Homeopathy
81. CLEMATIS
Clematis recta
Clematis, upright virgin’s bower.
Key Uses:Abnormal urine flow Moist, itchy pustules on the back of the head or skull Skin complaints Swollen glands, especially of prostate, testes, ovaries, or breasts Urethral inflammation
Origin : Native to central and southern Europe.
Background : This plant irritates the skin on contact, but is used by herbalists to treat sores, skin ulcers, and itchy rashes.
Preparation : The fresh leaves and stems of the plant are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Clematis is best suited tend to be peevish, dissatisfied, and prone to melancholy or homesickness. Despite apathy toward friends, they generally fear being alone. They often feel confused in stuffy rooms, and improve in open air.
Clematis is strongly indicated for skin complaints and swollen glands, especially if they arise simultaneously or if there is a history of both conditions. The remedy is given for moist, itchy, sensitive pustules that erupt on the back of the head or skull.
Gland symptoms that indicate Clematis include hardness, swelling, and pain. The prostate, testes, ovaries, or breasts are most often affected. Further related symptoms may include urethral inflammation, which causes an aversion to sexual intercourse, and abnormal urine flow. The right side of the body is usually particularly affected. Clematis may also be given for a toothache that is worse for hot drinks, better for the cold.
Symptoms Better : For sweating; for open air; during a waning moon.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for cold air; for bathing in cold water; for the heat of the bed; for touch; for movement; during a new moon.
Clematis, upright virgin’s bower.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to central and southern Europe.
Background : This plant irritates the skin on contact, but is used by herbalists to treat sores, skin ulcers, and itchy rashes.
Preparation : The fresh leaves and stems of the plant are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People for whom Clematis is best suited tend to be peevish, dissatisfied, and prone to melancholy or homesickness. Despite apathy toward friends, they generally fear being alone. They often feel confused in stuffy rooms, and improve in open air.
Clematis is strongly indicated for skin complaints and swollen glands, especially if they arise simultaneously or if there is a history of both conditions. The remedy is given for moist, itchy, sensitive pustules that erupt on the back of the head or skull.
Gland symptoms that indicate Clematis include hardness, swelling, and pain. The prostate, testes, ovaries, or breasts are most often affected. Further related symptoms may include urethral inflammation, which causes an aversion to sexual intercourse, and abnormal urine flow. The right side of the body is usually particularly affected. Clematis may also be given for a toothache that is worse for hot drinks, better for the cold.
Symptoms Better : For sweating; for open air; during a waning moon.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for cold air; for bathing in cold water; for the heat of the bed; for touch; for movement; during a new moon.
82. COCCUS CACTI
Dactylopius coccus syn. Coccus cacti
Cochineal beetle.
Key Uses:Asthma Spasmodic coughing, especially whooping cough Urinary problems with pain in the kidneys
Origin : Found in Spain, Mexico, and the West Indies.
Background : The dried bodies of the female insects are used as a scarlet dye and food coloring, and in cosmetics, inks, artists’ pigments, and medicines.
Preparation : The fertilized females are killed by heat, then dried and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Coccus cacti is generally prescribed for spasmodic coughing associated with catarrh, and for urinary problems with pain in the kidneys, particularly in those who are anxious and confused.
The remedy is used for spasmodic coughing, especially whooping cough, and for asthma. Symptoms are usually worse in the mornings, and include frequent, violent, ticklish coughing fits accompanied by vomiting and retching up of clear, thick mucus that may hang from the mouth. There is a sensation as if a thread is hanging down the back of the throat. The mucous membranes in the throat may feel so sensitive that even brushing the teeth causes retching and vomiting.
Symptoms Better : For bathing in cold water; for walking; for cold drinks.
Symptoms Worse : On the left side of the body; for lying down; after sleep; for touch; for the pressure of clothing; for the slightest exertion; for brushing the teeth; for rinsing the mouth.
Cochineal beetle.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in Spain, Mexico, and the West Indies.
Background : The dried bodies of the female insects are used as a scarlet dye and food coloring, and in cosmetics, inks, artists’ pigments, and medicines.
Preparation : The fertilized females are killed by heat, then dried and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Coccus cacti is generally prescribed for spasmodic coughing associated with catarrh, and for urinary problems with pain in the kidneys, particularly in those who are anxious and confused.
The remedy is used for spasmodic coughing, especially whooping cough, and for asthma. Symptoms are usually worse in the mornings, and include frequent, violent, ticklish coughing fits accompanied by vomiting and retching up of clear, thick mucus that may hang from the mouth. There is a sensation as if a thread is hanging down the back of the throat. The mucous membranes in the throat may feel so sensitive that even brushing the teeth causes retching and vomiting.
