Homeopathy
211. STICTA
Lobaria pulmonaria
Tree lungwort.
Key Uses:Chronic catarrh that is difficult to expel and causes stuffiness, a dull, heavy feeling in the head, and a dry, tickly throat Pneumonia Respiratory problems associated with hay fever or other allergic reactions, influenza, or bronchitis
Origin : Found throughout Europe.
Background : This lichen has been used in Europe for thousands of years to treat conditions such as chronic respiratory catarrh, bronchitis, and coughs.
Preparation : The whole, dried lichen is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Sticta is most effective for lively people who tend to be loquacious, and who may feel as if they are floating on air. They may experience sleeplessness or confusion. Sticta is most appropriate for respiratory problems associated with hay fever or other allergic reactions, influenza, or bronchitis. There may be repeated sneezing, which tends to become worse at night, then dries suddenly. Sticta may also be used for pneumonia, and for chronic catarrh that is difficult to expel and causes stuffiness, a dull, heavy feeling in the head, and a dry, tickly throat.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for expelling catarrh or mucus.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for changes in temperature; for lying down; for movement.
Tree lungwort.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found throughout Europe.
Background : This lichen has been used in Europe for thousands of years to treat conditions such as chronic respiratory catarrh, bronchitis, and coughs.
Preparation : The whole, dried lichen is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Sticta is most effective for lively people who tend to be loquacious, and who may feel as if they are floating on air. They may experience sleeplessness or confusion. Sticta is most appropriate for respiratory problems associated with hay fever or other allergic reactions, influenza, or bronchitis. There may be repeated sneezing, which tends to become worse at night, then dries suddenly. Sticta may also be used for pneumonia, and for chronic catarrh that is difficult to expel and causes stuffiness, a dull, heavy feeling in the head, and a dry, tickly throat.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for expelling catarrh or mucus.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for changes in temperature; for lying down; for movement.
212. STRONTIUM CARB
Strontium carbonicum
Strontium carbonate.
Key Uses:Acute conditions following an operation or injury, such as fainting, exhaustion, chills, violent palpitations, and collapse Heart conditions, including angina, phlebitis, and terrible pains in the muscles and bones
Origin : Found in strontianite, which occurs mainly in Scotland, Germany, and California.
Background : This mineral takes its name from Strontian, the village in Argyllshire, Scotland, where strontianite was discovered in 1790.
Preparation : Strontium carbonate is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Irritable people who are prone to rage respond to Strontium carb. Rage may even provoke violence and destructiveness in them, but they also tend to be forgetful, fearful, particularly of the dark, and easily startled. Although they may seem haughty, they are extremely sensitive to the scorn of others. They may start involuntarily and violently when asleep, waking themselves.
This remedy is given mainly for acute conditions following an operation or injury, such as fainting, exhaustion, chills, violent palpitations, and collapse, possibly due to severe trauma and bleeding. It may also be used to treat heart conditions, including angina, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), and terrible pains in the muscles and bones.
The symptom picture for heart problems treated by Strontium carb. describes a heavy, smothering sensation in the heart area, or dull, intermittent pressure in the heart.
Symptoms Better : For heat; for light; for sunlight; for warm compresses; for a hot bath.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for loss of blood; for uncovering the affected area; for walking.
Strontium carbonate.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in strontianite, which occurs mainly in Scotland, Germany, and California.
Background : This mineral takes its name from Strontian, the village in Argyllshire, Scotland, where strontianite was discovered in 1790.
Preparation : Strontium carbonate is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Irritable people who are prone to rage respond to Strontium carb. Rage may even provoke violence and destructiveness in them, but they also tend to be forgetful, fearful, particularly of the dark, and easily startled. Although they may seem haughty, they are extremely sensitive to the scorn of others. They may start involuntarily and violently when asleep, waking themselves.
This remedy is given mainly for acute conditions following an operation or injury, such as fainting, exhaustion, chills, violent palpitations, and collapse, possibly due to severe trauma and bleeding. It may also be used to treat heart conditions, including angina, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), and terrible pains in the muscles and bones.
The symptom picture for heart problems treated by Strontium carb. describes a heavy, smothering sensation in the heart area, or dull, intermittent pressure in the heart.
Symptoms Better : For heat; for light; for sunlight; for warm compresses; for a hot bath.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for loss of blood; for uncovering the affected area; for walking.
