homeopathy

Homeopathy

111. GRANATUM
Punica granatum
Pomegranate

Key Uses:
  • Expulsion of tapeworms

    Origin : Native to southwest Asia, and naturalized in Europe.

    Background : An ancient treatment for intestinal worms, the pomegranate was cited in the Ebers papyrus, written in Egypt c. 1500 BCE. The fruits, juice, and seeds all have culinary uses.

    Preparation : The dried bark of the root and branches is macerated in alcohol.PUNICA GRANATUM (Pomegranate)160

    Remedy Profile : Granatum is best suited to people who are ill-humored, overly impressionable, and sensitive. Often dejected, discouraged, weary, and gloomy, they tend to be melancholic and prone to hypochondria.
    The remedy is used primarily for the expulsion of tapeworms. The typical symptom picture may include nausea, excess salivation, dizziness, pale blue rings around the eyes, itching and tickling in the nose, and itching and tingling in the anus. There may be emaciation or a loss of appetite, or ravenous hunger with cravings for coffee and sour or juicy foods such as fruits.

    Symptoms Better : After dinner; after drinking cold water.

    Symptoms Worse : For looking upward; for walking; for the pressure of clothing; for alcohol.
  • 112. GUAIACUM
    Guaiacum officinale
    Lignum vitae.

    Key Uses:
  • Arthritic or rheumatic joint pains, especially in the wrists
  • Arthritic pains associated with swelling, tension, and tautness in the muscles that is better for cold
  • Growing pains

    Origin : Native to South America and the Caribbean Islands.

    Background : In the 16th century, native Americans were found to be using lignum vitae for venereal disease and syphilis, and it became popular in Europe until discredited in the 18th century.

    Preparation : The resin obtained from the tree is macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Guaiacum is most appropriate for narrow- minded people who tend to be obstinate, overcritical, and inflexible. This mental rigidity is mirrored by a fixation of the joints. The remedy is most commonly used for great arthritic or rheumatic joint pain, especially in the wrists. Arthritic pain may feel worse for heat, and there may also be a sensation of swelling, tension, and tautness in the muscles, as if they are too short. There is a strong desire to yawn and stretch. In children, the remedy profile may include growing pains.

    Symptoms Better : For cold, wet weather; for cold compresses; for apples.

    Symptoms Worse : For heat; for wet weather; for touch; for movement; for exertion; for rapid growth.
  • 113. GRATIOLA
    Gratiola officinalis
    Hedge hyssop, herb of grace.

    Key Uses:
  • Gastrointestinal problems, such as cramps in the pit of the stomach
  • High sex drive, frequent masturbation, and nymphomania
  • Migraines
  • Sciatica

    Origin : Found in central Europe, North America, and Australia.

    Background : originally esteemed medicinally for jaundice and other liver or spleen complaints, this herb is now little used due to its toxicity.originally esteemed medicinally for jaundice and other liver or spleen complaints, this herb is now little used due to its toxicity.

    Preparation : The fresh bulb is dug up prior to flowering and steeped in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Gratiola is most suited to those who appear irritable, haughty, and possibly excessively proud. They may develop mental symptoms if they drink coffee regularly over a long period of time, as well as physical symptoms such as migraine, sciatica, and a high libido. A high sex drive, frequent masturbation, and nymphomania are primary conditions that may be helped by Gratiola, particularly in women. In addition, the remedy is prescribed for gastrointestinal problems such as cramps in the pit of the stomach, and pressing pain after
    GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS (Carolina jasmine)
    144




    eating, as if a stone is rolling from side to side in the stomach. Eating may be followed by a strange sense of emptiness in the stomach. There may be green, frothy, watery diarrhea that is expelled with great force.

    Symptoms Better : For open air.

    Symptoms Worse : For summer; for eating; for drinking excessive amounts of water; for coffee.
  • 114. HEKLA
    Hekla lava
    Hekla lava.

    Key Uses:
  • Bone disorders, such as exostosis and osteitis
  • Glandular swellings, especially in the neck
  • Osteosarcoma and sarcoma, especially in the jaw, head, or legs
  • Toothaches

    Origin : Volcanic ash from the immediate vicinity of Mt. Hekla in Iceland.

    Background : Mt. Hekla last erupted in 2000. Its lava contains aluminum silicate, magnesium, calcium, and iron oxide.

    Preparation : Ash is triturated with lactose sugar to make the tincture.

