Homeopathy
201. SENEGA
Polygala senega
Seneca snake root, rattlesnake root.
Key Uses:Chest and catarrhal conditions, such as bronchitis, tuberculosis (especially in the elderly), and coughs
Origin : Native to North America and now cultivated in western Canada.
Background : The Seneca Indians of North America valued this plant as an antidote to snake bites, hence its common name. It was used herbally by native Americans for bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough.
Preparation : The root is unearthed in fall and dried. It is then powdered and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Senega is most appropriate for people whose mood is dull and depressed. They have a tendency to fly into sudden rages.
The remedy has a strong affinity with the respiratory tract, and is typically used for chest and catarrhal conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and even tuberculosis, particularly in the elderly. The classic symptom picture includes chest pain, thick profuse clear mucus that is difficult to expel, and a sensation as though the lungs are pushed back against the spine. The throat may be raw and sore. There may be mucus in the throat that causes a scraping sensation on talking. Breathing may be short or hurried, with a painful, oppressed feeling in the lungs, as if they are being squeezed.
Symptoms Better : For perspiring.
Symptoms Worse : For windy weather; for walking in and breathing in cold, open air; for touch and pressure on the affected area.
Seneca snake root, rattlesnake root.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to North America and now cultivated in western Canada.
Background : The Seneca Indians of North America valued this plant as an antidote to snake bites, hence its common name. It was used herbally by native Americans for bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough.
Preparation : The root is unearthed in fall and dried. It is then powdered and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Senega is most appropriate for people whose mood is dull and depressed. They have a tendency to fly into sudden rages.
The remedy has a strong affinity with the respiratory tract, and is typically used for chest and catarrhal conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and even tuberculosis, particularly in the elderly. The classic symptom picture includes chest pain, thick profuse clear mucus that is difficult to expel, and a sensation as though the lungs are pushed back against the spine. The throat may be raw and sore. There may be mucus in the throat that causes a scraping sensation on talking. Breathing may be short or hurried, with a painful, oppressed feeling in the lungs, as if they are being squeezed.
Symptoms Better : For perspiring.
Symptoms Worse : For windy weather; for walking in and breathing in cold, open air; for touch and pressure on the affected area.
202. SENECIO
Senecio aureus
Life root, squaw weed
Key Uses:Appetite loss Bleeding in congested or inflamed kidneys Bleeding in the lungs or the throat Excitability Insomnia Menstrual problems Nosebleeds
Origin : Native to eastern North America.
Background : Traditionally valued by native Americans for problems of the female reproductive system, life root is now considered by herbalists to be unsafe for internal use.
Preparation : The whole plant, including the root, is finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Senecio is best suited to those who are restless, nervous, low-spirited, and unable to concentrate.
The remedy is typically prescribed for hemorrhaging in the mucous membranes. Bleeding in the lungs or the throat, in congested and inflamed kidneys, or during menstruation may all be helped by Senecio, as may nosebleeds. Delayed or absent menstruation, accompanied by a thick vaginal discharge, appetite loss, excitability, and insomnia may also respond well to the remedy.
Symptoms Better : For menstruation.
Symptoms Worse : For dampness; for cold air; for sitting; during puberty; for sexual excitement.
Life root, squaw weed
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to eastern North America.
Background : Traditionally valued by native Americans for problems of the female reproductive system, life root is now considered by herbalists to be unsafe for internal use.
Preparation : The whole plant, including the root, is finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Senecio is best suited to those who are restless, nervous, low-spirited, and unable to concentrate.
The remedy is typically prescribed for hemorrhaging in the mucous membranes. Bleeding in the lungs or the throat, in congested and inflamed kidneys, or during menstruation may all be helped by Senecio, as may nosebleeds. Delayed or absent menstruation, accompanied by a thick vaginal discharge, appetite loss, excitability, and insomnia may also respond well to the remedy.
Symptoms Better : For menstruation.
Symptoms Worse : For dampness; for cold air; for sitting; during puberty; for sexual excitement.
203. SCORPION
Scorpio europaeus
Scorpion.
Key Uses:Great fears, especially those of driving and of accidents, rooted in the abdomen and possibly with sharp cramps below the ribs
Origin : Found in central and southern Europe.
