Dulcamara

Dulcamara

Since the time of ancient Rome, nightshade has been used to treat a wide range of ailments. One such ailment, abscesses called ''felons'' on the fingertips, inspired one of the plant's common names, felonwort. They 18th century Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus prescribed the plant to treat fever and inflammatory infections. the homeopathic remedy, proved in 1811 by Hahnemann, is traditionally associated with people who are highly susceptible to damp and chills.

REMEDY PROFILE

Dulcamara is typically given to people who are sensitive to cold and damp, with symptoms caused by rapid temperature changes or cold, wet weather. 

In the symptom picture for Dulcamara, these physical factors outweigh psychological traits, but some confusion, irritability, impatience, and restlessness may be evident, possibly with a domineering attitude, notably toward family members. Susceptibility to respiratory infections causing thick, yellow mucus is typical. Hay fever and other allergic reactions are also common, so are head and joint pain, eczema, and diarrhea.

Colds & coughs

Symptoms: Sore throat, with a thick, yellow discharge from the nose and the eyes. Thick mucus may be due to sinusitis, as may painful pressure and congestion in the head. A stiff neck is common, perhaps with back and limb pain. There may also be conjunctivitis, a rattling cough, bronchitis, or even pneumonia.

Symptoms better: warmth, dry, settled weather, movement.

Symptoms worse: cold, damp weather, at night.

Hay fever & asthma

Symptoms: Nasal congestion, with profuse, watery discharge from the eyes and constricted breathing. Exposure to animal fur, grass pollen, dust mites, and other allergens may aggravate the severity of symptoms.

Symptoms better: warmth, dry settled weather, movement.

Symptoms worse: cold, damp weather, at night.

Head & facial pain

Symptoms: Pain in a specific part of the head, or with a sensation of heaviness, nausea, or confusion. Neuralgic face pain, perhaps caused by Bell's palsy, may be treated, or pain due to sinusitis.

Symptoms better: dry, fine weather, keeping still, expelling catarrh.

Symptoms worse: cold, damp weather, in winter.

Skin conditions

Symptoms: Thickened, crusty, itchy skin, notably on the scalp, which bleeds when scratched. Dulcamara is also used to treat urticaria (hives) brought on by sweating in humid conditions; large, flat, smooth warts, especially on the palms of the hands; and ringworm, often found on the scalps of children.

Symptoms better: warmth, dry weather.

Symptoms worse: cold, damp weather, before menstruation.

Diarrhea

Symptoms: Slimy, yellow or green stools, maybe nausea, and pain before passing stools. In children, symptoms may be triggered during teething.

Symptoms better: warmth, movement.

Symptoms worse: cold, damp, rest.

Joint Pain

Symptoms: Stiffness and pain in joints, aggravated by damp.

Symptoms better: warmth, movement

Symptoms worse: cold, damp, extremes of temperature, inactivity.

Origin

Native to North Africa, Europe, and Northern Asia, and naturalized in North America. Grows in moist, shady soil.

Background

Has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory and a liver tonic. Stem extracts have been used for warts and eczema.

Preparation

Fresh green stems and leaves are picked just before the plant flowers, then finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.

Common Names

Nightshade, woody nightshade, bitter nightshade, felonwort.

Reference: Encyclopedia of Homeopathy, Andrew lockie, MD

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Silica

Silica

Silica is a form of the nonmetallic element silicon, which is one of the major elements of the Earth's crust and a vital constituent in the structure of plants. In the human body, it strengthens teeth, hair, and nails and is also found in connective tissue. Silica, proved by Hahnemann in 1828 and given more for slow-developing conditions than for acute ailments, has the unusual feature of reputedly being able to help expel foreign bodies such as splinters from the skin.

REMEDY PROFILE

People who respond best to Silica typically lack mental and physical stamina. Their overconscientious attitude to work can often lead to exhaustion or insomnia. They may feel anxious and ''in two minds'' about things, and fear pointed objects, such as needles. Their outlook and aspirations are limited by fear of failure. Very shy as children, they are self-conscious and unassertive as adults, but can be extremely stubborn and may relieve their frustrations on subordinates.

