Homeopathy
101. DIOSCOREA
Dioscorea villosa
Wild yam, colic root.
Key Uses:Neuralgic and colicky pains, especially in the gastrointestinal system Renal colic, in men, associated with kidney stones, sharp pains radiating down the testicles and legs, and cold, clammy perspiration
Origin : Native to North and Central America.
Background : A traditional Aztec remedy for pain, wild yam was commonly used in Central America for colic and menstrual pain. It was also used in the production of the first contraceptive pill.
Preparation : The fresh root is dug up after the plant has flowered. It is then chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom this remedy is most appropriate are prone to irritability, stress, and nervousness, and want to be left alone.
Key symptoms associated with Dioscorea are neuralgic and colicky pains, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system. The pains are typically severe, cutting, cramping, and grinding, and radiate out in all directions from a central point that may shift location. They may affect the area of the liver, radiating upward to the right nipple. In women, the pains may occur during menstruation. In men, Dioscorea is typically prescribed to treat renal colic associated with kidney stones, sharp pains radiating down the testicles and legs, and cold, clammy perspiration.
Symptoms Better : For stretching out; for bending backward; for standing erect; for movement; for firm pressure on the affected area; for belching.
Symptoms Worse : For doubling over; for lying down; from 2 a.m. onward; for eating; for drinking tea.
Wild yam, colic root.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to North and Central America.
Background : A traditional Aztec remedy for pain, wild yam was commonly used in Central America for colic and menstrual pain. It was also used in the production of the first contraceptive pill.
Preparation : The fresh root is dug up after the plant has flowered. It is then chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom this remedy is most appropriate are prone to irritability, stress, and nervousness, and want to be left alone.
Key symptoms associated with Dioscorea are neuralgic and colicky pains, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system. The pains are typically severe, cutting, cramping, and grinding, and radiate out in all directions from a central point that may shift location. They may affect the area of the liver, radiating upward to the right nipple. In women, the pains may occur during menstruation. In men, Dioscorea is typically prescribed to treat renal colic associated with kidney stones, sharp pains radiating down the testicles and legs, and cold, clammy perspiration.
Symptoms Better : For stretching out; for bending backward; for standing erect; for movement; for firm pressure on the affected area; for belching.
Symptoms Worse : For doubling over; for lying down; from 2 a.m. onward; for eating; for drinking tea.
102. ECHINACEA
Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea, coneflower.
Key Uses:Abscesses, boils, and carbuncles Animal and insect bites and stings Cancer Diphtheria Septicemia Swollen glands
Origin : Native to North America, and now cultivated in Europe and the US.
Background : Native Americans used echinacea for toothache and sore throats. Long considered a herbal “cure-all” and thought to stimulate the immune system.
Preparation : The fresh plant, including the root, is pulped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Echinacea is typically prescribed for its antiseptic properties, to treat abscesses, boils, carbuncles, swollen glands, animal and insect bites and stings, septicemia, and diphtheria. The remedy is also given to treat cancer, especially as an analgesic in the late stages of the illness. Typical physical symptoms include chilliness, tiredness, and weakness, with aching muscles, considerable weight loss, debility, and foul-smelling discharges.
Symptoms Better : For rest; for lying down; after physical or mental exertion.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for cold air.
Echinacea, coneflower.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to North America, and now cultivated in Europe and the US.
Background : Native Americans used echinacea for toothache and sore throats. Long considered a herbal “cure-all” and thought to stimulate the immune system.
Preparation : The fresh plant, including the root, is pulped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Echinacea is typically prescribed for its antiseptic properties, to treat abscesses, boils, carbuncles, swollen glands, animal and insect bites and stings, septicemia, and diphtheria. The remedy is also given to treat cancer, especially as an analgesic in the late stages of the illness. Typical physical symptoms include chilliness, tiredness, and weakness, with aching muscles, considerable weight loss, debility, and foul-smelling discharges.
Symptoms Better : For rest; for lying down; after physical or mental exertion.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for cold air.
103. EUPATORIUM PER
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Boneset, agueweed, thoroughwort, sweating plant.
Key Uses:Influenza or malarial fever accompanied by pain in the limbs
Origin : Native to North America.
