homeopathy

Homeopathy

11. AILANTHUS
Ailanthus altissima
Tree of heaven, shade tree, Chinese sumac, copal tree.

Key Uses:
  • Fevers with great weakness and congestion of the blood
  • Mononucleosis, with swollen tonsils and neck glands

    Origin : Native to China and India, but can now also be found growing in North America, Europe, and Australia.

    Background : In Australia and Asia, the tree’s bark was used for profuse vaginal discharge, gonorrhea, worms, malaria, and asthma. Chinese herbalists use it to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

    Preparation : The fresh, budding flowers are macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Ailanthus is best suited to those who feel extremely weak when ill, and frequently behave in a stupid, dull, and confused way. They may feel anxious, odd, or even crazy. Key symptoms indicating that this remedy is suitable are fevers with great weakness and congestion of the blood, which typically gives the skin a purple, mottled, swollen appearance. Ailanthus is often given for acute bouts of mononucleosis with swollen tonsils and neck glands. Pain extends from the neck glands to the ears on swallowing. The tonsils on the left side are mainly affected, and may develop oozing mucus or ulcers.

    Symptoms Better : For lying on the right side; for hot drinks.

    Symptoms Worse : For skin eruptions that fail to develop; for the slightest movement; for sitting up; for the sight of food.
  • 12. AETHUSA
    Aethusa cynapium
    Fool’s parsley.

    Key Uses:
  • Anxiety with associated diarrhea
  • Confused state of mind with scattered thoughts
  • Marked dullness and sluggish mental state
  • Milk intolerance in children

    Origin : Found throughout Europe.

    Background : The poison from this plant is thought to produce marked dullness and stupor, hence its common name of fool’s parsley.

    Preparation : The whole flowering plant, with the root and unripe fruits, is chopped and macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Aethusa are often characterized by poor concentration and a tendency to be easily distracted. They are generally reserved, alienated, reclusive, and irritable.
    Key symptoms associated with Aethusa include a confused state of mind with scattered thoughts; those affected may talk to themselves and behave foolishly. Other typical symptoms can include marked dullness and a sluggish mental state, possibly linked with an inability to study. These symptoms may be accompanied by prostration with a sense of staleness, or anxiety with associated nervous diarrhea.
    Aethusa is also appropriate for children with milk intolerance, notably babies who are prone to sudden vomiting after feeding, and who may have diarrhea. Lack of nutrition may set up a cycle of hunger, frequent feeding, and subsequent violent vomiting. This may result in a state of extreme exhaustion and collapse, causing the baby’s face to appear drawn, agonized, and aged. It may also seem as though the baby’s whole body has enlarged, particularly in the heart area.

    Symptoms Better : For open air; for walking; for company and conversation; for rest.

    Symptoms Worse : For warmth and hot weather; between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.; for overexertion; for eating frequently; for milk.
  • 13. AGRAPHIS
    Agraphis nutans
    Bluebell, wild hyacinth.

    Key Uses:
  • Ear, nose, and throat infections linked to catarrh and deafness, chills that develop after exposure to cold winds, and swelling of the adenoids and tonsils

    Origin : Found in established woodland areas throughout Europe.

    Background : According to legend, this flower was created by the Greek god Apollo in beloved memory of the youth Hyacinthus, whom he accidentally killed.

    Preparation : The fresh plant, young shoots, and roots are macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : People for whom Agraphis is best suited are low in vitality and prone to catching colds. The classic symptom picture is of ear, nose, and throat infections linked to catarrh and deafness, particularly during childhood. There may be catarrh in the bridge of the nose, obstructing the nostrils, and discharges from all the mucous membranes. Chills develop easily after exposure to cold winds, accompanied by diarrhea with mucus. During infection the tonsils and adenoids may be swollen.

    Symptoms Better : For shelter; for lying on the stomach.

    Symptoms Worse : For heat and humidity.
  • 14. ALLIUM SAT
    Allium sativum
    Garlic.

    Key Uses:
  • Indigestion caused by a rich diet or by dietary change
  • Tearing pains in the hip area and abdomen

    Origin : Native to central Asia, and now grown worldwide.

    Background : Garlic is one of the most ancient of herbs, used by the Babylonians as early as c. 3000 BCE. It is now a popular culinary herb and an important medicinal plant, valued for its antibiotic properties.

    Preparation : The fresh garlic bulbs are minced and macerated in alcohol.