    Remedy Profile : Hekla is best suited to people who are rather volcanic in temperament. They usually suppress any anger, but after a certain point they erupt.
    The remedy is typically used for bone disorders, such as exostosis (benign bony outgrowths) or osteitis (inflammation of the bone). It is considered particularly suitable for treating sarcoma (cancer of the connective tissue) and osteosarcoma (a malignant bone tumor), especially if they occur in the jaw, head, or legs. Glandular swellings, particularly those in the neck, can also be treated with Hekla, as can toothaches.

    Symptoms Better : For continued movement; toward 3 p.m.

    Symptoms Worse : For pressure on the affected area; for sitting; on beginning to move.
  • 115. HAMAMELIS
    Hamamelis virginiana
    Virginia witch hazel.

    Key Uses:
  • Hemorrhaging, such as heavy menstrual periods or nosebleeds
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Varicose veins

    Origin : Native to Canada and eastern and central US, and grown in Europe.

    Background : Native Americans used witch hazel in poultices for tumors and inflammations. It is used as an herbal first-aid remedy for its astringent properties.

    Preparation : Fresh, chopped bark from the twigs and root is steeped in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Hamamelis often feel a lack of appreciation and respect from others prior to illness, which tends to make them become depressed and solitary. When ill, they are prone to feelings of restlessness and irritability.
    The remedy’s primary use is in treating hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The veins are typically inflamed and weak. There is susceptibility to hemorrhaging, such as heavy periods in women or nosebleeds. Bleeding is generally slow to stop, and is usually accompanied by calm. Hamamelis may also be used for injuries to the eye.

    Symptoms Better : For fresh air; for reading; for thinking; for talking.

    Symptoms Worse : For warm, damp air; for pressure on the affected area; for movement.
  • 116. HELONIAS
    Chamaelirium luteum syn. Helonias dioica
    False unicorn root, devil’s bit, fairy wand, blazing star.

    Key Uses:
  • Edema following uterine prolapse
  • Suppressed menstruation
  • Women's problems accompanied by severe fatigue

    Origin : Native to eastern North America.

    Background : The plant was long used by native Americans to prevent miscarriage, and is still considered invaluable for many gynecological disorders by herbalists.

    Preparation : The fresh, finely chopped root and rhizome are steeped in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Characteristically, those who respond to Helonias are melancholy and depressed, and have a tendency to feel better when mentally or physically occupied.
    Helonias is used primarily for women’s problems accompanied by severe fatigue. This exhaustion or enervation is often caused by excessive physical or mental exertion or is, conversely, the result of a hedonistic lifestyle.
    It may also be associated with the extreme physical demands of frequent pregnancies or terminations. There is extreme sensitivity to and awareness of the uterus. Problems of the female reproductive system that may be treated with Helonias include suppressed menstruation, uterine prolapse with a sensation of weakness and dragging in the sacrum and pelvis, and a congested feeling in the kidneys, as if the menstrual flow has moved to that area. The remedy may also be used to treat edema (retention of fluid in the tissues) after uterine hemorrhage.

    Symptoms Better : For being busy; for holding the abdomen.

    Symptoms Worse : For fatigue; for touch; for movement; for stooping; for the pressure of clothes; for pregnancy.
  • 117. HYDRASTIS
    Hydrastis canadensis
    Goldenseal, orangeroot, yellow puccoon.

    Key Uses:
  • Abnormal taste in the mouth
  • Cancers of the liver, colon, or breast
  • Catarrh
  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throat
  • Stomach problems

    Origin : Native to North America.

    Background : Native Americans used golden- seal’s root for its intense yellow dye, and medicinally for cancer, fevers, indigestion, and heart or liver disorders. It was introduced to Europe in 1760.

    Preparation : The dried underground parts of the plant are steeped in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : People who benefit from Hydrastis tend to be weary, exhausted, thin, and elderly, often with degenerative conditions.
    The classic symptom picture for this remedy is of problems of the mucous membranes. It is associated with catarrh, sinusitis, a sore throat, and an abnormal taste in the mouth. There may be copious, thick, yellowish, stringy mucus affecting the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. The remedy is also used for stomach problems, possibly occurring in conjunction with the classic problems of the mucous membranes. Characteristic symptoms include poor digestion, a sensation of emptiness in the stomach that remains even after eating, and constipation with no urge to pass stools.
    HYDRARGYRUM SULPHURATUM RUBRUM (Mercuric sulfide)
    147


    The remedy is often used for people susceptible to cancerous and precancerous states, notably those affecting the liver, colon, or breast. Hydrastis has an especially strong affinity with liver cancer, and may be taken to reduce the need for narcotics and analgesics.

    Symptoms Better : For warmth; for covering up warmly; for dry weather; for rest; for pressure on the affected area.

