Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MINOR REMEDIES• 121Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse For changes in the weatheror temperature; for cold air; at night; for touch;for the slightest fatigue; for the slightestexertion; for mental exertion.Adonis vernalisADONISCOMMON NAMES False hellebore, yellowpheasant’s eye.ORIGIN Native to Russia and the Black Searegion, and now found in much of Europe,growing on mountain pastures.BACKGROUND The plant takes its name fromAdonis, a Greek mythological figure linkedto the seasonal renewal of plant life. In Russiait is used as a heart remedy.PREPARATION The chopped aerial parts of theplant are steeped in alcohol.Remedy profilePeople for whom Adonis is suitable tend tobe apprehensive and prone to horrible dreamsand restless sleep. They generally feel“waterlogged” and uncomfortable.The classic symptom picture for Adonisis of heart degeneration, perhaps followinga bout of severe influenza or rheumaticfever. There may be pain and palpitationsin the area around the heart. The heartrhythms may be abnormally rapid or slowand faltering, possibly because of diseasedvalves or fatty degeneration. Edema(an irregular accumulation of fluid in thebody tissues or cavities), which developsas a result of poor circulation and isaccompanied by scanty urine, may betreated by Adonis.The remedy is also used to treat asthmawith breathlessness, discomfort, or heartdisease. Further symptoms may includeheadaches that move from the back of thehead, around the temples, to the eyes.Symptoms better For exertion.Symptoms worse For cold; for lying down.Aesculus hippocastanumAESCULUSCOMMON NAMES Horse chestnut, conker.ORIGIN Native to southeastern Europe, andgrown in temperate areas worldwide.BACKGROUND The common name is thoughtto originate from the traditional Turkishcustom of feeding the nuts to horses as anantidote to flatulence.PREPARATION The fresh, ripe, peeled, andfinely chopped horse chestnuts are maceratedin alcohol.RemedyprofileThis remedy is bestsuited to people whoare very low,depressed, andirritable, with poorconcentration. Theymay lose their tempereasily, tending to brood afterward.The remedy is given primarily for treatinghemorrhoids, especially when the rectumfeels dry and uncomfortable, as though it isfull of small sticks, or when the hemorrhoidsare internal and associated with constipationand pain in the lower back. Often the anusfeels hot, dry, and itchy. Lumpy stools mayoccur, with stabbing, tearing, or splinterlikepains in the anus. Distension in the bowelsmay develop, with colicky pain and foulsmellinggas. There may be varicose veins,and a feeling of congestion and tenderness inthe liver. The hemorrhoids may be associatedwith pains and chills in the spine, and a dull,constant backache that makes bending downor rising after sitting difficult, and walkingalmost impossible.In addition, the remedy is given for a dry,rough, burning throat accompanied bysneezing and profuse catarrh.Symptoms better For cool air (unless it isdirectly inhaled); for vigorous exercise.Symptoms worse For bending or getting upfrom a seat; for walking; for standing; forbreathing deeply; for swallowing; for passingstools; after eating; for sleep.See also Hemorrhoids, page 238Aethusa cynapiumAETHUSAAESCULUSHIPPOCASTANUM(Horse chestnut)COMMON NAME Fool’s parsley.ORIGIN Found throughout Europe.BACKGROUND The poison from this plantis thought to produce marked dullnessand stupor, hence its common nameof fool’s parsley.PREPARATION The whole floweringplant, with the root and unripe fruits,is chopped and maceratedin alcohol.Remedy profilePeople who respond best to Aethusa areoften characterized by poor concentrationand a tendency to be easily distracted. Theyare generally reserved, alienated, reclusive,and irritable.Key symptoms associated with Aethusainclude a confused state of mind withscattered thoughts; those affected may talkto themselves and behave foolishly. Othertypical symptoms can include markeddullness and a sluggish mental state, possiblylinked with an inability to study. Thesesymptoms may be accompanied byprostration with a sense of staleness, oranxiety with associated nervous diarrhea.Aethusa is also appropriate for childrenwith milk intolerance, notably babies whoare prone to sudden vomiting after feeding,and who may have diarrhea. Lack ofnutrition may set up a cycle of hunger,frequent feeding, and subsequent violentvomiting. This may result in a state ofextreme exhaustion and collapse, causingthe baby’s face to appear drawn, agonized,and aged. It may also seem as though thebaby’s whole body has enlarged, particularlyin the heart area.Symptoms better For open air; for walking; forcompany and conversation; for rest.Symptoms worse For warmth and hot weather;between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.; for overexertion;for eating frequently; for milk.AETHUSACYNAPIUM(Fool’s parsley)