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Produced by Misha Norland in collaboration with
students and graduates of The School of Homeopathy, this is a self-help
guide to first aid using homeopathy. It provides an introduction
to homeopathy and use of homeopathic medicines, an index of common
ailments with recommend remedies to be used for various combinations
of symptoms, and a brief symptom picture of common first-aid remedies.
This is a very practical guide, with informative and amusing cartoons
of homeopathic remedies to help you remember them.
Below is the middle section of the book looking
at a selection of homeopathic remedies. This is a mini Material
Medica beginning with introducing the constitutional remedies, Calcarea
carbonica, Natrum muriaticum,
Lycopodium clavatum and Sulphur,
then continuing with descriptions of Aconitum
napellus, Antimonium tartaricum,
Argentum nitricum, Apis
melifica, Arnica montana,
Arsenicum album, Belladonna,
Bryonia alba, Chamomilla
vulgaris, Cantharis vesicatoria,
Carbo vegetabilis, Chinchona
officinalis, Drosera rotundifolia,
Eupatorium perfoliatum, Ferrum
phosphoricum, Ipecacuanha,
Ignatia amara, Mercurius,
Nux vomica, Phosphorus,
Pulsatilla, Rhus
toxicodenron.
If you would like to buy the book please contact
Alternative Training or visit www.alternative-training.com.
In homeopathic constitutional prescribing we look
not only at the physical symptoms, but also at the mental and emotional
state of the person, what the circumstances are surrounding the
ailment, as well as what appears to make it better or worse. When
recurring attacks are experienced for which acute remedies are selected
which bring only partial relief or when they need to be often repeated,
then a constitutional remedy is also worth considering. A remedy
becomes constitutional when its homeopathic (like cures like) fit
approaches close similarity to the person needing it. This is not
dissimilar to the approach in acute prescribing, however it is in
greater depth and takes an over-arching view of the person, asking.
“what makes them tick; what kind of a person are they?”
We are concentrating here mainly on childhood
and adolescent ailments, and give below some remedy ‘pictures’
that may fit such a person; if so, give two doses of 200c, one at
night, and the other in the morning. If you are unsure, or are dealing
with an adult, it is suggested that you consult a qualified Homeopath.
Prescribing at this level is a detailed process and experimentation
with limited knowledge is obviously not a good idea.
If your child is a late developer, has been slow to teeth,
to crawl and walk - a plodder, not a pusher, then this could be
their constitutional homeopathic remedy. Like the oyster from which
this remedy is prepared, they are similar to the vulnerable creature
within the shell. Homeopathy abounds with such comparisons of states
because this is how it works, like curing like because of intrinsic
similarity.
Children needing this remedy are usually plump
and easy going, happy to watch others or to play by themselves.
Their heads may sweat at night, and their bowel movements and perspiration
usually smells sour. They can also go without passing a motion for
several days, without any apparent ill effects. They like bland
foods, especially soft boiled eggs, milk and ice cream, although
these may disagree with them. They generally dislike meat. They
like cold food and though they are chilly, they do not enjoy hot
baths. Cold weather can aggravate them, and they like their hats
and scarves. They are prone to coughs and colds, swollen glands,
tonsillitis and ear infections. Although they may be slow learners,
these children are determined and independent and can be very stubborn.
They may suffer from nerves and fear when they are unwell. They
are afraid of the dark, and may wake up screaming from nightmares;
also they have a fear of some animals, for example mice and dogs.
They avoid the rough and tumble of the playground, at sport, they
are apt to sprain their ankles. They are not outspoken in class,
fearing that others will notice their confusion. Older children
may develop a fear of death and become fascinated by religious ideas
and the supernatural. This remedy should be considered if the child
has had repeated fevers which have been helped by Belladonna.
Worse: mental and physical
effort, cold/wet weather, on waking, morning and after midnight,
full and new moon
Better: lying down, dry weather,
hot applications, rubbing
Do your child’s coughs develop easily into bronchitis?
