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Homeopathic treatment is based on the law of similars
- matching the symptom
picture of an illness or injury to the symptom
picture of the remedy. To help you do just that, the
symptom picture of the most commonly used homeopathic
remedies are outlined below.
Identify the most useful remedies for a given complaint
from the Illness/Injury
Symptom Picture section. Finally before prescribing
the remedy, look at the description below which most closely
fits the person you are treating.
Remember
: If symptoms persist consult a doctor or a qualified
homeopath.
ACONITE
No. 1 Remedy for nipping colds in the bud.
Useful in the early stages of colds, fevers, inflammations.
Suits healthy people whose complaints come on suddenly.
Possible causes: cold / dry wind; fright / shock. Characterised
by extreme restlessness and fear. May specifically have
an unfounded fear of death. Dry. hot skin. Symptoms worse
evening / around midnight. Thirsty for cold drinks. May
say everything tastes bitter, except water. Better: fresh
air. Worse: touch.
ANT TART
Important (rattling) cough remedy, where patient is unable
to expectorate (cf. Ipecac) and is "drowning in mucus".
Feels suffocated, weak, drowsy and limp. May be irritable.
Much yawning and sweating. Tongue is coated white. Better:
expectoration: sitting up; cold drinks. Worse: warmth:
lying down: 4pm: company.
APIS
No. 1 Remedy for bites and stings.
To be effective symptoms should generally fit the following
picture. Oedematous swellings. Redness, Pains burning
and stinging. Restlessness. Thirstlessness. Better: cold
applications. Worse: heat; 4-6pm.
ARG NIT
No. 1 Remedy for fear of flying.
Useful for anticipatory anxiety and gastro-intestlnal
problems (belching / flatulence). Suits warm-blooded people
with a tendency to feel hurried and impulsive. They may
have a fear of failure when having to perform in public.
Justified as they often rush through things and get into
a mess. (cf Gelsemium & Lycopodium). Pains splinter-like.
Better: open air; walking fast. Worse: crowds: sweets
(gets diarrhoea).
ARNICA
No. 1 Remedy for accidents / shock / physical exhaustion.
Should be a first choice after most accidents, injuries
or physical ordeals. Given early it will reduce swelling
and bruising. Patient has a fear of being touched, because
of the pain and may want to be left alone. May claim to
be alright when they clearly are not. Classic response
of someone in shock. Upper body is hot. whilst lower is
cold. Memory may also be poor Worse; jarring: lying on
injured part.
ARSENICUM
So. 1 Remedy for food poisoning.
Characterised by great physical prostration with mental
restlessness. Patient does not want to be left alone May
have a fear of death. Pains and discharges are burning,
yet the patient feels chilly and all symptoms, except
headache are better fo heat. Thirsty for frequent sips
of usually hot drinks. Better: warmth: lying down. Worse:
midnight - 3am.
BELLADONNA
No.1 Remedy for very high fevers.
Inflamed area or entire patient (!) is burning, red and
hot. The eyes are glassy and the pupils dilated Onset
of complaints is sudden. Possible cause: chill to the
head. Pains are violent and throbbing. Rapid pulse Patient
is angry may be delirious and even have visions. Thirsty,
may crave lemonade. Better: lying down. Worse- touch or
jarring movement; 3pm. - "
BRYONIA
No. 1 Remedy for dry, painful coughs.
Dryness of all mucous membrane. Great thirst for large
amounts at long Intervals (opposite of Arsenicum) Patient
lies absolutely still; all symptoms are much worse for
the slightest movement. Pains are stitching. A "bear
with a sore head" who is irritable and resentful
of being questioned or fussed over. Better; firm pressure.
Worse- 9pm - after eatinq cabbage, beans. '
CALC CARB
No. 1 Remedy for slow, difficult teething.
Often needed when growing up or going through major developmental
changes. Classically fat, fair and flabby. Chilly Easily
over-exerted and very sweaty (esp. back of head). Sour-smelling.
May fear many things (e.g. the dark - monsters - animals
insects). Slow developers, particularly poor at assimilating
their food. which may cause problems in bone and teeth
formation. Crave boiled eggs. Better: constipation; dry-weather.
Worse: heights; getting cold or wet - teething - milk
CALENDULA
No. 1 Remedy for healing wounds.
Very useful first-aid remedy for cuts: superficial burns
or scalds: ulcers; scalp wounds; after teeth extraction
or childbirth. It stimulates formation of healthy scar
tissue (without lumps). Use externally In cream, ointment
or tincture form. Take internally if there is much discomfort
or suppuration (cf. Hepar Sulph). Better: warmth: walking
or lying absolutely still. Worse: damp dull weather; evening.
CANTHARIS
No. 1 Remedy for the Intense pain of burns.
Often effective in the treatment of cystitis, where there
are burning pains before, during and after urination.
Intense mental and physical Irritation. Onset is sudden
and violent. Pains are cutting and burning. Patients have
a burning, intense thirst. but are worse after drinking
(especially cold drinks). Better: cold applications. Worse:
touch.