Background : Native Americans used a boneset infusion for colds, fever, arthritis, and rheumatic pain. It became popular with European settlers due to its ability to stimulate the immune system against fever.
Preparation : The fresh aerial parts in flower are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : When unwell, people for whom this remedy is best suited may moan with pain and feel that they are going out of their minds. They tend to feel anxious and restless, wishing that they could keep still. They may have a sensation as though their bones are broken.
Eupatorium per. is usually given for influenza or malarial fever accompanied by pain in the limbs. Fever typically starts as a chill, then generates heat, sweating, and a strong thirst, accompanied by pains in the bones and great restlessness. Further symptoms that may be treated include vomiting of bile, and headaches that feel worse during the sweating phase.
Symptoms Better : For conversation; after vomiting bile.
Symptoms Worse : For cold air; after a recurring interval of time; for movement; for the smell or sight of food.
Boneset, agueweed, thoroughwort, sweating plant.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to North America.
Background : Native Americans used a boneset infusion for colds, fever, arthritis, and rheumatic pain. It became popular with European settlers due to its ability to stimulate the immune system against fever.
Preparation : The fresh aerial parts in flower are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : When unwell, people for whom this remedy is best suited may moan with pain and feel that they are going out of their minds. They tend to feel anxious and restless, wishing that they could keep still. They may have a sensation as though their bones are broken.
Eupatorium per. is usually given for influenza or malarial fever accompanied by pain in the limbs. Fever typically starts as a chill, then generates heat, sweating, and a strong thirst, accompanied by pains in the bones and great restlessness. Further symptoms that may be treated include vomiting of bile, and headaches that feel worse during the sweating phase.
Symptoms Better : For conversation; after vomiting bile.
Symptoms Worse : For cold air; after a recurring interval of time; for movement; for the smell or sight of food.
104. EUPHORBIUM
Euphorbia resinifera ‘Berger’
Spurge, gum euphorbia.
Key Uses:Burning pain in the bones with a weak and dislocated feeling in the limbs, and sharp, cramping pains and weakness in the joints Itching, burning skin, possibly with warts, slow-healing ulcers, or yellow blistering due to erysipelas
Origin : Native to Morocco.
Background : In classical times spurge was used as a purgative, until recognition of the danger of poisoning from an overdose led to disuse. In Europe its milky, irritant sap was used to burn off warts until the 19th century.
Preparation : The hardened, resinous sap is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : A key symptom linked with Euphorbium is burning pain in the bones, as if there are live coals in or on the bones. The limbs may feel weak and dislocated, with sharp, cramping pains and weakness in the joints.
Another classic problem treated by this remedy is itching, burning skin, possibly with warts, slow-healing ulcers, or yellow blistering. These symptoms may be due to erysipelas (a bacterial infection) on the face.
Symptoms Better : For movement; for applying oil to the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For sitting; for touch; on beginning to move.
Spurge, gum euphorbia.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Morocco.
Background : In classical times spurge was used as a purgative, until recognition of the danger of poisoning from an overdose led to disuse. In Europe its milky, irritant sap was used to burn off warts until the 19th century.
Preparation : The hardened, resinous sap is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : A key symptom linked with Euphorbium is burning pain in the bones, as if there are live coals in or on the bones. The limbs may feel weak and dislocated, with sharp, cramping pains and weakness in the joints.
Another classic problem treated by this remedy is itching, burning skin, possibly with warts, slow-healing ulcers, or yellow blistering. These symptoms may be due to erysipelas (a bacterial infection) on the face.
Symptoms Better : For movement; for applying oil to the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For sitting; for touch; on beginning to move.
105. EUPHRASIA
Euphrasia officinalis
Eyebright.
Key Uses:Colds Conjunctivitis Eye problems after an injury Hay fever Irritation in the eyes with a heightened sensitivity to light
Origin : Native to Europe, but now also found in Asia and North America.
Background : This herb has been used to treat eye strain and inflammations since the Middle Ages. Modern herbalists use it for infections and allergic conditions of the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages.
Preparation : The whole, fresh, flowering plant, including the root, is chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People who respond well to Euphrasia are typically taciturn, indolent, melancholic, and prone to daydreaming.