Are they cross in the mornings, and have a large head and a thin
weak body? Lycopodium children prefer books to football boots, and
are happy to be alone, reading, as long as they know someone else
is around. They have fears of the dark, of being alone, and are
often scared of new people and new situations. They fear failure
and that they will not reach their goal. Once they are established
in whatever they do, however, then others tend to rely on them because
they do it very well. Others can find them bossy and self-opinionated.
They need regular meals, or they may feel faint, and prefer hot
food and drinks and love sweets. However, they tend to fill up easily
and can suffer from wind and constipation. They are chilly, yet
love fresh air and will not keep a hat on. They are not keen on
the sun, however. Their swollen glands and tonsillitis will generally
be more prominent on the right side.
The homeopathic similarity between person and
plant (Lycopodium is a creeping moss), is best understood by noting
that during the carboniferous era, long before the age of dinosaurs,
Lycopodiums were huge, the forefathers of giant ferns, but now still
hanging on, are small mosses. This is homeopathic to the type of
person who has issues of their self confidence and may develop nerdy
characteristics to survive the competition on the sports ground,
or later on, in the competitive field of finding a loved one: brains
(hanging on, diminished but ruggedly persevering and studying) in
place of brawn (as massive as trees).
Worse: right side, 4-8 pm, morning, after midnight, cold
and cold food or drinks
Better: cool open air, uncovering, especially the head, warm drinks,
wet weather
These children often suffer from headaches, particularly
during the school day; another of their common symptoms are colds,
with a clear, salty mucus discharge, a little like the white of
an egg, with much sneezing. They are sensitive, and may develop
allergies, especially hay fever, and can have cracked lips. Sensitivity
runs throughout their Homeopathic picture - they are very easily
hurt and because they are aware of vulnerability they are careful
not to hurt another’s feelings. They do not find it easy to
express how upset they are and will often stay in their rooms, dwelling
on painful events, listening to music, as this generally helps them
to let go a little. They are actually better left alone when in
an upset state, as consolation can make them cry, which they find
humiliating. They would find it easier to write a letter or a poem
to a friend who had hurt them, but they would probably not post
it. For these reasons it is difficult to know the heart of a Natrum
muriaticum. This is a major love disappointment and grief remedy.
Also, they are often claustrophobic, and can develop an obsession
about people breaking in. Another obsession is for salt, which they
add to meals, and aversion to wheat and bread.
Once again the homeopathic likeness is easily
discerned. This remedy is prepared from table-salt reminding us
of salty tears, tearful persons who dry up and cannot cry, who have
colds, with a clear, salty mucus discharge, a little like the white
of an egg, who love eating salt, who dry out, having cracked lips
and who most characteristically, are over sensitive to emotions,
we could write, “like the immeasurable salty seas of the soul.”
Worse: heat, sun, seaside,
sympathy, mental effort, violent emotions, mornings
Better: fresh open air, dry weather,
moderate exercise in cold air, cold bathing, rest
The most noticeable thing about the character who may need
this constitutional homeopathic remedy is they have a strong tendency
to be scruffy. Even if they have just had a bath, they still manage
to look unclean. There are two types of Sulphur: one is outgoing,
strong, solid and the other quiet, skinny and unsure of themselves,
but both types take little care of their appearance. Both types
can have red, dry, flaking skin, which can itch and burn and is
worse from washing. They often have dry, unruly hair. They are hungry
and thirsty, particularly in the late morning and will crave strong
flavoured food, fat and sweets. Milk disagrees with them. They commonly
have diarrhoea which has them jumping out of bed for relief first
thing in the morning. The fatter child may be constipated. Their
runny noses make their skin sore. They feel the heat and often stick
their feet out of the bedclothes at night. They are very untidy
and they hate to throw old things away because they think that all
their possessions are better than anyone else’s. They want
to know all the answers and can be very demanding, yet they do learn
quickly. They are impatient, hurried and restless, wanting to do
things themselves. They will lap up any praise you may give them.
Teenagers can be lazy and full of their own opinions. A peculiarity:
they hate to stand.