CARBO VEG
No. 1 Remedy for resuscitatlon.
The "Homoeopathic corpse reviver". This remedy
has saved many lives. Symptoms at their most extreme are
complete state of collapse due to oxygen starvation. Body
(even breath) is cold, limp. pale or blue. Less severe
cases have extreme sluggishness. Many digestive disorders,
esp. wind. (cf. Lycopodium) Upper abdomen / stomach very
bloated. May be brought on by over-indulgence. Better:
cool air: being fanned; burping. Worse: warmth; dehydration:
before sleep; tight clothing.
CHAMOMILLA
No. 1 Remedy for teething children.
Especially if child has one red cheek. Characterised by
over-sensitivity. Pains are intolerable and appear to
be out of all proportion to the Illness or Injury. Suited
to bad-tempered children who are only quiet when carried
and constantly request, then reject things. They are hot
and sweaty (especially the head). Better; for being uncovered.
Worse: 9pm - midnight.
CHINA
No. 1 Remedy for dehydration.
Delicate types whose senses are too acute. Complaints
often arise after loss of fluids / severe dehydration
(e.g. after fever or diarrhoea). Bloated abdomen, but
not relieved by burping (cf. Carbo veg). Better: hard
pressure: lying down: fasting: loose clothes. Worse: light
touch.
DROSERA
No.l Remedy for whooping cough.
Excellent (whooping) cough remedy (see also Ant tart &
Ipecac), where cough is violent, spasmodic and leads to
gagqing/vomiting or nosebleed (cf. Ipecac). Better holding
chest. Sensation of feather in throat. Restlessness Emotionally
stubborn or suspicious. All symptoms improve after midnight.
Better- sitting up: open air. Worse: lying down; talking:
GELSEMIUM
No. 1 Remedy for flu.
Especially If there is shivering up and down the spine.
Characterised by paralysis. Patient trembles has aching
muscles and heaviness especially of the head and eyes
- even the eyelids droop.
HEPAR SULPH
No. 1 Remedy for painful. Infected wounds.
Characterised by hyper-sensitivity to everything: pain;
touch: cold: noise; exertion. Patients feels cold. Emotionally
can be violent and intense. Tendency to form pus. Pains
stitching and splinter-like (cfArg Nit) Better- heat-damp;
lying in warm bed. Worse: uncovering; cold. ' '
HYPERICUM
No. 1 Remedy for injury to nerves.
Useful first aid treatment for lacerated wounds from sharp
instruments or any injury to nerve-rich areas (e g slamming
con fingers or falling on the coccyx). Pains are extreme
and shoot along the nerves. Reputed anti-tetanus properties.
IGNATIA
No.l Remedy for recent bereavement / emotional shock.
Useful for treating symptoms which follow acute loss.
grief or disappointed love. Patient may not be able to
accept what has happened and reacts with a sense of disbelief.
Mood swings. Other signs may include hiccoughs, involuntary
sighing or yawning Can be used to treat fainting and hysteria.
Better: warmth. Worse: tobacco: fresh air.
IPECAC
No. 1 Remedy for constant, violent nausea.
Vomiting brings no relief. Sudden bright red haemorrhages
(nosebleeds; piles; periods). Spasmodic respiratory complaints.
Dry cough with choking/gagging, difficulty expectorating
(cf Ant Tart). Thirstless. Constant salivation and clean
tongue Better: open air. Worse: over-eating.
KALI
BICH
No. 1 Remedy for painful sinuses.
Excellent remedy for colds and sinusitus. Although
chronic sinusitis is best treated by a professional homoeopath.
Its main characteristic Is a very stringy, sticky thick
yellow / green discharge, which smells (cf. Pulsatilla).
Suits those who become ill after getting chilled and are
chilly whilst sick. Despite this chilliness they feel
worse in summer. Pains are often In a small well-defined
spot, but they can move around. Worse: on waking; at night;
after eating.
LACHESIS
Left-sided complaints or begin on left. move to right
(especially sore throats). Warm-blooded. Talkative, amusing
but with an over-active mind. Can be suspicious and jealous.
Intense. Better: open air: cold drinks; during or after
period. Worse: menopause; alcohol; anything tight around
the neck: after sleep; heat; heavy weather.
LEDUM
No. 1 Remedy for puncture wounds and black eyes.
Like Hypericum has reputed anti-tetanus properties. Use
to treat deep wounds (e.g. those caused by nails) and
bites from both animals and insects. Pains are sticking,
tearing and throbbing. Area is swollen, blue and cold
but. strangely, feels hot to the sufferer. Better: cold
applications. Worse: heat.
LYCOPODIUM
Anxious. Lack self confidence especially when doing new
things/speaking in public. Fine once they get started
(cf. Arg Nit who hurries too much and does fail). Can
be charming, but may be
dictatorial at home. Complaints right-sided or move from
right to left (opposite of Lachesis). Lots of wind. bloated
stomach and abdomen. Tendency to flatulence. Better: warm
drinks; sweets; motion: open air: passing wind. Worse
4pm-8pm.
