Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MINOR REMEDIES• 137considered by some to be a universalantidote for homeopathic remedies.PREPARATION The gum of the tree is dissolvedin alcohol, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profileContradictory symptoms, contrariness, andemotional and physical coldness are typical inthose who respond best to Camphora. Theycrave sympathy, but may be quarrelsome,aggressive, and depressed.Camphora made its reputation as a treatmentfor cholera (see pages 16 and 65), but is nowused primarily for the initial stages of a coldwith chills and sneezing. There may be greatheat and perspiration with a desire to remaincovered up, or chilliness with a desire to beuncovered. Other possible accompanyingsymptoms include insomnia and restless sleepor, conversely, deep, comatose sleep.Symptoms better For thinking about symptoms,especially pain; for sweating.Symptoms worse For cold; for drafts; forsuppressing discharges.Cistus canadensisCISTUSCOMMON NAMES Frostweed, Canadian rock rose.ORIGIN Found in North America.BACKGROUND Frostweed’s name derives from itslove of frost on its roots in early winter. It hasbeen used herbally for ulcers.PREPARATION The whole, fresh plant and root aremacerated in alcohol.Remedy profileCistus is most appropriate for those who arefrightened and stressed. Mental stress oftenaggravates their physical symptoms. Extremelysensitive to cold air, they tend to feel coldsensations all over the body. Their illnessesare generally affected by the seasons, becomingworse in winter.Cistus is used mainly for frequent colds,tonsillitis, upper respiratory tract infections,chronic or recurrent sinusitis, and allergicrhinitis. Typical symptoms include thick,yellowy catarrh, a runny nose, and violentsneezing. The throat is dry and feels sore ifeven small amounts of cold air are inhaled.Another key symptom associated withCistus is glandular swelling and hardening,particularly in the neck, and possibly withconcurrent respiratory symptoms. It may bedue to infection or even cancer.Symptoms better For coughing up mucus; forswallowing; for eating.Symptoms worse For cold; for drafts; for touch;for winter.Clematis rectaCLEMATISCOMMON NAMES Clematis, upright virgin’s bower.ORIGIN Native to central and southern Europe.BACKGROUND This plant irritates the skin oncontact, but is used by herbalists to treat sores,skin ulcers, and itchy rashes.PREPARATION The fresh leaves and stems of theplant are macerated in alcohol.Remedy profilePeople for whom Clematis is best suited tendto be peevish, dissatisfied, and prone tomelancholy or homesickness. Despite apathytoward friends, they generally fear beingalone. They often feel confused in stuffyrooms, and improve in open air.Clematis is strongly indicated for skincomplaints and swollen glands, especially if theyarise simultaneously or if there is a history ofboth conditions. The remedy is given for moist,itchy, sensitive pustules that erupt on the backof the head or skull.Gland symptoms that indicate Clematisinclude hardness, swelling, and pain. Theprostate, testes, ovaries, or breasts are mostoften affected. Further related symptoms mayinclude urethral inflammation, which causesan aversion to sexual intercourse, andabnormal urine flow. The right side of thebody is usually particularly affected. Clematismay also be given for a toothache that isworse for hot drinks, better for the cold.Symptoms better For sweating; for open air;during a waning moon.Symptoms worse At night; for cold air; forbathing in cold water; for the heat of the bed;for touch; for movement; during a new moon.Colchicum autumnaleCOLCHICUMCOMMON NAMES Meadow saffron, fall crocus,naked ladies.ORIGIN Found wild in Europe and Africa, andcultivated in North America.BACKGROUND During classical times, the plantwas considered too toxic for use. Arabianphysicians used it in the Middle Ages for jointpain and gout.PREPARATION The fresh bulb, dug up in spring,is chopped and steeped in alcohol.Remedy profileThose who respond well to Colchicum aretypically weak and restless. They may bedepressed or irritable, and have poorconcentration and memory, so that they appeardazed even though they may answer questionscorrectly. There is a marked absence of anyapprehension and no discernible fear of death.The key symptoms linked with Colchicumfocus on the muscle tissues and jointmembranes, especially the membranes in thesmall joints. The joints may be painful, hot, andswollen, and the muscles extremely relaxed andeven limp. Arthritic joint pain or gout may beso severe that it causes screaming if the jointsare touched or jolted. There may be a twitching,tingling sensation all over the body.Colchicum is also considered a useful remedyfor ulcerative colitis and for nausea with colickypains and painful distension of the abdomen.Illness is typically accompanied by a feelingof icy coldness in the stomach.In addition to any other symptoms, thebody may feel cold inside, with extremeoversensitivity to external stimuli such as brightlights, strong odors, physical contact, and evenother people’s behavior.Symptoms better For warmth; for rest; afterpassing stools.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; forchangeable weather; for vibrations or jarring.See also Ulcerative colitis, page 190;Rheumatoid arthritis, page 197Collinsonia canadensisCOLLINSONIACOMMON NAMES Stoneroot, horsebalm, richweed.ORIGIN Native to moist woodlands in easternNorth America.BACKGROUND Stoneroot is so called due to itshard, knotted root. It is used herbally in apoultice for bruises and sores.PREPARATION The fresh root is chopped andmacerated in alcohol.Remedy profileCollinsonia is best suited to people whohave a gloomy temperament. They tendto experience strange bodily sensations,including the feeling that the body is beingpricked by needles, that it is enlarged, andthat the lower limbs are disembodied.The classic symptom for this remedy is ofsore, bleeding hemorrhoids, with a sensationof constriction, pricking pain, and sharp sticksin the rectum, which is prone to fissures.Collinsonia is also used for menstrualpain, pelvic aches, and labor or pregnancyproblems such as an itchy vulva duringpregnancy, or diarrhea after labor. It isespecially appropriate if symptoms occurwith rectal or bowel disorders.Symptoms better For heat; in the morning.Symptoms worse At night; for cold; duringpregnancy; for emotional stress.