Homeopathy
151. MERC DULC
Hydrargyrum chloratum syn. Mercurius dulcis
Mercurous chloride, calomel.
Key Uses:Agitation Apprehension Catarrhal inflammation in the ears and eustachian tube, leading to deafness and glue ear Restlessness
Origin : Chemically prepared, although it occurs naturally in Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Mexico, and Texas.
Background : This compound was used medicinally from the 16th century as a cathartic, but has since fallen out of favor due to its toxicity.
Preparation : Mercurous chloride is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Apprehension, restlessness, and agitation are common in those for whom Merc. dulc. is most suitable.
Key symptoms associated with the remedy include catarrhal inflammation in the ears and eustachian tubes, leading to deafness and glue ear. The condition is predominant in children, and Merc. dulc. is particularly appropriate for those who appear pale and ill-nourished.
Symptoms Better : For cold drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For acidic foods and drinks.
Mercurous chloride, calomel.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared, although it occurs naturally in Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Mexico, and Texas.
Background : This compound was used medicinally from the 16th century as a cathartic, but has since fallen out of favor due to its toxicity.
Preparation : Mercurous chloride is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Apprehension, restlessness, and agitation are common in those for whom Merc. dulc. is most suitable.
Key symptoms associated with the remedy include catarrhal inflammation in the ears and eustachian tubes, leading to deafness and glue ear. The condition is predominant in children, and Merc. dulc. is particularly appropriate for those who appear pale and ill-nourished.
Symptoms Better : For cold drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For acidic foods and drinks.
152. MERC SULPH
Hydrargyrum sulphas syn. Mercurius sulphuricus
Mercuric sulfate, turpeth mineral.
Key Uses:Digestive disorders, sometimes combined with respiratory complaints Respiratory difficulties, such as pain in the chest and rapid breathing
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This heavy, odorless, tasteless, lemon yellow powder has no medicinal uses, except in homeopathy.
Preparation : Mercuric sulfate is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Eating tends to make people for whom Merc. sulph. is best suited feel irritable. They may be chilly, pale, and anxious.
Key conditions associated with this remedy include digestive complaints and respiratory difficulties. Merc. sulph. is given for breathing that tends to be rapid and short, with burning in the chest, pain in the region of the heart, and weakness that may feel better for sitting up. An irritated stomach, with vomiting, burning in the anus, hot, copious urine, and watery, soft, or violently expelled stools are characteristic of the digestive symptoms treated by Merc. sulph. In some cases, symptoms may be combined: for instance, fluid in the lungs may be accompanied by watery or violent diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.
Symptoms Better : For sitting up; for profuse diarrhea (in the case of breathing difficulties).
Symptoms Worse : For lying down; in the morning; at night.
Mercuric sulfate, turpeth mineral.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This heavy, odorless, tasteless, lemon yellow powder has no medicinal uses, except in homeopathy.
Preparation : Mercuric sulfate is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Eating tends to make people for whom Merc. sulph. is best suited feel irritable. They may be chilly, pale, and anxious.
Key conditions associated with this remedy include digestive complaints and respiratory difficulties. Merc. sulph. is given for breathing that tends to be rapid and short, with burning in the chest, pain in the region of the heart, and weakness that may feel better for sitting up. An irritated stomach, with vomiting, burning in the anus, hot, copious urine, and watery, soft, or violently expelled stools are characteristic of the digestive symptoms treated by Merc. sulph. In some cases, symptoms may be combined: for instance, fluid in the lungs may be accompanied by watery or violent diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.
Symptoms Better : For sitting up; for profuse diarrhea (in the case of breathing difficulties).
Symptoms Worse : For lying down; in the morning; at night.
153. MERC CYAN
Hydrargyrum cyanatum syn. Mercurius cyanatus
Mercurous cyanide.
Key Uses:Acute infectious diseases with rapidly sinking strength and a tendency to hemorrhage Throat and mouth conditions, such as diphtheria and tonsillitis
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This highly poisonous substance has no history of use in medicine, except in homeopathy.
Preparation : Mercurous cyanide is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Merc. cyan. is given most often to people who are talkative, highly emotional, and overexcited. They may have frequent spells of unconsciousness or fainting, depending on the severity of their illness.
The remedy is typically used for acute infectious diseases with rapidly sinking strength and a tendency to hemorrhage. It is strongly associated with throat and mouth conditions such as tonsillitis and diphtheria. The throat is typically red with a white coating, and there may be pain on swallowing, with inflammation of the uvula. The tongue, lips, and cheeks tend to ulcerate, and there is metallic-tasting saliva and offensive-smelling breath.