MAG PHOS
Known as the Homoeopathic aspirin. Very effective If crushed
in warm water and sipped. Useful for neuralgia of the
hec face, cramping or shooting pains. Relieves headaches:
toothaches; menstrual pain. Those who respond well to
this rem may be sensitive or nervous types who often talk
about their pains. Always seek professional
Homoeopathic treatment if symptoms persist. Better:
heat: firm pressure. Worse: cold: uncovering; touch.
MERC
VIV
No. 1 Remedy for mouth ulcers.
Suits those people who are human thermometers, incredibly
sensitive to both heat and cold and better moderate temperatures.
They have very smelly breath and discharges (which may
be streaked with blood). They are prone to swollen glands/colds
and sweat profusely. Excessive saliva, especially at night,
but they are extremely thirsty. Worse: in bed at night.
NATRUM MUR
No. 1 Remedy for cold sores.
If on the lips (with no other strong symptoms). Very sensitive
people who remember the smallest slights for a long time
everything so acutely they tend to protect themselves
by shutting themselves off. They feel worse for consolation.
exc( from a chosen few (or one). An important remedy for
silent grief (the stiff upper lip). The middle of the
lower lip may be deeply cracked. Discharges like egg white.
Crave salt. Worse: heat, esp- sun.
NUXVOMICA
No. 1 Remedy for hang-overs
...and over-indulgence in rich food. People who need this
remedy are very chilly. Emotionally they tend to be tense,
irritableand over-sensitive.They suffer from digestive
complaints and although they feel much better for vomiting,
they find it difficult do so. They often work and play
very hard. surviving on a "diet" of coffee,
alcohol and tobacco, despite the effect it has on. For
best results take the remedy a few hours before going
to bed. Better: rest: warmth and hot drinks. Worse: in
the morning
PHOSPHORUS
Lovely, bubbly, affectionate and sympathetic types. Unfortunately
their poor boundaries mean they can become exhausted by
the problems of others. Overly impressionable. Riddled
with fears and anxiety. Burning heat and pains. Tendency
to bleed easily. Desire spicy food: ice-cream. Better:
cold drinks; eating; sleep (even a short nap). Worse:
sudden weather chang (esp.storms); missing a meal; lying
on left.
PULSATILLA
No. 1 Remedy for childhood ear infections.
With this remedy the symptoms and the patients themselves
are very changeable. Emotionally they are moody, tearful
and crave company. Children are clingy and whine. Pulsatilla
types are thirstless and are much worse for being in a
stuffy room: their mood improves dramatically when they
go out in the fresh air. Discharges are thick, bland and
yellow-green. Complaints may come on after getting wet.
chilled feet. Better: bathing; crying: movement; pressure.
Worse: twilight; wet. windy weather.
SEPIA
Useful
remedy for conditions brought about by hormonal changes
in women. Suits those who are worn out and have a dragged-down.
heavy feeling. Indifferent to loved ones. Chilly Weepy.
Dislike sympathy, prefer to be alone. Desires acidic things
and chocolate. Better: vigorous exercise; eating; warmth;
open air. Worse: during menstruation: missing a meal;
pregnancy.
RHUS TOX
No. 1 Remedy for sprains and strains.
Stiffness. coupled with terrible restlessness. Pains usually
around Joints, which ache. feel sore, bruised. The pain
gets worse on first movement, with a tearing or stitching
sensation, but this eases after continued movement,
provided it is not too strenuous. Patients who need Rhus
Tox hate damp. cold weather. During colds, fevers, flus.
a triangular red tip at the end of their tongue is an
excellent confirmatory symptom. Children who need this
remedy crave cold milk.
RUTA
No. 1 Remedy for injuries to tendons and bone surface.(Periosteum).
Ruta's action is deeper, but it has a less distinctive
picture than Rhus tox. It is less restless. Bone feels
damaged. Worse: lying on the affected part.
SILICA
No. 1 Remedy for forcing out splinters, etc.
In first aid treatment excellent for forcing foreign bodies
out. Do not use if you have a pace-maker,
grommets, implants, metal pins etc.In acute illnesses
suits chilly types, who keep getting infections, which
are very slow to clear up. Thirsty. Perspire easily. Better:
heat. Worse: cold. damp, wet weather.
STAPHISAGRIA
No. 1 Remedy following epistetomy.
Appear sweet and calm, but may feel angry, resentful,
humiliated. Feel boundaries have been violated. Very useful
after cuts with sharp instruments. Doesn't want to be
touched. Better: warmth; rest; breakfast.Worse: missing
a meal; tobacco; exertion.
SULPHUR
Warm-blooded, wants doors and windows open. Empty sinking
feeling in stomach at 11am. Desires sweets and spicy food.
Burning pains. Offensive, corrosive, burning discharges.
Itchy. Do not use routinely for
skin complaints instead always seek professional homeopathic
advice. Better:
fresh air.
Worse: warmth: bathing; 10-11am.
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