Euphrasia has a classic affinity with the eyes. Common physical symptoms include irritation in the eyes, with cutting, burning, pressing pains and sticky mucus. There is typically heightened sensitivity to light, with burning, swollen eyelids and frequent blinking. The eyes tend to water profusely, a symptom that is exacerbated by open air, lying down, or coughing. The remedy is used mainly for allergies or infections affecting the eyes and nose, such as colds,
EQUISETUM ARVENSE (Field horsetail)
142
hay fever, or conjunctivitis. It may also be prescribed if eye symptoms occur after an injury.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for blinking; for wiping the eyes.
Symptoms Worse : For warmth; for wind; for sunlight; for being indoors.
Eyebright.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Europe, but now also found in Asia and North America.
Background : This herb has been used to treat eye strain and inflammations since the Middle Ages. Modern herbalists use it for infections and allergic conditions of the eyes, middle ear, sinuses, and nasal passages.
Preparation : The whole, fresh, flowering plant, including the root, is chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People who respond well to Euphrasia are typically taciturn, indolent, melancholic, and prone to daydreaming.
Euphrasia has a classic affinity with the eyes. Common physical symptoms include irritation in the eyes, with cutting, burning, pressing pains and sticky mucus. There is typically heightened sensitivity to light, with burning, swollen eyelids and frequent blinking. The eyes tend to water profusely, a symptom that is exacerbated by open air, lying down, or coughing. The remedy is used mainly for allergies or infections affecting the eyes and nose, such as colds,
EQUISETUM ARVENSE (Field horsetail)
142
hay fever, or conjunctivitis. It may also be prescribed if eye symptoms occur after an injury.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for blinking; for wiping the eyes.
Symptoms Worse : For warmth; for wind; for sunlight; for being indoors.
106. GELSEMIUM
Gelsemium sempervirens
Carolina jasmine, yellow jasmine, false jasmine.
Key Uses:Acute influenza and sore throat Hay fever Paralysis, linked with phobias, exam nerves, stage fright, and other anticipatory terrors
Origin : Native to the southern US and Central America, and now grown worldwide.
Background : Carolina jasmine came into regular use from the middle of the 19th century, chiefly as a treatment for nervous disorders such as sciatica and neuralgia.
Preparation : The fresh bark of the root is finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Gelsemium is most suited fear losing control. They dislike being disturbed, especially while feverish, when they feel dull, drowsy, and dizzy, but want to be held. Their faces are flushed dark red, with a dull, besotted expression.
A general state of mental and physical paralysis, with weakness and an inability to perform, are key symptoms linked to this remedy. At times the remedy has been given to strengthen courage on the battlefield, and it is often used for phobias, exam nerves, stage fright, and other anticipatory terrors, which cause trembling, weakness, diarrhea, and frequent urination. In the long term, these symptoms may lead to more complicated, serious neurological disorders and possibly even paralysis, which the remedy may help.
Gelsemium is also used to treat acute influenza or sore throats, with weakness, limp limbs, chills, fever, headaches with double vision, and heavy, drooping eyelids. There may be a lack of thirst, even during fever. In addition, the remedy can be given for hay fever if accompanied by these symptoms.
Symptoms Better : For profuse urination; for sweating; for shaking; for alcoholic drinks.
Symptoms Worse : In humid weather, especially during spring; for extreme emotions; for dread or ordeals; for surprises or shocks.
Carolina jasmine, yellow jasmine, false jasmine.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to the southern US and Central America, and now grown worldwide.
Background : Carolina jasmine came into regular use from the middle of the 19th century, chiefly as a treatment for nervous disorders such as sciatica and neuralgia.
Preparation : The fresh bark of the root is finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Gelsemium is most suited fear losing control. They dislike being disturbed, especially while feverish, when they feel dull, drowsy, and dizzy, but want to be held. Their faces are flushed dark red, with a dull, besotted expression.
A general state of mental and physical paralysis, with weakness and an inability to perform, are key symptoms linked to this remedy. At times the remedy has been given to strengthen courage on the battlefield, and it is often used for phobias, exam nerves, stage fright, and other anticipatory terrors, which cause trembling, weakness, diarrhea, and frequent urination. In the long term, these symptoms may lead to more complicated, serious neurological disorders and possibly even paralysis, which the remedy may help.
