Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MINOR REMEDIES• 125Aqua saniculaSANICULACOMMON NAME Sanicula water.ORIGIN Found near Ottawa, Illinois.BACKGROUND The Sanicula Springs thatprovide this particular mineral water arelocated near Ottawa, Illinois.PREPARATION The spring water is mixedwith alcohol, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profileIrritation is common in those for whomSanicula is most suited. In children, behavioralternates betweenplayfulness and badtemper, during whichthey will throw themselvesbackward. Intolerance of theslightest jarring movement,particularly downward motion,such as that of an escalator,is another typical feature ofthis remedy.The classic symptompicture is of low vitalitydue to undernourishmentand slow digestion. The physiqueis usually slim and the skincondition is poor, possibly witheczema. Symptoms tend to change frequently.There is often perspiration where body partstouch. In women there may be menstrualdisorders and an uncomfortable feeling thatthe pelvic contents are going to drop out.Vaginal discharges smell “fishy.”Digestive symptoms associated withSanicula include large, heavy, painfulstools. The body tends to remain thindespite great appetite, and eating causesbloating, sour belches, and an urge topass stools. There may be halitosis anda bad taste in the mouth.Symptoms better For vomiting; for open air;for rest; for lying down.Symptoms worse For movement; for jarring;for strain; for eating and drinking.Araneus diadematusARANEA DIADEMACOMMON NAMES Papal cross spider, Europeangarden spider, diadem spider.ORIGIN Found in Europe and the US.BACKGROUND The name of this spider derivesfrom the yellow-and-white crosses on itsback. After mating the female usually binds,kills, and eats the male.PREPARATION The whole, live spider is crushedand macerated in alcohol.ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI(Uva-ursi)Remedy profilePeople who respond best tothis remedy tend to be irritable,uneasy, nervous, and restless. Feelingsof claustrophobia or confusion may alsobe present.Aranea diadema is most appropriate forproblems that affect the nervous system andare accompanied by coldness and asusceptibility to damp. A sensation of greatchilliness may occur, as if the bonesthemselves are frozen, and there may be afever. All parts of the body may feel heavy,numb, and enlarged (especially on waking);for example, the hands may feel as if theyare twice their normal size, and there maybe pains that feel like electric shocks.Symptoms tend to occur or recurperiodically, or at the same time each day,and are usually on the right side.Symptoms better For smoking; for open air;for pressure on the affected area.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; for rain;for getting wet; at exactly the same timeeach day.Arctostaphylos uva-ursiUVA URSICOMMON NAMES Uva-ursi, bearberry.ORIGIN Found in Europe, the US, Mexico, andnorthern Asia.BACKGROUND Bears like to eat the fruits ofthis plant, hence the name uva-ursi, whichis derived from the Latin for “bear’s grape.”PREPARATION The fresh leaves and youngshoots are chopped and steeped in alcohol.Remedy profileUva ursi is generally usedfor inflammation andstones in the kidneys.There may be chronicbladder irritation withblood in the urine, orpain with straining topass urine, possiblyaccompanied by aweak, irregular pulse,breathlessness,vomiting, nausea,and cyanosis(bluish mucousmembranes and skincaused by too muchdeoxygenated hemoglobinin the blood). Sharp painsmay pass from hip to hip.In men, the prostate glandmay become enlarged. Further symptoms thatmay accompany urinary conditions includeflushing of the face, catarrh, a tight sensationin the chest, slight dizziness, and a headache.Uva ursi may also be given for certaindigestive, respiratory, or childbirth symptoms,but the primary focus of the remedy is onurinary problems.Symptoms better After urination; for lying back.Symptoms worse During urination;in the evening.Argentum metallicumARGENTUM MET.COMMON NAME Silver.ORIGIN Deposits are widely distributedthroughout the world, but are often small.BACKGROUND This precious metal has beenfound in ornaments and decorations datingfrom 4000 BCE, and has long been used tomake coins and jewelry.PREPARATION Ground silver is triturated withlactose sugar.Remedy profileAnxious, restless, hurried, impulsive peoplewho often act on a whim respond best toArgentum met. When ill, having toconcentrate usually makes these people feelworse, and their thoughts are chaotic, sothat they constantly flit from subject tosubject when talking. Often changeable anddeceitful, although normally cheerful andlively, they may be excessively depressed bysmall upsets.Argentum met. is generally used for jointand bone disorders associated with theconnective tissues, especially the cartilage.