Worse: heat, 11 am, at
night, damp, sunshine, scratching
Better: movement, open air, dry
warm weather
This is prepared from the poisonous Monkshood, but is rendered
into a wonderful and safe healing medicine thanks to homeopathic
pharmacy. These people, often babies and children, usually appear
frightened, tossing about and the bedclothes may be thrown off.
They may express a fear of dying, unaccountable fear, palpitation
and tingling sensations throughout the body, but mainly the extremities.
These symptoms come suddenly, as if out of nowhere. If restlessness,
heat and redness are observed, ask yourself or the person if they
have been out in the cold, especially on a windy day, or have recently
had a fright of some kind. This remedy has gained its homeopathic
laurels in the nursery as well as in disaster situations such as
after earth-quakes. There may be a desire for cold water or bitter
drinks.
Worse: from being out in
the cold, midnight, tobacco smoke, light and noise
Better: open air, rest
For respiratory problems with rattling mucus in wind-pipe,
sleepiness and clammy sweat. The child cannot bring up the mucus,
the cough turning into gasping and suffocation. Also for pustular
skin eruptions, such as occur in chicken pox (cf. Mercurius &
Rhus Toxicendron).
Worse: lying down, in cold,
damp weather, in the evening and at night
Better: sitting up, from expectoration
For symptoms arising from an over-active imagination. This
is homeopathy’s great for stage fright – the high wire
act. Great fear of heights. Claustrophobia. Anticipatory states,
easily panicked when a time is set, yet impulsive and hurried. Headaches,
often in one half of the head, from emotional causes and overwork.
Many stomach symptoms: painful distention and belching; diarrhoea
after eating and from apprehension.
Worse: warmth and stuffiness,
sweets and sugar, from emotions, left side
Better: cool fresh air, belching,
from pressure (the headache)
Bee stings, or any swelling which has this look about it,
of red rosy , puffy skin under tension. Also for kidney pain, swollen
glands, tonsillitis and mumps. The person will be thirstless and
complain of stinging, burning pains with restlessness and an aversion
to being touched. They cannot bear heat and need fresh air. A state
may arise which is dazed, almost stupefied, in which movements are
clumsy. Later, in severe cases with brain inflammation, there may
be shrieking, boring the head into the pillow and screaming.
Worse: all heat/hot drinks/baths,
right side, late afternoon, after sleeping
Better: open air, cold baths,
uncovering
For accidents and shock. If given immediately, it will prevent
bruising, if given later it will still be a great help for pain,
or for bruised aching, following heavy physical activity. This is
probably the best known homeopathic remedy, being a first for accidents
ranging from children’s bruises to life threatening concussions.
Worse: being touched, even
the thought of being touched. For this reason they
may tell you that they are well even when they are obviously traumatised
Better: lying down/head low, movement
May be needed for sudden collapse or when the weakness and
exhaustion seems out of proportion to the complaint, as indeed is
the person’s concern over their health. They are very cold,
very worried and very hard to please; yet have a burning desire
for someone to be around, for reassurance, for their worst, and
usually unspoken, fear is that they will die alone. Their anguish
drives them from place to place, and if they wake at night, as they
often do, usually between 2 - 3 am, they pace about. They complain
of burning pains. They ask for water which they drink only in small
sips. Should they catch a cold, then their runny noses will burn,
or if they suffer diarrhoea, as from food poisoning, to which they
are prone, it will be offensive and it will leave them feeling sore
and totally exhausted. In bygone days, those who feared to be victims
of arsenical revenge took refuge in the safety of regularly ingesting
the smallest quantities to inure themselves. Like protecting against
like - crude homeopathy in action!
Worse: after midnight,
over-ripe fruit, bad meat/shellfish, becoming
cold (but wants window open)
Better: hot drinks, warmth, head
propped up, sympathy and reassurance
If ever a homeopathic potency turned a poison in crude form
into a safe children’s medicine, proving the homeopathic principle
of dynamization, then this is it. This person is red hot! Their
heat radiates; with the high fever there is crimson redness; often
there is swelling and throbbing of affected or injured parts. Usually,
the heat is concentrated in the head and torso and the feet and
hands may be icy cold. The pupils may be dilated and a drugged expression
may be evident, perhaps with hallucinations of wild animals or monsters.
