homeopathy

Homeopathy

61. CARBO AN
Carbo animalis
Animal charcoal.

Key Uses:
  • Cancer
  • Great fatigue
  • Poor circulation with blue extremities
  • Swollen, painful veins

    Origin : Charcoal made from oxhide.

    Background : To make animal charcoal, oxhide is heated until luminescent, then transferred to an airtight environment.

    Preparation : Charcoal ash is triturated with lactose sugar.

    Remedy Profile : Carbo an. is typically prescribed for elderly people with strong nostalgia for the past and an aversion to modern life. They tend to feel chilly, feeble, abandoned, and that “everything was better in the old days.”
    The remedy is mainly used for painful, slow-developing symptoms associated with old age, poor nutrition, and decay, such as swollen, painful veins, poor circulation with blue extremities, cancer, and great fatigue. Pains typically feel as if they are burning, cutting, or stabbing.
    Carbo an. is used particularly in the treatment of cancer, especially cancers of the glands or the uterus, and for distension of the abdomen after abdominal surgery.

    Symptoms Better : For warm rooms; for rubbing the eyes; for pressing the hand on the uncomfortable area.

    Symptoms Worse : For dry, cold air; after midnight; for shaving; for eating; for fatty foods and milk.
  • 62. CARBON SULPH
    Carbonium sulphuratum
    Carbon bisulfide, carbon disulfide.

    Key Uses:
  • Chronic sciatic pain and twitching
  • Digestive upsets
  • Loss of sensation
  • Progressive loss of vision
  • Recurrent breathing difficulties
  • Skin irritation
  • Tinnitus

    Origin : Chemically prepared.

    Background : Carbon bisulfide is used as an industrial solvent in rubber works, and in the manufacture of synthetic fibers such as viscose, rayon, and cellophane.

    Preparation : The compound is dissolved in purified water, diluted, and succussed.

    Remedy Profile : People for whom Carbon sulph. is best suited seem unable to think clearly. They may be either loquacious or respond slowly to others, forgetting words. In severe cases, they can be affected by dementia alternating with excitement, associated with fear, biting, sudden rage, or delusions of grandeur. At the ultimate extreme, they progress to complete breakdown, especially in their relationships, with a loss of dignity and confused sense of self. They may even attempt suicide and require restraining.
    This pattern of breakdown is reflected in the physical conditions for which Carbon sulph. is chiefly used. The body systems become “disorganized,” leading to muscle-wasting, jerking pains, visual disturbances with progressive vision loss and color blindness, widespread nerve inflammation, and digestive upsets. These symptoms may occur concurrently or in isolation.
    Other important symptoms that may respond to the remedy include tinnitus, chronic sciatic pain and twitching, recurrent breathing difficulties, skin irritation, loss of sensation, and diarrhea or constipation.

    Symptoms Better : For open air; for warm drinks.

    Symptoms Worse : For bathing; during and after eating.
  • 63. CARDUUS
    Silybum marianum syn. Carduus marianus
    St. Mary’s thistle, milk thistle.

    Key Uses:
  • Acute or chronic liver problems
  • Gallbladder pain
  • Gallstone colic
  • Lung conditions, such as asthma
  • Severe abdominal and liver pain

    Origin : Native to the Mediterranean region and grown throughout Europe.

    Background : The flowerheads were traditionally grown to eat as a substitute for artichokes, and boiled as a spring tonic following the winter months.

    Preparation : The ripe, dried seeds are soaked in water for one to two days and then macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Carduus is most suitable for people who are completely run down, with the kind of total physical and mental exhaustion, blankness, and indifference that may arise following a hard life of physical labor, or that may be caused by alcoholism.
    The classic symptom picture for Carduus is of acute or chronic liver problems and lung conditions such as asthma. The remedy may be used for severe liver and abdominal pain that is most marked when lying on the left side, or for gallbladder pain and gallstone colic. The stools are typically discolored and pale due to liver malfunction, or they may be dark due to internal bleeding in the digestive system.

    Symptoms Better : For sitting up in bed; after a nosebleed.

    Symptoms Worse : For movement; for lying on the left side; for alcohol.
  • 64. CAULOPHYLLUM
    Caulophyllum thalictroides
    Blue cohosh, squaw root, papoose root.

