an

excellent

into the Gelsernium

picture.

There is a heaviness in the head giving

The

way to a feeling of dullness, stupidity

patients realize that they are are on the

and

verge of illness. They feel exhausted

disconnectedness.

Fear

renders

them speechless.

condition

starts

slowlv,

making

and weak, and the throat feels sore.

Initially, Gelsernium types may feel

Chills and shivers run up and down

hysterical, as well as exhilarated and

the

56

spine,

and

the

legs

feel

heavy.

Gelsemium

Cielseniiuni t\'pes can liardK’ m()\'e, as

headaches

it their bodies are paraKsed and niinib.

ex'es. Alcohol also relieves the pain -

The

parth' b\' inducing urination.

eyelids

blurring

feel

the

extremely

\'ision

difficult to focus.

and

heayy,

making

and

tension

around

the

(lelsemium is also a helpful remedy

it

Ihis condition has

to

administer

to

someone

who

has

been likened to being in a glass coffin:

never fully recoverctl from flu. Patients

the messages from the brain to the

can apirear very over-heaterl, with a

body do not get through. I he [latient is

r(.■d, puffy face. In a frightening situation, the body

aware of what is going on but is untible

of the (icisemium ly|H' can shut down

to respond. These

flu-like

symptoms

may

and seem paralyserl, possibly muting

be

MODALITIES

accompanied b\' throbbing heailaches

the patient

that

the heath

anxiety can bring on cliarrhoea, which,

I

neck

although

j

start

bringing

at

tlie back of

tension

to

the

and

Icmporai'ily. Antiriiiatory

sonu‘tinu's

involuntary,

is

shoulders. The pain creeps forwartis to

rarely painful. I Icat and humirfitv teiul

the eyes and around the temples, or

to aggravaiti’ anx' symirtoms.

foggx'.

clasp.

Thought

Urinating

and yision

can

humid environments;

,

fear and shock; new situations

ev'cn the head, as if it is being hckl in a tight

Worse: damp,

Common Uses

arc

• Flu • Colds • Fear • Shock

substantially

Better: urinating; alcohol; being in the open air

alleyiate the symptoms, especially the

57

Materia Medica

Graphites

FULL NAME Graphite

SOURCE • Plumbago carbon

G

raphite is a mineral carbon that contains no oxygen or hydrogen - the life has been burned out of it. This state is reflected in the emotional

picture of this remedy Incidentally, Graphites is made from the same carbon used for the lead in pencils.

skin, especially, for example, in folds

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL slow,

behind the ear or on the elbow. The

sluggish and slightly apathetic. Patients

skin can ooze either a clear, honey-like

lack confidence about life and struggle

discharge

with their responses to certain situations.

vellow' glue. Cracks and fissures may

There

of confusion,

form around the nose, eyes, mouth and

slowness of memory and an overall

anus, and the nails are misshapen and

uncertainty.

come

overly

thick.

anxiety and despair, and patients will

useful

for

ponder questions for hours but never

w'ound is lumpy, thick and hard, with a

arrive at a solution. Moods can fluctuate

tendency to reopen.

The

Graphites

is

character

a great

With

deal

the

is

doubts

Patients

between anger, sadness and excitabilitv.

Graphites can

treating

have

scars

a

also

if the

problem

be old

with

sweat, although w'hen

uncomplicated on the surface - a thick

unpleasant and staining. Constipation

skin,

inner

is common: the stools are large and

improves

knotty and may be held together w'ith

how'ever,

hides

their

they do it

or talking through their problems, giving

Graphites types feel cold most of the

them a better idea of their priorities.

time vet like to be in fresh air if thev

Worse: being

are wrapped up warmlv. There

cold; exercise;

is

stringy mucus.

after expressing their emotions by crying

Better: crying;

resembling

methodical fashion, making them seem

sensitivity. Their condition

decision-making

something

elimination and may find it hard to

Graphites types often work hard in a

MODALITIES

or

PHYSICAL

constant urge to eat.

and they

is a feel

There is a tendency to be overweight

much better for doing so; w'arm milk

in an unhealthy, rather unrobust wav,

gives great comfort.

talking to

or problems of malnutrition mav be

someone; being

present. The skin symptoms are the

Common Uses

wrapped up;

most prominent: Graphites is a superb

• Eczema • Impetigo

eating

remedy

for

hard,

cracked

or crusty

58

Graphites • Hamamelis

Hamamelis

FULL NAME Hamamelis

H

virgiiiiaiia

amamelis looks like an apple tree and grows 10-12 feet (3-3.5 m) in

(Plant family:

height. Its flowers are A'ellow and grow in clusters, hnt they do not

Hamamelidaceae)

appear until late autumn. It has become a familiar household remedy due to its healing properties for hums and bruises, and was used historically by the

COMMON NAME

North American Inciians as a poultice for swellings.

• Witch hazel

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

sore

when

touched.

Varicose

1 lamamelis patients are generally tired

veins

and \\ear\-, unable to communicate or

hard, fidl and painful; they may

do an\' work.

possibly become ulcerated and bleed. PHYSICAL

haemorrhages,

which

occur an\'where on the hotix’. also

be

used

to

and

bleeding

will

feel

he

heal

Hamamelis is also effective

ma\'

in the treatment of bloodshot

It can

eyes, especially when caused by violent coughing, or for black

bruising,

eves when Arnica (page 28)

htiemorrhoids and varicose s'eins. The

Any

knotted

helped by this remedy.

1 lamamelis is mainl\- associated with treating

look

haemorrhoids are blue

has helped with the bruising but

in

colour, protruding and ma\' bleed

the eyesight is still ha/.y. I he loss

profusely. I hey are extremely sore

of blood can make the [latient

and

feel very tirerl.

raw,

and

tlie

rectum

teels

tremendously weigheti down, so

I lamamelis will hel|') to rdicve

much so that it may feel as if the

most nosebleeds, es|rccially those

weight

that continue lor a long time or

is

too

much

to

bear

and will

when the bridge of the nose feels

break the

quite tight.

hack. The pain is felt as a hot,

MODALITIES

burning

Worse: pressure

sensation, and the haemorrhoids

and touch;

are

Common Uses

very itchy.

Haemorrhoids • Varicose veins

With the hamamelis picture, all the

Haemorrhages

veins feel swollen, inflamed and sore,

injuries; surgery; moving about Better: resting and being still

as if bruised, and they are especially

59

Materia Medica ■

-

.

-

- ■

-

— —■—

Hep ar su Iph

FULL NAME Hepar sulphuris

H

epar sulph is an interesting remedy in that it is made from two quite

SOURCE

opposing

• Calcium sulphide

substances,

calcium

and

sulphur,

which

are

both

homoeopathic remedies in their own right. Hepar sulph is made from equal parts of finely powdered oyster shells. Calc carb (page 38), and pure Sulphur (page 98), creating an explosive combination as it brings together the vulnerability of calcium and the fiery elements of sulphur.

'

1< sf'

Pains feel unbearable and are usually

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL This

remedy

liighly

picture

vulnerable

reflects

condition

stitching, splinter-like pains, especially

the

in

of the

the

throat.

The

tonsils

can

be

types

acutelv inflamed, with pain extending

obstinate

up to the ears with every swallow or

and malicious - all symptoms of their

va\vn. Hepar sulph is one of the main

intolerance of external pressures and

remedies

stresses. They can also be aggressive

where pus is forming and the area feels

and argumentative.

verv sore and tender.

nervous

svstem.

tend

he verv

to

Hepar

sulph

irritable,

used

for

tooth

abscesses

There is a great deal of suppuration in

Cireat anxiety, insecurity and fear are part of this picture, especially tear of

this

darkness, both at night and on waking.

dischai'ges. The cough is dry and ci'oupy,

Patients

with

can

also

have

a

strange

I'enredy, with

rattling

in

thick, yellow,

the

chest

and

foul

an

delusion that the world is on fire, as

inabilitv to expel anv mucus. It is much

well as having pyromaniac tendencies.

worse in the morning, and exposure to cold, drv winds may he the triggering

PHYSICAL

MODALITIES

Hepar

sulph

patients

Worse; being cold;

chilly.

Thev

cannot

irrechanism. The skin is unhealthv with

are hear

extremelv

boils, carbuncles and abscesses oozing

to

the sanre thick, yellow discharge.

touch

dry weather;

anything cold, and the slightest draft

uncovering;

will affect them. They love warmth and

that

touch; noise; lying

being in bed. however, and also feel

foods such as vinegar and pickles.

on the painful

better

part; night-time

This remedy is often used for colds that

Common Uses

have dragged on and on. if Aconite

• Abscesses • Boils • Coughs • Croup

Better: warmth; damp weather

in

more

humid

A useful indication of this remedy is patients will

often crave acidic

surroundings.

(page 20) has already been tried.

60

Hepar sulph • Hypericum

Hypericum

FULL NAME Hypericum

H

perfoliatum

ypericum is a rambling garden plant that produces vibrant yellow

(Plant family:

flowers. It you crush the flowers between your fingers tliey give off a

Cdusiaceae)

rich, red juice that looks like blood — perhaps an indication to early herbalists of its medicinal uses as a wound healer.

COMMON NAME

Another particular feature of this plant is that the deep green leaves have

• St John's wort

small holes, which can be seen onlv when held up to sunlight. For a remedy that is commonly used for puncture wounds, these seem highly appropriate!

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL As

a

well

herbal

remedv,

known

in

tearing in nature.

H\’pericum

treating

is

This makes it a

depression.

useful

remedv

1 lonioeopathicalK’ we find it useful in

whenever

the treatment of depression after an

is a possibilitv of

injurv or surgerv. As with the remedv

tetanus.

Arnica (page 28), the patient displays

there

Puncture

wounds

and

lacerations

signs of shtK'k, characterized bv amnesiac

from things such as surgical incisions

tendencies and confusion,

and rusty nails, as well as head injuries

after a

head

injurv.

paiticularlv

Peculiarlv,

thev

which give wav to convulsions due to

can feel as if thev are high in the sky,

violent,

shooting

jiains,

perhaps instilling a fear of heights.

remetlied bv llypericum,

are

tilso

I he wouml

will often be verv inflamed ;uul more

PHY.SICAL

painful than it looks. llvpericum

I Kpericum is another valuable first-aid

is

known

as

a

great

MODALITIES Worse: injury,

remedv, known as the ‘Arnica of the

antiseptic in tincture form. It can be

ners'cs' because it

helps to ease the

applied to cuts, grazes and insect bites,

especially to the

immense pain felt when parts of the

and is often found in combination with

nerves; touch;

bodv

(lalendula (see table in Introtiuction -

puncture wounds;

page 14).

lacerated wounds;

rich

C.'rushed

in

nerves

fingers,

are

stubbed

injured, toes

;ind

movement; damp

spinal injuries - especially to the coccyx - are all helped by taking Hypericum.

Common Uses

It is strongly indicated when the pain

• Injury to the nerves • Lacerated wounds

shoots

upwards

• Insect bites • Antiseptic

injurv,

and

is

from

the

stitching,

point

of

darting

or

weather Better: not moving; bending the head backwards

61

Materia Medica

Ignatia

FULL NAME Suychnos ignatii or Igiiatia amara (Plant family

S

t Ignatius’s bean is the fruit from Stiychnos igjtatii, a beautiful plant found growing in Vietnam, China and^the Philippines. It is a tall, woody,

Loganiaceae)

climbing

shrub,

which

displays

an

array

of tubular

flowers,

smelling

COMMON NAME

of jasmine. These flowers bear a fruit about the size of a pear, containing

• St Ignatius's bean

around 24 seeds in the fleshy pulp.

In the past, the seeds were worn

around the neck as an amulet to guard against poisonous substances. Nowadays, however, the poisonous content of the seeds is used to make a powerful homoeopathic remedy. Like the remedy Nux vomica (page 80), the seeds of the fruit are bitter and contain a high level of the poison strychnine, which makes up about 60% of the alkaloids. The poison affects the central nervous system: the respiratory centre is affected first, followed by muscular spasms and mental breakdown, leading to exhaustion and paralysis.

safer to suffer in silence. Others sob

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL The general svmptoms of Ignatia are

uncontrollahly,

the result of its traumatic emotional

from

picture,

violent movement that it would appear

which

revolve

around

the

the

as bereavement, break

up

of a

hysteria

with

such

Another part of the Ignatia picture

miscarriage or relationship

of

suffering

thev were having an epileptic fit.

themes of separation and loss. Events such

bouts

sometimes

concerns

are

mental

conflict,

especiallv

with regard to the intelligent, romantic,

e,\;imples of such emotional upheavel.

capable patients. Ignatia types can be

In the acute situation that follows such a trauma, patients experience an

great

emotional seizure: they neither believe

conflict wltb wbat is sociallv acceptable.

nor understand what is happening to

However,

them,

in

ideals, thev force themselves to go the

speaking, and what thev do sav is often

wav of the majoritv, suppressing their

incoherent.

feelings, heightening the conflict inside.

d’hev

can

have

difficultc'

Some find it difficult to

show emotion physicallv, even though

idealists, expressing beliefs that

rather

Ignatia

than

patients

stick

are

to

often

their

very

it feels as if the emotion is stuck in

capable people, but thev can be rather

their throat and thev must constantiv

scornful of those who are not. Thev

swallow to unblock it.

may often

fhev feel it is

62

be c]uick-witted,

incisive.

Ignatia

perceptive people, as well as tieeph' romantic. Although thev ma\- perceive the harsh realities of the world, their weak communication skills mean thev tend to take on too much and end up burned-out wrecks. Thev are the tvpe to put up a front in public and suffer in private. Ignatia people are often difficult to li\e with.

The\' can

contradictorv

be mood\’ and

and.

despite

their

awareness of their inclination to act as prima donnas, thev continue to do so. This

onlv

bringing

makes on

matters

feelings

of

worse guilt

bv and

disappointment.

PHYSICAL There

is

a

strong

tendenc\’

for

the

Ignatia t\'pe to ha\'e dramatic pht'sical symptoms. The whole bodv physicallv cramps up: the stomach feels knotted and

the

chest

in

general

feels

compressed, making it verv difficult to

In an attemirt

to cope with their

breathe. In order to get air into their

stress, the Ignatia type will often eat

lungs, Ignatia tvpes must sigh or vawn

copiously, putting on large amounts of

heavily. They feel asthmatic, but it is

weight. .Swallowing food seems to help

better diagnosed as hysterical breathing.

ease the lum|') they olfeit feel in their

MODALITIES

be

throats. I hey have ;m aversion to some

Worse; emotion;

These

foods, however, ptirticularly fruit, anil

consolation;

they loathe tobacco smoke.

touch; strong

Female

patients’

suppressed

after

nvnses a

m;iv

trauma.

patients too will give out long sighs and

As with Sepia (page 92), manv of (he

yau'ii frequently.

symptoms of Igmttia may he relieveil

Frequent spasms, twitching, cramping and

trembling,

w'hich

can

by iihysictil exercise, suih as walking

he either

very fast.

localized or spread over a large area of

smells; coffee; tobacco; winter; mid-morning Better: profuse urination;

the body, are indicative of Ignatia. Also symptomatic is the inability to stop a

Common Uses

solitude; warmth;

coughing fit

• Grief • Depression • Anxiety • Shock

swallowing; hard

once started - patients

pressure

have to be shocked out of it.