These fever terrors may be so intense that the child does not recognise
the parent at whom it stares with dilated pupils in fright. They
may even try to escape from you! The state can come on very suddenly
and is often triggered by being out in the cold and wet, or after
having a hair cut. Usually there is a marked lack of thirst or sweat.
Worse: 3 pm - midnight,
sudden movement, light, touch, noise, lying down
Better: lying propped up, keeping
still
This is a bear with a sore head, whose headaches are so terrible
that any movement, even eye movements, are impossible. Movement
aggravates is a general theme of this remedy, when they have any
pain, which is described as bursting or stitching, they will often
feel better for holding on to it, to prevent movement. They have
a marked desire to be left alone and are very irritable. They drink
copious amounts of cold water (and want you around to provide these)
but their lips and tongue will still feel dry. The mental symptom,
which is often at the root of their acute symptoms, is money worries
and an irrational fear of being destitute. This really can play
on their minds and might force them out of bed despite their obvious
suffering.
Worse: least movement,
eating, hot weather, morning on waking, 9 pm
Better: lying on painful part,
rest
This is the most common homeopathic teething remedy. One
cheek red and hot, other cheek pale and cold. The child screams
constantly and wants to be carried everywhere. The pain is unbearable.
They will demand various things, and then throw them away; they
are impossible to please. They do not even want you to look at them.
Diarrhoea may have the appearance of chopped egg and spinach. But
this is equally a brilliant pain reliever for adults when the key
idea, ‘cannot bear it’ is there, such as in toothache,
when irritability and rudeness predominate. Ailments from anger,
coffee and narcotics.
Worse: teething, cold air,
being looked at
Better: being carried, cold compress
This is the first remedy to think of after a scald or burn,
where the affected area is red and blistered; so painful that it
drives the person to distraction. This remedy is also good for sunburn
and for insect bites where the pain is intensely burning. Homeopathic
burn ointment contains it. The pains may also be cutting, raw and
smarting and can be due to acute inflammations, not only on the
skin, but in the urinary and sexual organs too, for instance after
forced sex (cf. Staphisagria). Violent burning and cutting pains
in bladder and urethra and constant, intolerable urging; before,
during and after urination. Pain in the bladder is worse drinking
even the smallest sip of water, or from drinking coffee.
Worse: urinating, drinking
cold drinks, bright objects, sound of water, touch on larynx, coffee
Better: warmth, rest, rubbing
The medical use of charcoal (Carbo Vegetabilis) in treating
abdominal wind is well known. The flatulence is extreme with a feeling
of great fullness. They cannot bear tight clothing around their
waist and they are temporarily better by bringing up wind. Other
keynote symptoms of this remedy are extreme weakness, low vitality,
sluggishness, indolence, coldness; sensation as if the blood had
stagnated; blueness from lack of oxygen, better for fanning and
desire for fresh air with icy coldness of limbs. Causes may be shocks,
heart attack or accidents or the after effects of exhausting diseases
including a protracted bout of whooping cough. This remedy has been
dubbed, ‘the corpse reviver’. The greatest homeopath,
so it has been mooted, gave the highest potency of this remedy to
Lazarus!
Worse: warm wet weather
(sultry weather), depletions, high living and rich food, extremes
of weather, old age, suppressions
Better: burping, cool air, being
fanned, putting feet up
This is the very first remedy ever proved by the founder
of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann. He was living in Edinburgh earning
money by translating at Edinburgh University when he decided to
try China for himself to see what happens – the rest, as they
say, is history. Like Carbo. Veg. this remedy is useful for excessive
bloating of the abdomen where bringing up wind does not bring relief.