These symptoms are usually accompanied by weakness, great sensitivity to the cold, nausea, and cold, damp, sweaty skin.
HUMULUS LUPULUS (Hop)
HYDRARGYRUM CHLORATUM (Mercurous chloride)
146
Symptoms Better : For drinking milk.
Symptoms Worse : For swallowing; for speaking; for eating.
Mercurous cyanide.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This highly poisonous substance has no history of use in medicine, except in homeopathy.
Preparation : Mercurous cyanide is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Merc. cyan. is given most often to people who are talkative, highly emotional, and overexcited. They may have frequent spells of unconsciousness or fainting, depending on the severity of their illness.
The remedy is typically used for acute infectious diseases with rapidly sinking strength and a tendency to hemorrhage. It is strongly associated with throat and mouth conditions such as tonsillitis and diphtheria. The throat is typically red with a white coating, and there may be pain on swallowing, with inflammation of the uvula. The tongue, lips, and cheeks tend to ulcerate, and there is metallic-tasting saliva and offensive-smelling breath.
These symptoms are usually accompanied by weakness, great sensitivity to the cold, nausea, and cold, damp, sweaty skin.
HUMULUS LUPULUS (Hop)
HYDRARGYRUM CHLORATUM (Mercurous chloride)
146
Symptoms Better : For drinking milk.
Symptoms Worse : For swallowing; for speaking; for eating.
154. MERC IOD RUBER
Hydrargyrum biiodatum syn. Mercurius biiodatus
Mercuric iodide.
Key Uses:Ulcerated sore throat with swollen glands and stiff muscles in the neck and throat, especially on the left side
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This red, odorless powder has a faintly metallic taste. It is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant for the skin.
Preparation : Mercuric iodide is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to Merc. iod. ruber. tend to be weepy, low in spirits, and irritable, particularly in the morning. Toward evening they often feel better and become more cheerful.
The classic symptom picture for this remedy is of an ulcerated sore throat with swollen glands, especially on the left side. The throat may be painful and dark red, with stiff muscles in the neck and throat.
Symptoms Better : For open air; in the evening.
Symptoms Worse : For sleep; in the morning.
Mercuric iodide.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : This red, odorless powder has a faintly metallic taste. It is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant for the skin.
Preparation : Mercuric iodide is mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond best to Merc. iod. ruber. tend to be weepy, low in spirits, and irritable, particularly in the morning. Toward evening they often feel better and become more cheerful.
The classic symptom picture for this remedy is of an ulcerated sore throat with swollen glands, especially on the left side. The throat may be painful and dark red, with stiff muscles in the neck and throat.
Symptoms Better : For open air; in the evening.
Symptoms Worse : For sleep; in the morning.
155. MEZEREUM
Daphne mezereum
Mezereon, spurge olive.
Key Uses:Anxiety-related digestive system disorders Neuralgic pains around the teeth or face, and pains in the long bones Shingles affecting the chest Suppurating skin complaints, such as eczema and psoriasis, particularly affecting the scalp
Origin : Native to Eurasia and found in North America, Europe, and north Africa.
Background : Herbalists in northern Europe once used the plant to treat skin ulcers and cancers, but today mezereon is considered too toxic for common use.
Preparation : The fresh bark, gathered just before the plant blooms, is chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Mezereum is most appropriate for people who are prone to despondency, apathy, and detachment. They have a tendency toward hypochondria.
Key conditions associated with this remedy are suppurating skin complaints that form a thick crust or cause cracking. Skin symptoms typically affect the scalp, usually manifesting as eczema or psoriasis with oozing discharge that smells offensive and causes the hair to mat. Eruptions on the face are usually around the hairline or eyebrows. The skin is intensely itchy, and may feel cold and clammy. The remedy is also used for shingles affecting the chest.
Neuralgic pains around the teeth or face, and bone pains in the long bones, are also usually linked with Mezereum. Symptoms include erratic, jerking, sharp pains, and a sensation of lightness or enlargement in the body.
In addition Mezereum is prescribed for digestive system disorders that are anxiety- related and involve symptoms such as diarrhea and a discharge from the anus.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for eating.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for lying down; for the warmth of the bed; if skin eruptions are suppressed by ointments; for drafts; for movement; for touch.
Mezereon, spurge olive.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Eurasia and found in North America, Europe, and north Africa.