Symptoms Better : For bathing in cold water; for walking; for cold drinks.
Symptoms Worse : On the left side of the body; for lying down; after sleep; for touch; for the pressure of clothing; for the slightest exertion; for brushing the teeth; for rinsing the mouth.
83. COLCHICUM
Colchicum autumnale
Meadow saffron, fall crocus, naked ladies.
Key Uses:Joint-membrane problems, especially in the small joints Muscle tissue disorders Nausea with colicky pains and painful distension of the abdomen Oversensitivity to external stimuli Rheumatoid arthritis Ulcerative colitis
Origin : Found wild in Europe and Africa, and cultivated in North America.
Background : During classical times, the plant was considered too toxic for use. Arabian physicians used it in the Middle Ages for joint pain and gout.
Preparation : The fresh bulb, dug up in spring, is chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond well to Colchicum are typically weak and restless. They may be depressed or irritable, and have poor concentration and memory, so that they appear dazed even though they may answer questions correctly. There is a marked absence of any apprehension and no discernible fear of death.
The key symptoms linked with Colchicum focus on the muscle tissues and joint membranes, especially the membranes in the small joints. The joints may be painful, hot, and swollen, and the muscles extremely relaxed and even limp. Arthritic joint pain or gout may be so severe that it causes screaming if the joints are touched or jolted. There may be a twitching, tingling sensation all over the body.
Colchicum is also considered a useful remedy for ulcerative colitis and for nausea with colicky pains and painful distension of the abdomen. Illness is typically accompanied by a feeling of icy coldness in the stomach.
In addition to any other symptoms, the body may feel cold inside, with extreme oversensitivity to external stimuli such as bright lights, strong odors, physical contact, and even other people’s behavior.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for rest; after passing stools.
Symptoms Worse : For cold and damp; for changeable weather; for vibrations or jarring.
Meadow saffron, fall crocus, naked ladies.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found wild in Europe and Africa, and cultivated in North America.
Background : During classical times, the plant was considered too toxic for use. Arabian physicians used it in the Middle Ages for joint pain and gout.
Preparation : The fresh bulb, dug up in spring, is chopped and steeped in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Those who respond well to Colchicum are typically weak and restless. They may be depressed or irritable, and have poor concentration and memory, so that they appear dazed even though they may answer questions correctly. There is a marked absence of any apprehension and no discernible fear of death.
The key symptoms linked with Colchicum focus on the muscle tissues and joint membranes, especially the membranes in the small joints. The joints may be painful, hot, and swollen, and the muscles extremely relaxed and even limp. Arthritic joint pain or gout may be so severe that it causes screaming if the joints are touched or jolted. There may be a twitching, tingling sensation all over the body.
Colchicum is also considered a useful remedy for ulcerative colitis and for nausea with colicky pains and painful distension of the abdomen. Illness is typically accompanied by a feeling of icy coldness in the stomach.
In addition to any other symptoms, the body may feel cold inside, with extreme oversensitivity to external stimuli such as bright lights, strong odors, physical contact, and even other people’s behavior.
Symptoms Better : For warmth; for rest; after passing stools.
Symptoms Worse : For cold and damp; for changeable weather; for vibrations or jarring.
84. COMOCLADIA
Comocladia dentata
Guao, bastard Brazil wood.
Key Uses:Nerve sensitivity Skin problems, such as extreme itching, burning, inflammation, and blistering
Origin : Native to Cuba.
Background : This tree exudes a milky sap that turns black on contact with air and stains clothes and skin. It causes a violent skin reaction in people who have sensitive skins.
Preparation : The fresh leaves and bark are chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Comocladia is most appropriate for irritable people who are prone to maliciousness, gloomy behavior, and restlessness while awake. Sleep refreshes them, however, and they enjoy vivid, pleasant, and perhaps even clairvoyant dreams. The key physical symptoms associated with this remedy include nerve sensitivity and skin problems such as extreme itching, burning, inflammation, and blistering. The skin may flake or shed itself, or it may redden, possibly forming stripes. There may be ulceration or other swelling, which may be fever-related.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for scratching; for movement.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for touch; for rest; in the evening.
Guao, bastard Brazil wood.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Cuba.
Background : This tree exudes a milky sap that turns black on contact with air and stains clothes and skin. It causes a violent skin reaction in people who have sensitive skins.