Chilliness is a typical physical symptom, along with a marked tendency for profuse, smelly sweat. Digestive problems and a weakened bone structure, due to poor absorption of food and undernourishment, may occur, along with recurrent infections caused by a weak immune system. Skin and bone problems are slow to heal and any wounds tend to suppurate.

Many symptoms appear at an early age: the fontanelles (membrane-covered spaces between the bones of a baby's skull) close slowly, for instance, and the bones and teeth form more slowly and are weaker than those of other children.

Skin, teeth, nail and bone conditions

Symptoms: Slow eruption of teeth, wisdom teeth problems, and defects in skin, hair, and nails, due to poor absorption of minerals in the diet. Brittle, distorted, infected nails and ingrown toenails are also common symptoms. Wounds, even scratches, suppurate and heal slowly; abscesses may form anywhere, including in the roots of teeth. There may be itchy scars or keloids after larger wounds, persistent acne, and copious smelling, sweating. Backaches are common; brittle, poor-quality bones are slow to mend if broken, and there may be curvature of the spine.

Symptoms better: In summer, lying down, being well wrapped up.

Symptoms worse: cold and damp, when menstruating, pressure on the painful area.

Ear, nose & throat conditions

Symptoms: Recurrent colds, swollen glands, ear infections, and tonsillitis leading to quinsy (abscess on the tonsil). Chronic catarrh may cause sinusitis, and glue ear (fluid in the middle ear) may cause earaches and hearing problems.

Symptoms better: lying down, being well wrapped up, warm drinks.

Symptoms worse: cold and damp, drafts, suppressing perspiration.

Coughs

Symptoms: A persistent, dry, irritating cough that takes the form of severe, exhausting coughing bouts. Inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis may be accompanied by foul-smelling sputum.

Symptoms better: being well wrapped up, lying down, warm drinks.

Symptoms worse: cold and damp, drafts, suppressing perspiration.

Digestive disorders

Symptoms: A weak digestive system, with intolerance of particular food, especially fat and milk; in babies this may even include mother's milk. There may be poor absorption of essential minerals into the body, and a preference for cold foods. Symptoms may include constipation, with an inability to expel stools so that they slip back into the rectum, which may develop painful cracks (fissures) or abscesses. Painful abdominal cramps and smelly flatulence are other symptoms.

Symptoms better: In summer, being well wrapped.

Symptoms worse: Cold and damp, at a new moon, suppressing perspiration.

Headaches

Symptoms: Severe pain, starting at the back of the head and extending over to the forehead, with dizziness and visual disturbance.

Symptoms better: For warmth, closed eyes, dark, quiet rooms, wrapping the head.

Symptoms worse: For cold, light, or noise.

Origin

Hahnemann prepared Silica from mountain crystal; homeopaths later made it from flint. 

Background

Used as silica sand in industry in the making of cement and concrete, as well as ceramics and glass. It is also used to grind and polish glass and stone.

Preparation

Made by triturating silicon dioxide, grinding the sand repeatedly with lactose sugar until it becomes soluble in water, then diluting and succussing it.

Common Names

Silica, flint, quartz, rock crystal.

Reference: Encyclopedia of Homeopathy., Andrew Lockie, MD.

Belladonna

Belladonna

REMEDY PROFILE

Belladonna is a major remedy for acute illnesses of sudden, violent onset. It is usually given to people who are generally fit and energetic, but restless and agitated when ill. They are prone to sudden, explosive anger, marked by the desire to strike out or even to bite.

Typical symptoms linked with Belladonna include high fever, dilated pupils, flushed, dry skin, and throbbing pain, particularly in the head, due to rapid blood circulation. There is often hypersensitivity to light, noise, and touch, and also to rapid temperature changes.