    Symptoms Worse : At night; for open air; for bathing; during pregnancy; for the touch of clothing; for alcohol and drug abuse.
  • 118. HYPERICUM
    Hypericum perforatum
    St. John’s-wort.

    Key Uses:
  • Injuries or wounds that feel more painful than they appear
  • Nervous pains in phantom limbs after amputation
  • Pain relief following operations, accidents, puncture wounds, and animal bites
  • Tetanus prevention
  • Toothaches or discomfort after dental treatment

    Origin : Native to Europe and Asia, but now found in temperate areas worldwide.

    Background : Renowned medicinally since classical times, St. John’s-wort was long thought to have magical importance too. An extract of it is given for depression.

    Preparation : The whole, fresh plant is finely chopped and macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Hypericum is prescribed for people who are depressed, frightened, or shocked following an injury or accident. They may be nervous, overexcited, constantly drowsy, talk while asleep, and forgetful when speaking. These people may also experience a constant sensation of elevation or falling.
    Key physical symptoms associated with this remedy are injuries or wounds that feel more painful than they appear, with extremely sharp pains, perhaps in nerve-rich areas such as the fingertips or the base of the spine. The remedy may be used to relieve pain following operations, accidents, puncture wounds, and animal bites, and is also given to help prevent tetanus. Nervous pains in phantom limbs after amputation, and toothaches or discomfort after dental treatment, may also be helped by the remedy.

    Symptoms Better : For lying quietly; for lying face down; for bending the head backward; for rubbing the affected area.

    Symptoms Worse : For cold, damp weather; for injury; for jarring; for shock.
  • 119. HYDROCOTYLE
    Centella asiatica syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica
    Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, tiger grass.

    Key Uses:
  • Excessive skin thickening, swelling, and distortion, like that occurring in elephantiasis
  • Leprosy with no ulceration
  • Lupus
  • Psoriasis with thickening and hardening of the affected area

    Origin : Native to India, and found in Sri Lanka, south China, and southwest Asia.

    Background : Gotu kola has long been used in India as a meditation aid. It is also an important herbal remedy in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, notably for leprosy and as a “tonic” herb.

    Preparation : The dried aerial parts of the plant are macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Hydrocotyle is best suited to people who alternate between lively, talkative behavior and
    CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES (Blue cohosh)
    134


    dull sadness, with a desire to be alone. They may sleep heavily, sometimes with persistent dreaming all night long.
    Classic features associated with this remedy are overgrowth and hardening, which often manifests itself as thickening or hardening of the connective tissue, or scaly, thickening skin conditions. Typical skin conditions treated include psoriasis, with hardening and scaling of the affected area, lupus (scaly patches that leave dull white scars), and leprosy with no ulceration. The remedy may even be used for excessive skin thickening, swelling, and distortion, like that occurring in elephantiasis (a chronic disease of the lymphatic system).

    Symptoms Better : For rubbing the affected area.

    Symptoms Worse : In summer; at night; for movement; for pressure on the affected area; on the left side.
  • 120. IRIDIUM MET
    Iridium metallicum
    Iridium.

    Key Uses:
  • Exhaustion and anemia following a bout of illness
  • Lameness or partial paralysis, particularly in the elderly
  • Muscle pain and stiffness, with tender, swollen joints
  • Neuralgic and sciatic nerve pains
  • Suppurating abscesses in the armpits

    Origin : Obtained from osmiridium, an alloy of iridium, osmium, and platinum.

    Background : This metal is named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris, due to its colorful salts. It is used in fountain-pen nibs and hypodermic needles.

    Preparation : Iridium is triturated with lactose sugar.

    Remedy Profile : Those who respond most effectively to Iridium met. are generally well presented and confident. If not successful in their plans or projects, or if they become ill and exhausted, they may experience confusion, with poor concentration and the feeling that their minds are empty.
    Classic physical symptoms linked to Iridium met. include exhaustion and anemia following a bout of illness, and muscle pain and stiffness with tender, swollen joints. There may be nervous, pinching pains in the wrists, fingers, and limbs. In the hip joints there may be scraping, smarting pains and a crawling sensation; sciatic nerve pain may radiate down the legs. Neuralgic pains, perhaps in the back of the head, may be treated with Iridium met., as may lameness or partial paralysis, especially in the elderly. The remedy is also used to help prevent suppurating abscesses in the armpits.

    Symptoms Better : For cold; for being indoors; for pressure on the affected area; for continued movement.

    Symptoms Worse : For talking; on the left side of the body.