Homeopathy
161. MUREX
Murex purpurea & M. trunculus
Murex, purple snail.
Key Uses:Digestive problems in women Intense premenstrual and menstrual pain Painful breasts, perhaps developing benign tumors
Origin : Found off the shores of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.
Background : These mollusks produce a juice that was formerly used to make a rich, dark dye called Tyrian purple.
Preparation : The juice secreted by either Murex species is dried and then triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Murex is given mainly to women. It is most appropriate for those who are thin, wiry, nervous, and affectionate, with a high libido. They may have a tendency to develop deep depression, hypochondria, or a fear of illness.
The remedy is strongly associated with problems of the female reproductive organs, especially intense menstrual pain accompanied by great impatience and a desire to die. It is also used if, prior to menstruation, there is pain so severe that it causes unconsciousness. In addition, breasts that are painful, perhaps developing benign tumors, may respond to Murex. Pain typically extends diagonally upward from the right ovary to the left breast. There is a great awareness of the uterus, which may feel constricted, dry, and sore, as if it has been wounded. The genitals feel as if they are being pushed out of the body, and there is nausea and great weakness, which may cause prostration.
Murex may be prescribed for digestive problems in women, particularly if the symptoms include a sinking, empty sensation in the stomach and a desire to eat. It may also be used during menopause if the bowels are very sensitive.
Symptoms Better : Before menstruation; for pressure on and support of the affected area; for sitting and crossing the legs.
Symptoms Worse : During menstruation; for touch; for lying down; after sleep.
Murex, purple snail.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found off the shores of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas.
Background : These mollusks produce a juice that was formerly used to make a rich, dark dye called Tyrian purple.
Preparation : The juice secreted by either Murex species is dried and then triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Murex is given mainly to women. It is most appropriate for those who are thin, wiry, nervous, and affectionate, with a high libido. They may have a tendency to develop deep depression, hypochondria, or a fear of illness.
The remedy is strongly associated with problems of the female reproductive organs, especially intense menstrual pain accompanied by great impatience and a desire to die. It is also used if, prior to menstruation, there is pain so severe that it causes unconsciousness. In addition, breasts that are painful, perhaps developing benign tumors, may respond to Murex. Pain typically extends diagonally upward from the right ovary to the left breast. There is a great awareness of the uterus, which may feel constricted, dry, and sore, as if it has been wounded. The genitals feel as if they are being pushed out of the body, and there is nausea and great weakness, which may cause prostration.
Murex may be prescribed for digestive problems in women, particularly if the symptoms include a sinking, empty sensation in the stomach and a desire to eat. It may also be used during menopause if the bowels are very sensitive.
Symptoms Better : Before menstruation; for pressure on and support of the affected area; for sitting and crossing the legs.
Symptoms Worse : During menstruation; for touch; for lying down; after sleep.
162. NAJA
Naja naja syn. N. tripudians
Indian cobra.
Key Uses:Angina Erratic pulse Valvular lesions Violent palpitations
Origin : Native to India, although now found in Asia and tropical Africa.
Background : Indian Ayurvedic doctors have long used the poisonous venom of this snake for nervous and blood disorders.
Preparation : The venom is dried and triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Naja feel unfortunate and deeply wronged, but tend to exaggerate or take their problems out of context. They often feel confused, with a sensation of duality, forgetful, sad, tremulous, weak, and chilly.
Naja is prescribed chiefly for heart symptoms, particularly those affecting the valves. Symptoms typically include heart murmurs, a slow or racing pulse, violent palpitations with choking and an inability to speak, a valvular lesion (abnormality of the structure or function of the valve), and angina with pain extending down the left arm and up to the throat and neck. Naja may be used for a heart that has become enlarged due to being forced to work harder in order to push blood through damaged valves. The internal organs feel as if they are drawn together or screwed up. Sleep may be restless or inhibited by a sense of suffocation at night.
Symptoms Better : For driving in the open air; for lying on the right side.
Symptoms Worse : For cold air; for the pressure of clothes, especially collars; for stimulants; for lying on the left side.
Indian cobra.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to India, although now found in Asia and tropical Africa.
Background : Indian Ayurvedic doctors have long used the poisonous venom of this snake for nervous and blood disorders.
Preparation : The venom is dried and triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Naja feel unfortunate and deeply wronged, but tend to exaggerate or take their problems out of context. They often feel confused, with a sensation of duality, forgetful, sad, tremulous, weak, and chilly.
