Homeopathy
91. CROTON
Croton tiglium
Croton.
Key Uses:Allergic skin conditions with extreme itching, such as eczema on the scrotum, or blistering rashes on the scrotum and penis Digestive problems, such as nausea and urgent diarrhea immediately after eating or drinking Headaches
Origin : Found in subtropical and tropical forests from India to Malaysia.
Background : Croton oil, made from the pressed seeds, has been used as a drastic purgative. An overdose of this carcinogenic oil may cause shock, while contact with the skin may lead to blistering.
Preparation : The oil from the seeds is percolated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Croton is most suitable tend to be “pent-up” emotionally. Often they feel anxious, as if some personal misfortune is about to befall them. They tend to be exhausted, dissatisfied, and morose, with an inability to work or think of anything except themselves.
Mirroring the uses of the oil itself, which is strongly purgative and irritant, Croton’s main affinities are with the skin and digestion. The remedy is typically used for allergic skin conditions with extreme itching, such as eczema on the scrotum, or blistering rashes on the scrotum and penis. Croton is also given for digestive problems such as nausea and urgent diarrhea immediately after eating or drinking.
A key symptom is the strange sensation that a string has been attached to the eyes or the nipples and is pulling them inward. The eyes feel as if they are being drawn backward into the head, and there is tense pain over the right eye, causing headaches.
Symptoms Better : After sleep; for gently rubbing the affected area; for warm milk.
Symptoms Worse : For touch; in summer; as skin eruptions are disappearing; for drinking; for eating.
Croton.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in subtropical and tropical forests from India to Malaysia.
Background : Croton oil, made from the pressed seeds, has been used as a drastic purgative. An overdose of this carcinogenic oil may cause shock, while contact with the skin may lead to blistering.
Preparation : The oil from the seeds is percolated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Croton is most suitable tend to be “pent-up” emotionally. Often they feel anxious, as if some personal misfortune is about to befall them. They tend to be exhausted, dissatisfied, and morose, with an inability to work or think of anything except themselves.
Mirroring the uses of the oil itself, which is strongly purgative and irritant, Croton’s main affinities are with the skin and digestion. The remedy is typically used for allergic skin conditions with extreme itching, such as eczema on the scrotum, or blistering rashes on the scrotum and penis. Croton is also given for digestive problems such as nausea and urgent diarrhea immediately after eating or drinking.
A key symptom is the strange sensation that a string has been attached to the eyes or the nipples and is pulling them inward. The eyes feel as if they are being drawn backward into the head, and there is tense pain over the right eye, causing headaches.
Symptoms Better : After sleep; for gently rubbing the affected area; for warm milk.
Symptoms Worse : For touch; in summer; as skin eruptions are disappearing; for drinking; for eating.
92. CROTALUS CASC
Crotalus durissus terrificus syn. C. cascavella
South American rattlesnake.
Key Uses:Sensations of constriction, which is sometimes felt as a band around the throat or abdomen Urticaria
Origin : Found in South America.
Background : This snake can grow up 5 ft (1.5 m) long. It has a deadly venom that primarily affects the nervous system.
Preparation : Fresh venom is mixed with lactose sugar and then triturated.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is most appropriate for people who feel jealous and forsaken. They fear being alone and love crowds and activity. They are frequently hypochondriacs who are sensitive to the cold. Characteristically they tend to be preoccupied by death and dying, and their dreams may feature corpses. They may feel that they are being haunted by ghosts. Right-sided symptoms are generally predominant.
Crotalus casc. is typically used for this state of mind in conjunction with a sense of constriction, which is sometimes felt as a band around the throat or abdomen, so that wearing clothes causes discomfort. It is used for burning urticaria in crops over a single body region.
Symptoms Better : For open air.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; at night; on the right side; for washing; for menopause; for drinking.
South American rattlesnake.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in South America.
Background : This snake can grow up 5 ft (1.5 m) long. It has a deadly venom that primarily affects the nervous system.
Preparation : Fresh venom is mixed with lactose sugar and then triturated.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is most appropriate for people who feel jealous and forsaken. They fear being alone and love crowds and activity. They are frequently hypochondriacs who are sensitive to the cold. Characteristically they tend to be preoccupied by death and dying, and their dreams may feature corpses. They may feel that they are being haunted by ghosts. Right-sided symptoms are generally predominant.
