Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

140 • MINOR REMEDIESCuprum arsenicosumCUPRUM ARS.COMMON NAMES Copper arsenite, Scheele’s green.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND This toxic, yellow-green pigmentwas used in wallpapers until a link wasestablished between it and a multitude ofhealth problems, especially digestive disordersand cramps.PREPARATION The compound is mixed withlactose sugar and triturated.Remedy profileThose who respond best to Cuprum ars.are often confused, restless, and in anguish.Their body functions are also confused anddisturbed, with chilliness and periods ofirregular or weak heart function. Their bodiestremble, especially when walking, or theymay be prostrated.A key condition associated with Cuprum ars.is poor kidney function. Typical symptomsinclude burning pain on urinating, dark red,discolored urine with a strong odor, perhapsof garlic, and diarrhea. The remedy may alsobe given to those who have experiencedprolonged fluid loss, perhaps after injuryor an operation.Symptoms better For hard pressure on theaffected area.Symptoms worse For damp; for touch; formovement; during diarrhea attacks.Cyclamen europaeumCYCLAMENCOMMON NAMES Cyclamen, sowbread.ORIGIN Found throughout Europe.BACKGROUND In the 1st century CE Pliny theElder noted the use of this plant as anarrowhead poison in ancient Rome. The name“sowbread” refers to the medieval practice offeeding the roots to swine.PREPARATION The fresh root, gathered in spring,is chopped and steeped in alcohol.Remedy profileCyclamen is best suited to rather dutiful,conscience-stricken people who tend to findfault with themselves and others. Prone todrowsiness, gloominess, and depression, theymay wish to be alone and cry or weep silently,or they may have a sense of joy that alternateswith irritability.The symptom picture for Cyclamen typicallyfocuses on menstrual problems and indigestion.The remedy is used when the menstrual flowis irregular, possibly too frequent, or absent.Blood flow may be profuse and black, or theblood may clot too rapidly, and there maybe severe pains resembling those felt duringlabor. Migraines, a squint, or visualdisturbances may accompany these symptoms.Extreme indigestion that is aggravated byeating fats is another condition suitable fortreatment with Cyclamen.Symptoms better For movement; for rubbing theaffected area; for weeping; during menstruation.Symptoms worse For cold; for open air; beforemenstruation; for suppression of menstrual flowdue to shock or extreme cold; for sitting;for standing.Dactylopius coccus syn. Coccus cactiCOCCUS CACTICOMMON NAME Cochineal beetle.ORIGIN Found in Spain, Mexico, and theWest Indies.BACKGROUND The dried bodies of the femaleinsects are used as a scarlet dye and foodcoloring, and in cosmetics, inks, artists’pigments, and medicines.PREPARATION The fertilized females are killedby heat, then dried and macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileCoccus cacti is generally prescribed forspasmodic coughing associated with catarrh,and for urinary problems with pain in thekidneys, particularly in those who are anxiousand confused.The remedy is used for spasmodic coughing,especially whooping cough, and for asthma.Symptoms are usually worse in the mornings,and include frequent, violent, ticklish coughingfits accompanied by vomiting and retching upof clear, thick mucus that may hang from themouth. There is a sensation as if a thread ishanging down the back of the throat. Themucous membranes in the throat may feel sosensitive that even brushing the teeth causesretching and vomiting.Symptoms better For bathing in cold water; forwalking; for cold drinks.Symptoms worse On the left side of the body;for lying down; after sleep; for touch; for thepressure of clothing; for the slightest exertion;for brushing the teeth; for rinsing the mouth.See also Asthma, page 181Daphne mezereumMEZEREUMCOMMON NAMES Mezereon, spurge olive.ORIGIN Native to Eurasia and found in NorthAmerica, Europe, and north Africa.BACKGROUND Herbalists in northern Europe onceused the plant to treat skin ulcers and cancers,but today mezereon is considered tootoxic for common use.PREPARATION The fresh bark, gathered justbefore the plant blooms, is chopped andsteeped in alcohol.Remedy profileMezereum is most appropriate for people whoare prone to despondency, apathy, anddetachment. They have a tendencytoward hypochondria.Key conditions associated with this remedyare suppurating skin complaints that forma thick crust or cause cracking. Skin symptomstypically affect the scalp, usually manifesting aseczema or psoriasis with oozing discharge thatsmells offensive and causes the hair to mat.Eruptions on the face are usually around thehairline or eyebrows. The skin is intensely itchy,and may feel cold and clammy. The remedy isalso used for shingles affecting the chest.Neuralgic pains around the teeth or face, andbone pains in the long bones, are also usuallylinked with Mezereum. Symptoms includeerratic, jerking, sharp pains, and a sensationof lightness or enlargement in the body.In addition Mezereum is prescribed fordigestive system disorders that are anxietyrelatedand involve symptoms such as diarrheaand a discharge from the anus.Symptoms better For open air; for eating.Symptoms worse At night; for lying down;for the warmth of the bed; if skin eruptionsare suppressed by ointments; for drafts;for movement; for touch.See also Severe eczema, page 194Digitalis purpureaDIGITALISCOMMON NAMES Common foxglove,purple foxglove.ORIGIN Native to western Europe, and cultivatedin India, southern and central Europe, Norway,Madeira, and the Azores.BACKGROUND The 18th-century English doctorWilliam Withering first established this flower’simportance as a heart remedy, and its activeconstituents are still used in herbal andconventional heart medicines.PREPARATION The fresh leaves are picked beforethe plant blooms in its second year. The juiceis expressed from the leaves, then mixed withalcohol and diluted.Remedy profileDigitalis is associated primarily with the heart.It is prescribed for people who are prone toheart and circulatory disorders. The remedy isconsidered particularly appropriate if symptoms