Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

124 • MINOR REMEDIESAmylium nitrosumAMYL NIT.COMMON NAME Amyl nitrite.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND A powerful drug that dilates theblood vessels, amyl nitrate is often used inillegal recreational drugs such as “poppers.”PREPARATION Amyl nitrite is dissolved inpurified water, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profileAmyl nit. is most appropriate for people whoare hot and red, feel constricted by theirclothes, and have a desire for fresh air. Theymay be weak, anxious, restless, and weary,often due to disturbed sleep.The classic symptom picture is of flushingthat spreads rapidly over the skin, followedby drenching sweats and great exhaustion.The remedy may be used for these symptomsin conjunction with menopause, sunstroke,or heart problems.Typical heart symptoms treated with Amylnit. include sharp pains in the heart area anda feeling of oppression, with pain radiatingdown the right arm.Symptoms better For open air; for exercisingoutside; for rest; for drinking cold water.Symptoms worse For the slightest emotion;for physical or mental exertion; duringthe menopause.Anacardium occidentaleANACARDIUM OCC.COMMON NAME Cashew nut.ORIGIN Native to the West Indies.BACKGROUND The juice inside the shell is askin irritant that causes blistering. In 19thcenturyEurope it was usedto burn off warts and corns.PREPARATION The blackjuice between the outerand inner shell isdissolved in alcohol, thendiluted and succussed.Remedy profileAnacardium occ. is mostANACARDIUMOCCIDENTALE(Cashew nuts)appropriate for people who are prone to poormemory and willpower, and who feelmentally and physically apathetic and numb.They are prone to exam nerves and phobias.The remedy is given for the above state ofmind in conjunction with skin and musclecomplaints. Skin eruptions initially itch andburn, then become swollen and sore, beforeproducing blisters that may become infected.The ears and face may itch and burn.Anacardium occ. may also be prescribed forwarts or leprosy.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse On beginning to move.See also Phobias, page 211; Exam nerves,page 254Anamirta cocculus syn. Cocculus indicusCOCCULUSCOMMON NAME Indian cockle.ORIGIN Found in India and southeast Asia.BACKGROUND Fishermen in southern India usethis plant as a poison to stun fish and catchthem easily. It was once added to beer tomake it more intoxicating.PREPARATION The powdered seeds aremacerated in alcohol.Remedy profileCocculus is most effective for those whoseconcern for others makes them feel at the endof their tether. They may become severelyexhausted, possibly leading to fainting,insomnia, and stupor. This state is commonin those who have spent long periods of timenursing a sick relative.This remedy has a strong affinity withcentral nervous system disorders, especiallyvertigo, dizziness, nausea, sea- and travelsickness,vomiting, and hypersensitivity totouch. Nervous oversensitivity may leadinitially to agitation and dizziness, andpossibly develop into more serious conditionssuch as muscle weakness, spasms in the legs,and gradual paralysis.Symptoms better For sitting in a warm room;for lying quietly.Symptoms worse For cold; for lack of sleep;for movement; for movement in vehicles; foranxiety; for emotional stress.Anhalonium lewiniisyn. Lophophora williamsiiANHALONIUMCOMMON NAMES Mescal buttons, peyote,sacred mushroom.ORIGIN Native to the southwestern USand Mexico.BACKGROUND For over 3,000 years this cactushas been used throughout America as ahallucinogenic means of deepening spiritualexperiences in religious rites.PREPARATION Boiling water is poured at twointervals on the fresh, chopped root.Remedy profileThis remedy is best suited to people who havelost all conception of time and feel separatedfrom ordinary life. They may be introverted,lethargic, depressed, and resentful anddistrustful of others, and can experienceirrational changes in mood. A general loss ofidentity and willpower may affect them, alongwith an impression that life is meaningless.They may have the strange feeling that theirwhole being has become transparent, enablingthem to see their internal organs.The symptom picture for Anhalonium is ofmental exhaustion, hallucinations with brilliantcoloredvision, migraines, and lack ofcoordination. Headaches or migraines mayoccur in the front of the head, or there may be apersistent aching, tired sensation at the back ofthe head. There may be blurred vision, dilatedpupils, or grotesque, multicolored, distractingvision disturbances. Listening to music maytrigger the feeling that each note is surroundedby a halo of color that pulses to the music.Severe lack of coordination is also associatedwith Anhalonium; it may be accompanied bymuscle tremors, nausea, and faintness, andneuralgic pains and paralysis in the face. Thebrain is often overactive and prevents sleep.Symptoms better For lying down.Symptoms worse For closing the eyes;for movement.Apocynum cannabinumAPOCYNUMCOMMON NAMES Indian hemp, American hemp,hemp dogbane.ORIGIN Found in North America.BACKGROUND This plant has long been knownby native Americans as a treatment forchronic heart disease. Its fibers are also madeinto rope, twine, mats, and baskets.PREPARATION The fresh underground parts arechopped and steeped in alcohol.Remedy profileApocynum is most suitable for people who feelconfused, low-spirited, and distressed. Theremedy is prescribed primarily as a treatmentfor edema (a collection of watery fluid in thebody cavities or under the skin). The edemais characteristically associated with diseasedorgans, and may be linked with Hodgkin’slymphoma or Bright’s disease. There isoften great weakness, irritation in thedigestive system, a slow or irregular pulse,and considerable thirst. Secretions such asperspiration and urine may be reduced, andbreathing patterns may become uneasy.Symptoms better For warmth; for sitting up;after passing stools.Symptoms worse For cold of any kind; foruncovering the body; after sleep.