Naja is prescribed chiefly for heart symptoms, particularly those affecting the valves. Symptoms typically include heart murmurs, a slow or racing pulse, violent palpitations with choking and an inability to speak, a valvular lesion (abnormality of the structure or function of the valve), and angina with pain extending down the left arm and up to the throat and neck. Naja may be used for a heart that has become enlarged due to being forced to work harder in order to push blood through damaged valves. The internal organs feel as if they are drawn together or screwed up. Sleep may be restless or inhibited by a sense of suffocation at night.
Symptoms Better : For driving in the open air; for lying on the right side.
Symptoms Worse : For cold air; for the pressure of clothes, especially collars; for stimulants; for lying on the left side.
163. NAT FLUOR
Natrum fluoricum
Sodium fluoride.
Key Uses:Aversion to sour-tasting things Cold sweats in the armpits Desire for alcohol Right-sided complaints
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : In some countries, sodium fluoride is added in minute quantities to the water supply to reduce dental decay.
Preparation : Sodium fluoride is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Nat. fluor. is typically given to those who are deeply insecure, needing contact with many different people in order to feel that they “belong.” They tend to be highly sensitive, easily hurt, and feel that they do not fit in. Prone to impulsive sexual relationships, they may also develop long-standing, passionate liaisons.
Any physical symptoms typically occur on the right side, and sleeping on the left side is preferred. Symptoms may include cold sweats in the armpits, an aversion to sour-tasting things, and a desire for alcohol.
Symptoms Better : For being outside; for violent movement.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for sun; for warmth; between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Sodium fluoride.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : In some countries, sodium fluoride is added in minute quantities to the water supply to reduce dental decay.
Preparation : Sodium fluoride is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Nat. fluor. is typically given to those who are deeply insecure, needing contact with many different people in order to feel that they “belong.” They tend to be highly sensitive, easily hurt, and feel that they do not fit in. Prone to impulsive sexual relationships, they may also develop long-standing, passionate liaisons.
Any physical symptoms typically occur on the right side, and sleeping on the left side is preferred. Symptoms may include cold sweats in the armpits, an aversion to sour-tasting things, and a desire for alcohol.
Symptoms Better : For being outside; for violent movement.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for sun; for warmth; between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.
164. NAT PHOS
Natrum phosphoricum
Sodium phosphate.
Key Uses:Digestive disorders characterized by excess acidity and sour discharges Failure to thrive, in bottle-fed babies
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : These crystals were used in the 18th and 19th centuries for intestinal worms, MYRISTICA FRAGRANS (Nutmeg)156 and chosen by Dr. Schüssler as a “biochemic” tissue salt (see page 90).
Preparation : Sodium phosphate crystals are triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Responsible people who find it difficult to delegate tend to respond most effectively to Nat. phos. Despite being generally friendly and sympathetic, they are highly self- contained, finding it hard to talk about their problems and tending to become withdrawn from loved ones. Fears of the dark, insects, storms, illness, and death are typical, as is being easily startled by noise.
Nat. phos. is used primarily to treat digestive disorders characterized by excess acidity and sour discharges. There may be a feeling of emptiness in the abdomen and chest, and a tendency to vomit or produce sour belches. Cravings for strong-tasting, spicy foods, salt, and fried eggs are associated with Nat. phos. It may also help bottle-fed babies who are failing to thrive.
Symptoms Better : For cold.
Symptoms Worse : For storms; after sexual intercourse; for bitter foods; for fatty foods; for sugar; for milk.
Sodium phosphate.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : These crystals were used in the 18th and 19th centuries for intestinal worms, MYRISTICA FRAGRANS (Nutmeg)156 and chosen by Dr. Schüssler as a “biochemic” tissue salt (see page 90).
Preparation : Sodium phosphate crystals are triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Responsible people who find it difficult to delegate tend to respond most effectively to Nat. phos. Despite being generally friendly and sympathetic, they are highly self- contained, finding it hard to talk about their problems and tending to become withdrawn from loved ones. Fears of the dark, insects, storms, illness, and death are typical, as is being easily startled by noise.
Nat. phos. is used primarily to treat digestive disorders characterized by excess acidity and sour discharges. There may be a feeling of emptiness in the abdomen and chest, and a tendency to vomit or produce sour belches. Cravings for strong-tasting, spicy foods, salt, and fried eggs are associated with Nat. phos. It may also help bottle-fed babies who are failing to thrive.
Symptoms Better : For cold.
Symptoms Worse : For storms; after sexual intercourse; for bitter foods; for fatty foods; for sugar; for milk.