Background : Herbalists in northern Europe once used the plant to treat skin ulcers and cancers, but today mezereon is considered too toxic for common use.
Preparation : The fresh bark, gathered just before the plant blooms, is chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Mezereum is most appropriate for people who are prone to despondency, apathy, and detachment. They have a tendency toward hypochondria.
Key conditions associated with this remedy are suppurating skin complaints that form a thick crust or cause cracking. Skin symptoms typically affect the scalp, usually manifesting as eczema or psoriasis with oozing discharge that smells offensive and causes the hair to mat. Eruptions on the face are usually around the hairline or eyebrows. The skin is intensely itchy, and may feel cold and clammy. The remedy is also used for shingles affecting the chest.
Neuralgic pains around the teeth or face, and bone pains in the long bones, are also usually linked with Mezereum. Symptoms include erratic, jerking, sharp pains, and a sensation of lightness or enlargement in the body.
In addition Mezereum is prescribed for digestive system disorders that are anxiety- related and involve symptoms such as diarrhea and a discharge from the anus.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for eating.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for lying down; for the warmth of the bed; if skin eruptions are suppressed by ointments; for drafts; for movement; for touch.
156. MILLEFOLIUM
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow, milfoil, woundwort, staunchweed, nosebleed.
Key Uses:Bleeding from injuries, internal bleeding, or menstrual irregularities Congestion in the ears, eyes, nose, and chest Profuse, painful uterine bleeding following childbirth or an abortion Severe colicky pain, diarrhea, or painful varicose veins, during pregnancy Sore nipples and suppressed breast milk after childbirth
Origin : Native to Europe and western Asia, yarrow grows wild in meadows and waste ground in temperate regions.
Background : The Latin name of this plant derives from the warrior Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan war, who used yarrow to staunch the wounds of his soldiers. The plant has also been used for centuries in Europe as a bitter tonic.
Preparation : The fresh, flowering aerial parts are chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Millefolium best suits those who tend to be most irritable in the evening. Longing for rest but going to bed late, they wake feeling unrefreshed, confused, dizzy, and stupefied, as if drunk. When irritable, they may become overly excitable and violent. Children who fit this profile tend to moan and sigh.
Millefolium is used chiefly for bleeding from injuries, and for internal bleeding and menstrual irregularities, such as delayed or absent menstruation that may lead to convulsions, or heavy menstrual periods that impair fertility. Millefolium may also be given in pregnancy for severe colicky pain, diarrhea, and painful varicose veins, or for recovery from miscarriage. It is used for profuse, painless uterine bleeding following childbirth or an abortion, and for sore nipples and suppressed breast milk after childbirth.
The other key symptom for Millefolium is congestion, associated with piercing pains in the ears, teeth, and temples. There may be congestion in the ears, eyes, nose, and chest.
Symptoms Better : For bleeding; if missed menstruation is reestablished; for wine.
Symptoms Worse : For sleeping or lying down; for doubling over; for lifting; for violent exertion; for injury; for coffee.
Yarrow, milfoil, woundwort, staunchweed, nosebleed.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Europe and western Asia, yarrow grows wild in meadows and waste ground in temperate regions.
Background : The Latin name of this plant derives from the warrior Achilles, the Greek hero of the Trojan war, who used yarrow to staunch the wounds of his soldiers. The plant has also been used for centuries in Europe as a bitter tonic.
Preparation : The fresh, flowering aerial parts are chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Millefolium best suits those who tend to be most irritable in the evening. Longing for rest but going to bed late, they wake feeling unrefreshed, confused, dizzy, and stupefied, as if drunk. When irritable, they may become overly excitable and violent. Children who fit this profile tend to moan and sigh.
Millefolium is used chiefly for bleeding from injuries, and for internal bleeding and menstrual irregularities, such as delayed or absent menstruation that may lead to convulsions, or heavy menstrual periods that impair fertility. Millefolium may also be given in pregnancy for severe colicky pain, diarrhea, and painful varicose veins, or for recovery from miscarriage. It is used for profuse, painless uterine bleeding following childbirth or an abortion, and for sore nipples and suppressed breast milk after childbirth.
The other key symptom for Millefolium is congestion, associated with piercing pains in the ears, teeth, and temples. There may be congestion in the ears, eyes, nose, and chest.
Symptoms Better : For bleeding; if missed menstruation is reestablished; for wine.
Symptoms Worse : For sleeping or lying down; for doubling over; for lifting; for violent exertion; for injury; for coffee.