    Key Uses:
  • Rheumatic pains affecting the small joints, particularly in conjunction with menstruation or uterine problems
  • Uterine disorders, such as excessive bleeding and lack of uterine muscle tone

    Origin : Native to eastern North America.

    Background : Native Americans valued this plant highly for women, using it as a contraceptive, to regulate menstrual cycles, to induce labor, and for children’s colic.

    Preparation : The fresh root is macerated in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.

    Remedy Profile : This remedy is exclusively prescribed for symptoms in women who tend to be prone to restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia, if they have drunk too much coffee. In severe cases they may be unable to speak.
    Caulophyllum is used primarily for problems of the uterus, such as excessive bleeding and lack of tone in the uterine muscles. There may be erratic or absent uterine muscle action during menstruation or during or following labor. Inner trembling may also occur.
    The remedy is also used for rheumatic joint pains affecting the small joints, particularly if they occur in conjunction with menstruation or uterine problems. The fingers, toes, and ankles may be stiff, and the wrists may ache.

    Symptoms Better : For warmth.

    Symptoms Worse : For movement; for coffee; in the evening.
  • 65. CENCHRIS
    Agkistrodon contortrix syn. Cenchris contortrix
    Copperhead snake.

    Key Uses:
  • Breathlessness
  • Congestion in the blood vessels
  • Fear of rape, pins and pointed objects, going to sleep, and sudden death
  • Mental and physical restlessness

    Origin : Found in the central and eastern US in forests, rocky terrain, and arid areas.

    Background : This snake belongs to the venomous pit viper family, which is responsible for the majority of snakebite incidents in the central and eastern US.

    Preparation : The fresh venom is triturated with lactose sugar.

    Remedy Profile : Cenchris is particularly suitable for people who experience great mental restlessness, jealousy, suspicion, and abandonment. They have a general tendency to be rather absentminded, moody, and dreamy, often experiencing vivid, horrible dreams that continue in their thoughts once they are awake. Their anxieties may include a fear of rape, pins and pointed objects, going to sleep, and sudden death.
    The classic symptom picture for Cenchris is of breathlessness, mental and physical restlessness, and a desire to drink small quantities of water. Another classic symptom is a need to loosen the clothing, triggered by congestion in the blood vessels. Complaints are usually right-sided. There may be a susceptibility to allergies, especially in the spring.

    Symptoms Better : In the morning.

    Symptoms Worse : In the afternoon, in the evening, and all night; for lying down; for waking; for pressure on the affected area.
  • 66. CEDRON
    Simarouba cedron syn. Simaba cedron, Quassia cedron
    Cedron, rattlesnake beans.

    Key Uses:
  • Neuralgic pains and other nervous system conditions, such as spasms or tics
  • Recurrent fevers, such as those associated with malaria
  • Severe headaches or migraines

    Origin : Found in Central America and northern Brazil.

    Background : Known in Panama as an antidote for snakebite and insect stings if chewed immediately after being bitten, cedron was also used for malaria or fever.

    Preparation : Cotyledons (embryonic shoots) from the dried, ripe seeds are macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Cedron tend to be nervous, restless, and even hysterical, possibly experiencing depression following any nervous excitement. They may dread going to bed and fear their friends.
    A characteristic of the complaints associated with Cedron is that they tend to recur at exactly the same hour each day. The remedy is used for recurrent fevers, such as those associated with malaria, and for neuralgic pains and other nervous- system conditions such as spasms or tics. Severe headaches or migraines, perhaps with nausea, fever, or cerebrospinal meningitis, may also respond to Cedron.

    Symptoms Better : For standing erect.

    Symptoms Worse : For open air; at the same time each day; after sleep.
  • 67. CASTOREUM
    Castoreum
    Castoreum.

    Key Uses:
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome in women
  • Nervousness in conjunction with profuse sweating
  • Sudden spasms of abdominal pain

    Origin : Secretion from glands in the genitals of the beaver.

    Background : This browny red, resinous substance was formerly used in its dried form as a fixative in the perfume industry.

    Preparation : Castoreum is macerated in alcohol, filtered, diluted, and succussed.