Background : Scorpions were listed as a medicine in an ancient Egyptian medical papyrus, although their use is not known.
Preparation : The whole, live animal is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Scorpion is most effective for people who feel detached and disconnected from the world. Their mental state is dull and foggy, and they are unable to concentrate on more than one thing at a time. This state of mind may be accompanied by anxiety about health, an aversion to work and to talking, and sensitivity to music. Their moods are usually very changeable, and they may have confused, troubling, vague, angry, or erotic dreams.
Strong fears may be helped by Scorpion, especially those of driving and of accidents. A classic symptom is great fear, which is rooted in the abdomen, and may occur with sharp cramps below the ribs.
Symptoms Better : For crying; for walking; for movement; for urinating; for eating.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for bright light; for noise; for sitting; for breathing deeply; for pressure on the abdomen.
Scorpion.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in central and southern Europe.
Background : Scorpions were listed as a medicine in an ancient Egyptian medical papyrus, although their use is not known.
Preparation : The whole, live animal is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Scorpion is most effective for people who feel detached and disconnected from the world. Their mental state is dull and foggy, and they are unable to concentrate on more than one thing at a time. This state of mind may be accompanied by anxiety about health, an aversion to work and to talking, and sensitivity to music. Their moods are usually very changeable, and they may have confused, troubling, vague, angry, or erotic dreams.
Strong fears may be helped by Scorpion, especially those of driving and of accidents. A classic symptom is great fear, which is rooted in the abdomen, and may occur with sharp cramps below the ribs.
Symptoms Better : For crying; for walking; for movement; for urinating; for eating.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for bright light; for noise; for sitting; for breathing deeply; for pressure on the abdomen.
204. SELENIUM MET
Selenium metallicum
Selenium.
Key Uses:Chronic fatigue syndrome Great weakness, especially if the body temperature increases Multiple sclerosis
Origin : Found in volcanic areas and in sulfide ores such as pyrite.
Background : Selenium was one of the elements discovered by a Swedish chemist, Berzelius. In 1817 he named it after the Greek selene, or “moon,” an analogy with tellurium, from tellus or “earth.”
Preparation : The element is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who benefit most from this remedy may have difficulties in connecting to or becoming intimate with others and may withdraw, even from close friends. Mental activity may cause them great exhaustion, and they may be very forgetful. Great weakness, particularly if the body temperature increases, is a classic feature associated with this remedy. It is used for conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis, when there is rapid mental and physical exhaustion, with unhealthy-looking skin, emaciation, constipation, hair loss, and possible malfunction of the nerves governing the genitourinary tract.
Symptoms Better : For breathing cold air; after sunset; for drinking cold water.
Symptoms Worse : For hot days; for drafts of air; for sleep; for talking; for passing stools.
Selenium.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in volcanic areas and in sulfide ores such as pyrite.
Background : Selenium was one of the elements discovered by a Swedish chemist, Berzelius. In 1817 he named it after the Greek selene, or “moon,” an analogy with tellurium, from tellus or “earth.”
Preparation : The element is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who benefit most from this remedy may have difficulties in connecting to or becoming intimate with others and may withdraw, even from close friends. Mental activity may cause them great exhaustion, and they may be very forgetful. Great weakness, particularly if the body temperature increases, is a classic feature associated with this remedy. It is used for conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis, when there is rapid mental and physical exhaustion, with unhealthy-looking skin, emaciation, constipation, hair loss, and possible malfunction of the nerves governing the genitourinary tract.
Symptoms Better : For breathing cold air; after sunset; for drinking cold water.
Symptoms Worse : For hot days; for drafts of air; for sleep; for talking; for passing stools.
205. SINAPIS
Brassica nigra syn. Sinapis nigra
Black mustard.
Key Uses:Catarrh Colds Hay fever Intense sneezing Pharyngitis Sweating
Origin : Native to the Middle East.
Background : This pungent, warming herb stimulates the digestive system and circulation. A mustard foot-bath is an old folklore cure for colds and headaches.