213. SULPHURIC AC
Acidum sulphuricum
Sulfuric acid, oil of vitriol.
Key Uses:Diabetes Extreme fatigue following an injury, concussion, or operation, especially if healing is slow
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This oily, corrosive liquid was discovered by alchemists in the 13th century. It is used to make dyes, drugs, and fertilizers.
Preparation : Sulfuric acid is dissolved in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Sulphuric ac. is best suited are hurried, mentally restless, and excitable, despite great exhaustion, weakness, and trembling. Usually mentally sharp, they are prone to nervous exhaustion, becoming absentminded and dull when ill.
The classic symptom picture for this remedy is of extreme fatigue following an injury, concussion, or operation, especially if healing is slow, with bruising, bleeding, ulceration, gangrene, or other symptoms of decay. There is often a marked sensitivity to pollutants such as smoke. The remedy may also be prescribed for diabetes.
Symptoms Better : For moderate temperatures; for lying on the affected side; for hot drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For open air; for menopause; for injuries; for the smell of coffee; for air pollution and tobacco smoke.
Sulfuric acid, oil of vitriol.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This oily, corrosive liquid was discovered by alchemists in the 13th century. It is used to make dyes, drugs, and fertilizers.
Preparation : Sulfuric acid is dissolved in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Sulphuric ac. is best suited are hurried, mentally restless, and excitable, despite great exhaustion, weakness, and trembling. Usually mentally sharp, they are prone to nervous exhaustion, becoming absentminded and dull when ill.
The classic symptom picture for this remedy is of extreme fatigue following an injury, concussion, or operation, especially if healing is slow, with bruising, bleeding, ulceration, gangrene, or other symptoms of decay. There is often a marked sensitivity to pollutants such as smoke. The remedy may also be prescribed for diabetes.
Symptoms Better : For moderate temperatures; for lying on the affected side; for hot drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For open air; for menopause; for injuries; for the smell of coffee; for air pollution and tobacco smoke.
214. SULPHUR IOD
Sulphur iodatum
Sulfur iodide.
Key Uses:Chronic, itchy skin complaints, such as weeping eczema, acne, boils, pustules, urticaria, and lichen planus
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This rather unusual compound is rarely used in medicine other than for homeopathic purposes.
Preparation : Sulfur iodide is dissolved in a closed vessel, heated to 140°F (60°C), diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People who benefit most from Sulphur iod. tend to be anxious and doubtful, and are unable to string coherent ideas together or to remain calm and composed in a working situation.
The remedy is prescribed primarily for chronic, itchy skin conditions such as weeping eczema, acne, boils, pustules, urticaria (nettle rash or hives), and lichen planus (pink or purple raised spots on the wrists, forearms, and lower legs). The body tends to feel cold on the outside, yet raw and burning hot inside, and symptoms tend to be worse on waking.
Symptoms Better : For cool air; for winter; for standing.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; prior to a storm; on waking in the morning; for the slightest exertion.
Sulfur iodide.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This rather unusual compound is rarely used in medicine other than for homeopathic purposes.
Preparation : Sulfur iodide is dissolved in a closed vessel, heated to 140°F (60°C), diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People who benefit most from Sulphur iod. tend to be anxious and doubtful, and are unable to string coherent ideas together or to remain calm and composed in a working situation.
The remedy is prescribed primarily for chronic, itchy skin conditions such as weeping eczema, acne, boils, pustules, urticaria (nettle rash or hives), and lichen planus (pink or purple raised spots on the wrists, forearms, and lower legs). The body tends to feel cold on the outside, yet raw and burning hot inside, and symptoms tend to be worse on waking.
Symptoms Better : For cool air; for winter; for standing.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; prior to a storm; on waking in the morning; for the slightest exertion.
215. TABACUM
Nicotiana tabacum
Tobacco plant.
Key Uses:Acute digestive upsets, especially during pregnancy or chemotherapy Diarrhea or habitual constipation with rectal paralysis or spasms Severe nausea Travel-sickness
Origin : Native to tropical America, but now cultivated worldwide.
Background : Tobacco was a traditional Mayan treatment for asthma, convulsions, and skin complaints, and has long been smoked on the American continent. It is no longer used medicinally, but is still used in cigarettes and as an insecticide.
Preparation : The dried, unfermented leaves are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : The remedy is best suited to people who feel wretched and gloomy. They are usually unable to concentrate for long.