165. NUX MOSCH
Myristica fragrans syn. Nux moschata
Nutmeg.
Key Uses:Chronic constipation with fullness and bloating in the abdomen Confusion, dizziness, and fainting Dry tongue that sticks to the roof of the mouth Great drowsiness Loss of coordination Unquenchable thirst
Origin : Native to the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, but now widely cultivated.
Background : Although best known now as a culinary spice, nutmeg has long been used medicinally by several cultures, although only in low doses.
Preparation : The whole, fresh or dried nutmegs are treated with lime before being macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Overexcited, exaggerated senses are typical in those who respond best to Nux mosch., as are rapidly alternating emotions, such as laughing and crying in turn. They may feel as if they have two heads, or as if one part of them is able to watch another part. These people have a sense of detachment from ordinary life, feeling as if they are wrapped in cotton wool.
The classic symptom picture for Nux mosch. is of confusion, dizziness, fainting, loss of coordination, and great, even overwhelming, drowsiness. Extreme “dryness” in the digestive system may be treated by the remedy, especially if there is the classic drowsiness. Symptoms typically include chronic constipation with fullness and bloating in the abdomen, and a tongue so dry that it sticks to the roof of the mouth.
Symptoms Better : For warmth and heat; for open air.
Symptoms Worse : For cold weather; for emotional stress and shock; for pregnancy.
Nutmeg.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, but now widely cultivated.
Background : Although best known now as a culinary spice, nutmeg has long been used medicinally by several cultures, although only in low doses.
Preparation : The whole, fresh or dried nutmegs are treated with lime before being macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Overexcited, exaggerated senses are typical in those who respond best to Nux mosch., as are rapidly alternating emotions, such as laughing and crying in turn. They may feel as if they have two heads, or as if one part of them is able to watch another part. These people have a sense of detachment from ordinary life, feeling as if they are wrapped in cotton wool.
The classic symptom picture for Nux mosch. is of confusion, dizziness, fainting, loss of coordination, and great, even overwhelming, drowsiness. Extreme “dryness” in the digestive system may be treated by the remedy, especially if there is the classic drowsiness. Symptoms typically include chronic constipation with fullness and bloating in the abdomen, and a tongue so dry that it sticks to the roof of the mouth.
Symptoms Better : For warmth and heat; for open air.
Symptoms Worse : For cold weather; for emotional stress and shock; for pregnancy.
166. ONOSMODIUM
Onosmodium virginianum
False gromwell.
Key Uses:Exhaustion, characterized by trembling, a sensation of heaviness, and lack of coordination, and possibly combined with diminished or absent sexual desire Eye strain
Origin : Found in eastern North America.
Background : It is thought that this plant, like its close relative Lithospermum, may suppress ovulation in women and reduce blood sugar and thyroxine levels.
Preparation : The whole, fresh plant is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is given primarily to women who are physically and mentally worn out. Confused, indecisive, and aimless, they may feel as if their emotions are working in slow motion. Their memory is often weak, and they are unable to finish sentences when speaking.
Physically, Onosmodium is associated with exhaustion characterized by trembling, a sensation of heaviness, and lack of coordination. There may be diminished or absent sexual desire in both men and women. Onosmodium may also be given for eye strain, in cases where the eyes feel tense and strained on reading small print, and distances are misjudged due to slow eye accommodation or adjustment.
Symptoms Better : For undressing; for sleep; for lying on the back; for eating; for cold drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For warm, humid air; for straining the eyes; for sexual excess.
False gromwell.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in eastern North America.
Background : It is thought that this plant, like its close relative Lithospermum, may suppress ovulation in women and reduce blood sugar and thyroxine levels.
Preparation : The whole, fresh plant is macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : This remedy is given primarily to women who are physically and mentally worn out. Confused, indecisive, and aimless, they may feel as if their emotions are working in slow motion. Their memory is often weak, and they are unable to finish sentences when speaking.
Physically, Onosmodium is associated with exhaustion characterized by trembling, a sensation of heaviness, and lack of coordination. There may be diminished or absent sexual desire in both men and women. Onosmodium may also be given for eye strain, in cases where the eyes feel tense and strained on reading small print, and distances are misjudged due to slow eye accommodation or adjustment.
Symptoms Better : For undressing; for sleep; for lying on the back; for eating; for cold drinks.
Symptoms Worse : For warm, humid air; for straining the eyes; for sexual excess.
167. OLEANDER
Nerium oleander
Oleander, rose bay.
