Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

114 •MAJOR ANIMAL REMEDIESTarentula hispanica syn. Lycosa tarentulaTARENTULAKEY SYMPTOMS sensitivity to music • mood swings • extreme restlessness • rollingfrom side to side • promiscuity and heightened libido • craving for spicy foodsOften confused with the formidable American arachnid, which belongs toa different family, this European spider is not deadly. However, its bite was oncethought to cause tarantism, a disease marked by either mania or melancholy.The name “tarentula” is derived from Tarento, a port on the coast of southeast Italythat was particularly associated with the spider. The common names “wolf spider”and “hunting spider” arose from this species’ habit of chasing its prey rather thantrapping it in a web. Tarentula was proved in 1864 by the Spanish homeopathDr. Nunez, and is used for overstimulation of the nervous system.Jaws suckfood into bodyas liquidREMEDY PROFILEThose who respond best to Tarentulaoften exhibit signs of hyperactivity,overstimulation, and extreme sensitivity tomusic. They are full of energy, with aconstant sense of hurry, impatience, andphysical and mental restlessness. A classicsymptom is mood swings, where laughterand happiness are rapidly replaced byviolent, destructive rage and a markedtendency to be manipulative.When ill, these people tend to roll fromside to side in an attempt to ease theirsymptoms. Their constant restlessness makesthem unable to remain still for any length oftime. They often crave salty or spicy foods,and may have a strong aversion to meat.Tarentula is most commonly prescribed totreat extreme anger and mood swings, restlesslimbs and chorea (also called St. Vitus’ dance),and certain heart problems. It is also given forsome ailments affecting women’s health andhyperactivity, particularly in children.Mood swingsSYMPTOMS Sudden mood changes switchingfrom gaiety to starkly negative moodsthat are marked by quarrelsome, angry,ungrateful behavior. There is a tendencyto exhibit extreme sensitivity to music,erratic behavior, or sudden, violent,destructive actions such as smashingsomething, laughing, and then apologizing.Symptoms better For music; for relaxation; formassage; for smoking a cigarette.Symptoms worse For touch; for noise;after menstruation.Restless limbs & choreaSYMPTOMS Constant jerking and tremblingof the hands and legs. There may beconstant movement, a compulsion to hurry,and frenetic, excess energy, althoughwalking and kneeling may be difficult.The twitching and jerking movements arerandom and unpredictable, possibly withpins and needles or numbness. Sleep isrestless, and there may be a headache thatfeels as though needles are pricking thebrain. There may be great irritabilityand impatience.Symptoms better For fresh air; for seeingbright colors; for music; for smokinga cigarette.Symptoms worse For touch; for movement;for noise; at the same time each year; forwitnessing the suffering and pain of others.Angina & heart disordersSYMPTOMS Trembling, starts, and thumpingin the heart, which feels twisted and out ofposition. The pulse is irregular and infrequent,and there may be chorea (see above).Symptoms better For fresh air; for rest;for music.Symptoms worse For touch; for noise; forexertion; for putting hands in cold water.Women’s healthSYMPTOMS Sensitive genitalia with severevulval itching. The vagina may feel hot, dry,and raw. Symptoms may be associated withexcessive sexual activity and fibroids.Symptoms better For rolling from side to side.Symptoms worse For touch; for scratching;after heavy menstruation; on the left side.TARENTULA Despite its fearsome reputation,probably based on the link with tarantism andon confusion with the deadly North Americantarantula, the bite of this spider is about astoxic as a bee sting.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINFound in many parts of southern Europe.BACKGROUNDNot used medicinally outside homeopathy,although a related species, the trapdoorspider (Cteniza fodiens), is used forswellings and skin ulcers in traditionalChinese medicine.PREPARATIONThe whole, live spider is macerated inalcohol and left to dissolve. The resultingsolution is then succussed and diluted.COMMON NAMESTarentula, wolf spider, Spanish spider,hunting spider.CystitisSYMPTOMS Intense burning and stinging onurinating, a frequent urge to urinate, andincontinence when laughing and coughing.Urine smells foul and has a sandy sediment.Symptoms better For rolling from side to side;for rest.Symptoms worse For cold; in the evening; fortouch; after menstruation.See also Multiple sclerosis, page 179; Diabetes, page 191