157. MOSCHUS
Moschus moschiferus
Musk deer.
Key Uses:Fainting triggered by the slightest excitement or by eating, menstruation, or heart disease General coldness or a chill in a specific area of the body Heightened physical and mental tension, which may cause spasms, twitches, and seizures in the muscles Hiccups
Origin : Found in northeastern and central Asia, and in northern India.
Background : Male musk deer secrete a waxy substance called musk, which has a heady scent that is widely used in the manufacture of perfume. Musk also has a strong reputation as an aphrodisiac.
Preparation : The musk is dried and macerated in alcohol before being diluted and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Moschus is best suited to people who are bustling, overexcited, and prone to uncontrollable laughter. They tend to be quarrelsome and may express violent anger. Often physically awkward and with confused speech, they may be preoccupied and absent-minded. Their feelings of anxiety and fear of death may lead to hysteria, and they may experience intense sexual excitement even if they are elderly.
Key symptoms associated with Moschus include heightened physical and mental tension, which may cause spasms, twitches, and seizures in the muscles. General coldness is another characteristic symptom, or a chill in a specific area of the body; for instance, one cheek may be red but cold, the other pale but hot. The remedy is prescribed chiefly for fainting that is triggered by the slightest excitement, such as scolding or anger, or by eating, menstruation, or heart disease. In addition, Moschus is given for chest spasms, and spasms in the abdominal muscles or diaphragm, such as hiccups.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for warmth; for rubbing the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for any excitement; for suppressing symptoms; for pressure on the affected area.
Musk deer.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in northeastern and central Asia, and in northern India.
Background : Male musk deer secrete a waxy substance called musk, which has a heady scent that is widely used in the manufacture of perfume. Musk also has a strong reputation as an aphrodisiac.
Preparation : The musk is dried and macerated in alcohol before being diluted and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Moschus is best suited to people who are bustling, overexcited, and prone to uncontrollable laughter. They tend to be quarrelsome and may express violent anger. Often physically awkward and with confused speech, they may be preoccupied and absent-minded. Their feelings of anxiety and fear of death may lead to hysteria, and they may experience intense sexual excitement even if they are elderly.
Key symptoms associated with Moschus include heightened physical and mental tension, which may cause spasms, twitches, and seizures in the muscles. General coldness is another characteristic symptom, or a chill in a specific area of the body; for instance, one cheek may be red but cold, the other pale but hot. The remedy is prescribed chiefly for fainting that is triggered by the slightest excitement, such as scolding or anger, or by eating, menstruation, or heart disease. In addition, Moschus is given for chest spasms, and spasms in the abdominal muscles or diaphragm, such as hiccups.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for warmth; for rubbing the affected area.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for any excitement; for suppressing symptoms; for pressure on the affected area.
158. MYGALE LAS
Mygale lasiodora syn. M. avicularis, Aranea avicularis
Mygale, Cuban spider.
Key Uses:Chorea Twitching, convulsive movements, possibly accompanied by nausea, dimmed vision, and heart palpitations
Origin : Found mainly in South America.
Background : This hairy, bird-catching spider weaves tube-shaped nets between tree leaves to capture its prey.
Preparation : The whole, live spider is steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Mygale las. is best suited to people who are restless, anxious, fearful, and delirious. They may talk deliriously about work, fear death, and have a high sex drive.
The remedy is generally prescribed for twitching, convulsive movements, possibly accompanied by nausea, dimmed vision, and heart palpitations. It is also used for chorea, especially when this affects the muscles of the upper body, including the face. The tongue is so dry that words may seem to be “jerked” out on speaking. During sleep there may be restlessness, ridiculous dreams, and grinding of teeth.
Symptoms Better : During sleep.
Symptoms Worse : In the morning; for sitting; for eating.
Mygale, Cuban spider.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found mainly in South America.
Background : This hairy, bird-catching spider weaves tube-shaped nets between tree leaves to capture its prey.
Preparation : The whole, live spider is steeped in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Mygale las. is best suited to people who are restless, anxious, fearful, and delirious. They may talk deliriously about work, fear death, and have a high sex drive.
The remedy is generally prescribed for twitching, convulsive movements, possibly accompanied by nausea, dimmed vision, and heart palpitations. It is also used for chorea, especially when this affects the muscles of the upper body, including the face. The tongue is so dry that words may seem to be “jerked” out on speaking. During sleep there may be restlessness, ridiculous dreams, and grinding of teeth.
Symptoms Better : During sleep.