Belladonna is typically given for acute pain, inflammation, or infection, chiefly of the upper respiratory tract. it may also be used to treat menstrual pain, sunstroke, febrile convulsions, cystitis, nephritis (inflamed kidneys), teething pain, and mastitis during breast-feeding.

Acute fever & Pain

Symptoms: Sudden onset of high fever and hypersensitivity in all the senses. The face may be hot, flushed, and dry, with bright eyes and dilated pupils. Although the lips and mouth remain pale, the tongue is often bright red. Any inflammation is red, radiates heat, and throbs painfully. Fever is commonly followed by perspiration, and may develop into delirium. There is little thirst, or just a craving for sour drinks. Other symptoms include throbbing pain in the eyes, which are swollen, red, and sensitive to light; a tearing, pounding pain deep in the ear, and a pulsating headache.

Symptoms better: for warm room, sitting or standing erect, for rest.

Symptoms worse: for noise, for touch, for movement, for lying down, for drafts.

Sore throat & dry cough

Symptoms: Constricted, dry, burning throat, a tender neck, and red, swollen tonsils, notably on the right side. There may be a painful, racking cough and fever.

Symptoms better: for warm rooms, for rest.
Symptoms worse: for cold drafts around 3 pm, for swallowing foods or drinks.

Headache & Migraine

Symptoms: Violent, throbbing pain. During a migraine, pain starts in the back of the head, radiates to the right brow area, and settles behind the eye.

Menstrual pain

Symptoms: Menstrual flow is extremely heavy and painful. The blood is hot and may be bright red or clotted.

Symptoms better: for standing or sitting erect.
Symptoms worse: for the slightest movement.

Origin

Native to Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, and North America, but now cultivated worldwide. Thrives in chalky soil, woods, and wasteland.

Background

Used traditionally for swelling and inflammations, colic, and ulcers. It formed part of a sleeping potion in Chaucer's time and six centuries later, provides an anesthetic still used in conventional medicine.

Preparation

As it comes into flower, the whole fresh plant, including the root is dug up. it is chopped and pounded to a pulp, then the juice is expressed. The juice is steeped in alcohol before being filtered, diluted, and succussed.

Common Names

Belladonna, dwale, devil's cherries, sorcerer's cherry.




References: Encyclopedia of Homeopathy; Andrew Lockie, MD

Phosphorus

Phosphorus

Key Symptoms

Affectionate, open nature, tearfulness, cravings for cold drinks & salty foods, burning pains, person feels worse for lying on the left side of the body.

Phosphorus was discovered in the 17th century by the German alchemist Henning Brand. The name is derived from the Greek phosphoros, or ''light-bringing'', since the element glows in the dark.

REMEDY PROFILE

People who love being the center of attention respond best to phosphorus. Like a match that sparks readily but burns out intensely, they are artistic , expressive, and affectionate, but may offer more than they can sustain. Illness or stress rapidly exhausts their energy, making them lethargic and indifferent toward loved ones, but highly responsive to any sympathy offered. They feel better for short naps. Vague anxieties crystallize into concrete fears when ill, leading to nervous fatigue and tension.

Cravings for salty, spicy, or sweet foods, and cold, carbonated drinks or cold milk are typical. Warm foods or drinks may upset the stomach, as may cold drinks once they have armed up in the stomach.

Phosphorus is prescribed for circulation problems, bleeding, digestive disorders, chest complaints, and burning pains.

Poor Circulation

Symptoms: The extremities feel burning hot, yet are cold to the touch. Erratic blood flow may cause weak pulse, hot flushes, fainting, dizziness, or palpitations. There may be burning neuralgic pain, and a sense of suffocation, possibly triggered by emotion or menopause.

Symptoms better: for cold, for massage, for lying on the right side, for sleeping, for eating.
Symptoms worse: for lying on the left side, for thundery weather, for emotional stress.