Key Uses:Cradle cap Dandruff Eczema Psoriasis
Origin : Native to the eastern Mediterranean or possibly farther east, as far as China, but now widely naturalized.
Background : The plant and its vapors are very toxic: in 1844, some soldiers died after eating meat roasted over a fire of oleander wood. In 19th-century southern Europe, bathing in an oleander decoction was a treatment for killing lice and fleas.
Preparation : The fresh leaves are gathered before flowering, chopped finely, and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Oleander is typically given to people with a dull, sad mental state. They are unable to think clearly, and lack self-confidence.
Skin symptoms are the main focus for Oleander, and it may be used to treat dry, itching, flaking eruptions, especially on the scalp: dandruff, cradle cap, eczema, and psoriasis may all be helped. The skin is violently itchy and burning, as if it is being bitten by lice. The slightest friction on the skin causes soreness and chapping. There may be trembling and weakness, and symptoms are generally made worse by eating oranges and other citrus fruits.
Symptoms Better : For scratching; for lying down.
Symptoms Worse : For rubbing the affected area; for the friction of clothing on the affected area; for undressing; after breast-feeding.
Oleander, rose bay.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to the eastern Mediterranean or possibly farther east, as far as China, but now widely naturalized.
Background : The plant and its vapors are very toxic: in 1844, some soldiers died after eating meat roasted over a fire of oleander wood. In 19th-century southern Europe, bathing in an oleander decoction was a treatment for killing lice and fleas.
Preparation : The fresh leaves are gathered before flowering, chopped finely, and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Oleander is typically given to people with a dull, sad mental state. They are unable to think clearly, and lack self-confidence.
Skin symptoms are the main focus for Oleander, and it may be used to treat dry, itching, flaking eruptions, especially on the scalp: dandruff, cradle cap, eczema, and psoriasis may all be helped. The skin is violently itchy and burning, as if it is being bitten by lice. The slightest friction on the skin causes soreness and chapping. There may be trembling and weakness, and symptoms are generally made worse by eating oranges and other citrus fruits.
Symptoms Better : For scratching; for lying down.
Symptoms Worse : For rubbing the affected area; for the friction of clothing on the affected area; for undressing; after breast-feeding.
168. NAT SULPH
Natrum sulphuricum
Sodium sulfate, Glauber’s salt, sal mirabile.
Key Uses:Asthma Headaches due to injury or those accompanied by increased salivation or strong intolerance to light Liver conditions, such as hepatitis and gallstones, colicky abdominal pains, and jaundice Severe or suicidal depression Diarrhea with sudden urge in the morning
Origin : Occurs naturally in the mineral waters of some saltwater lakes, but it is chemically prepared for homeopathic use.
Background : The main mineral salt in many spa waters, such as those at Carlsbad, sodium sulfate was also identified by Dr. Schüssler as one of his “biochemic” tissue salts (see page 90).
Preparation : Sodium sulfate is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Nat. sulph. is best suited to people who are serious, reserved, responsible, and focused on work, yet paradoxically highly sensitive: music may move them to tears. They may feel isolated from intimate, committed relationships, perhaps after losing a partner.
Nat. sulph. has an affinity with head symptoms, such as headaches due to injury, or those accompanied by increased salivation or strong intolerance to light. It is prescribed for severe or suicidal depression, and for profound mental changes, possibly with suicidal thoughts, following a head injury.
Nat. sulph. is also a major remedy for asthma brought on by damp conditions. In addition, it has an affinity with the digestive system, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Liver conditions treated by the remedy include hepatitis and gallstones with bitter belching, colicky abdominal pains, and jaundice. There may be watery stools, especially on rising in the morning.
Symptoms Better : For warm, dry air; for changing position; for movement.
Symptoms Worse : For damp; for night air; for head injuries; for lying on the left side.
Sodium sulfate, Glauber’s salt, sal mirabile.
Key Uses:
Origin : Occurs naturally in the mineral waters of some saltwater lakes, but it is chemically prepared for homeopathic use.
Background : The main mineral salt in many spa waters, such as those at Carlsbad, sodium sulfate was also identified by Dr. Schüssler as one of his “biochemic” tissue salts (see page 90).
Preparation : Sodium sulfate is triturated with lactose sugar.
Remedy Profile : Nat. sulph. is best suited to people who are serious, reserved, responsible, and focused on work, yet paradoxically highly sensitive: music may move them to tears. They may feel isolated from intimate, committed relationships, perhaps after losing a partner.