Severe nausea is a key symptom treated by Tabacum. The nausea is similar to that experienced by someone on inhaling their first cigarette, and causes a deathly, icy cold sensation. It may be used for motion sickness or acute digestive upset, especially during pregnancy or chemotherapy. Tabacum is also thought to help ease acute diarrhea or, conversely, habitual constipation with rectal paralysis or spasms. A sensation of obstruction or constriction in the rectum or intestines, with weakness and cramping pain, is typical.
Symptoms Better : For cold and cold compresses on the affected area; at twilight; for uncovering the abdomen; for vinegar and sour foods or drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For extremes of heat and cold; in the evening; for lying on the left side; for the movement of a car or boat; for opening the eyes.
Tobacco plant.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to tropical America, but now cultivated worldwide.
Background : Tobacco was a traditional Mayan treatment for asthma, convulsions, and skin complaints, and has long been smoked on the American continent. It is no longer used medicinally, but is still used in cigarettes and as an insecticide.
Preparation : The dried, unfermented leaves are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : The remedy is best suited to people who feel wretched and gloomy. They are usually unable to concentrate for long.
Severe nausea is a key symptom treated by Tabacum. The nausea is similar to that experienced by someone on inhaling their first cigarette, and causes a deathly, icy cold sensation. It may be used for motion sickness or acute digestive upset, especially during pregnancy or chemotherapy. Tabacum is also thought to help ease acute diarrhea or, conversely, habitual constipation with rectal paralysis or spasms. A sensation of obstruction or constriction in the rectum or intestines, with weakness and cramping pain, is typical.
Symptoms Better : For cold and cold compresses on the affected area; at twilight; for uncovering the abdomen; for vinegar and sour foods or drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For extremes of heat and cold; in the evening; for lying on the left side; for the movement of a car or boat; for opening the eyes.
216. SYMPHYTUM
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey, knitbone.
Key Uses:Abscesses in the psoas muscle Eye injuries Malignant bone tumors on the face Pricking pain from old injuries to the bone, cartilage, and periosteum Sprains and fractured or badly set bones
Origin : Native to Europe and now found in temperate regions worldwide.
Background : This plant had established a reputation as early as the 1st century CE for healing bruises, sprains, fractures, and broken bones.
Preparation : The fresh root is gathered either before flowering or in the fall, steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Symphytum’s marked affinity with the bones in herbal medicine is also carried through to its focus in homeopathy. It is used to heal sprains and fractured or badly set bones, as well as to ease any pricking pain from old injuries to the bone, cartilage, and periosteum (the membrane surrounding the bone), or pain on the site of an amputation. Abscesses in the psoas muscle (which links the hip and the pelvis) and malignant bone tumors on the face may also be helped by Symphytum.
In addition, the remedy is prescribed to treat painful eye injuries with strange sensations—for example, on closing the eyelids, the eyeballs may feel raised, although there is no visible sign of injury. There is frequently a marked tendency to rub the eyes and great difficulty in opening the eyelids.
Symptoms Better : For warmth.
Symptoms Worse : For injuries; for a blow to the affected area; for touch or pressure on the affected area; for sexual excess; for movement.
Comfrey, knitbone.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Europe and now found in temperate regions worldwide.
Background : This plant had established a reputation as early as the 1st century CE for healing bruises, sprains, fractures, and broken bones.
Preparation : The fresh root is gathered either before flowering or in the fall, steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Symphytum’s marked affinity with the bones in herbal medicine is also carried through to its focus in homeopathy. It is used to heal sprains and fractured or badly set bones, as well as to ease any pricking pain from old injuries to the bone, cartilage, and periosteum (the membrane surrounding the bone), or pain on the site of an amputation. Abscesses in the psoas muscle (which links the hip and the pelvis) and malignant bone tumors on the face may also be helped by Symphytum.
In addition, the remedy is prescribed to treat painful eye injuries with strange sensations—for example, on closing the eyelids, the eyeballs may feel raised, although there is no visible sign of injury. There is frequently a marked tendency to rub the eyes and great difficulty in opening the eyelids.
Symptoms Better : For warmth.
Symptoms Worse : For injuries; for a blow to the affected area; for touch or pressure on the affected area; for sexual excess; for movement.
217. TARAXACUM
Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion.