Gelsemium is also used to treat acute influenza or sore throats, with weakness, limp limbs, chills, fever, headaches with double vision, and heavy, drooping eyelids. There may be a lack of thirst, even during fever. In addition, the remedy can be given for hay fever if accompanied by these symptoms.
Symptoms Better : For profuse urination; for sweating; for shaking; for alcoholic drinks.
Symptoms Worse : In humid weather, especially during spring; for extreme emotions; for dread or ordeals; for surprises or shocks.
107. FRAXINUS
Fraxinus americana
White ash.
Key Uses:Fibroids and other tumors Heavy, painful menstruation Uterine problems, such as a uterus that is relaxed in tone or prolapsed
Origin : Native to eastern North America.
Background : In Norse mythology the ash tree was considered sacred. In Europe its nutritious sap has traditionally been used as a gentle laxative.
Preparation : The bark of the tree is chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : A need to talk is common in those who respond best to this remedy, and they tend to be depressed, nervous, and anxious. Illness may be accompanied by uneasy sleep and frightening dreams.
Fraxinus is chiefly used for uterine problems. Typical symptoms include a uterus that is relaxed in tone, or possibly prolapsed, with a watery, non-irritating vaginal discharge and a heavy, painful, bearing-down sensation. The remedy is also given for heavy, painful menstruation, and for fibroids and other tumors.
Symptoms Better : None known.
Symptoms Worse : For injury; for sprains; for lifting.
White ash.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to eastern North America.
Background : In Norse mythology the ash tree was considered sacred. In Europe its nutritious sap has traditionally been used as a gentle laxative.
Preparation : The bark of the tree is chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : A need to talk is common in those who respond best to this remedy, and they tend to be depressed, nervous, and anxious. Illness may be accompanied by uneasy sleep and frightening dreams.
Fraxinus is chiefly used for uterine problems. Typical symptoms include a uterus that is relaxed in tone, or possibly prolapsed, with a watery, non-irritating vaginal discharge and a heavy, painful, bearing-down sensation. The remedy is also given for heavy, painful menstruation, and for fibroids and other tumors.
Symptoms Better : None known.
Symptoms Worse : For injury; for sprains; for lifting.
108. FAGOPYRUM
Fagopyrum esculentum
Buckwheat.
Key Uses:Eczema and itching skin Heart complaints associated with visibly pulsing arteries
Origin : Native to central and northern Asia, and cultivated in temperate regions, especially in the US and eastern Europe.
Background : This major grain crop may have been brought to Europe during the Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries. Medicinally, the leaves were used for high blood pressure, chilblains, and frostbite.
Preparation : The aerial parts are picked after flowering and before the fruits ripen, then chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Confusion and alternating states of mind are typical in those for whom Fagopyrum is best suited. These people also tend to be depressed and irritable.
Fagopyrum is generally associated with eczema and itching skin, possibly on the genitals, scalp, eyelids, and ears, or in the folds of the skin of infants and the elderly. The inside of the nose may become sore and crusted. Foul- smelling secretions may accompany itching.
Heart complaints associated with visibly pulsing arteries, either with or without concurrent skin conditions, may also be treated with Fagopyrum. Other symptoms linked to this remedy include a rapid, irregular pulse and a strong sensation of oppression in the heart area.
Symptoms Better : For cold compresses; for pressure on the affected area; for coffee.
Symptoms Worse : For sunlight; for scratching; for movement.Ferula assa-foetida syn.
Buckwheat.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to central and northern Asia, and cultivated in temperate regions, especially in the US and eastern Europe.
Background : This major grain crop may have been brought to Europe during the Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries. Medicinally, the leaves were used for high blood pressure, chilblains, and frostbite.
Preparation : The aerial parts are picked after flowering and before the fruits ripen, then chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Confusion and alternating states of mind are typical in those for whom Fagopyrum is best suited. These people also tend to be depressed and irritable.
Fagopyrum is generally associated with eczema and itching skin, possibly on the genitals, scalp, eyelids, and ears, or in the folds of the skin of infants and the elderly. The inside of the nose may become sore and crusted. Foul- smelling secretions may accompany itching.
