Homeopathy
221. THLASPI
Capsella bursa-pastoris syn. Thlaspi bursa-pastoris
Shepherd’s purse.
Key Uses:Fibroids Hemorrhaging, especially during pregnancy, causing great pain Nosebleeds during pregnancy Violent cramping in the uterus, associated with hemorrhaging, between menstrual periods, during pregnancy, following labor, or after a miscarriage or abortion
Origin : Native to Europe and Asia.
Background : This plant’s common name derives from its seed pods, which resemble heart-shaped purses. It was used in World War I to treat hemorrhaging.
Preparation : The aerial parts, dried when in flower, are finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Predominantly a remedy given for problems of the female reproductive system, Thlaspi is especially associated with fibroids and with hemorrhaging, particularly during pregnancy. The hemorrhaging is characteristically accompanied by great pain and violent cramping in the uterus. It may occur between menstrual periods, during pregnancy, following labor, or after a miscarriage or abortion. Menstrual flow tends to be excessively profuse and frequent, causing great exhaustion. Frequent nosebleeds are also a possible symptom during pregnancy.
Symptoms Better : For bending over.
Symptoms Worse : None known.
Shepherd’s purse.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Europe and Asia.
Background : This plant’s common name derives from its seed pods, which resemble heart-shaped purses. It was used in World War I to treat hemorrhaging.
Preparation : The aerial parts, dried when in flower, are finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Predominantly a remedy given for problems of the female reproductive system, Thlaspi is especially associated with fibroids and with hemorrhaging, particularly during pregnancy. The hemorrhaging is characteristically accompanied by great pain and violent cramping in the uterus. It may occur between menstrual periods, during pregnancy, following labor, or after a miscarriage or abortion. Menstrual flow tends to be excessively profuse and frequent, causing great exhaustion. Frequent nosebleeds are also a possible symptom during pregnancy.
Symptoms Better : For bending over.
Symptoms Worse : None known.
222. THERIDION
Theridion curassavicum
Orange spider.
Key Uses:Acute sensitivity of the bones, nerves, and spine Diabetes Vertigo
Origin : Native to Curaçao and the West Indies.
Background : This small spider has orange spots on its back. Its bite can cause trembling, cold sweats, and fainting.
Preparation : The whole, live spider is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Sensitivity to noise may be so extreme in people who respond to Theridion that it causes pain and vibrations to penetrate through the body. There may be a feeling that time is passing too quickly, and a tendency to be chilly. Theridion is generally used for acute sensitivity of the bones, nerves, and spine. The spine tends to be so highly sensitive that the least jarring motion, such as walking, may be unbearable; on sitting, one buttock may be raised off the seat to ease the pressure on the lower spine. There may be accompanying vertigo, dizziness, or motion sickness. Theridion may also be used to treat diabetes.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for rest; for drinking warm water.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for noise; for touch; for pressure on the affected area; for travel; for jarring movement; for closing the eyes; for bending forward.
Orange spider.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Curaçao and the West Indies.
Background : This small spider has orange spots on its back. Its bite can cause trembling, cold sweats, and fainting.
Preparation : The whole, live spider is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Sensitivity to noise may be so extreme in people who respond to Theridion that it causes pain and vibrations to penetrate through the body. There may be a feeling that time is passing too quickly, and a tendency to be chilly. Theridion is generally used for acute sensitivity of the bones, nerves, and spine. The spine tends to be so highly sensitive that the least jarring motion, such as walking, may be unbearable; on sitting, one buttock may be raised off the seat to ease the pressure on the lower spine. There may be accompanying vertigo, dizziness, or motion sickness. Theridion may also be used to treat diabetes.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for rest; for drinking warm water.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for noise; for touch; for pressure on the affected area; for travel; for jarring movement; for closing the eyes; for bending forward.
223. TELLURIUM MET
Tellurium metallicum
Tellurium.
Key Uses:Back pains Eye and ear infections Skin conditions, such as psoriasis, ringworm, herpes, and eczema on the eyelids and behind the ears
Origin : Found throughout the world.