63

Materia Medica

Ipecac

FULL NAME Psychotria ipecacuanha

(Plant family: Rubiaceae)

I

pecac is a low-growing shrub that thrives in damp, shady areas in parts of Central and South America. The ropt of the plant, used to make the

homoeopathic remedy, has been widely used over the centuries to treat COMMON NAME • Ipecacuanha

diarrhoea and dysentery. More recently, it has been administered as an expectorant for catarrhal problems and asthma. The orthodox treatment was almost homoeopathic in its application because large quantities of the plant were known to cause considerable respiratory and digestive distress.

green and fermented, and there may

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL for their

also be some mucus and blood present.

ugly moods. They can be irritable and

The respiratory centre is also greatly

sulky and generally very difficult to

affected. The patient feels suffocated

satisfy. They rarely have much to say

by the coughing and vomiting, often

Ipecac patients are known

and

can

appear

clumsy

and

making

the

face

red

or

even

blue

awkward. Bottling up their

because of the lack of air in the lungs.

emotions, however, may

Any coughs are wheezing and rattling,

often

trigger

the

and sound as if the lungs are full ot mucus. This is similar to the remedy

symptoms.

Ant Tut (page 23), with the difference

most

PHYSICAL

that the Ipecac patient’s symptoms will

Nausea is one ot the

come on quite suddenly and vomiting

distinctive

symptoms

in

generally brings up the mucus.

the

In an asthma attack or coughing fit

Ipecac picture; it seems to be present with nearly every complaint. Patients

there is a need

constantly have

patients may want to stand next to an

but

the

vomiting doesn’t,

urge

to vomit

open

unfortunately,

window

to sit

until

upright,

breathing

and

gets

alleviate the symptoms. The sight or

easier. They usually feel very chilly, and

smell of food only increases the urge,

the body may become stiff and rigid.

MODALITIES

but

Worse: warmth;

uncoated,

the

tongue in

spite

looks

clean

and

Common Uses

of the vomiting.

over-eating;

However, considering the nausea, the

• Morning sickness • Nausea • Diarrhoea

movement

lack of thirst in the Ipecac picture is

• Cough • Bronchitis

Better; fresh air

perhaps surprising. The stools can be

64

pecac • Kali bich

Kali bich

FULL NAME Knit hicltromicum

K

ali bich is made from the chromiimr of iron ore. It is highly poisonous

SOURCE

if ingested, severely irritating the mucous membranes. It is used as a

• Bichromate of

dve for material and wood.

potash

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

yision, which

eases

The Kali bich character enjo\'s a world

as

full

Again, the pain can be

of rules

and

regulations,

wliere

time

goes

by.

e\erMhing lias to be done b\' the book.

pinpointed at the pressure

Patients need to know exacth' where

points.

they

relieye the headache. Light and noise

stand,

finding

it

hard

to

look

Vomiting

the

mucus

may

be\'ond their own world or to be fle.xible.

aggrayate

symptoms,

as

does

The\’ are conscientious and like to be

stooping forward, but lying still in a

\ alued for their high standard of work.

darkened room helps to ease them. Asthma attacks are common - they

PHYSICAL

generally occur between 2 and 5 in the

Catarrhal problems are symptomatic in

morning - during which time sitting up

the Kali bich picture, especially in the

is imperative, and bending forwards,

upper

are

resting the head on the arms, helps a

often

lot. .Symptoms can vary, however. For

leading to sinusitis. They haye copious

example, rheumatic pains may appear

amounts of string)', gluey catarrh that

once

is white or yellow when there is an

disappeared, when the joints tend to

infection.

he

nasal

frequently

passages.

afflicted

by

Sometimes it

Patients colds,

is lumpy or

the

red

catarrhal

and

.symptoms

swollen.

have

Alternativel)',

comes out in huge globules - Kali hich

rheumatic pains may he followed by

is

digestive symptoms, and so on.

a

great

remedy

for

breaking

up

Patients are chilly and dislike cold,

thick di.scharges.

although symptoms are often initially

The pain, vyhich tentls to come and go quite suddenly, lies at the bridge of

brought

on

by a change to warmer

the nose and can be pinpointed with

weather. 1 here may be a desire for beer.

MODALITIES Worse: being cold; warm or wet weather; 2-5 a.m. Better: warm

the finger; pressure on this spot may giye relief. Patients may suffer from migraines

Common Uses

applications;

• Sinusitis • Catarrh • Asthma

vomiting mucus; lying still

or bad headaches, starting with blurred

65

Materia Medica .

,11

-

-■ ■

'=-■—

Kali carb

FULL NAME Kali carbonicum

SOURCE

K

ali carb is made from the ashes of vegetables, and it is mainly found in

the earth and in plants. Within

• Potassium carbonate

own bodies potassium is a vital

component of the cell structure.

MAIN INDICATIONS there, and the physical and emotional

MENTAl^AND EMOTIONAL We

find

a

controlled,

yet

levels reflect one another. This is also

slightly

dogmatic and materialistic, person in

true

this

bloating and flatulence.

remedy.

Kali

carb

types

are

of digestive

disorders,

such

as

Kali carb is a good remedy during

straightforward and don t tend to yield to emotion. They also operate on the

childbirth

basis of certainties: black is black and

because the backache is too painful. All

white

is white.

being

alone

The

if the

pains

tear of

tend

can

and

display

tate them intensely.

ol

■ ^T, ,• A.

possessiveness. They tend

however, and do not like to be touched.

by

Fears

thick,

are

causing

health,

not

the

future

suppressed

patients

to

wake

Thev can catch cold easilv, often made worse

to treat others rather badly,

death

shooting,

cold, and drafts irri¬

4

about

be

delayed

Patients always feel

they signs

to

is

burning or tearing.

leaves

them desperate for company,

labour

by

and

their cold vellow

sweats. catarrh,

They

produce

which

often

becomes crusty by the time they wake

sleep,

up in the morning.

between

Kali carb is also helpful for bronchitis,

2 and 5 in the morning in an agitated

if the cough is dry and backing in cold

state because they feel out ot control.

weather but loosens in the warmth. This PHYSICAL

can bring on asthma attacks, usually

Kali carb characters are weak and worn

betw'een 2 and 5 a.m., causing patients

down after many years of suppressed

to w'ake fearfully, needing to put tbeir

emotion. Thev tend to look pale and

elbow's on their knees.

MODALITIES

waxy and have puffy eyes; they also

Worse: being cold;

retain water very easily This retention

Common Uses

often

• Bronchitis • Asthma • Backache

cold drafts Better: being warm

causes

painful

lower

back

problems, as if everything gets stuck

66

Kali carb • Kali phos

Kali ph os

FULL NAME Kali phosphoricum

K

ali phos is one of the twelve homoeopathic remedies known as tissue

SOURCE

salts, which are present in the tissues of the body.

• Phosphate of potassium

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL Kali phos is an e.xcellent remedv for nervous exhaustion. Patients are weak and wearv, and tlieir nerves feel on edge. Thev are nervous, anxious and find sleeping difficult. Thev' mav seem nerv’OLis and shv in companv', with a tendencv

to

exhaustion

can

blush make

easilv. them

Their

bits of food to ease the sensation of

irritable

emptiness

felt

in

the stomach.

and snappv, especialK' with the people

nerve-endings

thev know and love, rather like the

shooting pains throughout the patient’s

svmptoms as.sociated with the remedy

nervous system.

■Sepia (page 92).

are

affected,

The

causing

1 his remedy is an excellent tonic for shingles after the initial attack, as its

PHYSICAL

capacity as a nerve nutrient helps to

Kali phos is a nerve nutrient and is

restore the tterves. Kali phos can also

excellent for muscular weakness and

help

physical exhaustion. 1 here is a lot of

toothache

nervous tension, either from working

which are decaying.

counteract in

any

teeth

nagging,

with

dull

fillings

or

too hard, over-excitement or prolonged

Most of the di.scharges in this picture

worrv. It is a good remedy tor brain

will be yellow, including urine and stools,

fatigue and may help cure a nervous

and are likely to smell foetid. Patients

Worse: worry;

headache - one that has been brought

can often have sweaty heads anti faces,

exhaustion;

on by continued, intensive study, for

but otherwise find it difficult to sweat.

overworking;

example.

Kali phos types are usually chilly.

cold; moving too

It will

help with

insomnia

MODALITIES

fast; being alone

when it is caused by nervous tension or

Better: sleeping;

being over-tired, such as in the case of

Common Uses

jet lag.

• Exhaustion • Insomnia • Jet lag

being warm;

• Neuralgia • Shingles • Toothache

eating plenty;

Kali phos patients may suffer from

having company

nausea due to feeling nervous and will

67

Materia Medica

Lachesis

FULL NAME Lachesis muta

COMMON NAME

T

his South American reptile is a truly frightening snake, growing to 12 feet (3.5 m) long and with 1-incl^ (2.5 cm) fangs, a girth as thick as

• Surukuku snake • Bushmaster snake

a man’s thigh, a rainbow-coloured head and an orange body. Extiemely poisonous, it is also highly aggressive, attacking at will. Tbe bushmaster’s sensitivity to vibrations and its bigbly developed sense of smell make it a uthless predator. These characteristics, as well as more general snake-like traits, such as flickering tongues, form the picture of this patient. The central theme of this remedy is over-stimulation, and it is prepared from the snake’s venom.

varicose veins all being common. There

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL Lacliesis

patients

intense,

instinctive

passionate. tainted,

are

1 liese

active,

and

alert,

extremely

by

due to the stagnation ol the blood flow.

are

Whenever the rhvthm of circulation is

seltishness,

affected - for example, b\' hormonal

characteristics

howex'er,

are also septic and gangrenous complaints

ehanges - the Lachesis picture is created.

jealousv and venomousness.

Once the blood flow normali/es, the

Lacliesis tvpes generally ignore other people’s

needs,

gratification

putting

first.

their

1 lowever,

they

SN'iiiptoms

own

generalK'

are

disappear.

Heat,

howex'er,

makes the symptoms

much

\'ery possessive ol people close to them,

worse because it puts huge pressure on

MODALITIES

regartling them as their property.

the cardiovascular sxstem.

Worse: waking; left

can lead to jealousy and suspicion. I'he

Patients cannot tolerate any kind ol

side; spring; warm

suspicion can become obsessive until it

presstire, especiallv from tight clothing.

baths; pressure or

reaches

become

Headaches are bursting and the throat

constriction,

aware

paranoia,

feels almost blocked, making swallowing

especially from

making them extremely anxitms. Lhese

ver\' difficult; even drinks will tiggravate,

clothing; empty

peo|ile are constantly on the point of

although hard foods can bring some

swallowing;

boiling over.

relief. The svmptoms start on the left.

the of

point

their

that

they

ridiculous

Ibis

suppressed

Better: cold drinks;

Common Uses

PHYSICAL

discharges d'he

eirculation

of blood

symptom

picture,

forms

the

with

high

open air;

physical

discharging

blood pressure, palpitations, flushes and

• Headaches • Menopause • Period pains • Palpitations • Sore throats

68

Lachesis • Ledum

Ledum

FULL NAME Ledum palustre

L

(Plant family: edum palitstrc is most commonly toimd in northern countries sucli as

Ericaceae)

Ireland. Scandinavia and Canada. The plant has a similar leal to the rosemary bush: shiny on the upper surface with a downy underside that

COMMON NAMES

holds warmth. The branches are also downy towards the top but more woody

• Marsh ledum

near the bottom of the plant. It finds its home in boggy, marshy areas.

• Marsh tea

The plant has a long history of use because of the ledol oil it contains. The oil has antiseptic properties, making it an excellent domestic insecticide

• Marsh rosemary • Labrador tea

for lice and moths, as well as an effective treatment for scabies, sore throats and whooping cough. The northern locations and physical properties of Ledum palustre point to the remedy’s picture: patients have a feeling of coldness and a desire for solitude.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

This remedy can be used to

The Ledum t\'pe is angr\'. preferring to

treat other injuries, such ;is a

be left alone in order to be miserable.

puncture wound from a rusty

Ledum patients a\’oid people whenever

n;iil or crushed fingers; it has

possible, and in compan\’ the\' tend to

been given

be churlish.

tet.inus. Ehe pain is ticute ;ind feels ;is

to help prevent

if it is shooting upwtirds. I hese injuries can he relieved only if the sym|)toms

PHYSICAL Ledum

is best

known

as a

;ih(jve are diagtiosetl, too.

first-aid

Ledum

remedy for ailments such as mosquito bites and

wasp

slings.

is

rheumatoid

I he affected

often

used

aithritis

in

when

ctises the

of

p;iin

area is extremely tender and sensitive

starts in the smtiller joints aroumi the

to touch. The skin is ofteti mottled,

fingers and toes, then moves upwtirds

swollen and puffv, btit feels cold - in

into the huger joints, with ;i feeling of

MODALITIES

contrast to the remedy Apis (page 24),

stiffness, even burning.

Worse: alcohol;

which

can

also

be

used

on

heat; movement;

such

occasions. Very cold applications, such

Common Uses

night-time;

as

• Wasp stings • Mosquito bites

scratching

ice,

will

afflictions,

also easing

help

relieve

such

the

stinging

and

• Puncture wounds

Better: cold applications; rest

itchy sensations. 1 leat only aggravates.

69

Materia Medica - --

-

-

-

--**■

Lycopodium

FULL NAME Lycopodium clavatum (Plant family:

T

his plant is found throughout northern Europe, especially in Russia and Finland, where it thrives on dry heat^^s and in pastures and woods. Its

Lycopodiaceae)

structure shares the characteristics of both moss and fern, a ‘confusion’ that COMMON NAMES

is borne out in the emotional picture of the remedy. Lycopodium is an

• Club moss

evergreen plant with long, trailing stems travelling far along the ground,

• Wolf's claw

secured by small fibred roots that look like a wolf s paw. The main bulk of the

• Lamb's tail

plant consists of very upright, scaly spikes, which grow in pairs and are topped

• Fox tail

by a fruit that contains tiny spores, which break down into a very light powder. It is these spores that go towards making the homoeopathic remedy The highly flammable nature of this powder has given rise to Lycopodium being referred to as ‘vegetable sulphur’, and it was used in Germany to manufacture fireworks and by theatres to produce the effect of lightning. The powder is incredibly fine, tasteless and odourless, with an amazing resistance to water. It is said that if you put your hand in a glass of water that has the powder sprinlded on top, you can reach the bottom of the glass without getting your hand wet.

often

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

take

on

an

air

of

extreme

To understand Lycopodium types we

haughtiness, arrogance and pretension

must first understand the extreme lack

to hide their inadequacies. They can be

of confidence that lurks within them,

intellectually

producing

physically they are fairly inactive.

a

very

deep

sense

of

very

astute,

although

Lycopodium patients hate weakness

cowardliness. Most of the symptoms that we see on the emotional level

in others simply because it

are

they

them of their own failings. They may

overcompensate for what they perceive

even bully others who are weaker than

as a great weakness.

them.

about

The

the

feelings

Lycopodium

ways

in

which

of inadequacy

types

feel

inflates

their

own

ego,

giving them a much-needed sense of

make

incapable

This

reminds

strength

of

and

power.

thing

Lycopodium

try to avoid such situations if they

being exposed for what they are: weak.

can.

