Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR ANIMAL REMEDIES• 113SyphilinumSYPHILINUMKEY SYMPTOMS compulsive behavior • ulcers and destruction of body tissues• conditions that are worse at night • craving for alcoholSYPHILIS This infection begins as a painlessulcer, but over the years develops into ahighly destructive disease.Legend relates that syphilis takes its name from a 16th-century poem by theItalian poet Fracastoro, which portrayed a shepherd named Syphilus as the firstvictim of the disease. Also known as the “French disease.” The incidence ofsyphilis reached epidemic proportions at the end of the 15th century, then felldramatically after the development of penicillin. After initial infection, symptomsmay disappear for years, but left untreated will eventually ravage the body. Theremedy Syphilinum was proved by the homeopath Dr. Samuel Swan and publishedin Henry C. Allen’s Materia Medica of Nosodes (1880–90).REMEDY PROFILESyphilinum is most effective for people with poormemory and concentration. Often highlyanxious, possibly with obsessive or compulsivetendencies, they may also have a dependency onalcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Great destructivenessis a key factor, as is a strong fear of disease,possibly culminating in suicidal feelings.Symptoms of physical destruction may beevident, often with ulcers and bone pains anddistortions. Generally, symptoms appear anddisappear gradually, and are worse at night.Alcohol is often craved.Physical ailments most often treated withSyphilinum include ulcers, asthma,constipation, menstrual problems, eyeinflammation, and headaches.UlcersSYMPTOMS Recurrent boils, abscesses, andsuppurations linked to chronic ulceration,often appearing on the groin. They dischargepus but are relatively painless. Mouth ulcerswith excessive salivation may be helped bythe remedy.Symptoms better During the day.Symptoms worse At night; for extreme heator cold.AsthmaSYMPTOMS Wheezing and breathlessness,which may be accompanied by a dry coughand tightness in the chest.Symptoms better For warm, wet, dampweather; during thunderstorms; for breathingmountain air; for lying down.Symptoms worse At night.ConstipationSYMPTOMS Obstinate, sluggish bowels,recurring over many years. There maybe spasms in the rectum, possibly witha feeling that the rectum is too tight topass stools.Symptoms better For walking slowly.Symptoms worse At night.Obsessive-compulsivebehaviorSYMPTOMS Obsessive or compulsive behavior,such as obsessively washing the hands, andgenerally great anxiety. Substance abuse maybe an associated feature. There may bedestructive tendencies that extend to the self,possibly leading to suicidal thoughts.Symptoms better During the day.Symptoms worse At night.Menstrual problems& miscarriageSYMPTOMS Painful, scanty menstrual periods.Menstrual blood has an offensive odor.A vaginal discharge may also be evident, andit is generally unpleasant-smelling, watery,acrid, and profuse. Frequent miscarriage isanother ailment for which Syphilinum maybe prescribed.Symptoms better During the day.Symptoms worse At night.Eye inflammationSYMPTOMS Inflamed iris or conjunctiva,perhaps due to an ulcer on the cornea.Discharges with pus or mucus may occur.Symptoms better During the day.Symptoms worse At night.Bacterium calledTreponema pallidumspreads diseaseSOURCE DETAILSORIGINCaused by the Treponema pallidumbacterium, the disease is often spread bysexual intercourse, via mucous membranesor broken skin.BACKGROUNDOriginally treated using mercury andarsenic, which were ineffective and almostas dangerous as syphilis itself. Now treatedwith penicillin.PREPARATIONA swab of the serum that coats a syphilischancre (ulcer) is first sterilized anddissolved in purified water, then dilutedand succussed.COMMON NAMESyphilis.Bacterium isspiral-shapedHeadachesSYMPTOMS An ache that feels as if it is deep in thebrain, accompanied by pain over the right eye.The pain is worse for sticking out the tongue.Symptoms better During the day.Symptoms worse At night.See also Asthma, page 181; Mouth ulcers, page 233; Constipation, page 238; Painful periods, page 256