Symptoms Worse : In the morning; for sitting; for eating.
159. MURIATIC AC
Acidum hydrochloricum syn. A. muriaticum
Hydrochloric acid.
Key Uses:Chronic fatigue syndrome Weakness or physical collapse after feverish illness, such as mononucleosis or typhoid
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : Discovered by alchemists in the 13th century, hydrochloric acid is present in the stomach’s gastric juices. In excess it can cause gastric ulcers to develop, while a deficiency leads to poor food absorption and anemia.
Preparation : The acid is dissolved in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Muriatic ac. is most appropriate tend to feel too weak to move. Drowsy by day, but restless in bed, they have anxious dreams and are prone to talking in their sleep. They may be either sad and reserved or loquacious. Often irritable and fretful, their minds may be crowded with thoughts.
This remedy is typically prescribed for weakness or physical collapse, such as that associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, or developing after a feverish illness such as mononucleosis or typhoid. The muscles, especially those of the heart, tongue, bladder, and anus, may be weak, exhausted, or partially paralyzed.
Muriatic ac. is given when the collapsed state is associated with dryness, bleeding, and ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth and digestive tract. A heavy tongue and dry mouth may make talking difficult, and deep-seated ulcers or small tumors may develop on the tongue.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for movement; for lying on the left side.
Symptoms Worse : For wet weather; for touch; for bathing in the sea; during menstruation; for cold drinks; for sliding down in bed.
Hydrochloric acid.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : Discovered by alchemists in the 13th century, hydrochloric acid is present in the stomach’s gastric juices. In excess it can cause gastric ulcers to develop, while a deficiency leads to poor food absorption and anemia.
Preparation : The acid is dissolved in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Muriatic ac. is most appropriate tend to feel too weak to move. Drowsy by day, but restless in bed, they have anxious dreams and are prone to talking in their sleep. They may be either sad and reserved or loquacious. Often irritable and fretful, their minds may be crowded with thoughts.
This remedy is typically prescribed for weakness or physical collapse, such as that associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, or developing after a feverish illness such as mononucleosis or typhoid. The muscles, especially those of the heart, tongue, bladder, and anus, may be weak, exhausted, or partially paralyzed.
Muriatic ac. is given when the collapsed state is associated with dryness, bleeding, and ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth and digestive tract. A heavy tongue and dry mouth may make talking difficult, and deep-seated ulcers or small tumors may develop on the tongue.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for movement; for lying on the left side.
Symptoms Worse : For wet weather; for touch; for bathing in the sea; during menstruation; for cold drinks; for sliding down in bed.
160. NAT ARS
Natrum arsenicum
Sodium arsenate.
Key Uses:Complaints associated with the chest, involving breathlessness, a dry, hacking cough, great sensitivity to smoke or dust, and restlessness
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : These colorless, transparent prismatic crystals are used medicinally only in homeopathy.
Preparation : The compound is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : A history of grief and suppressed emotions is typical in people for whom Nat. ars. is best suited. Despite being high achievers and ambitious perfectionists, they are prone to forgetfulness and poor concentration. Often suspicious, they tend to bottle up their emotions, and are easily frightened or startled. Their sleep may be restless or heavy, and they may wake as if from fright.
The key affinity for Nat. ars. is with the chest, which generally feels dry, tight, and oppressed. There may be breathlessness or a dry, hacking cough, great sensitivity to smoke or dust, restlessness, and chilliness with a preference for wrapping up warmly and sitting by a fire.
Symptoms Better : For bending forward.
Symptoms Worse : On waking in the morning; for the slightest exertion; for jarring; for pressure on the affected area.
Sodium arsenate.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : These colorless, transparent prismatic crystals are used medicinally only in homeopathy.
Preparation : The compound is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : A history of grief and suppressed emotions is typical in people for whom Nat. ars. is best suited. Despite being high achievers and ambitious perfectionists, they are prone to forgetfulness and poor concentration. Often suspicious, they tend to bottle up their emotions, and are easily frightened or startled. Their sleep may be restless or heavy, and they may wake as if from fright.
The key affinity for Nat. ars. is with the chest, which generally feels dry, tight, and oppressed. There may be breathlessness or a dry, hacking cough, great sensitivity to smoke or dust, restlessness, and chilliness with a preference for wrapping up warmly and sitting by a fire.
Symptoms Better : For bending forward.
Symptoms Worse : On waking in the morning; for the slightest exertion; for jarring; for pressure on the affected area.