Preparation : The fresh leaves and bark are chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Comocladia is most appropriate for irritable people who are prone to maliciousness, gloomy behavior, and restlessness while awake. Sleep refreshes them, however, and they enjoy vivid, pleasant, and perhaps even clairvoyant dreams. The key physical symptoms associated with this remedy include nerve sensitivity and skin problems such as extreme itching, burning, inflammation, and blistering. The skin may flake or shed itself, or it may redden, possibly forming stripes. There may be ulceration or other swelling, which may be fever-related.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for scratching; for movement.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for touch; for rest; in the evening.
85. COPAIVA
Copaifera officinalis
Balsam of copaiva.
Key Uses:Colds Chronic bronchitis Gonorrhea Leucorrhea Urethritis
Origin : Native to tropical South America, but also found in southern Africa.
Background : This traditional native Brazilian remedy for healing wounds and removing scars was first recorded in 1625 by a Portuguese monk, Manoel Tristaon.
Preparation : A tincture of balsam is made from oleoresin (a semi-solid mixture of resin and essential oil) from the plant.
Remedy Profile : Copaiva is given to restless, overwrought people who are prone to burning pains, and a feeling of heaviness or pressure on any part of the body. Their nervous system is oversensitive, and they tend to feel startled when they hear noises, and to weep on hearing piano music. A key symptom associated with the remedy is excessive discharge from the mucous membranes. This includes urinary tract discharges, catarrh during a cold, and profuse, greenish gray, offensive-smelling mucus during a bout of chronic bronchitis. The remedy is also used as a treatment for mucus discharges associated with leucorrhea (abnormal discharge from the vagina), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), and gonorrhea.
Symptoms Better : For pressure on the affected area; for walking; for doubling over; for perspiring.
Symptoms Worse : In the morning; for catching cold; for starchy foods.
Balsam of copaiva.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to tropical South America, but also found in southern Africa.
Background : This traditional native Brazilian remedy for healing wounds and removing scars was first recorded in 1625 by a Portuguese monk, Manoel Tristaon.
Preparation : A tincture of balsam is made from oleoresin (a semi-solid mixture of resin and essential oil) from the plant.
Remedy Profile : Copaiva is given to restless, overwrought people who are prone to burning pains, and a feeling of heaviness or pressure on any part of the body. Their nervous system is oversensitive, and they tend to feel startled when they hear noises, and to weep on hearing piano music. A key symptom associated with the remedy is excessive discharge from the mucous membranes. This includes urinary tract discharges, catarrh during a cold, and profuse, greenish gray, offensive-smelling mucus during a bout of chronic bronchitis. The remedy is also used as a treatment for mucus discharges associated with leucorrhea (abnormal discharge from the vagina), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), and gonorrhea.
Symptoms Better : For pressure on the affected area; for walking; for doubling over; for perspiring.
Symptoms Worse : In the morning; for catching cold; for starchy foods.
86. CONVALLARIA
Convallaria majalis
Lily-of-the-valley.
Key Uses:Heart disorders with symptoms that include fluttery or noisy heartbeats, palpitations, poor circulation, and water retention Soreness of the uterus in conjunction with heart palpitations
Origin : Native to Europe, but also found across North America and in northern Asia.
Background : The 16th- century herbalist John Gerard praised this plant for its success in treating gout and heart problems. It is used in modern herbalism, particularly for heart disorders.
Preparation : The fresh, flowering aerial parts are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Convallaria have difficulty in thinking, because their brains feel dull. They often find themselves unable to concentrate when reading, and tend to become irritable when questioned. There is a tendency to experience feelings of depression. Convallaria is prescribed primarily for heart problems. Typical heart symptoms treated by the remedy include palpitations triggered by the slightest exertion. The heartbeat may seem to reverberate throughout the whole chest and rib cage, or it may become fluttery and irregular after exercise, possibly causing nausea and breathlessness. Water retention may accompany heart problems, as may poor circulation. The remedy is often given for heart palpitations that occur in conjunction with soreness of the uterus.
Symptoms Better : For open air.
Symptoms Worse : For warm rooms; for lying on the back.
Lily-of-the-valley.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to Europe, but also found across North America and in northern Asia.
Background : The 16th- century herbalist John Gerard praised this plant for its success in treating gout and heart problems. It is used in modern herbalism, particularly for heart disorders.
Preparation : The fresh, flowering aerial parts are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : People who respond best to Convallaria have difficulty in thinking, because their brains feel dull. They often find themselves unable to concentrate when reading, and tend to become irritable when questioned. There is a tendency to experience feelings of depression. Convallaria is prescribed primarily for heart problems. Typical heart symptoms treated by the remedy include palpitations triggered by the slightest exertion. The heartbeat may seem to reverberate throughout the whole chest and rib cage, or it may become fluttery and irregular after exercise, possibly causing nausea and breathlessness. Water retention may accompany heart problems, as may poor circulation. The remedy is often given for heart palpitations that occur in conjunction with soreness of the uterus.