Preparation : Mustard seeds are ground to a powder and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Sinapis is given mainly to people who are irritable and become irritated for no reason. They have poor concentration, although studying and mental exercise make them feel better and focus their minds.
Classic conditions linked with Sinapis are hay fever, colds, and pharyngitis, with hot, dry mucous membranes. Further characteristic symptoms include sweat that forms on the upper lip and forehead, catarrh or mucus that feels cold, intense sneezing that is worse at night, and a feeling as if the blood vessels are filled with hot water. Colds tend to affect the left nostril in particular.
Symptoms Better : For concentrating or studying; for sitting erect; for lying down at night; for shutting the eyes; for eating a good meal.
Symptoms Worse : For a warm room; for damp weather; for summer; for touch or pressure on the affected area; for sitting forward and stooping; between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Black mustard.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to the Middle East.
Background : This pungent, warming herb stimulates the digestive system and circulation. A mustard foot-bath is an old folklore cure for colds and headaches.
Preparation : Mustard seeds are ground to a powder and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Sinapis is given mainly to people who are irritable and become irritated for no reason. They have poor concentration, although studying and mental exercise make them feel better and focus their minds.
Classic conditions linked with Sinapis are hay fever, colds, and pharyngitis, with hot, dry mucous membranes. Further characteristic symptoms include sweat that forms on the upper lip and forehead, catarrh or mucus that feels cold, intense sneezing that is worse at night, and a feeling as if the blood vessels are filled with hot water. Colds tend to affect the left nostril in particular.
Symptoms Better : For concentrating or studying; for sitting erect; for lying down at night; for shutting the eyes; for eating a good meal.
Symptoms Worse : For a warm room; for damp weather; for summer; for touch or pressure on the affected area; for sitting forward and stooping; between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
206. SPONGIA
Euspongia officinalis
Common sponge.
Key Uses:Heart complaints involving palpitations and great exhaustion Upper respiratory tract infections Croup
Origin : Traditionally gathered from waters of the Mediterranean, near Syria and Greece.
Background : It is thought that roasted sponge was first used as a remedy in the 13th century, by the alchemist Arnold von Villanova as a treatment for goiter.
Preparation : Sponge is carefully cleaned of sand, then toasted in a metal drum before being powdered and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Spongia is most appropriate for those who have a marked fear of heart disease and of death, particularly by suffocation. They may feel uncomfortable in clothes.
There is a strong focus on the heart with this remedy. Typical physical symptoms treated include palpitations and an uneasy feeling in the area of the heart. There may be congestion, with a sensation as though blood is rushing into the chest and face. A fear of suffocation and a sense of the heart being forced upward out of the chest can disrupt sleep after midnight. There is great exhaustion and the body feels heavy, so that even the slightest exertion causes complete prostration.
Spongia is also prescribed for upper respiratory tract infections that tend to settle in the larynx, such as a dry, hollow, barking, croupy cough. There is typically a feeling of dryness in the mucous membranes, and inflammation, enlargement, and hardening of the glands, especially the thyroid gland. There may be a sensation as if there is a plug in the larynx, which may feel very sensitive to touch. Pain in the larynx typically becomes worse for swallowing, singing, or talking.
Symptoms Better : For lying with the head low; for bending forward; for eating small amounts; for warm foods and drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For dry, cold winds; for waking up; at midnight.
Common sponge.
Key Uses:
Origin : Traditionally gathered from waters of the Mediterranean, near Syria and Greece.
Background : It is thought that roasted sponge was first used as a remedy in the 13th century, by the alchemist Arnold von Villanova as a treatment for goiter.
Preparation : Sponge is carefully cleaned of sand, then toasted in a metal drum before being powdered and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Spongia is most appropriate for those who have a marked fear of heart disease and of death, particularly by suffocation. They may feel uncomfortable in clothes.
There is a strong focus on the heart with this remedy. Typical physical symptoms treated include palpitations and an uneasy feeling in the area of the heart. There may be congestion, with a sensation as though blood is rushing into the chest and face. A fear of suffocation and a sense of the heart being forced upward out of the chest can disrupt sleep after midnight. There is great exhaustion and the body feels heavy, so that even the slightest exertion causes complete prostration.