Heart complaints associated with visibly pulsing arteries, either with or without concurrent skin conditions, may also be treated with Fagopyrum. Other symptoms linked to this remedy include a rapid, irregular pulse and a strong sensation of oppression in the heart area.
Symptoms Better : For cold compresses; for pressure on the affected area; for coffee.
Symptoms Worse : For sunlight; for scratching; for movement.Ferula assa-foetida syn.
109. GLONOINUM
Trinitrum syn. Nitroglycerinum
Nitroglycerine, trinitroglycerine, glyceryl trinitrate.
Key Uses:Heat exhaustion High blood pressure, especially in the elderly Menopausal hot flashes Severe headaches, accompanied by great confusion and a compulsion to hold the head and squeeze it
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : An Italian chemist, Ascanio Sobreoro, created nitroglycerine in 1846, and 20 years later the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel used it to develop dynamite.
Preparation : Nitroglycerine is dissolved in purified water, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Symptoms that are treated with Glonoinum focus on the regulation of the circulation between the head and the heart. The remedy is used when an increase in blood supply causes hot flashes, similar to those experienced during heatstroke, which surge up to the brain in waves, resulting in severe headaches. There is typically a bursting, “full” sensation in the head, with great confusion and a compulsion to hold the head and squeeze it. Glonoinum is also used for high blood pressure, particularly in the elderly, for heat exhaustion, and for menopausal hot flashes.
Symptoms Better : For fresh air.
Symptoms Worse : For heat, especially that of the sun; for movement such as shaking the head.
Nitroglycerine, trinitroglycerine, glyceryl trinitrate.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : An Italian chemist, Ascanio Sobreoro, created nitroglycerine in 1846, and 20 years later the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel used it to develop dynamite.
Preparation : Nitroglycerine is dissolved in purified water, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Symptoms that are treated with Glonoinum focus on the regulation of the circulation between the head and the heart. The remedy is used when an increase in blood supply causes hot flashes, similar to those experienced during heatstroke, which surge up to the brain in waves, resulting in severe headaches. There is typically a bursting, “full” sensation in the head, with great confusion and a compulsion to hold the head and squeeze it. Glonoinum is also used for high blood pressure, particularly in the elderly, for heat exhaustion, and for menopausal hot flashes.
Symptoms Better : For fresh air.
Symptoms Worse : For heat, especially that of the sun; for movement such as shaking the head.
110. GNAPHALIUM
Gnaphalium polycephalum
Sweet-scented everlasting flower, cudweed.
Key Uses:Foul-smelling diarrhea with colic Intense sciatic pain alternating with or followed by numbness Joint pains and rheumatic complaints Lumbago with numbness and heaviness in the affected area Scanty menstrual periods
Origin : Native to North America.
Background : This plant has been used in herbal medicine to treat colds, fevers, and respiratory and intestinal catarrh, and has been applied as a poultice to bruises.
Preparation : The whole, fresh plant is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is used mainly for intense sciatic pains alternating with or followed by numbness. Lumbago with numbness and heaviness in the affected area may also be treated, as may joint pains and rheumatic complaints. In addition, foul-smelling diarrhea with colic that is worse in the morning may respond to the remedy, as may scanty periods that are at their most painful on the first day.
Symptoms Better : For sitting in a chair; for flexing the limbs.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for damp; for movement; for walking; for stepping up or down; for lying down on the left side.
Sweet-scented everlasting flower, cudweed.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to North America.
Background : This plant has been used in herbal medicine to treat colds, fevers, and respiratory and intestinal catarrh, and has been applied as a poultice to bruises.
Preparation : The whole, fresh plant is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is used mainly for intense sciatic pains alternating with or followed by numbness. Lumbago with numbness and heaviness in the affected area may also be treated, as may joint pains and rheumatic complaints. In addition, foul-smelling diarrhea with colic that is worse in the morning may respond to the remedy, as may scanty periods that are at their most painful on the first day.
Symptoms Better : For sitting in a chair; for flexing the limbs.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for damp; for movement; for walking; for stepping up or down; for lying down on the left side.