    Remedy Profile : Allium sat. is most appropriate for people who are oversensitive and need company. Although subject to many fears, they have a particular fear of being poisoned. They generally enjoy a rich, gourmet diet, especially one that includes meat, but are prone to indigestion and catarrh problems.
    The remedy is primarily associated with indigestion caused by a rich diet or by dietary change. The digestive process is accompanied by pressure in the upper abdomen, foul- smelling gas, and colicky pains around the
    AGKISTRODON CONTORTRIX (Copperhead snake)
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    navel. Dull pains in the bowels and either constipation or diarrhea may be present. Allium sat. is also used to treat tearing pains in the hip area and abdomen.

    Symptoms Better : For sitting bent over.

    Symptoms Worse : In the evening; at night; for walking; for pressure on the affected area.
  • 15. AMBROSIA
    Ambrosia artemisiaefolia
    Ragweed, Roman wormwood, hogweed.

    Key Uses:
  • Hay fever, possibly involving eyes that water, smart, burn, and itch, a congested nose or head, watery catarrh, sneezing, or nosebleeds, wheezy coughs, asthmatic irritations, or whooping cough, and diarrhea

    Origin : Found in Europe, Mexico, Brazil, and North America.

    Background : This plant’s green, tassel-like flowers produce large amounts of pollen that can trigger severe hay fever.

    Preparation : A tincture is made from the fresh flower heads and young shoots.

    Remedy Profile : Ambrosia is generally given for hay fever. The whole of the respiratory system may be affected. The nose and head feel congested, and there is sneezing, watery catarrh, and possible nosebleeds. The eyes water, smart, burn, and itch. There may be a wheezy cough, asthmatic irritation, or whooping cough. These symptoms may also be associated with diarrhea, notably in the summer months.

    Symptoms Better : For being indoors.

    Symptoms Worse : For being outside.
  • 16. AMMONIUM MUR
    Ammonium chloratum
    Sal ammoniac, ammonium chloride.

    Key Uses:
  • Enlarged glands
  • Inflammatory eye conditions
  • Liver complaints
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Respiratory disorders, such as congested nose, sneezing, reduced sense of smell, sore throat, hoarseness, and thick, slimy mucus
  • Sciatica and joint pains

    Origin : Until the 19th century, the only source of this mineral was in central Asia, but now it is also chemically prepared.

    Background : Sal ammoniac is used industrially as an electrolyte in dry cells. Medicinally, it is found in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines.

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

    Remedy Profile : This remedy is typically given to people who are grieving, sad, depressed, and tearful, yet are unable to weep. Usually reserved and self-pitying, they may resent feeling alone in the world.
    Ammonium mur. is generally used for these symptoms in conjunction with liver complaints, particularly if they are accompanied by pinching, shooting pains in the stomach, catarrh, and a violent cough that is dry and scraping or loose, and profuse. Inflammatory eye conditions, menstrual disorders, enlarged glands, joint pains, and sciatica are other possible symptoms that may appear, and for which the remedy may be prescribed. Further respiratory symptoms typically associated with Ammonium mur. include a congested nose, sneezing, a reduced sense of smell, a sore throat, hoarseness, and thick, slimy mucus in the nose and throat.

    Symptoms Better : For open air; for rapid movement; for walking bent over.

    Symptoms Worse : For walking erect; for chronic sprains; in the morning (in the case of head and chest symptoms); in the afternoon (in the case of abdominal pains); in the evening (in the case of joint pains).
  • 17. ALUMEN
    Aluminum potassium sulphuricum
    Potash alum, double sulfate of aluminum and potassium.

    Key Uses:
  • Bleeding hemorrhoids
  • Bowel problems, especially in the elderly
  • Deep anal ache
  • Dysentery and bloody diarrhea
  • Painful ulceration in the rectum
  • Paralytic, sluggish muscle weakness
  • Severe constipation, possibly due to uterine or rectal cancer

    Origin : Chemically produced from sulfates of aluminum and potassium.

    Background : Potash alum is used in the making of chamois leather, and as a dye in the paint industry. It is used medicinally for minor bleeding cuts and mouth ulcers.

    Preparation : Pure crystals of potash alum are triturated with lactose sugar.

