Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

144 • MINOR REMEDIESGalipea officinalis syn. G. cuspariaANGUSTURACOMMON NAME Angostura.ORIGIN Native to the Caribbean and tropicalSouth America.BACKGROUND The bitter bark of this tree waslong used by native Americans as a tonic, andto stun fish and hence increase the catch.Brought to Europe in 1759, it was originallyused for aromatic bitters.PREPARATION Dried bark from the tree’s branchesis macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileAngustura is best suited to people who areeither timid and weak, or oversensitive, touchy,and “filled with bitterness.” They are often veryrestless at night, waking for no reason, andunable to get back to sleep. Their dreams arevivid, anxious, and unsettling, and they maycrave coffee.The remedy is typically prescribed forrheumatic conditions and nervous systemdisorders, especially those affecting the nervesin the spine or causing paralysis. Symptomsinclude tension and stiffness in the muscles andjoints, making them feel sore and bruised. Theremay be tearing pains in the bones that lead todifficulty in walking. The tissues may evendecay due to painful ulcers that penetrate thebone marrow and cause the bones to crumble,particularly the long bones of the body.Symptoms better For applying cold fingers or acold compress to the affected area; for sittingup; for rest.Symptoms worse For exertion; for stooping;for sitting bent over; for touching the affectedarea; for noise.Gelsemium sempervirensGELSEMIUMCOMMON NAMES Carolina jasmine, yellowjasmine, false jasmine.ORIGIN Native to the southern USand Central America, and nowgrown worldwide.BACKGROUND Carolina jasmine cameinto regular use from the middleof the 19th century, chiefly as atreatment for nervous disorderssuch as sciatica and neuralgia.PREPARATION The fresh bark ofthe root is finely chopped andmacerated in alcohol.Remedy profilePeople for whom Gelsemium is most suited fearlosing control. They dislike being disturbed,especially while feverish, when they feel dull,drowsy, and dizzy, but want to be held. Theirfaces are flushed dark red, with a dull,besotted expression.A general state of mental and physicalparalysis, with weakness and an inability toperform, are key symptoms linked to thisremedy. At times the remedy has been givento strengthen courage on the battlefield, andit is often used for phobias, exam nerves,stage fright, and other anticipatory terrors,which cause trembling, weakness, diarrhea,and frequent urination. In the long term,these symptoms may lead to morecomplicated, serious neurological disordersand possibly even paralysis, which theremedy may help.Gelsemium is also used to treat acuteinfluenza or sore throats, with weakness, limplimbs, chills, fever, headaches with doublevision, and heavy, drooping eyelids. Theremay be a lack of thirst, even during fever. Inaddition, the remedy can be given for hayfever if accompanied by these symptoms.Symptoms better For profuse urination; forsweating; for shaking; for alcoholic drinks.Symptoms worse In humid weather, especiallyduring spring; for extreme emotions; for dreador ordeals; for surprises or shocks.See also Phobias, page 211; Influenza, page224; Sore throat, page 226; Exam nerves,page 254GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS(Carolina jasmine)Gnaphalium polycephalumGNAPHALIUMCOMMON NAMES Sweet-scented everlastingflower, cudweed.ORIGIN Native to North America.BACKGROUND This plant has been used in herbalmedicine to treat colds, fevers, and respiratoryand intestinal catarrh, and has been applied asa poultice to bruises.PREPARATION The whole, fresh plant is maceratedin alcohol.Remedy profileThis remedy is used mainly for intense sciaticpains alternating with or followed bynumbness. Lumbago with numbness andheaviness in the affected area may also betreated, as may joint pains and rheumaticcomplaints. In addition, foul-smelling diarrheawith colic that is worse in the morning mayrespond to the remedy, as may scanty periodsthat are at their most painful on the first day.Symptoms better For sitting in a chair; for flexingthe limbs.Symptoms worse For cold; for damp; formovement; for walking; for stepping up or down;for lying down on the left side.Gratiola officinalisGRATIOLACOMMON NAMES Hedge hyssop, herbof grace.ORIGIN Found in central Europe, North America,and Australia.BACKGROUND Originally esteemed medicinallyfor jaundice and other liver or spleencomplaints, this herb is now little used dueto its toxicity.PREPARATION The fresh bulb is dugup prior to flowering and steepedin alcohol.Remedy profileGratiola is most suited to those whoappear irritable, haughty, andpossibly excessively proud. Theymay develop mental symptoms ifthey drink coffee regularly over a longperiod of time, as well as physicalsymptoms such as migraine, sciatica,and a high libido. A high sex drive,frequent masturbation, andnymphomania are primaryconditions that may be helped byGratiola, particularly in women.In addition, the remedy is prescribed forgastrointestinal problems such as cramps in thepit of the stomach, and pressing pain after