Symptoms Better : For open air.
Symptoms Worse : For warm rooms; for lying on the back.
87. COLLINSONIA
Collinsonia canadensis
Stoneroot, horsebalm, richweed.
Key Uses:Hemorrhoids Labor or pregnancy problems, such as itchy vulva during pregnancy, or diarrhea after labor Menstrual pain Pelvic aches
Origin : Native to moist woodlands in eastern North America.
Background : Stoneroot is so called due to its hard, knotted root. It is used herbally in a poultice for bruises and sores.
Preparation : The fresh root is chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Collinsonia is best suited to people who have a gloomy temperament. They tend to experience strange bodily sensations, including the feeling that the body is being pricked by needles, that it is enlarged, and that the lower limbs are disembodied.
The classic symptom for this remedy is of sore, bleeding hemorrhoids, with a sensation of constriction, pricking pain, and sharp sticks in the rectum, which is prone to fissures.
Collinsonia is also used for menstrual pain, pelvic aches, and labor or pregnancy problems such as an itchy vulva during pregnancy, or diarrhea after labor. It is especially appropriate if symptoms occur with rectal or bowel disorders.
Symptoms Better : For heat; in the morning.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for cold; during pregnancy; for emotional stress.
Stoneroot, horsebalm, richweed.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to moist woodlands in eastern North America.
Background : Stoneroot is so called due to its hard, knotted root. It is used herbally in a poultice for bruises and sores.
Preparation : The fresh root is chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Collinsonia is best suited to people who have a gloomy temperament. They tend to experience strange bodily sensations, including the feeling that the body is being pricked by needles, that it is enlarged, and that the lower limbs are disembodied.
The classic symptom for this remedy is of sore, bleeding hemorrhoids, with a sensation of constriction, pricking pain, and sharp sticks in the rectum, which is prone to fissures.
Collinsonia is also used for menstrual pain, pelvic aches, and labor or pregnancy problems such as an itchy vulva during pregnancy, or diarrhea after labor. It is especially appropriate if symptoms occur with rectal or bowel disorders.
Symptoms Better : For heat; in the morning.
Symptoms Worse : At night; for cold; during pregnancy; for emotional stress.
88. CORALLIUM
Corallium rubrum
Red coral.
Key Uses:Whooping and spasmodic coughs, accompanied by violent paroxysms, exhaustion, a smothering sensation, and the bringing up of blood
Origin : The Gorgonia nobilis species of coral, which is found mainly in the waters of the Mediterranean and Japan.
Background : Coral is the skeleton of a tiny animal called the coral polyp. Red coral’s delicate, pink skeleton is largely comprised of calcium, and is commonly used to make jewelry and prayer beads.
Preparation : Pieces of skeleton are mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Corallium is most appropriate for critical, peevish, angry people who tend to swear and curse when they are in pain. They may have a craving for sour foods, and like wine but easily become stupefied and drunk. Prone to extreme
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tiredness, they may even fall asleep when standing up. The remedy is used chiefly for whooping and spasmodic coughs, which tend to occur in rapid, frequent fits, accompanied by violent paroxysms, exhaustion, a smothering sensation, and the bringing up of blood. The face may become purple and congested. The air passages may feel cold on breathing in deeply, and there may be profuse catarrh. The throat is very sensitive, especially to air.
Symptoms Better : For heat; for open air; for covering up; for sitting; in the afternoon and evening.
Symptoms Worse : For inhaling in the open air; for moving from a warm to a cold room; for eating.
Red coral.
Key Uses:
Origin : The Gorgonia nobilis species of coral, which is found mainly in the waters of the Mediterranean and Japan.
Background : Coral is the skeleton of a tiny animal called the coral polyp. Red coral’s delicate, pink skeleton is largely comprised of calcium, and is commonly used to make jewelry and prayer beads.
Preparation : Pieces of skeleton are mixed with lactose sugar and triturated.
Remedy Profile : Corallium is most appropriate for critical, peevish, angry people who tend to swear and curse when they are in pain. They may have a craving for sour foods, and like wine but easily become stupefied and drunk. Prone to extreme
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138
tiredness, they may even fall asleep when standing up. The remedy is used chiefly for whooping and spasmodic coughs, which tend to occur in rapid, frequent fits, accompanied by violent paroxysms, exhaustion, a smothering sensation, and the bringing up of blood. The face may become purple and congested. The air passages may feel cold on breathing in deeply, and there may be profuse catarrh. The throat is very sensitive, especially to air.