    Remedy Profile : People for whom Alumen is best suited are extremely anxious and sad. They are usually very nervous, experiencing tremors on hearing bad news, or palpitations on thinking about any illness that may affect them. They have a fear of falling, and may mistrust others. Sleep is light or elusive, and they tend to stay in bed more than necessary. Illness tends to develop during sleep. Alumen is often given to the elderly.
    The typical symptom picture for Alumen is of bowel problems and paralytic, sluggish weakness of the muscles. Disturbances of the bowel include dysentery and bloody diarrhea, painful ulceration in the rectum, bleeding hemorrhoids, and a deep anal ache. There may be severe constipation, possibly due to uterine or rectal cancer.

    Symptoms Better : For open air.

    Symptoms Worse : For cold; during sleep; for lying on the right side; for bad news.
  • 18. AMMONIUM BROM
    Ammonium bromatum
    Ammonium bromide.

    Key Uses:
  • Coughs
  • Epilepsy
  • Neuralgic headaches
  • Ovarian problems
  • Sore eyes

    Origin : Chemically prepared.

    Background : This compound exists as colorless prismatic crystals with a salty taste. It is not used commercially.

    Preparation : The crystals are dissolved in alcohol, diluted, and succussed.

    Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Ammonium brom. tend to be timid and lack self-confidence. They fear failure and criticism, and are often resentful of other people. They have a tendency to bite their nails.
    Key symptoms linked with this remedy include neuralgic headaches, sore eyes, ovarian problems, and epilepsy. Symptoms may appear concurrently or individually. The constrictive head pains are like a band above the ears. During the aura (the warning sensation) preceding an epileptic fit, there may be feelings of suffocation and faintness, along with sighing and a need to walk around the room.
    Eye symptoms typically include sore, irritated eyes that feel as if they contain sand. There may be mucus bathing the eyes, swollen eyelids, and possibly a pterygium (a wing-shaped thickening of the conjunctiva). In the evening the eyes feel large, with constantly blurred vision.
    In women, symptoms may be associated with the ovaries. They may include nagging, neuralgic pains, bleeding of the uterus, and hard swelling, especially of the left ovary, possibly in conjunction with eye irritation. Ammonium brom. may also be prescribed for a tormenting, tickly, spasmodic cough, such as whooping cough, or it may be given for a strangling cough with mucus that tends to occur in the morning. Coughing may be incessant at night.

    Symptoms Better : For warmth; for warm drinks.

    Symptoms Worse : For open air or cold air.
  • 19. AMYL NIT
    Amylium nitrosum
    Amyl nitrite.

    Key Uses:
  • Heart symptoms, such as chest pains and feelings of oppression
  • Hot flashes in conjunction with sunstroke, heart problems, or menopause

    Origin : Chemically prepared.

    Background : A powerful drug that dilates the blood vessels, amyl nitrate is often used in illegal recreational drugs such as “poppers.”

    Preparation : Amyl nitrite is dissolved in purified water, diluted, and succussed.

    Remedy Profile : Amyl nit. is most appropriate for people who are hot and red, feel constricted by their clothes, and have a desire for fresh air. They may be weak, anxious, restless, and weary, often due to disturbed sleep.
    The classic symptom picture is of flushing that spreads rapidly over the skin, followed by drenching sweats and great exhaustion. The remedy may be used for these symptoms in conjunction with menopause, sunstroke, or heart problems.
    Typical heart symptoms treated with Amyl nit. include sharp pains in the heart area and a feeling of oppression, with pain radiating down the right arm.

    Symptoms Better : For open air; for exercising outside; for rest; for drinking cold water.

    Symptoms Worse : For the slightest emotion; for physical or mental exertion; during the menopause.
  • 20. ANACARDIUM OCC
    Anacardium occidentale
    Cashew nut.

    Key Uses:
  • Exam nerves and phobias
  • Leprosy
  • Muscle complaints
  • Skin eruptions
  • Warts

    Origin : Native to the West Indies.

    Background : The juice inside the shell is a skin irritant that causes blistering. In 19th- century Europe it was used to burn off warts and corns.

    Preparation : The black juice between the outer and inner shell is dissolved in alcohol, then diluted and succussed.

    Remedy Profile : Anacardium occ. is most appropriate for people who are prone to poor memory and willpower, and who feel mentally and physically apathetic and numb. They are prone to exam nerves and phobias.
    The remedy is given for the above state of mind in conjunction with skin and muscle complaints. Skin eruptions initially itch and burn, then become swollen and sore, before producing blisters that may become infected. The ears and face may itch and burn. Anacardium occ. may also be prescribed for warts or leprosy.

    Symptoms Better : None known.

    Symptoms Worse : On beginning to move.