Spongia is also prescribed for upper respiratory tract infections that tend to settle in the larynx, such as a dry, hollow, barking, croupy cough. There is typically a feeling of dryness in the mucous membranes, and inflammation, enlargement, and hardening of the glands, especially the thyroid gland. There may be a sensation as if there is a plug in the larynx, which may feel very sensitive to touch. Pain in the larynx typically becomes worse for swallowing, singing, or talking.
Symptoms Better : For lying with the head low; for bending forward; for eating small amounts; for warm foods and drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For dry, cold winds; for waking up; at midnight.
207. SPIGELIA
Spigelia anthelmia
Pink root, annual wormgrass.
Key Uses:Headaches or migraines Heart murmurs or valve disorders Neuralgic or rheumatic pains Palpitations Rheumatic heart disease or angina Sinus infections
Origin : Native to South America, but now found in the US and the West Indies.
Background : Pink root contains certain alkaloids that are used in the herbal treatment of heart disease.
Preparation : The dried aerial parts are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : A sad, forgetful, “blank” temperament is characteristic of those who respond most effectively to this remedy. They are responsible people who suffer intense pain, causing great nervous agitation.
It is given chiefly for problems of the heart and the nervous system, especially if symptoms affect primarily the left side of the body, and if there are intense, violent pains. Spigelia may be given for frequent palpitations that are violent, visible, and audible, for heart murmurs or valve disorders, and for rheumatic heart disease. It is also used for angina with constricting chest pains that extend down one or both arms, into the chest, and up to the throat. In addition, the remedy may be used for headaches, migraines, sinus infections, or neuralgic or rheumatic pain, especially if the symptoms are worse on the left side.
Symptoms Better : For breathing in; for lying on the right side with the head higher than the body; for steady pressure on the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For changes in the weather; for touch; for lying on the left side; for movement; for tobacco.
Pink root, annual wormgrass.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to South America, but now found in the US and the West Indies.
Background : Pink root contains certain alkaloids that are used in the herbal treatment of heart disease.
Preparation : The dried aerial parts are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : A sad, forgetful, “blank” temperament is characteristic of those who respond most effectively to this remedy. They are responsible people who suffer intense pain, causing great nervous agitation.
It is given chiefly for problems of the heart and the nervous system, especially if symptoms affect primarily the left side of the body, and if there are intense, violent pains. Spigelia may be given for frequent palpitations that are violent, visible, and audible, for heart murmurs or valve disorders, and for rheumatic heart disease. It is also used for angina with constricting chest pains that extend down one or both arms, into the chest, and up to the throat. In addition, the remedy may be used for headaches, migraines, sinus infections, or neuralgic or rheumatic pain, especially if the symptoms are worse on the left side.
Symptoms Better : For breathing in; for lying on the right side with the head higher than the body; for steady pressure on the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For changes in the weather; for touch; for lying on the left side; for movement; for tobacco.
208. STANNUM MET
Stannum metallicum
Tin.
Key Uses:Exhaustion after chronic respiratory problems Nervous system disorders Serious respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Origin : Mined from cassiterite, which is found in England, Nigeria, Thailand, and South America.
Background : Tin has long been used for household and commercial purposes, and has been used medicinally: in 18th-century Scotland it was taken for intestinal worms.
Preparation : The metal is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who benefit most from Stannum met. are suspicious, anxious, uneasy, and sad, possibly with fixed ideas. They may be weak, debilitated, and unable to talk or move, and feel worse during the day.
Stannum met. is used for exhaustion after chronic respiratory problems, or for nervous system disorders. It may be given for weakness in the chest, during or after a serious infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The weakness leaves the lungs and bronchi susceptible to inflammation or serious illness, including asthma.
Symptoms Better : For lying across something hard; for expelling mucus.
Symptoms Worse : For lying on the right side; for gentle movement; for talking.
Tin.
Key Uses:
Origin : Mined from cassiterite, which is found in England, Nigeria, Thailand, and South America.
Background : Tin has long been used for household and commercial purposes, and has been used medicinally: in 18th-century Scotland it was taken for intestinal worms.