Crotalus casc. is typically used for this state of mind in conjunction with a sense of constriction, which is sometimes felt as a band around the throat or abdomen, so that wearing clothes causes discomfort. It is used for burning urticaria in crops over a single body region.
Symptoms Better : For open air.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; at night; on the right side; for washing; for menopause; for drinking.
93. CUPRUM ARS
Cuprum arsenicosum
Copper arsenite, Scheele’s green.
Key Uses:Irregular or weak heart function Poor kidney function Prolonged fluid loss—for example, after injury or an operation
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This toxic, yellow-green pigment was used in wallpapers until a link was established between it and a multitude of health problems, especially digestive disorders and cramps.
Preparation : The compound is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to Cuprum ars. are often confused, restless, and in anguish. Their body functions are also confused and disturbed, with chilliness and periods of irregular or weak heart function. Their bodies tremble, especially when walking, or they may be prostrated.
A key condition associated with Cuprum ars. is poor kidney function. Typical symptoms include burning pain on urinating, dark red, discolored urine with a strong odor, perhaps of garlic, and diarrhea. The remedy may also be given to those who have experienced prolonged fluid loss, perhaps after injury or an operation.
Symptoms Better : For hard pressure on the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For damp; for touch; for movement; during diarrhea attacks.
Copper arsenite, Scheele’s green.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This toxic, yellow-green pigment was used in wallpapers until a link was established between it and a multitude of health problems, especially digestive disorders and cramps.
Preparation : The compound is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to Cuprum ars. are often confused, restless, and in anguish. Their body functions are also confused and disturbed, with chilliness and periods of irregular or weak heart function. Their bodies tremble, especially when walking, or they may be prostrated.
A key condition associated with Cuprum ars. is poor kidney function. Typical symptoms include burning pain on urinating, dark red, discolored urine with a strong odor, perhaps of garlic, and diarrhea. The remedy may also be given to those who have experienced prolonged fluid loss, perhaps after injury or an operation.
Symptoms Better : For hard pressure on the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For damp; for touch; for movement; during diarrhea attacks.
94. CUBEBA
Piper cubeba
Cubeb, tailed pepper.
Key Uses:Cystitis Gonorrhea Mucous membrane inflammation, particularly in the urinary tract Prostatitis
Origin : Native to Indonesia and widely cultivated in tropical Asia.
Background : The antiseptic and diuretic properties of the cubeb fruits are used in herbal medicine, and the oil may be used to flavor tobacco, pickles, and sauces.
Preparation : The dried, unripe fruits are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Cubeba is best suited to people who are restless and easily startled. They are often thirsty, and may crave nuts and delicacies. Their libidos may be very high.
The remedy is typically used for mucous membrane inflammation, especially in the urinary tract. The symptom picture is of burning pain on urinating and profuse or frequent urination, possibly due to anxiety. Discolored, smarting urine, possibly containing blood, and a feeling of fullness are further typical symptoms. Infections such as cystitis or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate glands) may be treated with Cubeba, as may gonorrhea.
Symptoms Better : For getting up and walking around.
Symptoms Worse : At night; in bed.
Cubeb, tailed pepper.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Indonesia and widely cultivated in tropical Asia.
Background : The antiseptic and diuretic properties of the cubeb fruits are used in herbal medicine, and the oil may be used to flavor tobacco, pickles, and sauces.
Preparation : The dried, unripe fruits are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Cubeba is best suited to people who are restless and easily startled. They are often thirsty, and may crave nuts and delicacies. Their libidos may be very high.
The remedy is typically used for mucous membrane inflammation, especially in the urinary tract. The symptom picture is of burning pain on urinating and profuse or frequent urination, possibly due to anxiety. Discolored, smarting urine, possibly containing blood, and a feeling of fullness are further typical symptoms. Infections such as cystitis or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate glands) may be treated with Cubeba, as may gonorrhea.
Symptoms Better : For getting up and walking around.
Symptoms Worse : At night; in bed.
95. CURARE
Strychnos toxifera
Curare, woorali root.
Key Uses:Heaviness Numbness Piercing pains Progressive muscular paralysis and impaired reflex action Weakness
Origin : Found in South America.