Often the troubles, of whatever nature, come on after loss of fluids,
this could be from blood loss, excessive menstruation, prolonged
breastfeeding, extreme diarrhoea, which cause exhaustion, weakness,
headaches with bursting, throbbing pain, extending from the back
to the whole head; stomach disturbances; anaemia. People needing
China are worse for light touch, rubbing or caressing, but better
for hard pressure. They suffer from general oversensitivity, perhaps
even from paranoia, feeling themselves to be harassed, unfortunate
, that the world is hostile. They may be sleepless from over abundant
ideas and plans.
Worse: loss of fluids,
touch, regularly, alternate days, wind, cold, draughts,
summer and autumn
Better: hard pressure, loose clothing,
bending double, warmth
One of a trio of homeopathic remedies that have a strong
effect on croup. Hepar sulph and Spongia are the other two. Drosera
is homeopathically indicated for croup, whooping cough and other
lung disorders that produce these symptoms: a maddening tickling
in the throat with spasmodic coughing that can lead to vomiting,
the person struggles to breathe, and has cold sweats. Stitching
pains in the chest worse for coughing. The coughing spasms come
every 2-3 hours. The patient can be frightened of being alone when
ill, yet suspicious that friends and family are deceiving them at
the same time.
Worse: after midnight,
lying down, warmth, cold food, laughing, vomiting
Better: open air
This person will complain of aching all over, and may feel
as if their bones are broken, particularly in their neck, back and
legs. The ache extends even to their eyeballs. They have shaking
chills but desire ice cream, and acid drinks; beware of cold water
though - it makes them vomit.
Worse: cold air, 7-9 am,
movement, smell or sight of food
Better: after vomiting, conversation
For the early stages of many illnesses which may take several
days to develop. They tend to be flopped out. The person is flushed,
but not feverish. Face alternately red and pale. They are irritable,
excitable, but changeable, and may become depressed. This person
will usually have been very affectionate, yet strong willed, even
dictatorial, when healthy. Ferrum phos is one of Dr Schussler’s
Cell Salts, a user-friendly subset of the complete homeopathic Materia
Medica.
Worse: 4-6 am, night, motion,
noise, cold drinks
Better: slow movement, lying down
This remedy is used in large doses as an emetic, in homeopathic
doses to cure persistent nausea. Ask, has this person overeaten
rich foods, particularly pork or ice cream? Perhaps they have been
in the sun, or been made angry or indignant over a situation. Are
they complaining of feeling constantly nauseous or being constantly
sick, or do they have an excruciating stomach ache, and are sulking,
irritable and easily offended? If they have these symptoms together
with no appetite or thirst, a noticeable improvement from open air,
and worsening when in a stuffy room, and a clean tongue - think
Ipecacuanha.
Worse: slightest movement,
overeating, nausea worse from stooping
Better: open air, rest, cold drinks
This is the first homeopathic remedy to think of for teenagers,
or anyone becoming hysterical after bad news, grief, fright, worry,
disappointed love, jealousy, or old spinal injuries. Affects the
nervous system producing on the physical level spasms, twitches
and tremors, contradictory symptoms such as sensation of a lump
in the throat better for swallowing. On the mental and emotional
level this is seen in hysteria with emotional outbursts that are
very quickly controlled: only tears in eyes, short sobs, sighing,
constant swallowing, twitching around mouth, silent brooding. They
may go off food or eat incessantly.
Worse: emotions, grief,
worry, fright, shock, loss of loved one, air, odours, coffee, tobacco,
yawning, waking, standing
Better: movement, urinating, company,
swallowing, deep breathing, eating
Just about everything aggravates this person: hot, cold,
night, covering up, uncovering and so on. Their temperature is unstable
and so are their moods. At their worst, they feel so angry they
could kill. They may have a keen sense of injustice, feeling that
the world is their enemy. They have a bad taste in their mouths
and offensive breath, even the discharge from their nose smells,
and their saliva stains the pillow yellow. They are very thirsty
and sweat and dribble a lot at night. Mercury in dental fillings
can cause much mischief, while the homeopathic Mercurious can help
repair this damage. Also removal of amalgam is recommended when
Mercurious symptoms continue after repeated dosing with the homeopathically
prepared remedy.