Bleeding

Symptoms: Profuse, bright red blood flow, especially from the nose, gums, and lining of the stomach. Menstrual flow may be heavy. The skin bruises easily and anemia may set in.

Symptoms better: for cold, for massage, for lying on the right side, for sleeping, for eating.
Symptoms worse: for lying on the left side, for thundery weather, for emotional stress.

Digestive disorders

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and constipation often due to food poisoning, stress, stomach ulcers, or gastroenteritis. Other symptoms include a saliva-filled mouth and burning pain in the stomach, or heartburn. Stools are long, ribbon-like and may be blood-streaked. Ice-cold foods and drinks are craved, but then cause vomiting once they warm up in the stomach.

Symptoms better: for lying on the right side, for eating, for cold foods or drinks.
Symptoms worse: for lying on the left side, for stuffy rooms, for emotional stress, for warm foods or salt.

Respiratory illness

Symptoms: A sore throat and dry, tickly cough, possibly causing retching and vomiting. Phlegm is streaked with dark-red blood. Chest tightness may be due to asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Colds tend to go straight the the chest.

Symptoms better: for sitting up, for lying on the right side of the body, for sleep, for cold foods or drinks.
Symptoms worse: for lying on the left side, for laughing, for warm foods or drinks.

Burning pains

Symptoms: Burning neuralgic pains in the limbs, spine, or stomach, possibly with pins and needles and numbness, especially in the limbs, spine, or shoulder blades.

Symptoms better: for cold compresses, for massage.
Symptoms worse: for windy weather, for emotional stress.

Origin

A pale yellow element with a distinct odour, occurring in the mineral calcium phosphate in volcanic regions. The main deposits are found in North Africa.

Preparation

White phosphorus is used for the remedy. This waxy substance is insoluble in water, so it is dissolved in alcohol, filtered, then repeatedly diluted and succussed.

Common names

Phosphorus, white phosphorus, yellow phosphorus.


References: Encyclopedia of Homeopathy, Andrew Lockie, MD.

Arsenicum Album

Arsenicum Album

Arsenicum album is given chiefly to treat the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts.

The key symptoms of arsenicum album are anxiety about health, restlessness and exhaustion, chilliness, thirst for small sips of water and burning pains that are better for warmth.

REMEDY PROFILE

Those most suited to arsenicum album are affectionate, sensitive, and stable in good health, but may be prone to restlessness, stress, and anxiety about their health, with a deep need for reassurance.

Illness brings rapid physical and mental exhaustion and chaos, which heightens their fears and vulnerability, and can cause severe anxiety or pessimism. Perfectionists by nature, they are intolerant of disorder, and when under stress or ill may develop phobias or obsessions - for example, about cleanliness. They like alcohol, warm drinks, and warm, sour, sweet, and fatty foods.

Arsenicum album is a key remedy for asthma and breathlessness. It is also prescribed for violent digestive upsets with diarrhea and vomiting, headaches, burning eye inflammation, and itchy, weepy skin complaints.

Respiratory illness

Symptoms: Asthma or severe breathlessness, possibly brought on by stress or anxiety. There is typically susceptibility to colds, violent sneezing, and hay fever. Burning, watery catarrh causes the nostrils and lips to become dry, cracked, and sensitive. Weakness and extreme fatigue are common.

Symptoms better: for warmth, for movement, for sitting upright, for warm drinks.

Symptoms worse: for cold, dry, windy weather; between midnight and 2am, for stress on the right side of the body, for cold foods and drinks.

Digestive disorders

Symptoms: Indigestion and colitis, aggravated by stress and anxiety. Watery, offensive-smelling stools cause soreness around the anus and burning pain in the rectum. There may be vomiting or diarrhea followed by exhaustion and dehydration. Excessive consumption of alcohol, ripe fruit and vegetables, and iced foods may cause gastroenteritis. If there is any fever, the body feels hot to the touch while chilled inside, or cold to the touch but burning inside.