They

are

skilled

dreads

most

the

fulfilling any responsibilities, so they

possibly

patient

The

is

Relationships and responsibility are

at

two

bluffing their way through things and

70

very

difficult

words

in

the

Lycopod i u m

in keeping with their constant need lor gratification.

They love sweet things

and oysters, both of which are terribly bad for them. In this way Lycopodium types

can

be

contrasted

with

Nux over¬

vomica

types

(page

80)

who

indulge

for

reasons

of

stress

and

tension within the digestive system. Lis'er problems are often indicated in the

Lycopodium

picture,

which

has

great relevance as emotionally the liver is associated with cowardice, [aundice and constipation follow as a result. Many of these patients’ complaints Lycopodium vocabulary, especially in

are on the right side or will begin on the

terms

a

right side and then move to the left.

strong desire for sexual gratification,

There is also a strongly defined time of

but such people are more comfortable

aggravation between 4 and 8 p.m. when

with one-night stands. Once they are

they

in a relationship, huge problems can

invariably feeling dreadful on waking

occur regarding sexual dysfunction and

due to a sluggish liver.

of commitment.

There

is

are

much

worse,

as

well

as

MODALITIES Worse: tight clothing (especially around

impotence, leading to further feelings

There is an unusual symptom that

of inadequacy; They would generally

one foot may feel cold and the other

the waist); heat;

rather flee from the relationship than

hot. Warm, stuffy rooms only aggravate

waking up;

work through the problems, or they will

matters, leading patients to stick their

flatulence; oysters;

be horribly dictatorial and tyrannical

feet out of the bed to gel some air or

over-indulgence;

within the home (where the threat is)

simply to cool them down.

indigestion; late

Lycopodium patients’ appearance can

and delightful outside it.

afternoon,

be quite telling. They fret|uently have

evening; lying on

PffYSlCAL

quite a sallow complexion with flushed

the right side

The inflated ego is also expressed here

cheeks and a red nose. The forehead is

through windy digestive symptoms, and

often wrinkled, and they may appear

drinks; warm

95% of Lycopodium cases are th(jught

old before their time, going prematurely

food; cold

to

problems,

grey, perhaps. I he botlv can look lean,

applications;

flatulence

even emaciateil, with jioor muscle tone.

motion; burping;

have

gastro-intestinal

exposing weaknesses.

Both

and

especially

bloating

occur,

Better: warm

urinating;

after

eating. Patients can feel incredibly full

Common Uses

loosening the

after eating a tiny amount of food and

• Flatulence • Indigestion • Anxiety

clothes; cool or

yet are often the sort to over-indulge,

open air

Materia Medica

Mag phos

FULL NAME Magnesia phosplwrica

M

ag phos is one of twelve homoeopathic remedies present in the tissues

SOURCE • Phosphate of magnesium

of the body and known collectively as tissue salts. It can also be found in cereals, oranges, grapefruit, beer and lettuce. The remedy is made by combining magnesium sulphate with sodium phosphate to form crystals.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL

a hot-water bottle and gently massage

Mag phos types feel so much pain

the abdomen may find great relief from

that they often find it difficult to think

this remedy. The pain in a Mag phos

straight, and they may talk obsessively

situation can be so extreme as to cause

about the pain to the e.\clusion of

the patient to vomit. Digestive cramps are also helped by

any other subject. They feel exhausted and can become tearful very easily.

the

use

of

this

remedy.

Likewise,

Generally, they love to communicate

flatulent colic with intense griping pains,

with people but are often cautious of

w'hich cause the patient to bend double

what they say in case they say the wrong

but are better for warmth and massage,

thing and are no longer liked. This can

can also be helped by the use of Mag

become so extreme that thev may

phos. The abdomen can feel extremely

withdraw altogether and have a fear of

bloated, but passing wind does not

people. Mag phos types tend to be thin,

relieve the pain. There may be a desire

nervous and highly strung.

to walk around w'hile passing wind, and all the clothes need to be loosened in a quest

PHYSICAL

for

comfort.

When

moving

Mag phos is one of the great remedies

around, dizziness may be experienceci,

for treating spasmodic pain throughout

as w'ell as a tendency to fall forwards.

the body. We see an arrav of different

Cramps associated with prolonged or

pains, although characteristically thev

continual use of parts of the body are

are sharp, shooting, cramping pains, and

also a common feature of the Mag phos

they are almost always soothed by heat

picture. In writer’s cramp, for example,

and massage.

the fingers can just suddenly give out

It can be an heroic remedy for painful

and become too painful to use. Again

periods. Those who experience agonizing

the pains will be sharp, cramping and

pain on a monthly basis and who find

shooting, but relieved by warmth and

that the only cure is to curl up with

gentle massage.

72

Mag phos

It is a j^reat remedy tor neuralgia

bv aiwthing warm. .Similarlv, it is an

where the pain slioots along the nerves

effective treatment lor [lainlul teething

or along the spine. The nerves can feel

in babies and inlants. In acute asthma attacks Mag |ihos

as it thev have been torn. Anv form of

ma\' help relax the spasms in the chest,

coldness will aggravate the condition.

calming the situation.

Headaches helped hv Mag phos are

I he cough of

not

M;ig jihos tentls to be dry and tickling

tlissimilar to those in the lielladonna

aiui worseneil bv K'iug down but easerl

picture (page 34). Tight headwear, such

bv cool air. I bis remedy is also uselul in

as bandages or a hat, can he used to

easing

create pressure arounti the head, which

whooping cough.

those

that

throb

and

pulsate,

the

spasmodic

coughing

MODALITIES Worse; cold things;

may ease the pain. Mag phos is a good

ol

Common Uses

remedy tor

neuralgic toothaches, when the |iain

• Period pains • Colic • Neuralgia

slioots alotig the nerve and is aggravatetl

• Post-labour pains • Toothache

being cold Better: warmth;

gentle massage; bending forwards

h\' cokl drinks and cold air but relieved

73

Materia Medica

Merc sol

FULL NAME Mercurius solubilis

COMMON NAME

M

ercurius solubilis is the ammonium nitrate salt of mercury. It is an intensely poisonous substance, w^th the symptoms having a close

• Ouicksilver

similarity to the disease syphilis.

Mercury has been used

medicinally since the fifteenth century and was used extensively in the treatment of venereal disease. Mercury, commonly known as quicksilver, easily scatters into tiny globules and is extremely destructive in its nature. Looking at mercury in its raw state and seeing the damage that it an

can

do

make’s

understanding

it

possible

of

this

to

gain

remedy’s

homoeopathic uses.

ined

Rhus tox - stiffness and muscular tension

Kith a desire to be fanned; patieiit looks

from overstraining or injuiy; ivorse ivhen

pale or may turn blue during an attack;

first moving and also ivhen damp

iveakness prei’ails Drosera - cough comes in fits and starts;

Bites and stings

chest must be held during an attack; inudole to get enough air and may be aggrarated by heat

Some people react severely to bites

Kali carb - must bring the elboivs donm to

and stings, with painful swellings

the knees during an attack; ivorse betiveen

and, in some cases, breathing

2 and 5 a.m.

difficulties. It is always best to seek

Mag pitfls - ivill help to relux any spasms

professional advice if you are unsure

Nat sulph

of any reaction. Take the remedy in

-

attack is triggered by dampness;

must sit up and hold chest during an

the 6c potency three times a day for

attack; ivorse betiveen 4 and 5 a.m.

2-3 days, or one tablet of 30c every four hours, stopping on improvement. Apis - ivasp and bee stings ivith burning,

Backache

stinging pains; skin ivill he hot, pufft’ and inflamed ivith redness; may feel ivorse

Many things cause back pain, and it is,

ivith hot applications

therefore, always important to know

Hypericum - punctured skin ivith shooting,

the cause before treatment.

darting pains that move aivay fivm the

Manipulation by an osteopath or

injury site; skin is inflamed and hot

chiropractor, for example, is advisable if

Ledum - puncture ivounds and bites; skin

appropriate. Take the remedy in a 6c

is sensitive to touch; skin looks puffy and

potency three times a day for 2-3 days,

red but feels cold; ivill generally be better

or three doses of 30c eight hours apart.

for any cold applications

108

Asth ma-B ronch itis

Boils

Bronchitis

Boils occur due to inflammation at the

In acute bronchitis there is

root of hair follicles, causing red,

inflammation and infection of the

painful swelling. In order to avoid

respiratory tract, causing breathing

infection, bathe the boil in diluted

difficulties with painful coughing

Hypericum and Calendula tincture (see

and possible fever. Take the remedy

Introduction - page 14), for example.

in the 6c potency three times a day

Take the remedy in the 6c potency

for 2-3 days, or in 30c for three

three times a day for five days.

doses eight hours apart. Chronic

Belltidonitti - hot. throbbing paiiifiil boils;

bronchitis, however, must be treated

skin is .scnsitiir to the touch

by a professional practitioner.

Silica - boils that have stai-tcd to suppurate

Aconite - eouph that comes suddenly after

and are sloiv to heal; offensive diseharpes

exposure to cold, diy iviads; short, diy eouph that is worse at nipht; feaiful Ant taiX - eouph sounds rattlinp; patient is

Breast-feeding

unable to expel any mucus, pivinp the sensation of drowninp; weakness and

Breast-feeding is a particular time of

exhaustion prevail

bonding for mother and baby but it

Arsenicum - anxiety and restlessness;

can be distressing if problems arise.

suffocative eouph with a thirst for small

Seek professional advice if symptoms

sips of water

persist or you feel worried in any

Biyonia - hard, dry, barkinp eouph; must

way. Homoeopathic remedies can

hold the chest when eouphinp due to pain;

also be used to help increase or

irrittd)le with desire to be left alone

decrease breast milk flow, or to stop

(lausticuin - dry, hollow eouph with pain

it all together once breast-feeding is

in the chest; throat feels raw; may urinate

no longer required. Take the remedy

while eouphinp

in the 6c potency three times a day

Droseru - dry, suffocative, barkinp eouph;

for five days.

may feel the need for company, especially

Cdtiita - exhaustion and iveakness from

on wakinp at nipht Fcrruin phos - first sipns of the eouph with

fluid loss

fever and infhimmation

Kali phos - exhaustion and debility from

llcptir siilph - dry, eroupy eouph that has

loss of sleep; a pood nen’e restorative

been present for a lonp time; the patient is

Phytolacca - hard, painful breasts with

chilly and irritable

spasms of pain durinp feedinp; cracked

Ipecac - dry, haekinp, suffocative eouph that

and sore nipples

may be followed by vomitinp to raise the

Silica - threatened abscess on the nipple,

mucus; nausea: desire for fresh air

reducinp breast milk flow

109

[

Ailments & Remedies ^

Causticum - serious burns that are ran’

Kali curb - dry, hiwkin^ cough that sounds

and extremely painful

like a smoker’s cough; ivcakness and

Vrtica

exhaustion prevail

-

minor burns that are stinging,

painful and itchy

Phosphorus - burning sensation in the lungs; tight, hard cough; feaiful anti exhausted

Catarrh

Spongia - harking, holloiv cough; dry and hurning throat; chest feels tight; may he

Increased production of mucus and

feaiful

irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes are the

Bruises

symptoms of this complaint. If you have chronic catarrh it is better to be

Bruises are usually caused by a blow or

treated constitutionally by your

a fall, causing blood vessels to leak and

homoeopath. Dairy products can

the blood then clots beneath the skin.

often increase mucus production,

Take the remedy in the 6c potency

and you may wish to reduce your

three times a day for 1-2 days.

dairy intake for a period of time.

Arnica - first major remedy commonly used

Take the 6c potency three times a

ivhen treating hrnises after injuries

day until symptoms improve.

ami accidents

Calc fliior

Beilis perennis - deep internal hruising

-

long-term catarrh that is

yellon’ish-grecn in colour

after surgery; abdominal bruising in

Hepar sulph - thick, yclloiv catarrh that

pregnancy from the baby kicking

smells foul; ivorse in cold, dry ivinds Kali bich - stuffed-up sensation at the root of the nose; thick, stringy catarrh that

Burns

comes out in gluey ropes Kali carb - thick, yclloiv catarrh that is

Minor burns can be treated at home,

crusty in the morning on ivaking; head

but more serious ones, where all layers

feels congested

of the skin have been significantly

Nat iitiir - ivatcry, bland discharge from

damaged, must have immediate

the nose

medical attention. The following

Pulsatilla - thick yclloiv, green or ivhite

remedies will help with any shock or

bland discharge; profuse during the day,

pain that a patient may suffer. Take

blocked up at night; ivill improve ivith

the remedy in the 6c potency three

fresh air

times a day for 2-3 days.

Silica - thick, yclloiv catarrh that can form

Cantharis - hums and scohls ivhere the

into crusty scabs in the nose; loss of taste

skin has blistered; raiv, stinging pains

and smell

110

Bruises-Colds

Chicken pox

Chilblains

Chicken pox is highly contagious

Chilblains are essentially a circulatory

around 24 hours before the itchy,

problem, mainly occurring in the

blister-like rash appears, generally

fingers and toes, where the blood

first on the back or stomach. It

vessels start to itch and burn. Ideally,

continues to be infectious until scabs

steps should be made to improve

form. If these scabs are scratched,

circulation in the long term. However,

scars will appear. It is important,

in the short term, to help with the

therefore, to obtain relief from the

pain, take the remedy in the 6x

itchiness as much as possible. The

potency three times a day for ten days.

spots are very itchy, and a fever is

Calc fluor - chilblains are badly cracked

usually present. Although this ailment

and chapped; this is a good remedy for

is usually associated with young

improving eireulation

children, adults are not immune and may contract it in the form of

Colds

shingles. The remedies below may help to ease the pain and discomfort of the blisters and scabs. Take the

It is thought that we all need a cold

remedy in the 6c potency three times

now and again to eliminate toxicity

a day until the symptoms improve.

from our bodies. Colds are the result

Ant tcii-t - sloK-developing rash: exhaustion

of inflammation in the mucous

and letliarg]’ prevail; child is irritable hat

membranes of the nose and throat.

still mints to he held for comfort; rattling

These remedies will aid the speeding up of this detoxifying process rather

eoii^^h may accompany the rash

than suppressing the cold, as more

Arsenicum - restlessness, with a desire to scratch until the eruptions bleed; hurninp

typical aids may do. Take the remedy

pains; child chilly and thirsty for small

in the 6c potency three times a day

sips of water

for 2-3 days, or 30c every eight hours for 3-4 doses.