Background : A paralyzing poison was traditionally extracted by native South Americans from this and other Strychnos species for use on arrows during hunting.
Preparation : The resin is extracted from the tree and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to Curare tend to be hurried, irritable, and aggressive. They want to be alone and may behave maliciously toward others. A loss of moral judgment is also possible. They often have a history of self-abuse, perhaps involving biting or hitting themselves, or ripping their clothes. Typically, they can eat only small amounts of food at a time.
Classic symptoms associated with Curare include weakness, heaviness, numbness, and piercing pains. Progressive muscular paralysis and impaired reflex action may also be treated by the remedy.
Symptoms Better : None known.
Symptoms Worse : For dampness; for cold winds; for cold weather; at 2 a.m.; for movement; on the right side of the body.
Curare, woorali root.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in South America.
Background : A paralyzing poison was traditionally extracted by native South Americans from this and other Strychnos species for use on arrows during hunting.
Preparation : The resin is extracted from the tree and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to Curare tend to be hurried, irritable, and aggressive. They want to be alone and may behave maliciously toward others. A loss of moral judgment is also possible. They often have a history of self-abuse, perhaps involving biting or hitting themselves, or ripping their clothes. Typically, they can eat only small amounts of food at a time.
Classic symptoms associated with Curare include weakness, heaviness, numbness, and piercing pains. Progressive muscular paralysis and impaired reflex action may also be treated by the remedy.
Symptoms Better : None known.
Symptoms Worse : For dampness; for cold winds; for cold weather; at 2 a.m.; for movement; on the right side of the body.
96. CYCLAMEN
Cyclamen europaeum
Cyclamen, sowbread.
Key Uses:Extreme indigestion that is aggravated by eating fats Menstrual problems
Origin : Found throughout Europe.
Background : In the 1st century CE Pliny the Elder noted the use of this plant as an arrowhead poison in ancient Rome. The name “sowbread” refers to the medieval practice of feeding the roots to swine.
Preparation : The fresh root, gathered in spring, is chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Cyclamen is best suited to rather dutiful, conscience-stricken people who tend to find fault with themselves and others. Prone to drowsiness, gloominess, and depression, they may wish to be alone and cry or weep silently, or they may have a sense of joy that alternates with irritability.
The symptom picture for Cyclamen typically focuses on menstrual problems and indigestion. The remedy is used when the menstrual flow is irregular, possibly too frequent, or absent. Blood flow may be profuse and black, or the blood may clot too rapidly, and there may be severe pains resembling those felt during labor. Migraines, a squint, or visual disturbances may accompany these symptoms.
Extreme indigestion that is aggravated by eating fats is another condition suitable for treatment with Cyclamen.
Symptoms Better : For movement; for rubbing the affected area; for weeping; during menstruation.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for open air; before menstruation; for suppression of menstrual flow due to shock or extreme cold; for sitting; for standing.
Cyclamen, sowbread.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found throughout Europe.
Background : In the 1st century CE Pliny the Elder noted the use of this plant as an arrowhead poison in ancient Rome. The name “sowbread” refers to the medieval practice of feeding the roots to swine.
Preparation : The fresh root, gathered in spring, is chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Cyclamen is best suited to rather dutiful, conscience-stricken people who tend to find fault with themselves and others. Prone to drowsiness, gloominess, and depression, they may wish to be alone and cry or weep silently, or they may have a sense of joy that alternates with irritability.
The symptom picture for Cyclamen typically focuses on menstrual problems and indigestion. The remedy is used when the menstrual flow is irregular, possibly too frequent, or absent. Blood flow may be profuse and black, or the blood may clot too rapidly, and there may be severe pains resembling those felt during labor. Migraines, a squint, or visual disturbances may accompany these symptoms.
Extreme indigestion that is aggravated by eating fats is another condition suitable for treatment with Cyclamen.
Symptoms Better : For movement; for rubbing the affected area; for weeping; during menstruation.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for open air; before menstruation; for suppression of menstrual flow due to shock or extreme cold; for sitting; for standing.
97. DIGITALIS
Digitalis purpurea
Common foxglove, purple foxglove.
Key Uses:Heart and circulatory disorders Liver problems, especially in conjunction with heart problems
Origin : Native to western Europe, and cultivated in India, southern and central Europe, Norway, Madeira, and the Azores.