Nat. sulph. has an affinity with head symptoms, such as headaches due to injury, or those accompanied by increased salivation or strong intolerance to light. It is prescribed for severe or suicidal depression, and for profound mental changes, possibly with suicidal thoughts, following a head injury.
Nat. sulph. is also a major remedy for asthma brought on by damp conditions. In addition, it has an affinity with the digestive system, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Liver conditions treated by the remedy include hepatitis and gallstones with bitter belching, colicky abdominal pains, and jaundice. There may be watery stools, especially on rising in the morning.
Symptoms Better : For warm, dry air; for changing position; for movement.
Symptoms Worse : For damp; for night air; for head injuries; for lying on the left side.
169. ORIGANUM
Origanum majorana syn. Majorana hortensis
Sweet marjoram.
Key Uses:Women's sexual problems involving an obsession with sexual thoughts, restlessness, and swollen, itchy, and painful breasts
Origin : Found in regions bordering the Mediterranean sea.
Background : Used mainly as a culinary flavoring, sweet marjoram is also prescribed in herbal medicine for anxiety, flatulence, menstrual pain, and insomnia.
Preparation : The fresh, finely chopped aerial parts in flower are steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Women who experience sexual problems, especially those who are obsessed by sexual thoughts and those who have a constant desire to masturbate, are likely to benefit most from Origanum. They may be restless, finding it difficult to stay still, and as a result become fanatical about working out, turning to sports such as running to burn off energy. Breasts and nipples may become swollen, itchy, and painful. An intense level of sexual addiction may indicate relationship difficulties or a history of sexual abuse.
Symptoms Better : For being occupied.
Symptoms Worse : For lying down; at night.
Sweet marjoram.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in regions bordering the Mediterranean sea.
Background : Used mainly as a culinary flavoring, sweet marjoram is also prescribed in herbal medicine for anxiety, flatulence, menstrual pain, and insomnia.
Preparation : The fresh, finely chopped aerial parts in flower are steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Women who experience sexual problems, especially those who are obsessed by sexual thoughts and those who have a constant desire to masturbate, are likely to benefit most from Origanum. They may be restless, finding it difficult to stay still, and as a result become fanatical about working out, turning to sports such as running to burn off energy. Breasts and nipples may become swollen, itchy, and painful. An intense level of sexual addiction may indicate relationship difficulties or a history of sexual abuse.
Symptoms Better : For being occupied.
Symptoms Worse : For lying down; at night.
170. OXALIC AC
Acidum oxalicum
Oxalic acid.
Key Uses:Angina with palpitations that are worse for lying down Pain in the spermatic cord Throbbing, crushing pain in the testes
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : Identified as a constituent of wood sorrel in the 17th century, this acid was first made synthetically in 1776.
Preparation : Oxalic acid crystals are dissolved in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Oxalic ac. is used for those whose pains occur violently and briefly in localized areas of the body, and who generally feel worse for dwelling on them. They are nervous, confused, dizzy people, who often have trouble sleeping.
Usually the remedy is given for angina with palpitations that are worse for lying down. When those affected think about their heart, it seems to make it flutter or beat intermittently. In men, other symptoms that can be treated by Oxalic ac. include throbbing, crushing pain in the testes, and pain in the spermatic cord.
Symptoms Better : After passing stools; for changing position.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for mental exertion; for dwelling on symptoms; for light; in the early morning; in the evening or at night; for movement; for being touched on the left side; for shaving; for grapes, strawberries, or sour fruit; for sugar; for coffee; for wine.
Oxalic acid.
Key Uses:
Origin : Chemically prepared.
Background : Identified as a constituent of wood sorrel in the 17th century, this acid was first made synthetically in 1776.
Preparation : Oxalic acid crystals are dissolved in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.
Remedy Profile : Oxalic ac. is used for those whose pains occur violently and briefly in localized areas of the body, and who generally feel worse for dwelling on them. They are nervous, confused, dizzy people, who often have trouble sleeping.
Usually the remedy is given for angina with palpitations that are worse for lying down. When those affected think about their heart, it seems to make it flutter or beat intermittently. In men, other symptoms that can be treated by Oxalic ac. include throbbing, crushing pain in the testes, and pain in the spermatic cord.
Symptoms Better : After passing stools; for changing position.
Symptoms Worse : For cold; for mental exertion; for dwelling on symptoms; for light; in the early morning; in the evening or at night; for movement; for being touched on the left side; for shaving; for grapes, strawberries, or sour fruit; for sugar; for coffee; for wine.