Belladonna - hot, flushed face with fever

Aconite

and dilated pupils; the child may start

-

the cold starts siuldenly after

exposure to cold, dry winds or after a

to hallucinate

shock; sore throat, fever and headache

Pulsatilla - teaiful child, needinp lots of

Allium cepa - sneezing, together with

cuddles; feverish hut thirstless, with a

corrosive discharge from the nose;

desire for fresh air

bland tears from the eyes; may be

Rhus tox - intolerable itchinp and burning; eruptions that make the child restless;

is’orse at night when the patient is

better in warmer conditions

over-heated; larynx starts to feel as if it is tearing

111

j

Ailments & Remedies

Conjunctivitis

Arsenicum - fluent ilisehuive that nutkes the nose sore: lots of sneezing patient feels lestless and ehilly

■ The eyes are red, swollen, painful and inflamed with this condition and there

Eiipeitoriiim - eopions eatanii ivitli sneezinp; hones feel hiittle: shi)’erinp anti

is^^usually a thick, bland discharge.

restless

Seek professional advice if the

Eitphrasid

symptoms persist. Take the remedy in

are ivateiy and hnrninp:

-

fluid tiiseharpe from the nose during the

the 6c potency three times a day until

tiny: stuffeti up at nipht; ehilly, yet ilesires

symptoms improve.

fresh air

Apis - stinging, burning pains: eyelids tire

Ecrriim plios

-

hepinninp stapes of a eold

hot, puff]' anti sivollen Cautharis - burning pains: retl eyes: tears

ivith inflammation of the throat Gclsemium

-

exhausted, nrak anti shirery:

feel seorehing

limbs tinti eyes feel hetiry; tlirohhinp

Belladonna - eyes ivill throb: retlness tintl

hetitlaehe; lack of thirst

infltimmation Euphrasia - eyes feel itehy, ivith burning pains: sivollen eyelids ivith possible blootl-

Colic

shot eyes: oozing pus Pulsatilla - yelloiv-green tliseharge: desire

Colic is an uncomfortable, spasmodic

for fresh air

pain in the abdomen, which is

Constipation

common in babies, although it can also affect adults. It may occur due to an obstruction or from certain

Constipation involves irregular bowel

foods, particularly those that are rich

movements and stools that are

or acidic. It is best to seek advice

difficult to discharge from the body.

from your homoeopath if the

Many things can cause constipation

symptoms persist. Take the remedy in

but dietary advice is always recom¬

the 6c potency three times a day,

mended. See your homoeopath if

stopping on improvement.

symptoms persist. Take the remedy in

Cluimomillii - irrittihle, restless anti tinpry

the 6c potency three times a day for

tine to the pain: tlitirrhoeti, ivith ti siveiity

2-3 days, or 30c eight hours apart for

hetitl tintl feet

three doses.

Colocynth - restlessness: enimpinp,

Bryonia - hard, thy, knotty stools: thirsty

tivistinp pain: patient must henti tlouhle

Gmphites - large, knotty stools ivith

tintl tipply heat to relieve the pain: feels

stringy miieus: anal fissures: hungiy: eold

heller ivhen luinl pressure is tipplietl

Niix vomica

Mag plios - severe enimping pains relievetl

-

great urge for a stool:

sensation tis if the stool is unfinishetl:

hy hetit, bending tlouhle tintl gentle nitisstige

toxie heatlaebe

112

Colic-C ramp

Cough

Opium - iiuictirc rectum: stools disiiuiivcil ill little, hliiek hulls: eoiistiputiou oeeurs h'om shock Sepin

-

Coughs differ enormously, so check

eoiistiputiou due to slui^,^isli

the appropriate remedies in the

eireiilutioii: seiisutioii us if there is u lump

Materia Medica for a clear

ill the rectum

differentiation. Seek professional advice if the cough persists. Take the remedy in the 6c potency three times

Convalescence

a day for 2-3 days. Ant tai-t

-

ruttliii!^, huhhliiir eout^h: uiiuhle

It is always important to give

to raise the mucus: seiisutioii us if

yourself time to recuperate after

droieiiiiir ill the mueus: may end in

illness. Our lifestyles often don't

vomitiiiit: pule uiul exhuusted

allow much time for this. These

Caiisticum

-

dry, hollon' eoiiph: mueus

remedies may aid in your recovery.

slips lion’ll the throat: may puss urine on

Take one in the 6c potency three

eoiiphiiip

times a day for 3-4 days, but for Calc

Biyonia - hard, dry eouph: stiekiiip pains

phos and Kali phos use the 6x

ill the chest uiyruvuted hy moi’emeiit:

potency for ten days.

must hold the chest ivheii eoiiphiiii^: thirsty

C.eilc phos

-

llcpar sulph

helps leitli ussimilutioii of

nutrients

-

dry, eroiipy eoiigli

Ipecac - suffoeutii’e, ruttliur, ivheeziiip eouph that comes on suddenly: limps ivill

C.urbo ve^ - exhuusted uiul leiped out folloiviu^ u loiiii illness

he full of mucus Phosphorus

China - exhuustiou ufter loss ofliodily fluids

-

chest feels tipht us if it is

under heui’y pressure: huriiiiip pains:

Kali phos - museulur iveukitess uiul

hlood-slreuked sputum

exhuustiou Phos ac - emotioiiul exhuustiou or iveukiiess ufter u loiii^ illness

Cramp Corns

Cramp is a painful, spasmodic, muscular contraction. Take the

Corns - dead tissue in the outer layer

remedy in either the 6c or 30c

of the skin - are often the result of

potency when the cramp occurs.

poorly fitting shoes or bad posture.

Arnica - parts feel hruised and sore: crump ufter oi’er-CM'rtioii

Addressing both these causes will help.

Map phos - crumps euii appear uiiyivliere:

Take the remedy in the 6x potency three times a day for ten days.

especially pood for meiislriiul crumps:

Calc fluor - skin is hard uiid eulloused

hetter ivith ivurmlh and ruhhiiip

113

I

Ailments & Remedies

Dental treatment

Croup Caution must be taken with this harsh

Regular visits to the dentist are

coughing condition; professional advice

obviously important for maintaining

should be sought if the symptoms

healthy teeth and gums, no matter

persist. Take the remedy in the 30c

what age you are, but they can be

potency for 1-2 doses, as required.

painful experiences. Use the

Aconite - sudden onset, brought on by cold,

remedies below to help the healing process and calm any feelings of

dry Kinds; ivorse at midnight

anxiety. Arnica can be taken

Hepar sulpli - suffocative cough; rattling

in the chest; Korse before niidiiight

beforehand to anticipate any bruising. Take the remedy in the 30c

Spongia - tight, holloiv, barking cough;

potency in 3-4 doses, as necessary.

ivorse after midnight

Antica - for bruising, shock and haemoirhaging; ivill help the healing

Cystitis

process Hypericum - shooting ncn’c pain folloiving

Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the

ilental treatment

urinary tract, bringing about the need to urinate constantly, even when the

Depression

patient has only just finished urinating. When passing urine, the patient experiences a great deal of

It is important to seek professional

pain. It is important to stop infection

advice, either from a homoeopath or

moving up to the kidneys; seeking

a counsellor, if you are feeling

professional medical advice,

depressed, and constitutional

therefore, is important, especially if

treatment is strongly advised. Refer

symptoms persist or back pain is

to the Useful Addresses section (page

experienced. Drinking large quantities

138) for help in locating a

of water will help to clear the

homoeopath in your area. You may

infection. Any remedy should be

try the following in the 30c potency,

taken in the 6c potency three times a

two doses eight hours apart, before

day for 2-3 days.

seeking professional advice.

Apis - last fcK drops sting and smart;

Aurum -feelings of failure and guilt; deep,

fi'Cijiient urge to urinate; general feelings

dark depression; no joy left

of not being thirsty Cnntharis

-

Nat mur — depression fivm disappointment

violent burning and cutting

coneerning love; giief and hun

pains ivhen urinating; urine feels scahling

Phos ac - depression from exhaustion or

Staphysagi ia - after sex ivith a neiv partner

fivm earing for others

114

C roup-Earache

Diarrhoea

Vcratriim alb - ivatery green stools; collapsed state; icy cold, with cold simit;

Diarrhoea has many causes, such as

null’ vomit at the same time

food poisoning. It is vital to drink

Earache

plenty of liquids to keep well hydrated and to aim to eat light, lean foods in order to starve any bacteria

Infections in any of the tubes

of fat. If the diarrhoea continues for

connecting the nose and throat are

more than 24 hours seek professional

usually the cause of earache. If

advice, or sooner in young children

earaches reoccur frequently it is

because dehydration can occur at a

important to see a homoeopath for

much quicker pace. Take the remedy

constitutional treatment. Do not

in the 6c potency three times a day

leave any ear condition untreated for

for 2-3 days, or 30c for three doses

too long because this can cause

eight hours apart.

permanent hearing difficulties. If any

Arg nit - diarrluicii fivni anxiet]’;

obvious swelling is present seek

spliittciT: gnrn stools ivitli offensive smell;

urgent medical advice. Take the

may he ivorse after eating

remedy in the 30c potency, 2-3 doses eight hours apart.

Arsenicum - burning, miteiy diarrhoea

Aconite - earache comes on suddenly after

that comes in small amounts with

exposure to cold, diy ivinds

prostration and restlessjiess; possibly

Belladonna - throbbing pain in the ear;

caused hy food poisoning; thirst for small

ear looks red and feels hot

sips of water especially for diiirrhocii in

Chamomilla - pain is unbearable; earache

ehililren; looks like ehoppctl spinach ami

at the lime of teething; irritability; cheeks

egys; irritability and pain

become red

Cdiamomilla

China

-

-

Perrum phos - use at the beginning of

diarrhoea from eating too much

fruit; copious hut painless; exhaustion

the inflammation; radiating and

after defecating

pulsating pains Ilcpar sulph

Coloc^mth - food poisoning; white, jellydike

-

yellow discharge from the

ear that '.mells 'cheesy’; stitching pains;

diarrhoea with cramping pains Merc sol

-

irritahle and chilly

offensive, isuiteiy diarrhoea;

Pulsatilla - thick, yellow discharge from

unpleasant smell; worse at night

the ear; tearful and clingy; patient feels

Podophyllum - explosive, spluttcry

worse in warm conditions

diarrhoea like rice water; painless;

Silica

smells foul

-

offensive, thick, yellow-green

discharge that can cause deafness

Pulsatilla - diarrhoea from eating rich foods; may feel bloated; desire for fresh air; weepy

115

Ailments & Remedies

Eczema

Eyestrain

Eczema, a form of dermatitis, is

Close or intensive work can over¬

partially hereditary and can be

strain the eyes, especially as so much

exacerbated by allergens and common,

work nowadays involves computers.

everyday substances. The skin becomes

Always make sure that you have

dry, itchy and hot, causing extreme

sufficient light when working and

pain and bleeding in some cases, and

that you rest your eyes frequently,

it requires constitutional treatment

occasionally focusing on objects that

from your homoeopath. The remedies

are further away. If symptoms

below may help until you do so and

persist, or if headaches are frequent,

should be taken in the 6c potency

it is advisable to have your eyes

three times a day for 2-3 days.

tested. Take the remedy in the 6c

Graphites - eczema in folds of the skin;

potency three times a day until

ernstv, cracked skin; may ooze a

symptoms improve.

honey-like discharj;e

Ruta - lyes feel hot and painful after close

Sulphur

-

skin looks indtealthy; red, hot

work or reading in dim light

itchy skin; patient may scratch until blccdijip; agpi'amtcd by miter and mwl

Eainting Eye injuries

Fainting occurs when there is a temporary lack of oxygen to the

Severe eye injuries must have urgent

brain. If it becomes a common

medical attention to prevent long¬

recurrence you should seek

term damage in and around the eye

professional advice because there

area. Take the remedy in the 30c

may be a particular prognosis that

potency for one or two doses, each

needs medical attention. Give one

four hours apart. The remedy Silica

dose of the remedy in the 30c

can be taken in the 6x potency three

potency as required.

times a day for 5 days.

Chamomilla - fainting as a result of

Arnica - injuries to the eye ivith bruising

intense pain

and haemorrhaging; good for shock

Carho veg - fainting from poor circulation

Hamamelis - for black eyes ivhen the

and lack of oxygen; patient has a desire to

vision remains hazy

be fanned

Ledum - for black lyes ivith puffincss and

China - fainting as a result of loss of fluids

bruising; better for cold applications

Ignatia - fainting from emotional shock,

Silica - helps to expel foreign bodies from

grief or trauma

the eye

Pulsatilla - fainting in a hot, stuff\> room

116

Eczema-Fractures

Fever

Flatulence

Fevers actually benefit the body

This can be an uncomfortable

because they help to restore any

condition, often food related and

imbalance resulting from illness. It is

accompanied by bloating of the

important, however, that the

stomach. Take the remedy in the 6c

temperature during a fever does not

potency as required.

run too high; seek professional

Arg nit - abdominal pain with gas and

advice immediately if it does. For

hloating; loud hurping ajul passing of

mild fevers, the remedies below will

wind that hrijigs no relief anxiety

help to speed up the recovery

Carho veg - hloating of the upper

period. Plenty of fluids should be

ahdomen; foetid-smelling flatulence;

drunk to prevent dehydration, and

hurping relieves the symptoms; tvorse for

sponging down with tepid water can

eating rich, fatty foods

also bring relief. Take the remedy in

China - stomach feels tight, like a drum;

the 30c potency for 2-3 doses, two

not relieved hy passing wind; worse when

hours apart, or until symptoms

eating fitit

improve. Aconite

-

Lycopodium - gas and f illness in the stomach after eating even small amounts

sudiieii onset from cold, diy

Mag phos - cramping pains from the gas;

ivinds; aiaiety and fear

better for warmth and massage

Arsenicum - fluctuating temperature; feels

Sulphur - hot, with offensive smelling

cold externally, hut hunting inside; restless;

flatulence; rumbling stomach

thirsty for small sips of ivater Belladonna - red face, dilated pupils and glassy eyes; patient feels restless and may

Fractures

Stan to hallucinate Eupatoriuin - hones feel hroken, chills start

These remedies will help the healing

in the small of the hack

process once the fracture has been

Femtm phos - flushetl, hot face with a

properly diagnosed. Take the remedy

hammering headtiche; thirsty

in the 6c potency - except for Calc

Cielsemiittn - aching, shivering hones; exhausted and chilly; headache at the hack

phos which is 6x - twice a day for

of the head

2-3 weeks weeks.

Merc sol

-

Arnica - bruising and shock after the accident

sweating at night; sweat smells

Calc phos - helps the fracture to heal

strongly and may stain the sheets;

more ipiickly

sensitive to temperature change

Eupatoriuin - aching pains deep inside

Pulsatilla - chilly, hut worse for heat, with

the hone

a need for fresh air; not thirsty; tcaiful

Hypericum - shooting nerve pains

117

Ailments & Remedies

Gastroenteritis

Veratrum alb - profuse diarrhoea and vomiting; chilly ivith a cold siveat;

Stomach and intestines become

dizziness and fainting

inflamed due to bacteria, causing diarrhoea and vomiting. Sip water to

Grief

prevent dehydration and take the remedy in the 6c potency three times a day for 2-3 days.