Symptoms better: for warmth, for movement, for lying with the head propped up, for sips of water.

Symptoms worse: for exposure to the cold; between midnight and 2am, for stress, for cold foods and drinks.

Food Poisoning

Symptoms: Burning, stinging vomiting, with exhaustion and dehydration, and nausea on the sight or smell of food.

Symptoms better: for warmth, for movement, for sips of water.

Symptoms worse: for cold; between midnight and 2am.

Headaches

Symptoms: Pain beginning at the bridge of the nose and extending over the entire head, with dizziness, vomiting, and nausea.  Excitement, stress, and anxiety may aggravate the pain.

Symptoms better: for cold air, for cold compresses.

Symptoms worse: for stress or excitement, for overheating, for tobacco smoke, for the smell of food.

Eye Inflammation

Symptoms: Inflamed, stinging eyes with burning pains and sensitivity to bright light.

Symptoms better: for warm compresses.

Symptoms worse: for cold air, for tobacco smoke.

Eczema

Symptoms: Itching, burning, cracked skin. Scratching causes weeping, bleeding, raw skin.

Symptoms better: for warm compresses, for movement.

Symptoms worse: for anxiety, between midnight and 2am

Origin

Extracted from the mineral arsenopyrite, which is found in Norway, Sweden, Germany, England, and Canada.

Preparation

Arsenicum album is triturated by being ground repeatedly with lactose sugar until it is soluble in water. It is then further diluted and succussed.

Reference: Encyclopedia of Homeopathy, Andrew Lockie, MD.

Bryonia Alba

Bryonia Alba

In 1843 Hahnemann proved the homeopathic remedy, which is used mostly for slow-starting ailments accompanied by pain on the slightest movement.

Key symptoms for Bryonia Alba are pain upon the slightest movement, dry mucous membranes, great thirst, anxiety about financial security and irritability.

REMEDY PROFILE

Bryonia is mainly used for people who are highly irritable when ill. Often clean-living, meticulous individuals. They can be contrary and capricious if ill, wanting things, that when given, are promptly rejected. They may feel tired, taciturn, languid, and angry if disturbed. Anxiety is common, especially about financial security.

The chief physical symptom treated by Bryonia is pain felt on the slightest movement. It is often accompanied by infrequent spells of great thirst, and dry lips, mouth and eyes.Illness sets in slowly, typically after overexposure to heat or cold.

Bryonia is useful for chest inflammation, pneumonia, bad headaches, and rheumatic pains. It may also be taken for some forms of constipation and breast pain.

Dry Coughs

Symptoms: Great dryness in the mouth, throat, chest, and mucous membranes, with a tickly cough and sharp chest pains. Pressing the chest during a coughing fit may alleviate pain in the head, chest, or rib cage, as may lying still and breathing gently. Coughs may be linked to colds, pleurisy, or bronchitis.

Symptoms better: for rest, for lying still, for pressure on the chest.

Symptoms worse: for warm rooms, in the morning, for deep breathing, for movement, for eating and drinking.

Colds & Influenza

Symptoms: Red, sore, swollen nose, a hoarse, constricted throat, and a dry cough. The lips are often cracked and itchy, and the mouth is dry, with a white-coated tongue. Sharp shooting ear pains may develop, as may sore eyes with sensitivity to movement and heavy eyelids. There may be an intense, aching headache, raging thirst, and copious perspiration.

Symptoms better: for rest.

Symptoms worse: for bending forward, for movement.

Headaches

Symptoms: Bursting, splitting headache over the forehead or left eye, so that even moving the eyeball hurts. Pain extends to the back of the head, then the whole head, often lasting all day. The mouth may be dry, and there may be great thirst.

Symptoms better: for cold compresses, for pressure on the head, for closing the eyes.

Symptoms worse: for eye or body movement, for drinking while hot, for overeating.

Joint Pain

Symptoms: Joints and muscles are hot, swollen, stiff, and prone to stabbing pain, usually due to gout, tenosynovitis, or arthritis, or after an injury.