Symptoms Better : For heat; for open air; for covering up; for sitting; in the afternoon and evening.
Symptoms Worse : For inhaling in the open air; for moving from a warm to a cold room; for eating.
89. CRATAEGUS
Crataegus laevigata syn. C. oxyacantha, or C. monogyna
Hawthorn, May tree, whitethorn.
Key Uses:Palpitations, possibly accompanied by fainting and collapse Pulse that is fast, feeble, and intermittent Rapid heartbeat Weak heart Hypertension
Origin : Found in all temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Background : Hawthorn is an extremely valuable medicinal herb, used since the Middle Ages as a heart remedy. Modern trials have shown that it improves the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Preparation : The fresh, ripe berries are chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Crataegus is most appropriate for irritable, cross, melancholic people who are prone to heart complaints. They tend to feel weak, fragile, and despairing. Their brains feel dull and confused, with possible periods of quiet and calm.
The characteristic symptom picture for the remedy is of a weak heart, palpitations, and a rapid heartbeat with a sense of hurry and urgency. The pulse is fast, feeble, and intermittent. Fainting and collapse may accompany palpitations, while the area around the heart can feel as though it is bursting due to congestion or overexertion.
Symptoms Better : For fresh air; for quiet; for rest; during menstruation; for washing.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for sweating; in the morning; in the evening.
Hawthorn, May tree, whitethorn.
Key Uses:
Origin : Found in all temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Background : Hawthorn is an extremely valuable medicinal herb, used since the Middle Ages as a heart remedy. Modern trials have shown that it improves the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Preparation : The fresh, ripe berries are chopped and macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : Crataegus is most appropriate for irritable, cross, melancholic people who are prone to heart complaints. They tend to feel weak, fragile, and despairing. Their brains feel dull and confused, with possible periods of quiet and calm.
The characteristic symptom picture for the remedy is of a weak heart, palpitations, and a rapid heartbeat with a sense of hurry and urgency. The pulse is fast, feeble, and intermittent. Fainting and collapse may accompany palpitations, while the area around the heart can feel as though it is bursting due to congestion or overexertion.
Symptoms Better : For fresh air; for quiet; for rest; during menstruation; for washing.
Symptoms Worse : For heat; for sweating; in the morning; in the evening.
90. CROCUS
Crocus sativus
Saffron crocus.
Key Uses:Hemorrhaging, such as nosebleeds or uterine bleeding Nervous excitement with rapidly alternating moods and hysterical behavior
Origin : Native to India and the Balkans, and now cultivated in Spain, France, Italy, and the Middle East.
Background : It takes roughly 150,000 flowers and 400 hours’ work to make 2 lb (1 kg) of dried saffron, making it the most costly spice in the world.
Preparation : The dried stigmas of the plant are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : The range of key symptoms for which Crocus is generally prescribed includes nervous excitement, alternating moods, sensation as if something is moving inside the abdomen, and hemorrhages with dark, clotted, stringy blood, usually in the form of nosebleeds or uterine bleeding.
Crocus is taken for rapidly alternating mental and physical states. The nervous system is overexcited, causing mood swings and hysterical, excited behavior. The feeling that something is moving inside the abdomen may be linked to general nervous hyperactivity. Hopping or jumping sensations may be felt inside the abdomen; these may be linked to a false pregnancy.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for yawning; after breakfast.
Symptoms Worse : For movement; during pregnancy; for puberty; for changes of the moon; for fasting; for a warm room.
Saffron crocus.
Key Uses:
Origin : Native to India and the Balkans, and now cultivated in Spain, France, Italy, and the Middle East.
Background : It takes roughly 150,000 flowers and 400 hours’ work to make 2 lb (1 kg) of dried saffron, making it the most costly spice in the world.
Preparation : The dried stigmas of the plant are macerated in alcohol.
Remedy Profile : The range of key symptoms for which Crocus is generally prescribed includes nervous excitement, alternating moods, sensation as if something is moving inside the abdomen, and hemorrhages with dark, clotted, stringy blood, usually in the form of nosebleeds or uterine bleeding.
Crocus is taken for rapidly alternating mental and physical states. The nervous system is overexcited, causing mood swings and hysterical, excited behavior. The feeling that something is moving inside the abdomen may be linked to general nervous hyperactivity. Hopping or jumping sensations may be felt inside the abdomen; these may be linked to a false pregnancy.
Symptoms Better : For open air; for yawning; after breakfast.
Symptoms Worse : For movement; during pregnancy; for puberty; for changes of the moon; for fasting; for a warm room.