The death of a loved one, or the end

Arsenicum - nvniting luid diarrhoea ivitli

of a relationship, is a painful time

Ininiing paijis; restless and anxious; chilly

and people express their grief in

ivith a desire for small sips of miter

many different ways. It is important

Belladonna

-

hot throbbing pains in the

to read the main Materia Medica

stomach ivith fever

section when selecting the remedy,

Biyonia - movement feels unbearable;

and seeking advice from a

better for lying on the stomach; thirst for

homoeopath or a counsellor is highly

large ijuantities of ivater; desire to be

recommended if it feels appropriate.

alone ivith irritability

Refer to the Useful Addresses section

Colocynth - nausea and diarrhoea ivith

(page 138) for help in locating a

agonizing cramping, tivisting pains; better

homoeopath in your area. Take the

for hard pressure on the stomaeh

remedy in the 30c potency: two

Ipecac - constant nausea aggravated by the

doses eight hours apart.

thought or smell of food; diarrhoea and

Causticum - suppres.icd grief concerned for

vomiting ivith no relief tongue looks clean Mag pitos

-

the ivelfare of others

violent cramping pains; better

Ignatia - emotional trauma; hysterical

for ivarm applications or surroundings;

or silent; inability to accept ivhat

bending fonvard and gentle massage help

is happening

Nitx vomica - vomiting and diarrhoea a feiv

Nat mur - silent grhf; emotions are shut

hours after eating, ivith restricted feeling

out; patients feel they can cope ivhen, in

around the ivaist; irritable and moody

fact, they probably cannot

Phosphorus

-

burning pains in the

Phos ac - exhaustion after grief

stomach ivith a thirst for ice-colil ivatervomiting occurs ivhcn this becomes ivarm

Growing pains

in the stomach Podophyllum - gushing and spluttering diarrhoea, ivith cramping pains; abdomen

Growing pains felt by adolescents

feels tender and sore

during growth spurts can be painful

Pulsatilla - nausea and diarrhoea

as the muscles and nerves go into

especially in children; the child is teaiful

spasm. The remedy below may help

and mints to be held

with calcium levels within the

118

Gastroenteritis-Hay fever

metabolism. Take the remedy in the

remedies below may help with any

6x potency three times a day for

irritability, headaches, nausea and

ten days.

detoxification of the liver. Take the

Calc phos - gives cssoitial iiutritiou (liiri)ig

remedy in the 6c potency for 2-3 doses as needed.

groivtii spui-fs

Cocculus - dizziness with a headache that is is’orse when moving; slow speech ivith

Haemorrhoids

delayed relictions Nat stilph - liver feels sluggish; dull, heavy

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles,

headache; aggravated by light and noise

are distended veins from the rectum,

Nux vomica - irritability: sensitive to light

either internal or external. They will

and noise; nausea and headache

feel itchy and incredibly painful. If there is bleeding from the rectum it

Hay fever

is important to establish the cause by seeking medical attention. Pregnancy or constipation can both be

Hay fever is an allergic response,

contributing factors. Take the

mainly triggered by pollens and

remedy three times a day for 3-4

grasses during the summer months.

days in the 6c potency.

It affects the mucous membranes of

Calc fluor - gives elasticity and tone to the

the nose and eyes, causing discomfort to a huge proportion of

blood vessel mills

the population year after year in the

Hamanielis - hunting, itchy piles that feel ran' and sore; piles bleed and protrude;

form of runny noses and sore eyes.

sensation of a iveight in the rectum

The following remedies will help in an acute situation; however,

Kali carl) - bleeding piles that feel as if a

constitutional treatment is advised.

hot poker is in the anus; nrakness

Take the remedy in the 6c potency

Nit ac - bleeding piles that itch and burn;

three times a day; stop once the

the rectum feels torn n'hen defecating

condition improves.

Sulphur - large piles that burn and smart;

Allium cepa - sneezing, together with

piles feel sore and tender

burning discharge from the nose; bland tears from the eyes; feels worse entering

Hangovers

a warm room Euphrasia

- ci'cs

arc burning, red and

Over indulgence of alcohol and other

sore; acrid tears from the lyes with

substances can often leave us worse

copious bland discharge from the nose

for wear. Sufferers often feel tired,

that feels stuffed up during the night

dehydrated and bloated. The

119

Ailments & Remedies

I—--—-----

Headaches

Pulsatilla - headache from being in a stuffy environment; better for fresh air; tcaiful

There are several factors that contribute to headaches, most are

Impetigo

obvious, such as stress, over-work or over-indulgence. Less obvious causes may be pollution or even food

Impetigo is a very contagious disease

additives. If headaches are persistent

and care must be taken not to infect

or occur frequently, it is advisable to

others. The skin is mainly affected on

seek professional attention. Take

the hands and face, and the

remedies in the 6c potency three

complaint usually results from

times a day for 1-2 days, or the 30c

contact with infected animals. Take

potency, in two doses, each four

the remedy in the 6c potency three

hours apart.

times a day for 2-3 days.

Aconite - sudden, violent headache from

Graphites - crusty, cracked skiji with a

cold, diy winds or a shock

sticky discharge, rather like homy

Arg nit - congested headache from anxiety

Merc sol - open sores that ooze offensive pus

or mental effort; better for constriction

Rhus tox - blistering, itchy skin;

around the head

burning sores

Belladonna - throbbing, pounding headache; head feels hot; pupils dilated Biyonia

-

Incontinence

severe bursting headache; patient

is worse with any movement, especially sudden; feels better when lying alone in a

Incontinence is a problem that is

dark room

most commonly found in the elderly,

Calc plios - school headaches from over¬

during illness or after pregnancy, and

studying or wony; worse for fresh air

it can be very distressing. Children do

Gelsemium - pounding headache at the

suffer, but this is referred to as bed

back of the head and neck that moves

wetting. Take the remedy in the 6c

over the eyes

potency three times a day for 2-3

Kali biclt - catarrhal headache; blurml

days. If there is no improvement,

vision with intolerance of noise ami light

consult your homoeopath (see Useful

Kali phos - headaches from mental and

Addresses - page 138).

physical exhaustion

Causticum

Nat mar - hammering, bursting headaches;

-

paralysis of the bladder;

involuntaiy urination whoi coughing,

worse for the heat of the sun

laughing or sneezing

Nux vomica - sick, toxic feeling; headache

Sepia - seepage cf urine; feelings of

from over-indulgence; irritable, with

tiredness, exhaustion and irritability

sensitivity to light and noise

120

Headaches-Influenza

Indigestion

Arnica - first remedy after injury for shock, bruising, haemorrhage ami bleeding

Flatulence, heartburn and water brash

Hypericum - injuries invoh’ing the uenrs;

(see Glossary - page 137) are all caused

sharp shooting pains; Injury to the spine

by indigestion. This, in turn, is usually

Ledum

-

puncture wounds from rusty nails;

caused by the consumption of overly

crushed fingers; injured part is puff / but

rich or disagreeable foods, but stress

cold

and depression can give rise to it. If

Nat sulpli - head injuries with memoiy

symptoms persist you should seek

loss; tinnitus and vertigo

professional advice as there may be a

Opium - head injuries ivith prolonged sleepiness

more serious underlying cause. Take the remedy in the 30c potency in 1-2 doses.

Influenza

Arsenicum - huniiiu; pain in the stoinaeh; initahlc and restless; patient may

There are so many different strains

feel thirsty

of flu that a large amount of the

Carbo veg - flatulence and belching; stomach feels fidl and uncomfoi-tahle;

population is regularly susceptible.

iwrse from rich, fatty foods

This is particularly true with the

Niw vomica

-

elderly or those who feel run down

nausea and heartburn from

and exhausted. The symptoms are

over-indulgence; toxic initability

more severe than those of a cold:

Pulsatilla - iiausea and distention from

fever, exhaustion and aching bones.

fatty foods; desire for fresh air; thirstlessness

Take the remedy in the 6c potency three times a day for 2-3 days.

Injuries

Aconite - sudden onset from cold winds; painful, dry cough; fever, restlessness and flushed face; anxiety

First-aid remedies are useful to have

Arsenicum

in the home as many small injuries

-

cold but burning up inside;

can be treated comfortably and

shivering and restless; sneezing with

easily. Seek urgent medical advice,

corrosive discharge Bryonia - bursting hcadaehe and dry,

however, especially in more serious situations such as unconsciousness or

painful cough; bones ache, worse with

profuse bleeding. Bach's Rescue

movement; desire to be alone and still;

Remedy (see Glossary - page 134) can

thirsty for great ipuintities of water Eupatorium

also be useful for any shock. Diluted

-

bones feel broken; chills,

sneezing and copious catarrh; lyes ache

Calendula and Hypericum tincture is

Gclsemium - head and limbs feel heavy;

useful for bathing cuts and grazes. Take the remedy in the 30c potency

shivering up and down the spine;

for 2-3 doses, four hours apart.

drowsiness with little thirst

121

Ailments & Remedies -

—

^ ^ ^

■

j-

■

-

Insomnia

Labour

Insomnia has many different causes

It is often difficult to think about the

and can come and go. As a rule, it is

remedies that can be of use during

important to try to relax before bed

labour, but they can be very helpful

in order to shut off the day's events.

if they are used in association with

A warm bath containing the essential

any medical assistance and birth

oil of lavender may help. If insomnia

plans that you choose. It is good to

persists, it is advisable to visit a

make your birth partner aware of

homoeopath for further treatment.

the remedies and their uses well

Take one dose of the remedy in the

before you are due to give birth.

30c potency at bedtime and repeat if

There are many good labour kits

necessary.

available or, if you prefer to make

Aconite - fear or shock: frightening dreanis

your own, it may be useful to see

CoccuIhs - ailments from lack of sleep,

your homoeopath first for guidance.

nursing the sick or looking after a child

Symptoms during labour may change

Coffea - mind unable to switch off: thoughts

and rapidly, you may, therefore,need

race round and round: restlessness

to change the remedy frequently.

Kali phos - nemms exhaustion: patient is

Use the remedies in the 30c potency

too tired to sleep

during labour.

Opium - tiredness, hut patient is unable to

Aconite - fear and ajixiety as labour begins

sleep due to orer-sensitirity to noise

Aniica - for bndsing, shock and haemoirhage Caiilophyllum - short, painfrl and ineffectual contractions: exhaustion

Jet lag

Chanwmilla - screaming with the pain: idiusire to those around them: can’t hear

Long-haul travel, which confuses the

to be touched

body's natural clock, can produce

China - exhaustion after labour from loss

feelings of fatigue, otherwise known

of blood

as jet lag. Take the remedy Arnica in

Coffea - highly sensitive to the pain and

the 30c potency every three hours

noises: can become hysterical: uiay he

during the flight. Take Kali phos in

uiudilc to stop talking

the 6x potency three times a day

Gelsemium - fear ami anxiety: becomes

following arrival.

rigiil as labour progresses

Arnica - for shock to the systeni: enables

Kali carb — labour ceases due to intense

the body to adapt to the luiv time

back pain

and surroundings

Pulsatilla - weak contractions; feel weepy

Kali phos - for nemms exhaustion and

and incaptdilc: desire for fresh air

fatigue after a long flight: ujiable to sleep

122

Insomnia-Menstrual prob.

Mastitis

Bcllailonna - hot. red face ivitb fever and restlessness: dilated pupils; sore throat

Mastitis is an inflammation of the

Bryonia - dry. painful eougb; rash is sloiv

breasts most common in breast¬

to appear; ebibl is irritidde and ivants to

feeding mothers, although some

be alone: light ami noise aggravate: thirsty

women suffer around their time of

Euphrasia - o’c.v are raiv, sore and

menstruation. It can be particularly

burning; tears scald the cheeks: runny

painful, especially if abscesses form.

nose: eougb ivitb a flushed face

Take the remedy in the 6c potency

Pulsatilla - bland or yelloiv catarrh ivitb

three times a day for 2-3 days.

ivatery eju’s; child is teaiful and very

Belladonna - throbbing hot pain in the

clingy; better for fresh air

breasts with inflammation; Ineasts feel bean' and sn'ollen

Menstrual problems

Biyonia - hot. bard breasts a^arated by movement: better for bard pressure

Women experience many different

Phytolacca - sUmy bard breasts ivitb tenderness: pain radiates from the breast

physical and emotional symptoms

to the back durint^ breast-feedinp

before and during the time of their period. The remedies below may help with any discomfort

Measles

experienced, and the Materia Medica section will also help. It is advisable

This common childhood illness has an

to see a professional homoeopath

incubation period of 10-12 days and

for constitutional treatment to

is most infectious before the rash

address emotional issues and to help

starts. The child may have a fever,

re-balance the body. Professional

sore throat and eyes, and a cough,

advice is also recommended to

before the rash appears around the

diagnose any possible causes of

neck and behind the ears. White

discomfort, such as fibroids and cysts.

spots on the inside of the cheeks are

Take the remedy in the 30c potency

often an initial indicator that the

for 2-3 doses as needed.

illness is measles. Take the remedy in

Aconite - suppressed menstruation due to a fright or shock

the 6c potency three times a day for 3-4 days. Seek medical advice if you

Apis - stinging, burning pain in the ovaries

are worried about any symptoms or

Belladonna - violent throbbing pains ivitb a pulsating beadaebe; hot, flushed fare

if the temperature is high and

(faulopbylluin - .scanty floiv of blood;

prolonged.

pains start in the small of the back:

Aconite - for the first stages: fever

nausea and cramping pains

restlessness and anxiety; dry cough

123

Ailments & Remedies

Bryonia - severe bursting headache; all

Chmnomilla - irritable and angiy

movement aggravates; desire to be in a

Colocyntli - ttvisting, catting pains;

dark room, alone, silent; nausea and

better ivitli pressure or lying on abdomen

vomiting

Fernim plios - painful periods; profuse

G^lsemiunt - headache starts at the hack of

bleeding; bright red blood

the head and moves over the eyes; head

Lachesis - intense pain and diseonifoi't before period; syniptonis better for flow of

feels heavy and dull, as if a band is

blood; talkati)’e

around the head; better for urinating

Mag phos - severe cramping pains;

Kali bich - catarrhal headache with

better for warmth, bending forwards and gentle massage

bluired vision; pain can be pinpointed Nux vomica - toxic headache, aggravated

Sepia - heavy bleeding with bearing down

by stimulants; nausea and vomiting;

pains; need to cross legs; irritability, especially with family mendters

irritable Pulsatilla - migraine from eating fatty

Veratnim alb - cramping pains causing

foods, digestive and menstrual disorders;

nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; chilly

worse in a jvarm, stuffy room; tcaifrl

with cold sweats

Morning siclmess Migraine Many women experience sickness in Migraines are intense headaches,

the first few months of pregnancy,

and attacks can occur for a variety of

which is often triggered by certain

reasons. Common symptoms are

foods or smells. The feelings of

nausea, disturbed vision and acute

nausea and actual vomiting itself are

light and noise sensitivity. It is

not just confined to the morning,

advisable to see a homoeopath for

although they may be more common

constitutional treatment if they

at that time of day. The symptoms do

become a common occurrence. Stress

tend to subside after the third

is often a contributory factor, so

month but, if this is not the case, it is

relaxation methods, such as a

advisable to see your homoeopath.

massage, may help. For an acute

Take the remedy in the 6c potency

situation take the remedy in the 6c

for 1-2 doses when needed.

or 30c potency for 1-2 doses as

Cocculus - dizziness with nausea; smell

needed. Stop on improvement.

and thought of food brings on vomiting;

Belladonna - pounding, throbbing

worse for moving about

migraine; hot, flushed face with glassy

Ipecac - constant nausea, not relieved by

tyes; head needs to be held; better when

vomiting; clean tongue with lack of thirst

head is bent backwards

Nux vomica - nausea; better for vojuiting

124

M i g ra i n e-N e u ra I g i a

tvul hi’liiuu>^: Iwiirthani: iiulii^cstioii:

Mere sol - sivollen yfimils ivitb stitebiny pains

irritabilitv

to the ear on sivalloiviny: breath smells Pulsatilla - sivollen vbinds; ebild tearful

Pitlsatilhi - ihinsi'd from fatty fooils iritli little wmitiio^: ivorsc in ivai'iii rooms:

ami elinyy; desire for fresh iiir

lack of thirst Sepia - exhtiiistion: iitiiisea iii^^ravtitcil by

Nausea

the tboiiybt or smell of food, but reliered by eatiny

Pregnancy, digestive disturbances and intense pain can all cause

Mouth ulcers

nausea. If you are uncertain as to the cause of your sickness, or your

Mouth ulcers are often associated

symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek

with debility, and this should be

professional advice from your

addressed as part of the treatment.

homoeopath or medical practitioner.