Key Uses:Digestive disorders Gallbladder inflammation Gallstones Headaches associated with gastric problems Urinary problems
Origin : Grows wild in temperate climates worldwide, and is cultivated in France and Germany.
Background : Used herbally in the traditional medicines of many cultures, including those of the West, Middle East, and China, dandelion is particularly well known for its use as a diuretic.
Preparation : The whole plant, including the root, is picked as the flowers open, chopped finely, and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those for whom Taraxacum is considered most appropriate have a tendency to be depressed and mutter to themselves.
Key conditions that may benefit from the remedy include digestive disorders, gallbladder inflammation, and gallstones. The classic symptom picture includes an enlarged, hardened liver, urinary problems, bilious attacks, cramping pains, headaches associated with gastric problems, and jaundiced skin. Acidic saliva tends to build up in the mouth, causing raw patches to develop on the tongue and a sensation of dullness in the teeth.
Symptoms Better : For walking; for movement; for touch.
Symptoms Worse : For rest; for standing; for sitting; for fatty foods.
Dandelion.
Key Uses:
Origin : Grows wild in temperate climates worldwide, and is cultivated in France and Germany.
Background : Used herbally in the traditional medicines of many cultures, including those of the West, Middle East, and China, dandelion is particularly well known for its use as a diuretic.
Preparation : The whole plant, including the root, is picked as the flowers open, chopped finely, and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those for whom Taraxacum is considered most appropriate have a tendency to be depressed and mutter to themselves.
Key conditions that may benefit from the remedy include digestive disorders, gallbladder inflammation, and gallstones. The classic symptom picture includes an enlarged, hardened liver, urinary problems, bilious attacks, cramping pains, headaches associated with gastric problems, and jaundiced skin. Acidic saliva tends to build up in the mouth, causing raw patches to develop on the tongue and a sensation of dullness in the teeth.
Symptoms Better : For walking; for movement; for touch.
Symptoms Worse : For rest; for standing; for sitting; for fatty foods.
218. TARENTULA CUB
Tarentula cubensis syn. Mygale cubensis
Cuban tarantula.
Key Uses:Acute infections, such as diphtheria Pain relief during a slow death Septic conditions, such as carbuncles, septicemia, painful abscesses, ulcers, and gangrene Severe coughs, such as whooping cough, if there is great prostration Slow-developing fever
Origin : Found in Cuba and the southern US, particularly South Carolina and Texas.
Background : This large, hairy, dark brown spider has a bite that can cause blood poisoning in humans, with symptoms first appearing 24 hours after being bitten.
Preparation : The whole, live spider is steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People who respond to Tarentula cub. may be delirious, extremely restless, and uneasy. They
SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE (Comfrey)
168
often feel drowsy but sleep restlessly and have a sense of hurry. It is useful for hyperactivity.
The classic symptom picture for this remedy is of severe, painful inflammation, burning, stinging pains, and extreme prostration and weakness. It is given for slow-developing fever, acute infection such as diphtheria, and septic conditions such as carbuncles, septicemia, painful abscesses, especially near the fingernails, ulcers that will not heal, and gangrene. In addition, the remedy may be used to ease pain experienced during a slow death. The appetite is generally low, and the stomach feels hard and sore. Severe coughs such as whooping cough may also be helped, if there is great prostration.
Symptoms Better : For smoking; for music.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for exertion; for cold drinks; for touch.
Cuban tarantula.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in Cuba and the southern US, particularly South Carolina and Texas.
Background : This large, hairy, dark brown spider has a bite that can cause blood poisoning in humans, with symptoms first appearing 24 hours after being bitten.
Preparation : The whole, live spider is steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People who respond to Tarentula cub. may be delirious, extremely restless, and uneasy. They
SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE (Comfrey)
168
often feel drowsy but sleep restlessly and have a sense of hurry. It is useful for hyperactivity.
The classic symptom picture for this remedy is of severe, painful inflammation, burning, stinging pains, and extreme prostration and weakness. It is given for slow-developing fever, acute infection such as diphtheria, and septic conditions such as carbuncles, septicemia, painful abscesses, especially near the fingernails, ulcers that will not heal, and gangrene. In addition, the remedy may be used to ease pain experienced during a slow death. The appetite is generally low, and the stomach feels hard and sore. Severe coughs such as whooping cough may also be helped, if there is great prostration.
Symptoms Better : For smoking; for music.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for exertion; for cold drinks; for touch.
