Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR ANIMAL REMEDIES• 107Crotalus horridus horridusCROTALUSKEY SYMPTOMS bleeding, possibly from every orifice • septicemia oreven septic shock • aversion to tight collarsThe Latin name for the rattlesnake derives from theGreek krotalon, meaning “rattle” or “castanet.” This isdue to the distinctive rattling sound made by thesnake’s tail, which vibrates at 50 beats per second asthe creature prepares to strike its prey. The remedy,proved by the US homeopath Dr. Constantine Hering in1837, is prescribed primarily for a range of serious disorders,including hemorrhaging, angina, strokes, and infection.REMEDY PROFILEThose who respond best to Crotalus tend to besluggish and melancholic. They are prone toforgetfulness, and may lose their way in theirown neighborhood, or even forget the namesof close friends. An aversion to familymembers is typical of these people, and adesire for meat, especially pork, is common.Crotalus is considered to help stop bleedingfrom any orifice, making it highly useful forhemorrhaging. It is given following the onsetof a state of total collapse, which may bedue to a severe septic state, a stroke, ora heart attack. In addition, it may helpcases of delirium, throat infection, orretinal hemorrhage.BleedingSYMPTOMS Copious bleeding from any orifice.The remedy is especially effective for slowbleeding, or for thin, dark blood that does notclot well. It may seem as though blood ispresent in the perspiration or tears. Thebleeding may be associated with a state ofcollapse or severe infection. Crotalus is usedfor septicemia with hemorrhaging where thebreakdown of red blood cells is so great thatthe liver becomes overwhelmed, leading to theonset of serious conditions such as jaundice.Symptoms better For fresh air; for light;for movement.Symptoms worse For lying on the left side; forwearing tight clothes.StrokeSYMPTOMS Weakness or total collapse after astroke. There may be paralysis or impairedfunction in the limbs, which is generally rightsidedand accompanied by pain that extendsdown to the left hand. Other symptoms mayinclude retinal hemorrhaging and nosebleeds.There may be signs of delirium (see below).Symptoms better For fresh air; for light.Symptoms worse For lying on the left side.Heart disordersSYMPTOMS Partial or total collapse followingangina or a heart attack. There may beweakness, fainting, and pain that is worse onthe left side of the body and that possiblyextends down the arm to the left hand. Theremay be great reluctance to move due to afeeling that something is going to burstunderneath the breastbone.Symptoms better For light.Symptoms worse For lying on the left side; forclimbing up steps, or walking up a hill or slope.DeliriumSYMPTOMS Confused and disordered thoughtsas a result of a serious infection, stroke, orheart attack. There may be irritability, anxiety,and an inability to answer questions. Insomniais another possible symptom: those affectedmay suddenly jump out of bed and try to runaway, muttering and babbling. Thesesymptoms may also be associated with thedelirium tremens caused by alcoholism.Symptoms better For light; for movement.Symptoms worse For falling asleep; on waking;for alcohol.Throat infectionsSYMPTOMS Inflammation or infection of thethroat, often due to laryngitis or tonsillitis.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINNative range, like that of many other speciesof rattlesnakes, is Canada, the US, andSouth America. Found in arid terrain anddesert areas.BACKGROUNDVenom “milked” from live snakes is used tomake antivenins, which trigger production ofantibodies that neutralize the poison from asnakebite.PREPARATIONVenom obtained from a live snake by“milking” it is dropped onto lactose sugar.The resulting mixture is then triturated.COMMON NAMESRattlesnake, pit viper.Snake may shed itsskin two or threetimes a yearRATTLESNAKE This venomous snake is also calledthe pit viper, due to the heat-sensitive pit betweenits eyes and nostrils that it uses to locate its prey.The pain is particularly sharp on the leftside of the throat, and is often accompaniedby a dry, irritating cough. Anothercharacteristic symptom linked with Crotalusis soreness in the throat with associateddifficulty in swallowing.Symptoms better For being in fresh air.Symptoms worse For lying on the left side; forclothing that is tight around the neck.See also Cancer, page 208