If ulcers occur frequently it is

For mild cases, try one of the

advisable to see your homoeopath

appropriate remedies below in the

for constitutional treatment. Take

6c potency for 1-2 doses.

the remedy in the 6c potency three

Coeeuliis - dizziness ivitb nanseii; ivorse for trayelliny or any moyement

times a day for 2-3 days.

Ipecac - eonstant nausea: not reliered

Merc sol - iileeratioii ivitb eopious salira:

by vomitiny

touyiie flabby; metallie taste in the month

Nux vomica - nausea from exeessiir stimnlants; better for romitiniy

Mumps

Kali phos - nausea iviien nerrons; better for nibbliny small amounts of fooil PItosphoriis - nausea after an anaestbelie

This infectious childhood illness affects the glands, which become swollen and tender along the jaw

Neuralgia

line. Fever and a sore throat are the first indicators. Take the remedy in the 30c potency for 2-3 doses.

Neuralgia is a painful inflammation

Aconite - first statics tvith sore throat:

of the nerves, especially in the face or back. Take the remedy in the 6c

anxiety and ferer

potency three times a day for 2-3

Apis - hot; pnffiness ivitb stiiiiiinii pains;

days, and if the symptoms persist see

lack of thirst

your homoeopath.

Bclladoiinei - tbrobbini; pains ivitb beat

(loloeynth - sboiitiny pains; better for lyiny

ami sivellinp: diffienlty in sivalloiviny:

on the painful side

ferer and ylassy eyes

125

Ailments & Remedies

Arg nit - anxiety and apprehension before

Hypericum - sharp, shooting pains; severe

an operation

iienv pain Kali phos - lightning-like pains shooting

■

Arnica - shock, bruising ({ltd haemorrhage Beilis perennis - deep internal braising;

along the nerves

y post-operative pain

Mag Phos - shooting pains along the spine;

Phosphorus - nausea and vomiting after

better for ivarnith

the anaesthetic Staphysagria - stingijig and sinaiting

Nosebleeds

pains; body feels ini’aded

Nosebleeds usually occur because of

Palpitations

accidents or injuries. If spontaneous nosebleeds are common seek professional advice. Take the remedy

Palpitations usually result from

in the 6c or 30c potency for 2-3

shock, worry or excitement that

doses.

causes the heart to beat faster.

Aconite - nosebleed starts after a shock or

The remedies below may help for mild palpitations, but it is useful to

fright; bright red blood

read the Materia Medica section to

Aniica - for nosebleeds after a bloiv, injuiy

confirm your choice. It is always

or aeeident Ferrum phos - bright ml blood; jnost

important to seek professional advice

common in children

if the palpitations occur frequently

Hamamelis - spontaneous or after an

or if there are sudden changes to

aeeiilent; bleeding takes a long time to stop

your regular heartbeat. Take the

Phosphorus - profuse bleeding; bright red

remedy in the 6c potency as needed.

and sloiv to stop

Aconite - pounding heart fvm shock or fright Auruni - nviglit around the heart; heart

Operations

thumps violently; breathlessiiess Lachesis - circulation disturbed; flushed

The remedies below will help to

flee ivith hot flushes and high blood

support the body during this

pressure; talkative and excited

traumatic time, expediting the healing process. Arnica is particularly

Period pains

useful and can be taken before the operation to limit the amount of bruising and shock. Take any remedy

see Menstrual problems

in the 30c potency for 2-3 doses as needed.

126

Nosebleeds-Rheumatism

Perspiration

and muscles. See also Labour and Morning sickness for further

Perspiration is necessary for

remedies. In the cases of Beilis

temperature regulation and for the

perennis and Pulsatilla, take the

elimination of unwanted toxins from

remedy in the 30c potency for 1-2

the body. Despite our need to feel

doses. For Calc fluor and Ferrum

clean and to smell appealing to

phos take the remedy in the 6x

ourselves and other people,

potency twice a day for ten days.

especially in social situations,

Beilis perennis - problems ivatking from

suppressing perspiration through the

strained abdominal muscles; brnisintt from

use of anti-perspirants is not always

baby kiekinit

advisable. The remedies below offer

Calc fluor - helps ivith the elasticity of the

a more healthy alternative for

skin, preventing stretch marks; tones the

everyday use. Excessive sweating,

pelvic area

if not from an obvious cause,

Fen uin phos - for anaemia during

should be addressed by seeking

prepnaney: helps with the absorption of

professional advice. Take the remedy

iron

in the 30c potency for 2-3 doses.

Pulsatilla - teaifiil and needy, feel they can’t cope; may help the baby turn

Calc carl) - swcatv, flabby babies; siscat

around if in breech position

may smell sour Merc sol - offensive smelling snrat that stains clothes amt beililing

Rheumatism

Silica - head and faee mil siveat in children; smelly feet

The inflammation of the connective tissues surrounding muscles or

Pregnancy

tendons can cause the muscles to tighten, which may, in turn, deform

The remedies below may help for

the joints. The pains move around

some situations that arise during

the body, mainly emanating from

pregnancy. You may decide to start

the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

using them at an even earlier stage

Treatment from a professional

of pregnancy to enhance the health

medical practitioner is important,

of your unborn baby. In all cases, it is

but the remedies below may give

important to have the advice of a

some relief. Take the remedy in the

professional homoeopath during this

6c potency three times a day for

time. The remedies below also help

4-5 days.

with changes in your body, such as

Arnica - bruised, achinp limbs that feel worse from exercise ami over-straininy

stretch marks and stress to the joints

127

Ailments & Remedies

Btyonia - painful, sivolh'ii joints that air

and sometimes even the feet. Take

ivorsc for an]i movement; better for lyiiy

the remedy in the 6c potency three

still on the painfil part

times a day for 2-3 days. Other holistic treatments such as

Canlophyllum - draiving pains in the smaller joints that seem to fly around

Acupuncture and Osteopathy (see

the body

Glossary - pages 134 and 136 respectively) may also help to relieve

Ferrum phos - any sudden inflammation of the joints

the condition. Colocynth - shooting pains; better for lying

Kali bich - red hot, swollen joints associated with catarrhal and digestive problems

on the affected side Hypericum - violent, shooting, tearing ncii’e pains

Ledum - stiff burning pains; better with any cold applications Rhus tox - swelling and stiffness; pairs feel

Kali phos - lightning-like pains Mag phos - sharp, shooting, spasmodic

bruised and numb; ivorse on first moving; better with continuous movement;

pain; better for warmth and massage Ruta - pains are worse going up the stairs

aggnivated by damp weather

and in the evening, when lying down

Scabies

Shingles

Scabies is an uncomfortable skin

Shingles, otherwise known as Herpes

condition, causing immense itching

zoster, is a viral infection related to

and irritation. It is the result of mites

chicken pox. The initial fever, which

that burrow into the skin. Any

usually lasts for a few days, is

warmth, especially at night, will

followed by a red rash that forms

aggravate the itching, and a rash

blisters at the nerve-endings, causing

will appear, although not above the

intense, long-lasting pain, itching

neckline. Take the remedy in the 6c

and burning. Debility is often a

potency three times a day for 5 days.

cause. Take the remedy in the 6c

Sulphur - skin is intolerably itchy and hot;

potency, or 6x for Kali phos, three

unhealthy-looking skin

times a day for one week. Arsenicum - burning pains; better for ivarmth; restlessness and anxiety

Sciatica

Colocynth - shooting pains; better for lying on the affected side

Sciatica involves pain in the lower

Kali phos - lightning-like pains along the

back that travels down the sciatic

nerves

nerve, affecting the thighs, knees

Rhus tox - intensely itchy, fluid-filed blisters

128

Scabies-Sore throat

Shock

homoeopath. It is often helpful to limit your dairy product intake as this

Shock can be a potentially serious

can increase the mucus production.

condition, putting great strain on the

Take the remedy in the 6c potency

physical body. It can affect blood

three times a day for 3-4 days.

pressure and cause fainting, irregular

Bryonia - Inirstinp frontal headache, with

breathing patterns and generally

dryness of the nasal passapes

upset your well-being. If you are

Kali hich - stuffed up feelinp at the root of

worried about the symptoms you are

the nose: thick, strinpy mucus comes out

suffering, you must seek medical

in a rope-like fashion

attention. However, the remedies

Merc sol - infected sinuses; uleeration in the

below may help in acute situations

nose; yelloiv-preen mucus: nasty taste in

and prevent further treatment being

the mouth

necessary. Take the remedy in the 30c

Pulsatilla - thick, yellow discharpe; nose

potency, in 1-2 doses, as needed.

stuffed up at idpht, flows diirinp the tlay;

Bach's Rescue Remedy (see Glossary -

better in fresh air

page 134) is also useful in cases of shock.

Sore throat

Aconite - shock oiul fear; pnnic nuiy lust lonp after the initial trauma

Sore throats are often the first sign

Arnica - \hock after injiiiy or acciilent; patient may say they are well, when this

of illness or being run down.

is not the case

Treatment at this early stage can often prevent the illness from going

Clhainoinillti - shock from pain; possible

any further or help speed up the

hysteria China - shock after loss of blood

healing process. Take the remedy in

Ignatia - shock from prief and trauma;

the 6c potency three times a day until symptoms improve, or in the

faintinp

30c potency for 2-3 doses.

Opium - witiulrawal after prief; trauma

Aconite - sudden sore throat from cold, dry

and shock

winds; inflameil or red-raw sore throat; hurninp thirst and fever

Sinusitis

Bclladonnti - dry, inflamed, hurninp throat; red ami swollen tonsils; fever Calc phos - recurrent sore throats with

Sinusitis occurs when the sinus

swollen tonsils and plands

cavities become inflamed, increasing

Cantharis - intense hurninp in the throat;

the production of mucus. Chronic sinusitis should be treated

thirsty hut throat is too painful to drink;

constitutionally by a professional

touchinp the larynx creates spasms

129

Ailments & Remedies

Sprains and strains

Ferriim plios - hi'^inniiii^ of infhiiiiniation ivitli hoarse voice; redness and nleeration \

laiN. V; X-T"'i

Injury to the tendons and ligaments

Hepar snlph - painful stiteliinp and splinter-like pains; jhiin extends to ears

can be very painful, and it is important

ivhen sivalloivinp

t^ rule out the possibility of a fracture.

Lachesis - sensation of lump in the throat;

Support bandages and limited use of

uiudde to eat or ilrink due to intense pain

the affected part are most beneficial. Take the remedy in the 6c potency

Merc sol - ulceration and suppuration of the throat and tonsils; stitehinp pains

three times a day for 3-4 days.

ivhieh extend to the ears; foul taste in the

Arnica - parts feel sore and bruised with sivelling after over-exertion or accidents

mouth; smelly hreath Nit ac - sensation of a fish hone in the

Beilis pereniiis - deep, hruiscil soreness;

throat; splinter-like pain; ulceration of the

straining of abdominal ivall tluring

throat; smelly hreath

pregnancy

Phytolacca - recurrent tonsillitis; dark ml

Bryonia - parts feel sivollen ami sore;

tonsils covered ivith white spots; sensation

worse for any movement; must keep part

of hot lump in the throat; pain extends

still; better ivhen lying on painful part

to ears

Calc fluor - overstretched ligaments and tendons; better for movement; lower back pain

Splinters

’pcriciiin - shooting nerve pains; back pain from a fall on the coccyx

Foreign bodies, such as shafts of

Rhus tox - stiff, sore, swollen joints; feels

wood or glass, that lodge under the

ivorse on first movement, but better for

surface of the skin usually push

eontiniioiis movement

themselves out. The remedies below

Rata - painful tendons and ligaments; feels

may help speed up this process.

worse for moving too much

Bathing the remedy in the diluted tincture of Calendula and

Stretch marks

Hypericum (see table - page 14) may help prevent any infection. Take the remedy in the 6x potency

Fluctuations in body weight and

three times a day for 3-4 days for

pregnancy often lead to stretch

the remedy Silica and in the 30c

marks. The use of wheatgerm oil is

potency for Hypericum for

beneficial for the elasticity of the

2-3 doses.

skin due to its high vitamin E

Hypcricitiu - painful shooting pains

content. Take the remedy in the 6x

Silica - helps eliminate ftreign hoilies

potency twice a day for ten days. Calc fluor - heljis ghr tone ami elasticity

130

Spl inters-Toothache

Styes

Teething

Styes are infected and swollen

Teething can be a distressing time for

pimples or boils that appear on the

both child and parent. Irritability,

margins of the eyelid around the

fever and diarrhoea can all be

eyelashes. Although they are very

symptomatic. Take the remedy in the

painful, there is no actual harm to

6c potency as needed.

the eyeball or to the patient's vision.

Calc carh - teethinp can be delayeii and

Take the remedy three times a day in

difficult; babies tend to be flabby, hot

the 6c potency for 3-4 days.

and siveaty

Af)is - hot, fifiy. stin^iiii^ juiiiis: mincss

Calc phos - promotes stronp teeth; pood for

ami siwilin^

soft teeth ami painful pmns; may be

Hepar sulph - splintiT-likc pains; veiy

accompanied by piren diarrhoea

si'iisitivi’ to touch

Chamomilla - red, painful pums; one eheek

Silica - helps speed up healiiip proeess;

is red and the other pale; child is )’ciy

expels any linyerint; diseharpe

irritable; stools hare the appearance of

Stnphysagria - stinpinp, sinaetinp pain;

chopped spinach

recurrent styes

Fernan phos - redness and inflammation with a slipht fever

Sunburn Tonsillitis Staying out in the sun, wherever you see Sore throat

live, can inflict long-lasting damage to your body. Protection is always better than cure and far less painful!