Background : The 18th-century English doctor William Withering first established this flower’s importance as a heart remedy, and its active constituents are still used in herbal and conventional heart medicines.
Preparation : The fresh leaves are picked before the plant blooms in its second year. The juice is expressed from the leaves, then mixed with alcohol and diluted.
Remedy Profile : Digitalis is associated primarily with the heart. It is prescribed for people who are prone to heart and circulatory disorders. The remedy is considered particularly appropriate if symptoms
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are accompanied by a fear of death, or a fear that moving—especially walking—may cause the heart to stop beating. There is a desire for bitter things and often visual disturbance. Heart disorders that respond well to treatment with Digitalis are typically accompanied by pains in the region of the heart, a slow pulse, faintness, and nausea. The remedy is also used for liver problems, particularly if they occur in conjunction with heart symptoms.
Symptoms Better : For cool air; for rest; for lying on the back; for an empty stomach; for frequent urination.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for standing up; for exertion; for movement; for lying on the left side; for sexual excess.
Common foxglove, purple foxglove.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to western Europe, and cultivated in India, southern and central Europe, Norway, Madeira, and the Azores.
Background : The 18th-century English doctor William Withering first established this flower’s importance as a heart remedy, and its active constituents are still used in herbal and conventional heart medicines.
Preparation : The fresh leaves are picked before the plant blooms in its second year. The juice is expressed from the leaves, then mixed with alcohol and diluted.
Remedy Profile : Digitalis is associated primarily with the heart. It is prescribed for people who are prone to heart and circulatory disorders. The remedy is considered particularly appropriate if symptoms
140
are accompanied by a fear of death, or a fear that moving—especially walking—may cause the heart to stop beating. There is a desire for bitter things and often visual disturbance. Heart disorders that respond well to treatment with Digitalis are typically accompanied by pains in the region of the heart, a slow pulse, faintness, and nausea. The remedy is also used for liver problems, particularly if they occur in conjunction with heart symptoms.
Symptoms Better : For cool air; for rest; for lying on the back; for an empty stomach; for frequent urination.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for standing up; for exertion; for movement; for lying on the left side; for sexual excess.
98. DROSERA
Drosera rotundifolia
Sundew, common sundew, round-leaved sundew, red rot, youthwort, moorgrass.
Key Uses:Behavioral problems, especially in children Deep, violent, spasmodic coughs, especially whooping cough Growing pains in children, such as stiff ankles and pains in the joints and bones
Origin : Grows in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Background : Sundew was taken in the 16th and 17th centuries for melancholia. In 1735 the Irish Herbal advised that it could be used to “eat away rotten sores.”
Preparation : The whole, fresh, flowering plant is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Drosera is usually prescribed to treat a deep, violent, spasmodic cough, especially whooping cough. Associated symptoms may include restlessness, anxiety, retching, vomiting, cold sweats, and nosebleeds. There may also be a feeling that there is a feather or crumb in the larynx, which triggers coughing. The voice is often toneless, hoarse, and deep.
There is some indication that Drosera may be helpful in treating behavioral problems, particularly in children. It is best suited to children who are restless, anxious, peevish, and distrustful. Their emotions seem unbalanced, and they often have difficulty concentrating. Their anxiety may increase when they are alone, and can be associated with a fear of ghosts.
Drosera may also be given for childhood growing pains, especially if they are accompanied by emotional imbalance. Symptoms may include stiff ankles and pains in the joints and bones, particularly affecting the hips and thighs.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for movement; for walking; for sitting up; for pressure on the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For warmth; after midnight; for lying down; for cold foods.
Sundew, common sundew, round-leaved sundew, red rot, youthwort, moorgrass.
Key Uses:
Origin : Grows in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Background : Sundew was taken in the 16th and 17th centuries for melancholia. In 1735 the Irish Herbal advised that it could be used to “eat away rotten sores.”
Preparation : The whole, fresh, flowering plant is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Drosera is usually prescribed to treat a deep, violent, spasmodic cough, especially whooping cough. Associated symptoms may include restlessness, anxiety, retching, vomiting, cold sweats, and nosebleeds. There may also be a feeling that there is a feather or crumb in the larynx, which triggers coughing. The voice is often toneless, hoarse, and deep.