Background : Klaproth named this rare mineral in 1798 from the Greek tellus, or “earth,” as a counterpart to his discovery in 1789 of uranium (named from the Greek ouranos, or “heaven”).
Preparation : Tellurium is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Tellurium met. is most appropriate for people who are excitable and irritable, with a disposition that is sometimes described as “rough and angular.”
Skin disorders are the characteristic focus of Tellurium met., including conditions such as psoriasis, ringworm, herpes, and eczema on the eyelids and behind the ears. A key symptom associated with the remedy is a characteristic smell of garlic in the perspiration, which tends to burn and irritate the skin. Skin symptoms are often circular or ring- shaped, and may occur in conjunction with severe back pain.
The remedy may also be used for back pain that is typically worse for coughing, sneezing, or straining when passing a stool. It may help back pain after injury, spinal irritation, ruptured intervertebral disks, and pain that radiates down the legs. In addition, it may be effective for eye and ear infections, especially ear infections that produce a discharge that smells like fish brine.
Symptoms Better : For lying quietly.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for touch; for lying on the affected area.
Tellurium.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found throughout the world.
Background : Klaproth named this rare mineral in 1798 from the Greek tellus, or “earth,” as a counterpart to his discovery in 1789 of uranium (named from the Greek ouranos, or “heaven”).
Preparation : Tellurium is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Tellurium met. is most appropriate for people who are excitable and irritable, with a disposition that is sometimes described as “rough and angular.”
Skin disorders are the characteristic focus of Tellurium met., including conditions such as psoriasis, ringworm, herpes, and eczema on the eyelids and behind the ears. A key symptom associated with the remedy is a characteristic smell of garlic in the perspiration, which tends to burn and irritate the skin. Skin symptoms are often circular or ring- shaped, and may occur in conjunction with severe back pain.
The remedy may also be used for back pain that is typically worse for coughing, sneezing, or straining when passing a stool. It may help back pain after injury, spinal irritation, ruptured intervertebral disks, and pain that radiates down the legs. In addition, it may be effective for eye and ear infections, especially ear infections that produce a discharge that smells like fish brine.
Symptoms Better : For lying quietly.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for touch; for lying on the affected area.
224. THEA
Camellia sinensis syn. Thea sinensis
Tea.
Key Uses:Extreme forms of behavior in children and adults, including irritability, mental restlessness, violent impulses, and psychiatric problems Indigestion Insomnia Overactive nervous system Palpitations or other heart problems
Origin : Native to China, although now cultivated commercially, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and China.
Background : Long established in many cultures as a beverage, tea is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic for the digestive system and nerves.
Preparation : The leaves are dried, then steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Thea is associated chiefly with an overactive nervous system. Those who respond best to it tend to be in a rather overwrought frame of mind, and are inclined to quarrel over the slightest things. Thea is given for extreme forms of behavior in children and adults, including irritability, mental restlessness, violent impulses, and even psychiatric problems. Adults may have murderous desires, perhaps toward their own children, or they may feel suicidal, especially at night when they are unable to sleep due to an overactive mind.
This overactivity of the nervous system causes physical symptoms such as insomnia, indigestion, and palpitations or other heart problems, which may be helped by Thea.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for bathing in warm water.
Symptoms Worse : For walking in the open air; at night; after meals.
Tea.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to China, although now cultivated commercially, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and China.
Background : Long established in many cultures as a beverage, tea is also used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic for the digestive system and nerves.
Preparation : The leaves are dried, then steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Thea is associated chiefly with an overactive nervous system. Those who respond best to it tend to be in a rather overwrought frame of mind, and are inclined to quarrel over the slightest things. Thea is given for extreme forms of behavior in children and adults, including irritability, mental restlessness, violent impulses, and even psychiatric problems. Adults may have murderous desires, perhaps toward their own children, or they may feel suicidal, especially at night when they are unable to sleep due to an overactive mind.
This overactivity of the nervous system causes physical symptoms such as insomnia, indigestion, and palpitations or other heart problems, which may be helped by Thea.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for bathing in warm water.
Symptoms Worse : For walking in the open air; at night; after meals.