Toothache

If the sunburn is severe it is important to seek medical attention. Remember to drink plenty of fluids

Pain in teeth and gums can be

to prevent dehydration. In addition,

caused by decay, but the stresses of

a sufferer may go into a state of

everyday life may also be to blame.

shock. (See also Shock for extra help

Take the remedy in the 30c potency

with any treatment). Take the

for two to three doses. Use the

remedy in the 6c potency three times

remedy Calc fluor in the 6x potency

a day for 2-3 days.

twice a day for ten days. If symptoms

Belladonna - red, diy, hot skin; hurstinp,

persist see your dentist. Arnica - bruise/l, sore sensation after

throhlhnp headaehe

injury or a trip to the dentist; helps to

Nat mar - intense, inipraine-like headache

stop bleedinp after a tooth extraction

131

Ailments & Remedies

Calc fluor - supports decaying teeth

hereditary factors to take into

Cojfea - neii’e pain that feels better with

account. Take the remedy in the 6c potency three times a day for 2-3

anv cold-water applications

days. Calc fluor should be taken in

FeiTum plws - inflammation and redness

the 6x potency three times a day for

around the gums

teri days.

Hepar sulph - tooth abscess: pus is

Beilis perennis - varicose veins feel

forming; area feels tender and sore

stpieezed, bniiscd and sore

Hypericunt - shooti)ig nerve pain

Calc fluor - varicose veins due to loss of

Kali phos - nagging toothache in decayed

tone in the blood vessel walls

or filled teeth

Carbo veg - poor circulation; varicose veins

Mag phos - sharp, shooting neive pains: relieved by warmth

have a tendency to ulcerate

Silica - weakened enamel; sore abscesses

Hamamelis - painful varicose veins that

and boils

are knotty-hard and feel full Lachesis - painful varicose veins with a tendency to ulcerate

Travel siclmess Vomiting

Many people find different kinds of motion and movement aggravating to the point of nausea and vomiting.

If vomiting is persistent it is advisable

Chewing ginger or drinking ginger

to seek professional advice, especially

tea can sometimes relieve the

with young children. Try to drink plenty

symptoms. Take the remedy below in

of fluids to prevent dehydration. Take

the 6c potency as needed.

the remedy in the 6c or 30c potency for

Cocculus - dizziness, vertigo, nausea and

2-3 doses as needed.

vomiting from travelling; watching moving

Arsenicum - burning pains in the stomach;

objects intensifies the svmptoms

restless, chilly, thirsty for small sips Biyonia - thirsty for large ijuantitics of water; patient needs to be still and

Varicose veins

cpiiet with no distraction; vomiting from headaches

Varicose veins are swollen, distended

Cocculus - vomiting from travelling;

veins that are often a sign of poor

griping pains with dizziness; aversion to

circulation, lack of exercise, a

food or drink

sedentary job or extra abdominal

Ipecac - constant nausea and vomiting;

weight, such as in pregnancy, when

vomiting does not relieve the symptoms

there is added pressure on the

Nux vomiea - vomiting from over-

internal organs. There may also be

indulgence in stimulants; irritability

132

Travel sick.-Whoop, cough

Whooping cough

PJtosphonis - thirst for hir^c quantities of cold n'atcr that is vomited as soon as it heeonies ivann in the stomach:

These remedies may be used as a

hunii)i^ pains

support in conjunction with medical treatment, as this childhood illness

Podophyllum - profuse, ivateiy vomit accompanied hy spluttering diatrlwea

can be very serious. The first signs

Pulsatilla - vomitinv from eati)i(t fatty

are usually a sore throat, cold and fever, which then develop into the

foods: better for fresh air

distinctive whooping, barking cough,

Veratnim alh - vomitinc at the same time as the diairhoea: patient feels cold and

causing the child to gasp for air.

has a cold sirnit: desire for ice cubes

Take 2-3 doses of the 30c potency eight hours apart, or the 6c potency three times a day for five days.

Warts and verrucae

Biyonia - vciy hard, painful cough: must hold the chest to restrict the movemcjit:

Constitutional treatment from a

child ivants to be left alone and he still

professional homoeopath is

Carbo veg - child craves fresh air and may

recommended for the treatment of

turn blue front the coughing fit: strong

warts and verrucae, especially if they

feelings of suffocation: exhaustion

reoccur frequently. Take the remedy

Drosera - deep, hollow, harking cough:

in the 6c potency three times a day

comes in fits and leads to vomiting: frnr

for seven days.

of suffocation Ipecac - incessant cough: child becomes

Causticum - ivarts found mainly on the

rigiil, and develops a red or blue face

luuuls, face and lids of the tyes

with vomiting

Nit ac - fatted warts that bleed easily

i

133

Homoeopathy

Glossary Allopathy

Acupuncture

y\nother word for conventional

A traditional form of Chinese healing that uses needles to

medicine, coined by Hahnemann to

puncture the skin at specified

distinguish it from homoeopathy. It

points - ‘acupoints’ - in order to

comes from the Greek words alio

cure illness or relieve symptoms

meaning ‘opposite’, and pathos

and promote healing.

meaning ‘suffering’.

Acute illness

Bach's Rescue Remedy

This refers to self-limiting illnesses

This is a combination of five

that, given time, will clear up of

flowers - cherry plum, clematis,

their own accord, such as colds, flu

impatiens, rock rose and Star of

or measles. Some acute illnesses -

Bethlehem - originally used by Dr

pneumonia, for example - can be

Edward Bach in the early twentieth

fatal. There tends to be three stages

century to combat negative

that a patient goes through:

emotional states. It can be used in

incubation, when symptoms are

any emergency situation to ease

present but not obvious; illness,

anxiety, fear or shock.

when symptoms are obvious; and

Case taking

finally, convalescence.

The collection of all the relevant

Affinity

symptoms of a patient, so that an

When the characteristics of a

accurate diagnosis can be made and

remedy taken by a healthy person

the correct remedy prescribed.

reflect strongly those of the

Centesimal scale

specified ailment.

The dilution of the mother tincture

Ailment

by one part of the tincture to 99

Another name for ‘illness’.

parts of alcohol, indicated in the dosage by the letter ‘c’. See also

Antidote

Decimal scale.

A substance that reduces the

Chronic illness

effectiveness of a homoeopathic remedy, in some cases negating it

This refers to any long term, deep-

all together. Drinking coffee can

seated illness that endures for a

sometimes have this effect.

long, often unpredictable period of

134

time, sometimes with changing

that is, a time for re-balancing the

symptom patterns. Acute illnesses

constitution.

can deyelop into chronic ones, which is why it is alwac’S important

Debility

to consult a qualified homoeopath.

A w'eakened state during and

Cancer and arthritis are examples of

following illness.

chronic illnesses. Decimal scale The dilution of the mother tincture

Common symptoms Sc'mptoms that are commonly

by one part of the tincture to ten

found in a specific illness - helping

parts of alcohol, .symbolized by the

to identif\’ that illness - such as

use of the letter ‘x’ in the dosage.

spots in chicken pox.

See also Centesimal scale.

Differentiate

Constitution The condition of a person’s health

To look at the differences between

at any particular time, often

tw'O remedy pictures, bearing in mind

assessed by obseryation alone,

the patient’s symptoms, in order to

notwithstanding genetic factors

make the most suitable choice.

inherited through the family. Emotional picture The collection of the emotional

Constitutional remedy A homoeopathic remedy that helps

symptoms, feelings and moods of a

re-balance the overall constitution

person. Also used when referring to

of a patient, including their mental,

the emotional sym|nom.s that are

emotional and physical w'ell-being.

found within a remedy.

Constitutional remedies are chosen Essence

by examing the person as a whole, and are best prescribed by a

The overall sense or meaning of a

qualified homoeopath.

particular remedy.

Expectoration

Convalescence The period following an illness

The coughing or spitting out of

w'hen the patient’s system is

phlegm from the chest or lungs.

w'eakened w'hile the body and the remedy work to restore full health -

135

Mental symptoms

Homoeopathic aggravation A temporary worsening of the

How the thinking process is affected

symptoms after taking a certain

- e.g., concentration, memory etc.

homoeopathic remedy. This most

IVj^iasm

often occurs after taking a constitutional remedy.

Comes from the Greek word miasma meaning ‘pollution’. It is a word

Key note

used by homoeopaths to describe an

A very important and specific

obstacle to getting better - either

symptom of a homoeopathic remedy.

through heredity or from a previous illness.

Law of Similars Minimum dose

Hahnemann’s first law in homoeopathy, stating that a

The potentization - i.e., establishing

substance can cure a sick person of

the correct strength - of a remedy

the symptoms that it produces in a

that cures without giving rise to

healthy person: ‘Like cures like.’

side effects.

Localized symptoms

Modalities

Symptoms that occur in limited and

Factors that makes symptoms

specific areas of the body.

either better or worse.

Main indications

Mother tincture

The most common symptoms -

This is the starting material for a

mental, emotional and physical - of

homoeopathic remedy. The original

a remedy.

substance is taken and steeped in alcohol for a long period of time.

Maintaining cause

This, in turn, is then used for the

Something that causes constant

process of dilution and succussion.

stress on the body, making it difficult for the remedy to have any

Nosode

curative action.

A homoeopathic remedy made from diseased tissue - i.e., a small pox

Materia Medica

vesicle.

The collective descriptions of all the remedy pictures, usually written

Osteopathy

down in alphabetical order.

This is a system of treatment that involves spinal manipulation and massage to relieve back pain.

136

Picture

Succussion

The overall s\'mptonis of a person

This reters to the shaking process

or remed^’.

u.sed after the dilution of the mother tincture in order to release

Potency

the energ\' of the raw' material.

This describes the strength of the reinedt’ and is determined bc’ how

Suppression

many times it has been diluted

The masking of symptoms that

and shaken.

subsequently drives the illness further into the body.

Proving The method used for establishing

Susceptibility

the healing properties of a remedy.

The level to which someone is

This is achieved bv administering

prone to certain illnesses.

substances to healthy patients under controlled conditions and

Symptoms

observing their reactions.

Any change to a person’s normal, healthy state on an emotional, mental and physical level.

Remedy I he name given to a homoeopathic

Symptom picture

medicine.

The collection of all the symptoms of one particular person. This is

Repertory Anv book, or section ot a book,

then used to determine which

used bv homoeopaths that contains

remedy should he used.

an index of symptoms followed by a Vital force

list of all the remedies associated with these .symptoms, and used in

The name Ilahnemann used for th

conjunction with the Materia Medica.

energy that exists within all living things. I le claimed that vital force needs to be balanced lor us to

Sac lac

remain healthy.

The name given to the pill used as a carrier for the remedy, made from

Water brash

sugar and milk.

A reflex action causing excessive acid fluids from the stomach to go

Similimum

into the mouth.

The remedy picture that most closely matches the symptom picture of the patient.

137

Useful Addresses

Useful Addresses Societies & Institutes Ailstralian Homoeopathic Association Federal Body, O- 65 Brosely Road, Toowong, Queensland 4068 Tel: (617) 337 17245

UK The Society of Homoeopaths 4a Artizan Road, Northampton, NN1 4HU Tel: (01604) 621400 Fax: (01604) 622622 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.homeopathy-soh.org

Australian Council of Homoeopathy P.Q. Box 494, Lindfield, New South Wales 2070 Tel: (612) 980 96703

The British Homoeopathic Association 27a Devonshire Street, London, WC1N 3HZ Tel: (020) 7935 2163 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.nhsconfed\bha

Homoeopathic Education and Research Association 1st Floor, 151 Union Street, Windsor, Victoria 3181 Tel: (613) 952 12779

Faculty of Homoeopathy The Royal Homoeopathic Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3HR Tel: (020) 7837 8833 Fax: (020) 7833 7229

CANADA Ontario Homeopathic Association P.O. Box 258, Station P, Toronto, Qntario, MSS 2S7 Tel: (416) 488 9685 / (416) 222 2995 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://wvvw.ontariohomeopath.com

Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine 63 Jeddo Road, London, W12 6HQ Tel: (020) 8735 0632

Homeopathic College of Canada 280 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Qntario, MP4 1L4 Tel: (416) 481 8816 E-mail: [email protected]

British Complementary Medical Association Kensington House, 33 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1QZ Tel: (0116) 282 5511 Fax: (0116) 227765

Syndicat professional des homeopathes du Quebec 1600 de Lorimier, Suite 382, Montreal, Quebec, H2K 3W5 Tel: (514) 525 2037 Fax: (514) 525 1299 E-mail: [email protected]

AUSTRALIA Australian Association of Professional Homoeopaths 80 Essenden Road, Anstead, Queensland 4070 Tel: (617) 320 26517 E-mail: [email protected]

138

Societies •

Homoeopathic Suppliers UK

Neal's Yard Remedies' outlets worldwide:

Ainsworth's Homoeopathic Pharmacy

UK 15 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H

38 New Cavendish Street, London, WIM 7LH

9DP Tel: (020) 7379 7222

Tel: (020) 7935 5330 Fax: (020) 7486 4313

Chelsea Farmers Market, Sydney Street,

E-mail: [email protected]

London, SW3 6NR Tel: (020) 7351 6380 9 Elgin Crescent, London, W11 2JA

Helios Homoeopathic Pharmacy

Tel: (020) 7727 3998

89-97 Camden Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells,

68 Chalk Farm Road, Camden, London,

Kent, TNI 2QR

NW1 8AN Tel: (020) 7284 2039

Tel: (01892) 536393 / 537254 Fax: (01892) 546850

2a Kensington Gardens, Brighton,

E-mail: [email protected]

East Sussex, BN1 4AL Tel: (01273) 601464 126 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2RP

Weleda UK Ltd

Tel: (0117) 946 6034

Heanor Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 8DR

The Glades Shopping Centre, Bromley, Kent,

Tel: (020) 7629 3118

BR1 1DD Te/; (020) 8313 9898

Fax: (020) 7495 0018 E-mail: [email protected]

23-25 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff, CF1 2AF

Web site: http;//wvvw.weleda.co.uk

Tel: (029) 2023 5721 9 Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1SX Tel: (01242 522136)

AUSTRALIA 46a George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LE

Brauer Biotherapies

Tel: (0131) 226 3223

Tanunda, South Australia 5352

29 John Dalton Street, Manchester,

Tel: (618) 8563 2932

M2 6DS Tel: (0161) 831 7875 19 Central Arcade, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne,

Pharmaceutical Plant Company

NE1 5BQ Tel: (0191) 232 2525

24 London Drive, Bayswater, Victoria 3153 Tel: (613) 9762 3777

26 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EL Tel: (01603) 766681 5 Golden Cross, Cornmarket Street, Oxford,

CANADA

0X1 3EU Tel: (01865) 2454436

Bach-Karooch P.O.Box 2465, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7Y8 Tel: (705) 749 1894

South America

Fax: (705) 749 0275

Rua Melo Alves 383, Jardins, Sao Paulo, CEP 01417 010, Brazil

E-mail: wildboy@peterboro,net

Japan 4-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-000

Neal's Yard Remedies

Venus Fort 2F, Palette Town, 1 Aomi Koto-ku,

NYR homoeopathic products can be obtained

Tokyo 135-0064

in many parts of the world. Contact the UK head office for details of your nearest outlet:

Queen's East 2F, 2-3-2 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokahama, Kanagawa Pre. 220