219. TEUCRIUM MARUM
Teucrium marum syn. Marum verum
Cat thyme.
Key Uses:Fibroids in the uterus Fibrous tumors on the eyelids Gonorrhea Intestinal worms Polyps of the nose, ears, vagina, and rectum
Origin : Native to Spain and southern Europe, and now found worldwide.
Background : Cat thyme has traditionally been used by herbalists for its properties as an astringent and stimulant. It has also been used in the treatment of gallbladder and stomach disorders.
Preparation : The fresh aerial parts without the woody lower branches are finely chopped before being macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Teucrium marum is considered most effective tend to be oversensitive and feel worse for hearing or talking about unpleasant things, including their symptoms. They are easily overexcited and exhausted.
The primary affinity of this remedy is with polyps, which may affect the nose, ears, vagina, and rectum. Nasal polyps may be accompanied by chronic catarrh, dried-up, foul-smelling crusts of catarrh, and loss of smell. Fibrous tumors on the eyelids and fibroids in the uterus may be helped by the remedy, as may lumps in the urethra caused by gonorrhea.
Teucrium marum may also be given for intestinal worms, involving itching and tingling in the anus and rectum.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for perspiring.
Symptoms Worse : For damp and cold; for changes in the weather; for the warmth of the bed; for evening; at night; for touching or rubbing the affected area.
Cat thyme.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Spain and southern Europe, and now found worldwide.
Background : Cat thyme has traditionally been used by herbalists for its properties as an astringent and stimulant. It has also been used in the treatment of gallbladder and stomach disorders.
Preparation : The fresh aerial parts without the woody lower branches are finely chopped before being macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Teucrium marum is considered most effective tend to be oversensitive and feel worse for hearing or talking about unpleasant things, including their symptoms. They are easily overexcited and exhausted.
The primary affinity of this remedy is with polyps, which may affect the nose, ears, vagina, and rectum. Nasal polyps may be accompanied by chronic catarrh, dried-up, foul-smelling crusts of catarrh, and loss of smell. Fibrous tumors on the eyelids and fibroids in the uterus may be helped by the remedy, as may lumps in the urethra caused by gonorrhea.
Teucrium marum may also be given for intestinal worms, involving itching and tingling in the anus and rectum.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for perspiring.
Symptoms Worse : For damp and cold; for changes in the weather; for the warmth of the bed; for evening; at night; for touching or rubbing the affected area.
220. TEREBINTHUM
Terebinthina laricina
Turpentine, turps.
Key Uses:Burning pain and bleeding of the mucous membranes Inflammation of the urinary tract or kidneys, accompanied by hemorrhaging, water retention, and edema in the hands and feet
Origin : Resin tapped from the trunks of the Larix decidua ‘Mill’ species of larch, which is native to Europe.
Background : This viscous resin is used in the manufacture of paints. In the past it was used as a treatment for gonorrhea in traditional Western medicine.
Preparation : The resin is macerated in alcohol, before being filtered, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Terebinthum is best suited to people who are tired, delirious, and unable to concentrate. Classic symptoms associated with the remedy include burning pain and bleeding of the mucous membranes, with dark, fetid-smelling blood. The remedy has an affinity with inflammation of the urinary tract or kidneys, accompanied by hemorrhaging, water retention, and edema in the hands and feet. These ailments are often associated with smoky-colored urine that has a strange smell of violets.
Symptoms Better : For movement; for walking; for stooping.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for touch; in the morning; for lying on the affected area.
Turpentine, turps.
Key Uses:
Origin : Resin tapped from the trunks of the Larix decidua ‘Mill’ species of larch, which is native to Europe.
Background : This viscous resin is used in the manufacture of paints. In the past it was used as a treatment for gonorrhea in traditional Western medicine.
Preparation : The resin is macerated in alcohol, before being filtered, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Terebinthum is best suited to people who are tired, delirious, and unable to concentrate. Classic symptoms associated with the remedy include burning pain and bleeding of the mucous membranes, with dark, fetid-smelling blood. The remedy has an affinity with inflammation of the urinary tract or kidneys, accompanied by hemorrhaging, water retention, and edema in the hands and feet. These ailments are often associated with smoky-colored urine that has a strange smell of violets.
Symptoms Better : For movement; for walking; for stooping.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for touch; in the morning; for lying on the affected area.
