Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

122 • MINOR REMEDIESAgkistrodon contortrixsyn. Cenchris contortrixCENCHRISCOMMON NAME Copperhead snake.ORIGIN Found in the central and easternUS in forests, rocky terrain, and arid areas.BACKGROUND This snake belongs to thevenomous pit viper family, which isresponsible for the majority ofsnakebite incidents in thecentral and eastern US.PREPARATIONThe fresh venom istriturated with lactose sugar.Remedy profileCenchris is particularly suitable for people whoexperience great mental restlessness, jealousy,suspicion, and abandonment. They have ageneral tendency to be rather absentminded,moody, and dreamy, often experiencing vivid,horrible dreams that continue in their thoughtsonce they are awake. Their anxieties mayinclude a fear of rape, pins and pointed objects,going to sleep, and sudden death.The classic symptom picture for Cenchris is ofbreathlessness, mental and physical restlessness,and a desire to drink small quantities of water.Another classic symptom is a need to loosen theclothing, triggered by congestion in the bloodvessels. Complaints are usually right-sided.There may be a susceptibility to allergies,especially in the spring.Symptoms better In the morning.Symptoms worse In the afternoon, in theevening, and all night; for lying down; forwaking; for pressure on the affected area.AGKISTRODONCONTORTRIX(Copperhead snake)Agraphis nutansAGRAPHISCOMMON NAMES Bluebell, wild hyacinth.ORIGIN Found in established woodland areasthroughout Europe.BACKGROUND According to legend, this flowerwas created by the Greek god Apollo inbeloved memory of the youth Hyacinthus,whom he accidentally killed.PREPARATION Thefresh plant, youngshoots, and rootsare maceratedin alcohol.Remedy profilePeople for whom Agraphis is best suited are lowin vitality and prone to catching colds. Theclassic symptom picture is of ear, nose, andthroat infections linked to catarrh and deafness,particularly during childhood. There may becatarrh in the bridge of the nose, obstructing thenostrils, and discharges from all the mucousmembranes. Chills develop easily after exposureto cold winds, accompanied by diarrhea withmucus. During infection the tonsils andadenoids may be swollen.Symptoms better For shelter; for lyingon the stomach.Symptoms worse For heat and humidity.Ailanthus altissimaAILANTHUSCOMMON NAMES Tree of heaven, shade tree,Chinese sumac, copal tree.ORIGIN Native to China and India, but cannow also be found growing in North America,Europe, and Australia.BACKGROUND In Australia and Asia, the tree’sbark was used for profuse vaginal discharge,gonorrhea, worms, malaria, and asthma.Chinese herbalists use it to treat diarrheaand dysentery.PREPARATION The fresh, budding flowersare macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileAilanthus is best suited to those who feelextremely weak when ill, and frequentlybehave in a stupid, dull, and confusedway. They may feel anxious, odd, or evencrazy. Key symptoms indicating that thisremedy is suitable are fevers with greatweakness and congestion of the blood, whichtypically gives the skin a purple, mottled,swollen appearance. Ailanthus is often given foracute bouts of mononucleosis with swollentonsils and neck glands. Pain extends from theneck glands to the ears on swallowing. Thetonsils on the left side are mainly affected, andmay develop oozing mucus or ulcers.Symptoms better For lying on the right side;for hot drinks.Symptoms worse For skin eruptions that fail todevelop; for the slightest movement; for sittingup; for the sight of food.See also Mononucleosis, page 254Allium sativumALLIUM SAT.COMMON NAME Garlic.ORIGIN Native to central Asia, and nowgrown worldwide.BACKGROUND Garlic is one of the most ancientof herbs, used by the Babylonians as early asc. 3000 BCE. It is now a popular culinary herband an important medicinal plant, valued forits antibiotic properties.PREPARATION The fresh garlic bulbs are mincedand macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileAllium sat. is most appropriate for peoplewho are oversensitive and need company.Although subject to many fears, they havea particular fear of being poisoned. Theygenerally enjoy a rich, gourmet diet,especially one that includes meat, but areprone to indigestion and catarrh problems.The remedy is primarily associated withindigestion caused by a rich diet or by dietarychange. The digestive process is accompaniedby pressure in the upper abdomen, foulsmellinggas, and colicky pains around the