225. URANIUM NIT
Uranium nitricum
Uranium nitrate.
Key Uses:Diabetes with water retention and increased urination Digestive disorders, such as indigestion, bloating, and abdominal gas High blood pressure Kidney inflammation Liver problems
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This is a compound of the radioactive metal uranium, which was named in 1789 by Klaproth after the planet Uranus, since the element was first located soon after the planet’s discovery.
Preparation : Uranium nitrate is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : There is no well-defined picture for people who respond best to Uranium nit., although irritability and depression may be evident.
Diabetes, kidney inflammation, high blood pressure, and liver problems can all respond to Uranium nit. It has an affinity with the digestive system and may be used for indigestion, bloating, and abdominal gas. Diabetes with water retention and increased urination may also be treated with this remedy.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for rapid movement; for bathing in cold water.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for rest; for sour foods; for wine.
Uranium nitrate.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This is a compound of the radioactive metal uranium, which was named in 1789 by Klaproth after the planet Uranus, since the element was first located soon after the planet’s discovery.
Preparation : Uranium nitrate is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : There is no well-defined picture for people who respond best to Uranium nit., although irritability and depression may be evident.
Diabetes, kidney inflammation, high blood pressure, and liver problems can all respond to Uranium nit. It has an affinity with the digestive system and may be used for indigestion, bloating, and abdominal gas. Diabetes with water retention and increased urination may also be treated with this remedy.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for rapid movement; for bathing in cold water.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for rest; for sour foods; for wine.
226. UVA URSI
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Uva-ursi, bearberry.
Key Uses:Chronic bladder irritation Digestive, respiratory, or childbirth symptoms Enlarged prostate gland accompanying a urinary disorder Inflammation and stones in the kidneys
Origin : Found in Europe, the US, Mexico, and northern Asia.
Background : Bears like to eat the fruits of this plant, hence the name uva-ursi, which is derived from the Latin for “bear’s grape.”
Preparation : The fresh leaves and young shoots are chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Uva ursi is generally used for inflammation and stones in the kidneys. There may be chronic bladder irritation with blood in the urine, or pain with straining to pass urine, possibly accompanied by a weak, irregular pulse, breathlessness, vomiting, nausea, and cyanosis (bluish mucous membranes and skin caused by too much deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood). Sharp pains may pass from hip to hip. In men, the prostate gland may become enlarged. Further symptoms that may accompany urinary conditions include flushing of the face, catarrh, a tight sensation in the chest, slight dizziness, and a headache. Uva ursi may also be given for certain digestive, respiratory, or childbirth symptoms, but the primary focus of the remedy is on urinary problems.
Symptoms Better : After urination; for lying back.
Symptoms Worse : During urination; in the evening.
Uva-ursi, bearberry.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in Europe, the US, Mexico, and northern Asia.
Background : Bears like to eat the fruits of this plant, hence the name uva-ursi, which is derived from the Latin for “bear’s grape.”
Preparation : The fresh leaves and young shoots are chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Uva ursi is generally used for inflammation and stones in the kidneys. There may be chronic bladder irritation with blood in the urine, or pain with straining to pass urine, possibly accompanied by a weak, irregular pulse, breathlessness, vomiting, nausea, and cyanosis (bluish mucous membranes and skin caused by too much deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood). Sharp pains may pass from hip to hip. In men, the prostate gland may become enlarged. Further symptoms that may accompany urinary conditions include flushing of the face, catarrh, a tight sensation in the chest, slight dizziness, and a headache. Uva ursi may also be given for certain digestive, respiratory, or childbirth symptoms, but the primary focus of the remedy is on urinary problems.
Symptoms Better : After urination; for lying back.
Symptoms Worse : During urination; in the evening.
227. USTILAGO
Ustilago zeae
Corn smut.
Key Uses:Slow, congestive bleeding following miscarriage or labor Women's problems, such as uterine fibroids
Origin : Found as a fungus on corn, especially in Central and South America.
Background : The Zuni Indians of New Mexico traditionally used corn smut to hasten labor and prevent uterine bleeding.