Preparation : The metal is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who benefit most from Stannum met. are suspicious, anxious, uneasy, and sad, possibly with fixed ideas. They may be weak, debilitated, and unable to talk or move, and feel worse during the day.
Stannum met. is used for exhaustion after chronic respiratory problems, or for nervous system disorders. It may be given for weakness in the chest, during or after a serious infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The weakness leaves the lungs and bronchi susceptible to inflammation or serious illness, including asthma.
Symptoms Better : For lying across something hard; for expelling mucus.
Symptoms Worse : For lying on the right side; for gentle movement; for talking.
209. SOLIDAGO
Solidago virgaurea
Goldenrod.
Key Uses:Fibroids Kidneys that feel distended, sore, aching, and tender
Origin : Native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America.
Background : This herb has traditionally been used externally to heal wounds, thrush, ulcers, and insect bites, and internally for urinary tract infections.SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA (Golden rod)166
Preparation : The fresh aerial parts are finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : The classic symptom picture for Solidago is of kidney disease, possibly with nausea, insomnia, a weak chest, and susceptibility to colds. Solidago is used when the kidneys feel distended, sore, aching, and tender, with pain extending down to the thighs, or toward the bladder and abdomen. There are typically difficulties in passing urine, which is scanty and discolored, or clear and foul-smelling. The remedy may also be prescribed to treat fibroids.
Symptoms Better : For profuse urination.
Symptoms Worse : For pressure on the affected area.
Goldenrod.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America.
Background : This herb has traditionally been used externally to heal wounds, thrush, ulcers, and insect bites, and internally for urinary tract infections.SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA (Golden rod)166
Preparation : The fresh aerial parts are finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : The classic symptom picture for Solidago is of kidney disease, possibly with nausea, insomnia, a weak chest, and susceptibility to colds. Solidago is used when the kidneys feel distended, sore, aching, and tender, with pain extending down to the thighs, or toward the bladder and abdomen. There are typically difficulties in passing urine, which is scanty and discolored, or clear and foul-smelling. The remedy may also be prescribed to treat fibroids.
Symptoms Better : For profuse urination.
Symptoms Worse : For pressure on the affected area.
210. SQUILLA
Urginea maritima var. rubra syn. Drimia maritima var. rubra
Sea onion, sea squill.
Key Uses:Chronic respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis (in the elderly), pleurisy, coughs, and asthma Measles in children
Origin : Native to the shores of the Mediterranean region.
Background : The bulb of this plant is cultivated for the drug industry, since it contains scillarin, which affects the heart. Highly toxic, it has also been used in the manufacture of rat poison.
Preparation : The fresh bulb is steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Squilla is most appropriate for people who are irritable, weak, and weary. They tend to sleep badly, and definitely prefer to sit up rather than lie down.
This is a slow-acting remedy, used for conditions that take several days to develop. It can be used for chronic bronchitis in the elderly, or for childhood measles, but its primary use is for chronic respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, pleurisy, coughs, and asthma with panting. Squilla is typically prescribed for symptoms such as a dry, loose, short, violent cough that comes from deep in the lungs, sharp pain in the lower left side of the chest, and involuntary passing of urine.
Symptoms Better : For rest; for sitting up; for coughing up even a small quantity of mucus.
Symptoms Worse : In the early morning; for movement.
Sea onion, sea squill.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to the shores of the Mediterranean region.
Background : The bulb of this plant is cultivated for the drug industry, since it contains scillarin, which affects the heart. Highly toxic, it has also been used in the manufacture of rat poison.
Preparation : The fresh bulb is steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Squilla is most appropriate for people who are irritable, weak, and weary. They tend to sleep badly, and definitely prefer to sit up rather than lie down.
This is a slow-acting remedy, used for conditions that take several days to develop. It can be used for chronic bronchitis in the elderly, or for childhood measles, but its primary use is for chronic respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, pleurisy, coughs, and asthma with panting. Squilla is typically prescribed for symptoms such as a dry, loose, short, violent cough that comes from deep in the lungs, sharp pain in the lower left side of the chest, and involuntary passing of urine.
Symptoms Better : For rest; for sitting up; for coughing up even a small quantity of mucus.
Symptoms Worse : In the early morning; for movement.