Head Office: 26-34 Ingate Place, London, SW8 3NS Tel: (020) 7498 1686

Super Brand City, 3-1 Shimokawabata-cho,

Fax: (020) 7498 2505

Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuota 812 0027

Mail Order: 29 John Dalton Street Manchester, M2 6DS Tel: (0161) 831 7875

USA 79 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich,

Fax: (0161) 835 9322

Connecticut, CT 06830-5644

Customer Services: Tel: (020) 7627 1949

139

Suppliers

ng

Further Reading Coulter, C. R., Portraits of Homoeopathic Medicines. North Atlantic Books, 1988 Gibson, Dr D., Studies of Homoeopathic Remedies. Beaconsfield Publishers, 1991 Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal. Tigqr Books International, 1994 Hamilton, E., The Flora Homoeopathica. B. Jain Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 1995 Kent, Dr J. T., Lectures on Homoeopathic Philosophy. Insight Editions, 1985 Kent, Dr J. T., Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Remedies. Homoeopathic Book Service, 1989 Phatak, Dr S. R., Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Medicine. Indian Books & A Periodicals Syndicate, 1982 Scholten, J., Homoeopathy and Minerals. Stichting Alonnissos, 1993 Shepherd, D., A Physicians Posy. Health Science Press, 1981 Tyler, M. L., Homoeopathic Drug Pictures. B. Jain Publishers Ltd., 1997 Vermeulen, F., Concordant Materia Medica. Merlijn Publishers, 1994 Vermeulen, F., Synoptic Materia Medica. Merlijn Publishers, 1993 Vithoulkhas, G., Homoeopathy - Medicine of the New Man. Thorsons, 1979

140

Index abscess, 25, 35, 60, 95, 106, 132 accidents, 29, 106 acne, 94, 106 Aconite (Aconitum luipellus). 20-1 acupuncture, 128, 134 acute illness, 12, 134 allergies, 25, 102, 106-7, 116, 1 19 Allium cepa, 22 anaemia, 55, 107 Anamirta cocculiis, 49 Ant tart (Antimonium taTtaricuin), 23 antiseptic, 61 anxiety, 27, 31, 63, 71, 107 ' Apis (Apis melifica), 24—5 Arg nit (Argentum nitricum), 26-7 Arnica (Arnica montana), 28-9 Arsenicum (Arsenicum album), 30-1 arthritis, 90, 91, 107 asthma, 108 Arsenicum, 31 Carbo veg, 43 Drosera, 52 Ipecac, 64 Kali bich, 65 Kali carb, 66 Nat sulph, 78 Silica, 95 Spongia, 96 Atropa belladonna, 34-5 Aurum (Aurum metallicum), 32-3 Bach’s Rescue Remedy, 121, 129, 134 backache, 39, 66, 108

balance, 8, 11, 117 belching, 27, 117 Belladonna, 34-5 Beilis perennis, 36 bites and stings see stings bloating, 48, 1 17 boils, 35, 60, 95, 109 bone fractures, 41, 117 breast-feeding, 86, 109 see also mastitis bronchitis, 109-10 Aconite, 21 Ant tart, 23 Belladonna, 35 Bryonia. 37 Ipecac, 64 Kali carb, 66 Phosphorus, 84-5 Silica, 95 bruising, 29, 36, 59, 91, 110 Bryonia (Bryonia alba), 37 burns, 42, 45, 102, 1 10 Clalc carb (Calcarea carbonica), 38-9 (laic fluor (((alcarea fluorica), 40

(laic phos (('.alcarea phosphorica), 41 camomile sec (lhamomilla (lantharis, 42 (larbo veg (Carbo vegetabilis), 43 catarrh, 64, 65, 89, 95, 1 10 (laulophyllum ( Caulophyllum thalictroides), 44

(lausticum, 45 centesimal scale, 13-15, 134 (lhamomilla, 46-7

141

charcoal see (larbo veg chicken pox, 23, 35, 90, 111, 128 chilblains, 40, 1 1 1 childbirth see also breast¬ feeding; labour Arnica, 29 China, 48 Kali carb, 66 Mag phos, 73 children’s ailments, 39, 41, 123,125,133 China (Cinchona officinalis), 9, 48 chronic illness, 12, 135 circulation, 68, 111 Citmllus colocynthis, 5 1 Cocculus, 49 Coffea (Coffea cruda), 50 cold sores, 77 colds, 1 1 1-12 Aconite, 2 1 Allium cepa, 22 Ant tart, 23 Eupatorium, 53 Euphrasia, 54 Eerrum phos, 55 Celsemium, 5(r-7 Silica, 95 colic, 22, 47, 51, 73, 112 Colocynth, 51 concussion, 82 conjunctivitis, 42, 54, 88-9, 112 constipation, 37, 81, 82, 112-13 convalescence, 41, 113, 135 corns, 40, 1 1 3 coughs, 113,133 Allium cepa, 22 Ant tart, 23 Bryonia, 37

Homoeopathy

Carbo veg, 43

Ferrum phos, 55

Colocynth, 51

Causticum, 45

Pulsatilla, 88-9

Phosphorus, 85

Drosera, 52

Silica, 95

Podophyllum, 87

Hepar sulph, 60

eczema, 58, 98-9, 116

Sulphur, 99

Ipecac, 64

emotional state, 15, 16,

Veratrum alb, 103

Silica, 95 Spongia, 96 cramp, 72, 113 croup, 2 1,60, 96, 114 cuts and grazes, 121 cystitis, 25, 42, 97, 102, 1 14

19, 135

^

essence, 16, 135 Eupatorium (Eupatorium perfoliatum), 53

sempennrens), 56-7 glossary, 134-7 gold see Aurum Graphites, 58

Euphrasia (Euphrasia officinalis), 54 exhaustion

grief, 45, 63, 77, 83, 118 growing pains, 118-19

Calc phos, 41 daisy see Beilis perennis

Carbo veg, 43

deadly nightshade see

China, 48

Belladonna

Gelsemium (Gelsemium

Kali phos, 67

debility, 83, 135

Phos ac, 83

decimal scale, 13, 135

Sepia, 93

growth promotion, 41 see also growing pains haemorrhage, 29, 55, 59, 126 haemorrhoids, 1 19

Delphinium stapliysagria, 97

eyebright see Euphrasia

Calc fluor, 40

dental treatment, 114,

eyes

Ferrum phos, 55

131-2 depression, 33, 63, 77, 114-15 dermatitis, 116

see also conjunctivitis;

Hamamelis, 59

styes

Nit ac, 79

injuries, 54, 116 strain, 91, 116

diagnosis, 9 diarrhoea, 115

9-11 fainting, 27, 43, 116

Arsenicum, 31

fear, 56-7

Art nit, 27

Ferrum phos

Chamomilla, 47 China, 48 Colocynth, 51

Sulphur, 99 Hahnemann, Samuel, Hamamelis (Hamamelis virginiana), 59

(Ferrum phosphoricum), 55 fever, 21, 35, 53, 55, 75, 1 17

hangover, 49, 78, 81, 119 hay fever, 22, 54, 119 head injuries, 82, 121 head lice, 97

Ipecac. 64

first aid, 121

Merc sol, 75

flatulence, 117, 121

headaches, 120, 124 Allium cepa, 22

Nat sulph, 78

Art nit, 27

Art nit, 27

Podophyllum, 87

Carbo veg, 43

Aurum, 33

Pulsatilla, 88-9

China, 48

Belladonna, 35

Sulphur, 98-9

Eycopodium, 71

Bryonia, 37

Veratrum alb, 103

Nux vomica, 81

Lachesis, 68

disharmony, 11,12

flu, 37, 53, 57, 121

Nat mur, 77

dosage, 15, 136

food poisoning, 31, 115

Nux vomica. 81

Drosera

fractures, 29, 41, 117

Pulsatilla, 88, 89

(Drosera rotundifolia), 52

see also sprains and strains fright, 21

healing crisis, 16

earache, 1 15

healing mechanisms,

Aconite, 21

gastritis, 89

Belladonna, 35

gastroenteritis, I 18

Chamomilla, 47

Silica, 94, 95

natural, 15, 16

Arsenicum, 31

142

heart palpitations, 33, 68, 126

heartburn, 121 Hepar sulph

see also childbirth

nausea, 125

Lachesis (Lachesis iiiuta), 68

see also morning sickness;

Law of Similars, 9, 136

travel sickness; vomiting

homesickness. 83

Ledum {Leditm palustre), 69

Ipecac, 64

honey bee str Apis

Leopard’s-bane see Arnica

Nat sulph, 78

housemaid’s knee, 91

Lycopodium (Lycopodiiini

Nux vomica, 81

(Hejhir sidphiiiis), 60

hvperactivitv. 50

elaratum). 70-1

H\’pericum (Hypcriciiiii perfoliatum), 6l'

Rhus tox, 88 Mag phos (Magnesia Phosphorica), 72-3 malaria, 9

Ignatia (Ipuitia amara), 62-3

Phosphorus, 84-5 Sepia, 93 Silica, 95 Veratrum alb, 103

mastitis, 35, 86, 123

nerve injuries, 61, 121

Materia Medica, 12,

nervous tension, 67

impetigo, 58, 120

16-17, 18-103, 136

neuralgia, 67, 73, 125-6

incontinence, 45, 120

External, 14

Nit ac (Nitricum acidum),

indigestion, 43, 71, 81,

121

Matricaria chaitiomilla, 46-7

79 nosebleeds. 55, 85, 126

inflammation, 55, 127

measles, 123

nosode, 136

influenza see flu

menopause, 68, 93

Nux vomica, 80-1

injury, 121

menstrual problems, 123-4

Ainica, 29

Caulophyllum, 44

operations, 85, 97, 126

Beilis perennis, 36

Colocynth, 51

Opium, 82

Bryonia, 37

Lachesis, 68

origins of homoeopathy,

Calc fluor, 40

Mag phos, 73

Opium, 82

Sepia, 93

osteo-arthritis, 91

Rhus tox, 90

Veratrum alb, 103

o.steopathy, 128, 136

8-9

Ruta, 91 insect bites. 25, 61,69, 102, 108 see also stings insomnia, 50, 67, 81,82, 122 Ipecac, 64 irritability, 93 jet lag, 67. 122 joint pain see rheumatism; rheumatoid arthritis

Merc sol (Mercurius solubilis), 74-5

(Kali hichromiciim), 65 Kali carb

miasm, 136

Paparer somniferum, 82 period pain see menstrual

miscarriage, 93

(Kali phosphoricum), 67

modalities, 136 Monk’s hood see Aconite

Peruvian bark see Ohina

morning sickness, 64, 93,

Phos ac (phosphoric acid), 83 Phosphorus, 84-5

124-5 mother tincture, 13, 136 Mountain tobacco see

Phytolacca (Phytolacca americaua), 86 |iictures, 16, 136, 137

mouth ulcers, 75, 79, 95,

iriles see haemorrhoids pimples, 94, 106

125 mumps. 25, 35, 125

pleurisy, 36, 37 pneumonia, 95

Nat mur (Natrum muriaticum), 76-7

Podophyllum (Podophyllum peltatum), 87 poison ivy see Rhus tox

Nat sulph labour, 44, 47, 66, 122

pn;blems perspiration, 127

(Kali carbonicum), 66 Kali phos

panic attack, 21

migraine, 124

Arnica Kali bich

palpitations, 33, 68, 126

(Natrum sulphuricum), 78

143

potency, 13, 15, 136

Homoeopathy ---

potentization, 10-11

Silica (Silicea terra), 94-5

Tartar emetic see Ant tart

pregnancy, 36, 89, 110,

silver nitrate see Art nit

teething, 39, 41, 47, 131

127

sinusitis, 65, 75, 129

tennis elbow, 91

see also childbirth; labour;

skin conditions see acne;

Thuja (Thuja occidentalis),

morning sickness

dermatitis; eczema;

100-1

prevention of disease, 11

impetigo; scabies;

tissue salts, 72

professional consultations,

splinters; urticaria

tonsillitis,

8, 15-16, 105, 118, 127 provings, 9, 136 Psychotria ipecacuanha, 64 Pulsatilla (Pulsatilla pratcnsis), 88-9

sleep problems, 82 see also insomnia sodium sulphate see Nat sulph

35, 75, 86, 95, 129-30 tooth decay, 40, 95, 132 toothache, 50, 67, 73, 114,131-2

sore throat, 129-30 Aconite, 21

red onion see Allium cepa

Belladonna, 35

remedy, 137

Cantharis, 42

trauma, 29, 36, 126 travel sickness, 49, 132 see also jet lag

choice, 16

Laches is, 68

dilution, 10, 13, 15

Merc sol, 75

Urtica (Urtica urens), 102

picture, 16, 136

Nit ac, 79

urticaria, 102

Phytolacca, 86

useful addresses, 138

potency, 13, 15, 136 preparation, 10, 12-15

Spanish fly see Cantharis

succussion, 10, 13, 137

splinters, 95, 130

taking, 15, 16

Spongia (Spongia tosta), 96

rheumatism, 44, 90, 91, 127-8 rheumatoid arthritis, 69 Rhus tox (Rhus toxicodendron), 90

sprains and strains, 36, 90, 91, 130

ulcers, 75, 79, 95, 125

varicose veins, 36, 40, 59, 132 Veratrum alb (Veratrum album), 103

St John’s wort see Hypericum Staphysagria, 97

verrucae, 133 vertigo, 49, 121 vital force, 11, 137

rue see Ruta

stings, 69, 102, 108

vomiting, 84, 85, 132-3

Ruta (Ruta graveolens), 91

strains see sprains and strains

vulnerability to illness,

salt see Nat mur

stretch marks, 40, 127, 130

scabies, 128

Stiychnos ignatii, 62-3

warts, 79, 94, 101, 133

sciatica, 91, 128

Stiychnos nux-vomica, 80-1

water brash, 121, 137

styes, 25, 97, 131

whooping cough, 133

stress, 12

self-help treatment, 8, 12, 17

11-12

succussion, 10, 13, 137

Witch-hazel see Hamamelis

Sepia (Sepia officinalis), 92-3

Sulphur, 98-9

Wolf’s-bane see Aconite

shaking remedies, 10, 13

sunburn, 35, 131

wounds, 61, 69, 121

shingles, 67, 90, 128

sundew see Drosera

shock, 126, 129

suppliers, 139

Aconite, 21

surgery, 85, 97, 1 10, 126

Arnica, 29, 121

symptoms, 137

Bach’s Rescue Remedy,

common, 135

121, 129

localised, 136

Gelsemium, 56-7

pictures, 16, 19, 137

Ignatia, 63

suppression, 12

Opium, 82

worsening, 16

side effects, 15

144

see also injury

T Toi^oeopathic remedies have been used to treat illnesses JfaKbr hundreds of years and are becoming iAcreasingly ,^^^'pular today as an alternative to modern medicine, i

The remedies come from the animals, plants and minerals

ir

around us which, used properly, have proven and powerful healing properties. The regular use of homoeopathic I ■

medicine can even strengthen the immune system and provide valuable protection to the body as a whole. Neal’s Yard Remedies has estabhshed an enviable reputation in the field of homoeopathic medicine. This book distils the wealth of knowledge and expertise gained by treating patients and dispensing remedies on a regular basis, enabling readers to acquire an understanding of the individual materials and their applications. Aurum Press Ltd 25 Bedford Avenue London WCIB 3AT

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