Preparation : The ripe, fresh fungus is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is best suited to people who tend to be irritable and sad. It is used for women’s problems such as uterine fibroids, or hemorrhaging that develops following miscarriage or labor. The characteristic symptom picture is of slow, congestive bleeding, with clots that sometimes form long strings. Ovarian and pelvic pain is often on the left side.
Symptoms Better : For rest.
Symptoms Worse : For touch; for movement; for menopause.
Corn smut.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found as a fungus on corn, especially in Central and South America.
Background : The Zuni Indians of New Mexico traditionally used corn smut to hasten labor and prevent uterine bleeding.
Preparation : The ripe, fresh fungus is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is best suited to people who tend to be irritable and sad. It is used for women’s problems such as uterine fibroids, or hemorrhaging that develops following miscarriage or labor. The characteristic symptom picture is of slow, congestive bleeding, with clots that sometimes form long strings. Ovarian and pelvic pain is often on the left side.
Symptoms Better : For rest.
Symptoms Worse : For touch; for movement; for menopause.
228. VERATRUM VIR
Veratrum viride
American white hellebore.
Key Uses:Asthma Intense fever Manic behavior Pleurisy Pneumonia Puerperal fever
Origin : Found throughout northwestern North America.
Background : Although once used as a herbal remedy by the Iroquois and Cherokee Indians, this highly toxic plant is now little used in herbal medicine.
Preparation : The fresh root is gathered in fall and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to this remedy are often restless, quarrelsome, and prone to complaining.
Veratrum vir. has a strong affinity with lung conditions such as asthma, pleurisy, and pneumonia. Symptoms appear rapidly, including a strong or slow pulse, high fever, anxiety, and vomiting. There may be a red streak in the center of the tongue.
Another rapid-onset condition for which Veratrum vir. is given is intense fever with twitching, especially during sleep, spasms, delirium, chorea (involuntary, random, jerky movements), or even manic behavior or puerperal fever (infection in the genital tract after miscarriage, an abortion, or childbirth). Violent, rapidly appearing headaches may occur, with a bursting, congested sensation in the head, as if it contains too much blood.
Symptoms Better : For rubbing the affected area; for lying with the head held low; for hot, strong coffee.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for the heat of the sun; for rising; for movement; for lying on the back; after childbirth; for suppressed menstruation, possibly caused by jet lag.
American white hellebore.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found throughout northwestern North America.
Background : Although once used as a herbal remedy by the Iroquois and Cherokee Indians, this highly toxic plant is now little used in herbal medicine.
Preparation : The fresh root is gathered in fall and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to this remedy are often restless, quarrelsome, and prone to complaining.
Veratrum vir. has a strong affinity with lung conditions such as asthma, pleurisy, and pneumonia. Symptoms appear rapidly, including a strong or slow pulse, high fever, anxiety, and vomiting. There may be a red streak in the center of the tongue.
Another rapid-onset condition for which Veratrum vir. is given is intense fever with twitching, especially during sleep, spasms, delirium, chorea (involuntary, random, jerky movements), or even manic behavior or puerperal fever (infection in the genital tract after miscarriage, an abortion, or childbirth). Violent, rapidly appearing headaches may occur, with a bursting, congested sensation in the head, as if it contains too much blood.
Symptoms Better : For rubbing the affected area; for lying with the head held low; for hot, strong coffee.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for the heat of the sun; for rising; for movement; for lying on the back; after childbirth; for suppressed menstruation, possibly caused by jet lag.
229. URTICA URENS
Urtica urens
Annual nettle.
Key Uses:Blistering, burning, stinging, red rashes caused by insect bites, stings, shellfish, and plants Burned, blistered skin Urticaria
Origin : Found wild in temperate regions throughout the world.
Background : In the 1st century CE the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides advocated this nettle and its relative, Urtica dioica, as a treatment for festering wounds, nosebleeds, and delayed menstruation. The plant has a long tradition of use for many ailments in Western herbalism, and is still highly valued today.