    Remedy Profile : Castoreum is primarily associated with women, particularly those with an angry, irritable, and quarrelsome state of mind that is especially evident during menstrual periods. Nervous and discontented, they tend to have anxious dreams, and to shout out angrily when they are asleep.
    Castoreum is generally used for this nervous state in conjunction with profuse sweats and a weird sensation that the tongue is being pulled back by a thread from its base to the hyoid bone in the neck. There is a tendency not to recover fully from any bout of illness, and the remedy may be given for chronic fatigue syndrome in women. Further symptoms may include sudden spasms of pain in the abdomen.

    Symptoms Better : For pressure on affected areas.

    Symptoms Worse : For cold; during menstruation; after debilitating diseases; for emotional stress.
  • 68. CEANOTHUS
    Ceanothus americanus
    New Jersey tea.

    Key Uses:
  • Lethargy, with swelling, tenderness, and pain in the spleen
  • Nervous excitement with chilliness
  • Serious blood or lymph disorders, such as leukemia or Hodgkin's disease

    Origin : Native to eastern North America.

    Background : Native Americans used the root to make a tea for fevers, catarrh, and sore throats. During the Revolutionary War, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea.

    Preparation : The dried leaves are steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.

    Remedy Profile : Ceanothus is most suitable for people who feel apathetic and lack energy. They may be depressed by a fear of being unable to work due to illness.
    The classic symptom picture is one of lethargy, with swelling, tenderness, and pain in the spleen. There may be such deep pain on the left side of the body that it is impossible to lie on this side. Further symptoms include palpitations, chilliness, a right-sided headache, and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be associated with serious blood or lymph disorders such as leukemia or Hodgkin’s disease. The remedy is also used for those who experience great nervous excitement, with chilliness and a loss of appetite. Their nerves may be so badly shaken that they can barely hold a knife and fork.They may find it difficult to sleep, and may experience dreams of snakes and robbers.

    Symptoms Better : For warm weather.

    Symptoms Worse : For cold, damp weather; for movement; for lying on the left side.
  • 69. CHENOPODIUM
    Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
    American wormseed, Jesuit’s tea, Mexican tea, Jerusalem oak.

    Key Uses:
  • Effects of strokes, particularly those involving right-sided paralysis
  • Right-sided migraines

    Origin : Native to the Caribbean and to Central and South America, and cultivated in China and the US.

    Background : This plant was widely used from the middle of the 18th century by native Americans to expel worms.

    Preparation : The seeds or whole, fresh plant are macerated in alcohol, or the oil from the seeds is diluted with alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : The classic use of Chenopodium is in treating the effects of a stroke, particularly if they involve right-sided paralysis.
    Typical symptoms include repeating words or using inappropriate words, or repeating the same actions over and over again. The limbs may spasm and contract, and the hands may flex. These symptoms may be accompanied by very heavy breathing with a rattling sound, as if there is a ball rolling loose in the trachea. The remedy is also used to treat right-sided migraines with giddiness, loss of sight, roaring in the ears, and dull pain in the liver area that may extend to the right shoulder blade.

    Symptoms Better : None known.

    Symptoms Worse : For movement.
  • 70. CHINA ARS
    Chininum arsenicosum
    Quinine arsenite.

    Key Uses:
  • Asthma, with a sensation of suffocation, oppressed breathing, or anxiety
  • Great fatigue, perhaps following chronic fatigue syndrome, or a serious illness such as malaria, or a debilitating epileptic attack

    Origin : Chemically prepared.

    Background : This compound of quinine (see page 49), arsenious acid, and potassium carbonate is little used outside homeopathy.

    Preparation : Quinine arsenite is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.

    Remedy Profile : People for whom China ars. is appropriate tend to be exhausted and drained, and to feel that they cannot endure their state for much longer. They are either restless and on edge or completely relaxed.
    The key symptom treated by China ars. is great fatigue, perhaps following chronic fatigue syndrome, or serious illness such as malaria or a debilitating epileptic attack. The fatigue tends to recur at specific times, possibly with burning pains, stiff joints, and fluttering “electric” pulses in the body. The remedy may also be given to treat asthma with a sensation of suffocation, oppressed breathing, and anxiety.

    Symptoms Better : For open air; for pressure on the affected area; for bending forward; for sitting up; for yawning.

    Symptoms Worse : In the morning; for movement; for hunger.