Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

138 • MINOR REMEDIESComocladia dentataCOMOCLADIACOMMON NAMES Guao, bastard Brazil wood.ORIGIN Native to Cuba.BACKGROUND This tree exudes a milky sap thatturns black on contact with air and stainsclothes and skin. It causes a violent skinreaction in people who have sensitive skins.PREPARATION The fresh leaves and bark arechopped and macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileComocladia is most appropriate for irritablepeople who are prone to maliciousness, gloomybehavior, and restlessness while awake. Sleeprefreshes them, however, and they enjoy vivid,pleasant, and perhaps even clairvoyant dreams.The key physical symptoms associated withthis remedy include nerve sensitivity and skinproblems such as extreme itching, burning,inflammation, and blistering. The skin mayflake or shed itself, or it may redden,possibly forming stripes. There may beulceration or other swelling, which maybe fever-related.Symptoms better For open air; forscratching; for movement.Symptoms worse For heat; for touch;for rest; in the evening.Convallaria majalisCONVALLARIACOMMON NAME Lily-of-the-valley.ORIGIN Native to Europe, but also foundacross North America and in northern Asia.BACKGROUND The 16thcenturyherbalist JohnGerard praised this plantfor its success in treatinggout and heart problems.It is used in modernherbalism, particularlyfor heart disorders.PREPARATION The fresh, floweringaerial parts are maceratedin alcohol.Remedy profilePeople who respond best to Convallariahave difficulty in thinking, becausetheir brains feel dull. They often findthemselves unable to concentrate whenreading, and tend to become irritablewhen questioned. There is a tendencyto experience feelings of depression.Convallaria is prescribed primarily forheart problems. Typical heart symptomstreated by the remedy includepalpitations triggered by the slightest exertion.The heartbeat may seem to reverberatethroughout the whole chest and rib cage, or itmay become fluttery and irregular after exercise,possibly causing nausea and breathlessness.Water retention may accompany heartproblems, as may poor circulation. The remedyis often given for heart palpitations that occur inconjunction with soreness of the uterus.Symptoms better For open air.Symptoms worse For warm rooms; for lying onthe back.CONVALLARIA MAJALIS(Lily-of-the-valley)Copaifera officinalisCOPAIVACOMMON NAME Balsam of copaiva.ORIGIN Native to tropical South America, but alsofound in southern Africa.BACKGROUND This traditional native Brazilianremedy for healing wounds and removing scarswas first recorded in 1625 by a Portuguesemonk, Manoel Tristaon.PREPARATION A tincture of balsam is made fromoleoresin (a semi-solid mixture of resin andessential oil) from the plant.Remedy profileCopaiva is given to restless, overwrought peoplewho are prone to burning pains, and a feelingof heaviness or pressure on any part of the body.Their nervous system is oversensitive, and theytend to feel startled when they hear noises, andto weep on hearing piano music.A key symptom associated withthe remedy is excessive dischargefrom the mucous membranes. Thisincludes urinary tract discharges, catarrhduring a cold, and profuse, greenish gray,offensive-smelling mucus during a bout ofchronic bronchitis. The remedy is also usedas a treatment for mucus dischargesassociated with leucorrhea (abnormaldischarge from the vagina), urethritis(inflammation of the urethra),and gonorrhea.Symptoms better For pressure on theaffected area; for walking; for doublingover; for perspiring.Symptoms worse In the morning; forcatching cold; for starchy foods.Corallium rubrumCORALLIUMCOMMON NAME Red coral.ORIGIN The Gorgonia nobilis species of coral,which is found mainly in the waters of theMediterranean and Japan.BACKGROUND Coral is the skeleton of a tinyanimal called the coral polyp. Red coral’sdelicate, pink skeleton is largely comprisedof calcium, and is commonly used to makejewelry and prayer beads.PREPARATION Pieces of skeleton are mixed withlactose sugar and triturated.Remedy profileCorallium is most appropriate for critical,peevish, angry people who tend to swear andcurse when they are in pain. They may have acraving for sour foods, and like wine but easilybecome stupefied and drunk. Prone to extreme