Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

120 • MINOR REMEDIESAcidum oxalicumOXALIC AC.COMMON NAME Oxalic acid.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND Identified as a constituent ofwood sorrel in the 17th century, this acid wasfirst made synthetically in 1776.PREPARATION Oxalic acid crystals are dissolvedin alcohol, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profileOxalic ac. is used for those whose pains occurviolently and briefly in localized areas of thebody, and who generally feel worse fordwelling on them. They are nervous,confused, dizzy people, who often havetrouble sleeping.Usually the remedy is given for angina withpalpitations that are worse for lying down.When those affected think about their heart,it seems to make it flutter or beatintermittently. In men, other symptoms thatcan be treated by Oxalic ac. includethrobbing, crushing pain in the testes, andpain in the spermatic cord.Symptoms better After passing stools; forchanging position.Symptoms worse For cold; for mental exertion;for dwelling on symptoms; for light; in the earlymorning; in the evening or at night; formovement; for being touched on the left side;for shaving; for grapes, strawberries, or sourfruit; for sugar; for coffee; for wine.Acidum picrinicumPICRIC AC.COMMON NAMES Picric acid, trinitrophenol.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND This acid derives its name fromthe Greek pikros, meaning “bitter.” It is usedas a yellow dye and in explosives.PREPARATION The crystals are dissolved inalcohol, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profilePicric ac. is best suited to people who areprone to intellectual collapse and nervousexhaustion—perhaps students who havestudied too hard for exams. They have atendency to be indifferent, listless, and lackmotivation, and the slightest exertion makesthem want to lie down. Exhaustion and poorconcentration are other common symptoms.The classic symptom picture for Picric ac. isof indifference with great mental and physicalfatigue, which may develop into actualparalysis. Muscular pains in the limbs mayaccompany fatigue, and there may be weak,heavy sensations in the limbs and back, andburning along the spine, particularly uponany exertion. The hands and feet mayfeel cold.Symptoms better For bandaging affectedareas; for rest; for sun and open air; for coldair; for bathing in cold water.Symptoms worse For movement; for mentalexertion; for any secretion, such as catarrh,semen, blood, or vaginal discharge.Acidum salicylicumSALICYLIC AC.COMMON NAME Salicylic acid.ORIGIN Obtained originally from the bark ofthe willow tree, but now commerciallyprepared from phenol.BACKGROUND Salicylic acid is the mainingredient of aspirin. It was first used toprepare aspirin by the Italian chemistR. Piria in 1838.PREPARATION Salicylic acid crystals aretriturated with lactose sugar.Remedy profileThis remedy is most appropriate for thosewho are prone to extreme prostration,weakness, and fainting, often due to post-viralfatigue. They may be mild-natured, restless,or anxious, and tend to be either overexcitedor stupefied and dull. They are sleepy andyawn often, but wake frequently from sleepthinking that they can hear music.Key symptoms associated with Salicylic ac.are weakness, ulceration, and ear problemssuch as tinnitus, vertigo, and progressivedeafness, possibly due to Ménière’s disease(a disorder of the inner ear). The remedymay also be used for severe headaches withpiercing pains that start at the top or backof the head. Any ulceration tends to focuson the mucous membranes: mouth ulcers,for instance, may be treated withSalicylic ac.Symptoms better For hot compresses,especially dry compresses.Symptoms worse For cold air; at night; for theslightest cold touch; for movement.See also Tinnitus, page 222Acidum sulphuricumSULPHURIC AC.COMMON NAMES Sulfuric acid, oil of vitriol.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND This oily, corrosive liquid wasdiscovered by alchemists in the 13th century.It is used to make dyes, drugs,and fertilizers.PREPARATION Sulfuric acid is dissolved inalcohol, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profilePeople for whom Sulphuric ac. is best suitedare hurried, mentally restless, and excitable,despite great exhaustion, weakness, andtrembling. Usually mentally sharp, they areprone to nervous exhaustion, becomingabsentminded and dull when ill.The classic symptom picture for thisremedy is of extreme fatigue following aninjury, concussion, or operation, especially ifhealing is slow, with bruising, bleeding,ulceration, gangrene, or other symptoms ofdecay. There is often a marked sensitivity topollutants such as smoke. The remedy mayalso be prescribed for diabetes.Symptoms better For moderatetemperatures; for lying on the affected side;for hot drinks.Symptoms worse For open air; for menopause;for injuries; for the smell of coffee; for airpollution and tobacco smoke.See also Diabetes, page 191Actaea spicataACTAEA SPIC.COMMON NAMES Baneberry, herb Christopher.ORIGIN Native to Eurasia, although now foundin many temperate regions of the NorthernHemisphere.BACKGROUND Herbalists use this plant to treatrheumatic symptoms, especially thoseoccurring in minor joints. Its purplish-blackberries are used in dyes.PREPARATION The fresh root, collected after theshoots emerge and before bloom, is choppedand macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileActaea spic. is most suited to sad,absentminded people who are easily startledand often prey to fear or anxiety. They areprone to a fear of death, particularly when inbed at night. Their judgment is generallypoor, and they may feel hopeless, confused,impatient, and restless, especially if theyexperience a shock. They may even think thatthey are going insane. They may be egotisticaland unreliable in relationships.Actaea spic. is usually given for this stateof mind in conjunction with rheumatoidarthritis that is accompanied by tearingpains, especially if minor joints such as thewrists are affected. The pain may be sosevere that the limbs actually feel paralyzed,causing crying out, weariness, and possiblyeventual lameness.