There is some indication that Drosera may be helpful in treating behavioral problems, particularly in children. It is best suited to children who are restless, anxious, peevish, and distrustful. Their emotions seem unbalanced, and they often have difficulty concentrating. Their anxiety may increase when they are alone, and can be associated with a fear of ghosts.
Drosera may also be given for childhood growing pains, especially if they are accompanied by emotional imbalance. Symptoms may include stiff ankles and pains in the joints and bones, particularly affecting the hips and thighs.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for movement; for walking; for sitting up; for pressure on the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For warmth; after midnight; for lying down; for cold foods.
99. EQUISETUM
Equisetum hyemale & E. arvense
Rough horsetail, field horsetail.
Key Uses:Bed-wetting in children during nightmares or other dreams Painful irritation of the bladder
Origin : Found mainly in Asia, particularly China, and in Europe and North America.
Background : This primitive genus has been used to heal wounds since at least the 1st century BCE. Strongly abrasive, it was used between the Middle Ages and the 18th century as a pot-scourer.
Preparation : The fresh plant of either species, including the root, is first pulped, then steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to this remedy are irritable and easily tired. Equisetum is used chiefly for painful irritation of the bladder, which is aching, full, and tender. There is typically a sensation of painful pressure on either side of the lower abdomen and bladder. The pain becomes worse at the end of urination. There may be a constant desire to urinate, possibly with dribbling of urine, or mucus in the urine. The remedy is also given to children who wet their bed during nightmares or other dreams.
Symptoms Better : For lying on the back; for walking.
Symptoms Worse : For being touched; for movement; for pressure on the painful area.
Rough horsetail, field horsetail.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found mainly in Asia, particularly China, and in Europe and North America.
Background : This primitive genus has been used to heal wounds since at least the 1st century BCE. Strongly abrasive, it was used between the Middle Ages and the 18th century as a pot-scourer.
Preparation : The fresh plant of either species, including the root, is first pulped, then steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to this remedy are irritable and easily tired. Equisetum is used chiefly for painful irritation of the bladder, which is aching, full, and tender. There is typically a sensation of painful pressure on either side of the lower abdomen and bladder. The pain becomes worse at the end of urination. There may be a constant desire to urinate, possibly with dribbling of urine, or mucus in the urine. The remedy is also given to children who wet their bed during nightmares or other dreams.
Symptoms Better : For lying on the back; for walking.
Symptoms Worse : For being touched; for movement; for pressure on the painful area.
100. ELAPS
Micrurus corallinus syn. Elaps corallinus
Brazilian coral snake.
Key Uses:Hemorrhaging or other discharges characterized by black blood Right-sided paralysis after a stroke
Origin : Found in Brazil.
Background : This poisonous snake has roughly 200 rings on its belly, which are colored alternately bright black and red.
Preparation : Venom from a live snake is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Elaps tend to be rather intense, haughty, and suspicious. They are often depressed and long to be alone, yet also fear being left alone in case something horrible happens. In addition, they fear developing a serious illness such as a stroke, and feel afraid and miserable during wet weather. Generally, they are very sensitive to the cold.
The blood is commonly affected in people who benefit from Elaps. There may be hemorrhages or other discharges characterized by black blood. In addition, the remedy is given for right-sided paralysis following a stroke. Despite a chilly sensation in the stomach, there may be a craving for ice, salads, fruits, and yogurt.
Symptoms Better : For rest; for walking.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; at night; for the approach of a storm; for touch.
Brazilian coral snake.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in Brazil.
Background : This poisonous snake has roughly 200 rings on its belly, which are colored alternately bright black and red.
Preparation : Venom from a live snake is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Elaps tend to be rather intense, haughty, and suspicious. They are often depressed and long to be alone, yet also fear being left alone in case something horrible happens. In addition, they fear developing a serious illness such as a stroke, and feel afraid and miserable during wet weather. Generally, they are very sensitive to the cold.
The blood is commonly affected in people who benefit from Elaps. There may be hemorrhages or other discharges characterized by black blood. In addition, the remedy is given for right-sided paralysis following a stroke. Despite a chilly sensation in the stomach, there may be a craving for ice, salads, fruits, and yogurt.
Symptoms Better : For rest; for walking.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; at night; for the approach of a storm; for touch.