Symptoms better: for heat, for pressure on the affected area.

Symptoms worse: for cold compresses, for the slightest movement, for jarring.

Constipation

Symptoms: Large, hard stools that look black or burned. The rectum may be particularly dry, with burning pain after passing a stool. Rumbly, colicky pains in the abdomen are common.

Symptoms better: for rest.

Symptoms worse: for hot weather, in the morning, for movement, for cold drinks.

Breast Problems

Symptoms: Breasts are pale, hard, and hot, with sharp pains, particularly in women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Milk supply may be excessive.

Symptoms better: for heat, for rest.

Symptoms worse: for movement.

Origin

Grows mainly in the hedges and woodlands of southern England, and in central and southern Europe.

Background

Used traditionally for shortness of breath, coughing, and the clearing of phlegm form the chest.

Preparation

The fresh root is unearthed before the plant flowers, chopped, pulped, macerated in alcohol for ten days, diluted, and succussed.

Common Names

Bryony, white bryony, wild hops.

Reference: Encyclopedia of Homeopathy, Andrew Lockie, MD

Chamomilla Matricaria

Chamomilla Matricaria

The name of this plant derives from the Greek chamaimelon, or ''earth apple'', so called because of the applelike scent of its blossoms. Chamomilla is used for ailments with extreme sensitivity to pain, especially in children.

REMEDY PROFILE

Chamomilla works best for those exhibiting an extremely low pain threshold, as well as anger, marked irritability and hostility. Often hypersensitive, they are bad-tempered, easily offended, and impossible to please. They flush easily when angry, and hate being touched. Bad temper, anger or stress exacerbate physical symptoms.

Chamomilla is often given to children who are snappy, wail when ill, and are pacified only if being carried and cuddled by someone walking around.

Typical Chamomilla symptoms are great irritability and pain that seems unbearable. The remedy is given for teething pain, fever, stomach pain with diarrhea, menstrual or labour pains, and sore, inflamed nipples during breast-feeding.

Irritability 

Symptoms: Hypersensitivity to pain, and hostility and anger that triggers physical problems. Things may be demanded then promptly thrown away.

Symptoms better: for being carried, for perspiring
Symptoms worse: for being touched, for being put down

Toothaches, teething & earaches

Symptoms: Excruciating pain in the teeth or ears, with fever. Toothache flares up after a hot drink or if a tooth is pressed. Swollen glands may cause face and neck pain, and the ears, nose and throat may feel blocked and numb. Babies teething may scream angrily, insist on being carried, and have greenish diarrhea.

Symptoms better: for cold, for being carried
Symptoms worse: for heat, for warm foods and drinks

Fever

Symptoms: A hot, flushed state, often with one cheek red and the other pale. There may be irritability, shivering and a tendency to sweat easily.

Symptoms better: for cold
Symptoms worse: for heat, for warm foods and drinks

Colic & diarrhea

Symptoms: Colicky pain in the abdomen, possibly with pale green diarrhea that smells of rotten eggs. Colic in children may cause restlessness and arching of the back.

Symptoms better: for warm compresses on the abdomen, for fasting
Symptoms worse: for heat, for fresh air, for anger

Menstrual & labour pain

Symptoms: Menstrual cramps or labour pains, possibly severe enough to cause sweats, anger, or fainting. Anger may trigger non-menstrual bleeding.

Symptoms better: for being driven in a car
Symptoms worse: for heat, for drafts, for wind, for damp, for anger, for touch.

Background

Chamomilla was used to treat disorders of the digestive system since the 1st century. Chamomile tea is well known as a calming drink that aids sleep.

Preparation

The whole fresh plant is harvested when in flower. It is finely chopped and macerated in alcohol, before being filtered, diluted, and succussed.

Common Names

German chamomile, corn feverfew, wild chamomile



Refrences: Encyclopedia of Homeopathy-Andrew Lockie, MD