Worse: heat, cold, damp,
extremes of temperature, warmth of bed, uncovering, night
Better: rest, lying down
Here is another touchy customer, irritated by every little
thing, noise, light, touch and even smells can trigger a tantrum.
They think they know best, and can be very bossy! They over-indulge,
which is where a lot of their complaints begin. Whether old or teenage,
they like drinking, drugs, and rock and roll. This is the typical
hangover state. Homeopaths describe these people as choleric, zealous
types and recognize that their irritability can be intensified from
overwork, also from prescribed drugs. It can also develop from being
out in the cold. They have sick stomachs, yet although they retch
they cannot bring anything up. They find it difficult to pass a
stool. They want lots of warm drinks and to be kept in a warm and
quiet room.
Worse: morning, cold open
air, uncovering, exertion, anger, noise, overeating
Better: heat, evening, rest, damp
weather
This is another substance tamed by homeopaths. Used in the
manufacture of fertilizers, matches and incendiary bombs, and active
as ATP in mitochondria and as the major cellular energy-transport
mechanism, we see this theme of activity in those persons who will
not show how unwell they are until they collapse. You will often
see children needing this remedy playing happily with a high temperature
or a stomach ache. Like Phosphorus in ATP, where energy is moved
from one site to another, those needing homeopathic Phosphorus,
love company and communication. They are warm and pleasant to be
with, having a sympathetic and affectionate nature and they thrive
on reassurance. They are imaginative. As twilight draws near they
may become more anxious, and weak - they fear the dark, ghosts,
storms or that something horrible may happen. They ask for icy drinks,
or ice cream which is vomited as soon as it warms in the stomach.
Often their voices are hoarse which also gets worse in the evening.
Their chests are tight and they can have difficulty talking especially
when they are out in the cold. They suffer from upset tummies, and
have gushing diarrhoea which burns, and they feel sick.
Worse: evening, lying on
the left side, excitement, thunderstorms, change of weather, physical
or mental exertion
Better: massage, company, sleep,
even a short nap, cold food or drink
These people often feel alone and need a friend to share
with. They are affectionate, emotional, yielding and tearful; almost
always better for a cuddle and kind words. They can be manipulative
to get attention. A prominent feature of this remedy is the changeable
nature of the illness and the person. They find it difficult to
pin down their emotions and symptoms. Homeopaths often find that
blue eye and blond girls respond well to Pulsatilla. Children can
get into this condition after parties when they may have had quarrels
with friends and feel left out, or have overeaten cakes and pastries.
They always want lots of sympathy and cuddles and to be in their
parent’s bed, to be reassured when they feel alone and scared
over the monsters which may be lurking in the dark. Often they feel
the cold, yet are absolutely intolerant of any form of heat; they
crave fresh air. Their catarrh is thick, and yellow or green, they
are prone to middle ear infections after colds, and if they get
their feet wet they can gets bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. They
are usually thirstless, despite having a dry mouth.
Worse: twilight, morning,
after eating, warm rooms
Better: cold/fresh air, cold food/drink,
after a good cry, gentle motion
This is the most common homeopathic remedy for chicken pox
where the blisters look like small jellies on red plates and itch
like mad, better for heat and hot bathing. It should also be the
first port of call after sprains and strains and rheumatic pains
which come on after being out in the cold and damp. The person aches
and feels stiff, which is worse at the beginning of a movement but
eases up with continued motion. Since the pains tend to return if
they stop moving, they become restless, and are generally miserable.
Desire to stretch, especially during sciatica, backache or rheumatic
pains. Apprehension at night. Feels threatened, without knowing
why. Homeopaths have commented that when in health, these people
are usually family and community minded, looking after the interests
of others as if they were their own. They commonly have a great
thirst for cold water or cold milk, and may have a taste of blood
in their mouth. In stomach conditions, check the tip of the tongue
for a red triangular tip for confirmation.
Worse: when first moving,
cold and damp
Better: continued motion
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