Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

130 • MINOR REMEDIESBismuthum metallicumBISMUTH MET.COMMON NAMES Bismuth, precipitatedsubnitrate of bismuth.ORIGIN Found widely in nature, inhydrothermal veins and igneous rock.BACKGROUND First discovered by a Germanmonk called Basil Valentine in 1450,bismuth is widely used industrially inalloys, and its compounds are also usedfor medicinal purposes.PREPARATION Bismuth is mixed with lactosesugar and triturated.Remedy profileBismuth met. is most suited to those whoare experiencing great anguish, fear, andrestlessness, with poor concentration.They have a desperate need for companyand cannot bear to be alone. They oftencrave cold drinks.This remedy is generally used for violentabdominal pains, possibly with burning andulceration in the stomach, bowels, and throat.The pains may be accompanied by frequentbelching and rumbling flatulence. Sleep isrestless, with frequent waking and feelingsof fright or a sensation of falling.Symptoms better For cold compresses; forcompany; for movement; for bending backward;for cold drinks.Symptoms worse For being alone; for eating.BISMUTHUMMETALLICUM(Bismuth)Bothrops lanceolatus syn. LachesislanceolatusBOTHROPSCOMMON NAMES Yellow pit viper, fer-de-lance.ORIGIN Found from Mexico to Brazil and onmany West Indian islands.BACKGROUND The name fer-de-lance derivesfrom this snake’s flat, lance-shaped mouth.A bite from the snake causes immediateswelling and intense pain.PREPARATION Fresh venom is triturated withlactose sugar.Remedy profilePeople who crave attention, have a strongdesire to appear attractive, and possibly thefeeling that they have been forsaken by othersare most suited to Bothrops. They may beeither loquacious or, conversely, find itdifficult to talk, forgetting words when theyare speaking.The characteristic symptom picture forBothrops is of problems of the blood orblood vessels. Symptoms include bruising,hemorrhaging of thin blood that will not clot,or severe premenstrual syndrome. The facemay be bluish or dark red and bloated, andthe right hand may turn blue. Sharp pain mayradiate from the right nipple to the back, andbecome worse when raising the left arm orbreathing deeply.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse On the right side; aftermidnight; at sunrise; for walking; for takinga deep breath.Brassica nigra syn. Sinapis nigraSINAPISCOMMON NAME Black mustard.ORIGIN Native to the Middle East.BACKGROUND This pungent, warming herbstimulates the digestive system andcirculation. A mustard foot-bath is an oldfolklore cure for colds and headaches.PREPARATION Mustard seeds are ground toa powder and macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileSinapis is given mainly to people who areirritable and become irritated for no reason.They have poor concentration, althoughstudying and mental exercise make themfeel better and focus their minds.Classic conditions linked with Sinapisare hay fever, colds, and pharyngitis, withhot, dry mucous membranes. Furthercharacteristic symptoms include sweat thatforms on the upper lip and forehead,catarrh or mucus that feels cold, intensesneezing that is worse at night, and afeeling as if the blood vessels are filledwith hot water. Colds tend to affect theleft nostril in particular.Symptoms better For concentrating or studying;for sitting erect; for lying downat night; for shutting the eyes; for eatinga good meal.Symptoms worse For a warm room; for dampweather; for summer; for touch or pressureon the affected area; for sitting forward andstooping; between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and7 p.m. and 9 p.m.BromumBROMUMCOMMON NAME Bromine.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND The name bromine comes fromthe Greek bromos, or “bad smell.” An acrid,browny red, smoking fluid, bromine is usedas a water purifier, disinfectant, and bleach,and in the production of tear gas.PREPARATION Bromine is dissolved in alcohol,then diluted and succussed.Remedy profileBromum is best suited to people with anunderlying restlessness who tend to stay on themove or run away from situations. They areprone to anxiety and subject to the delusion thatsomeone is behind them.Respiratory problems treated by Bromuminclude colds that start in the larynx and travelupward or down to the chest. The nose andlarynx may be irritated, with sneezing, catarrh,and hoarseness. An overheated room may causehoarseness and an inability to speak.A stony hardness is the most typical glandsymptom treated by Bromum. It is most likelyto affect the thyroid, ovary, or testicle on theleft side of the body.Symptoms better After nosebleeds; forshaving; for being at the seashore; formovement; for riding a horse.Symptoms worse For warmth; for damp;for overheating; for getting chilled whilehot; for bathing in the sea; for dust; fordrafts; in the evening until midnight;for tobacco smoke; after eating.Bufo bufo syn. Rana bufoBUFOCOMMON NAMES Common toad, Brazilian toad.ORIGIN Found in North America, Japan,southern Asia, and Europe.BACKGROUND During the 19th century, nativeBrazilian women were known to give thetoad’s venom to their husbands in food ordrink to lower sexual vitality.PREPARATION Venom secreted by the dorsalglands on the toad’s back is mixed withlactose sugar and triturated.Remedy profileThose prone to immature, childish behaviorrespond best to this remedy. They have atendency to be emotionally underdevelopedor potentially even educationally subnormalbut may be brilliant in one subject (idiotsavant). Their faces may be characterized by astupid and besotted expression. Particularly