Preparation : The whole flowering plant, including the root, is steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Appropriately, urticaria (nettle rash or hives) is a key condition treated by Urtica urens. It is given for red, burning, stinging skin eruptions that may be swollen or itchy. Symptoms are often aggravated by warmth, bathing, and vigorous exercise. Itching tends to be worse on rising in the morning, perhaps causing a fear of going to bed at night. Urtica urens is also used for actual burns or scalds with classic redness and blistering, and for blistering, burning, stinging, red, allergic rashes caused by insect bites, stings, shellfish, and plants.
Symptoms Better : For rubbing the affected area; for lying down.
Symptoms Worse : For warmth; during a snowfall; for bathing in cold water; at the same time each year; for touch; after childbirth.
Annual nettle.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found wild in temperate regions throughout the world.
Background : In the 1st century CE the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides advocated this nettle and its relative, Urtica dioica, as a treatment for festering wounds, nosebleeds, and delayed menstruation. The plant has a long tradition of use for many ailments in Western herbalism, and is still highly valued today.
Preparation : The whole flowering plant, including the root, is steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Appropriately, urticaria (nettle rash or hives) is a key condition treated by Urtica urens. It is given for red, burning, stinging skin eruptions that may be swollen or itchy. Symptoms are often aggravated by warmth, bathing, and vigorous exercise. Itching tends to be worse on rising in the morning, perhaps causing a fear of going to bed at night. Urtica urens is also used for actual burns or scalds with classic redness and blistering, and for blistering, burning, stinging, red, allergic rashes caused by insect bites, stings, shellfish, and plants.
Symptoms Better : For rubbing the affected area; for lying down.
Symptoms Worse : For warmth; during a snowfall; for bathing in cold water; at the same time each year; for touch; after childbirth.
230. VALERIANA
Valeriana officinalis
Common valerian.
Key Uses:Neuralgic pains, rapid pulse, and blood congestion in the head
Origin : Native to Europe and northern Asia, and cultivated in central Europe.
Background : Once known as “all-heal,” valerian has been used since the time of ancient Rome for anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure. In World War I the tincture was widely used for shell shock.
Preparation : The fresh root is unearthed and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those with a nervous, irritable, restless, and mentally or emotionally unstable state of mind respond best to Valeriana. It is used for an extreme nervous state possibly characterized by hysteria, raving, swearing, and madness, accompanied by a sensation of dreaming or floating. Fluctuating mood swings that alternate between extreme joy and deepest grief are typically linked to this remedy.
Physically, Valeriana is associated with neuralgic pains, a rapid pulse, and blood congestion in the head. Pains tend to be darting and tearing, alternating between the upper and lower limbs. The limbs feel painful, heavy, and difficult to move, and may jerk on resting. Headaches tend to develop slowly, in spurts, or suddenly, as if caused by a blow to the head.
Symptoms Better : For changing position; for walking around; for sleep; for sweating.
Symptoms Worse : In the early afternoon; in the late evening; at rest; for standing or sitting still; for excitement; for fasting.
Common valerian.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Europe and northern Asia, and cultivated in central Europe.
Background : Once known as “all-heal,” valerian has been used since the time of ancient Rome for anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure. In World War I the tincture was widely used for shell shock.
Preparation : The fresh root is unearthed and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those with a nervous, irritable, restless, and mentally or emotionally unstable state of mind respond best to Valeriana. It is used for an extreme nervous state possibly characterized by hysteria, raving, swearing, and madness, accompanied by a sensation of dreaming or floating. Fluctuating mood swings that alternate between extreme joy and deepest grief are typically linked to this remedy.
Physically, Valeriana is associated with neuralgic pains, a rapid pulse, and blood congestion in the head. Pains tend to be darting and tearing, alternating between the upper and lower limbs. The limbs feel painful, heavy, and difficult to move, and may jerk on resting. Headaches tend to develop slowly, in spurts, or suddenly, as if caused by a blow to the head.
Symptoms Better : For changing position; for walking around; for sleep; for sweating.
Symptoms Worse : In the early afternoon; in the late evening; at rest; for standing or sitting still; for excitement; for fasting.
