Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

112 •MAJOR ANIMAL REMEDIESSepia officinalisSEPIAKEY SYMPTOMS chilliness • weepiness • irritability • indifference • aversion to sexualintercourse • craving for sour foodsCuttlefish ink, also known as sepia, is used to make a dark brown pigmenttraditionally used by painters and printers. In 1834 Hahnemann proved thehomeopathic remedy, after observing the apathy and depression experiencedby an artist friend who frequently licked his sepia-soaked paintbrush whilepainting. Sepia is predominantly prescribed to treat women’s health problems,especially during or before menstrual periods, or throughout menopause.REMEDY PROFILESepia is best suited to people who are irritablewith loved ones but extroverted in company.They often appear opinionated, detached, andhard, detesting sympathy and disguising theirvulnerability. There is typically a sense ofsagging or drooping. Despite weepiness,crying does not bring relief.These individuals typically prefer sour foodsand drinks, sweet foods, and alcohol, butdislike milk and pork.Sepia is chiefly linked with the vagina,uterus, and ovaries. It is used for menopause,premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and somepregnancy-related ailments. Indigestionmay also be helped, as may headaches,catarrh, discolored, itchy skin, andcirculatory problems.Women’s healthSYMPTOMS Sepia may be used for hormoneimbalances linked to PMS, and for thrush, heavy,painful menstruation, and menopause. Typicalsymptoms may include a dislike of beingtouched, particularly before menstruation,during menopause, or if there are associatedemotional problems. Before, during, and afterpregnancy, emotional and physical ailments suchas nausea and fatigue may be helped by theremedy. Sexual intercourse may seem painful,prompting an aversion to it. There may beintense abdominal pressure and stressincontinence on laughing or coughing, whichmay be an indicator of a prolapsed uterus.Symptoms better For fresh air; for exercise; forcrossing the legs; for being occupied; for sleep;for eating.Symptoms worse In the early morning; in theearly evening; for thundery weather; for lying onthe left side; for fatigue.FatigueSYMPTOMS Emotional and physical exhaustion.The back and sides may ache, and the musclesmay feel weak.Symptoms better For warmth; for fresh air; forsleep; for being occupied; for vigorous exercise.Symptoms worse In the early morning;in the early evening; for thundery weather;before menstruation.Digestive disordersSYMPTOMS Indigestion and flatulence, with anabdomen that feels tender and empty, even aftereating. There may be constipation, with a feelingas if a lump is in the rectum. Vomiting andnausea may also occur, notably in pregnancy.Symptoms better For warmth; for vigorousexercise; for sleep.Symptoms worse For fatigue; for lying on theleft side.HeadachesSYMPTOMS Headaches that are particularlyprevalent on the left side, possibly withnausea, dizziness, and hair loss.Symptoms better For warmth; for being in freshair; for sleep; for eating.Symptoms worse In the early morning; in theearly evening; for lying on the left side;before menstruation.CatarrhSYMPTOMS Salty-tasting catarrh caused by anallergy or cold accompanied by a cough.Symptoms better For warmth; for fresh air; forsitting up.Symptoms worse At night; during sleep.Skin conditionsSYMPTOMS Discolored, itchy patches,and a yellowy brown “saddle,” or chloasma,INKCUTTLEFISH Relatedto the octopus andsquid, this molluskcamouflages itself bychanging color andprotects itself by squirtingits brownish black inkwhen threatened.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINFound mainly in the Mediterranean Sea, thepreferred habitat of the cuttlefish is near thebottom of waters close to the shore.BACKGROUNDIn ancient Greece, cuttlefish ink was usedmedicinally as a treatment for gonorrheaand kidney stones.PREPARATIONCuttlefish ink is dried to a crystalline formand then triturated with lactose sugar.COMMON NAMECuttlefish.CUTTLEFISHacross the nose and cheeks, especiallyduring pregnancy.Symptoms better For fresh air.Symptoms worse Before menstruation;in pregnancy.Poor circulationSYMPTOMS Varicose veins, or hot andcold flashes, especially duringmenopause.Symptoms better For fresh air; for exercise;for eating.Symptoms worse In the early morning; in theearly evening; before menstruation; duringmenopause.See also Palpitations, page 186; Skin, pages 192, 242; Reproduction, page 198; Emotional problems, page 210; Women’s health, page 256