Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MINOR REMEDIES• 147Symptoms better For drinking milk.Symptoms worse For swallowing; for speaking;for eating.Hydrargyrum iodatum flavatum syn.Mercurius iodatus flavatusMERC. IOD. FLAV.COMMON NAME Mercurous iodide.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND In Western conventionalmedicine, this compound has traditionallybeen used to make an ointment that isapplied externally for eye diseases.PREPARATION Mercurous iodide is mixed withlactose sugar and triturated.Remedy profileMerc. iod. flav. is most appropriate for peoplewho tend to alternate rapidly betweendepression and high spirits.The classic symptom picture for Merc. iod.flav. is of right-sided complaints, particularlythroat infections with swollen glands and acoated tongue. If pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or earinfections affect the right side, Merc. iod. flav.is strongly indicated. Common symptomsinclude a sensation as if there is a lump in thethroat, throat inflammation, and ulceratedpatches in the throat that exude a cheeselikemucus. Sharp, throbbing pains may affect theright ear, becoming worse on swallowing.Symptoms better For open air; for physicalexertion; during the day.Symptoms worse For cold, damp weather;at night; for gentle movement.Hydrargyrum sulphas syn. MercuriussulphuricusMERC. SULPH.COMMON NAMES Mercuric sulfate,turpeth mineral.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND This heavy, odorless,tasteless, lemon yellow powder has nomedicinal uses, except in homeopathy.PREPARATION Mercuric sulfate is mixedwith lactose sugar and triturated.Remedy profileEating tends to make people for whomMerc. sulph. is best suited feel irritable.They may be chilly, pale, and anxious.Key conditions associated with this remedyinclude digestive complaints and respiratorydifficulties. Merc. sulph. is given for breathingthat tends to be rapid and short, with burningin the chest, pain in the region of the heart, andweakness that may feel better for sitting up.An irritated stomach, with vomiting, burningin the anus, hot, copious urine, and watery,soft, or violently expelled stools arecharacteristic of the digestive symptomstreated by Merc. sulph. In some cases,symptoms may be combined: for instance,fluid in the lungs may be accompanied bywatery or violent diarrhea and otherdigestive symptoms.Symptoms better For sitting up; for profusediarrhea (in the case of breathing difficulties).Symptoms worse For lying down; in themorning; at night.Hydrargyrum sulphuratum rubrumsyn. CinnabarCINNABARISCOMMON NAMES Mercuric sulfide, sulfideof mercury, quicksilver.ORIGIN Found mainly in Spain, and also inPeru, Italy, and California.BACKGROUND In traditional Chinese medicinethis mineral is used to treat sore throats,mouth ulcers, and palpitations. Its brightscarletpigment is called vermilion.PREPARATION Mercuric sulfide is triturated withlactose sugar.Remedy profileCinnabaris is best suited to people who arenervous, uneasy, sad, weak, and weary. Theydo not want to use their brains, and maybecome forgetful, often feeling that theirheads are “full” from mental use. At nighta stream of constantly changing thoughtsruns through their heads. They are usuallysensitive to touch and to the slightest noise,preferring to be left alone.HYDRARGYRUMSULPHURATUM RUBRUM(Mercuric sulfide)This remedy has a classic affinity with genitaland rectal ulceration and warts, and its profileis similar to that of Merc. sol. (see page 85).Key symptoms include fiery red ulcers on theskin and the mucous membranes, warts thatbleed easily, pimples, pustules, and red skineruptions that tend to itch violently.The head is a focus for other symptomsthat may be helped by the remedy. Theseinclude headaches with congestion; red,inflamed eyes; catarrh in the nose and throat;and a dry, sore throat. Sleep patterns may bedisrupted, with noticeable restlessness andsleeplessness, although there is often amarked lack of tiredness.Cinnabaris may also be used to treat womenwho experience very painful menstruationand pregnancy, or great pains during labor.Symptoms better For open air; for sunshine;after dinner.Symptoms worse For damp; for touch;for evening; at night; for light;before menstruation.Hydrastis canadensisHYDRASTISCOMMON NAMES Goldenseal, orangeroot,yellow puccoon.ORIGIN Native to North America.BACKGROUND Native Americans used goldenseal’sroot for its intense yellow dye, andmedicinally for cancer, fevers, indigestion,and heart or liver disorders. It was introducedto Europe in 1760.PREPARATION The dried underground parts ofthe plant are steeped in alcohol.Remedy profilePeople who benefit from Hydrastis tend tobe weary, exhausted, thin, and elderly, oftenwith degenerative conditions.The classic symptom picture for thisremedy is of problems of the mucousmembranes. It is associated with catarrh,sinusitis, a sore throat, and an abnormaltaste in the mouth. There may be copious,thick, yellowish, stringy mucus affecting themucous membranes of the respiratorysystem. The remedy is also used forstomach problems, possiblyoccurring in conjunction withthe classic problems of themucous membranes.Characteristic symptomsinclude poor digestion, asensation of emptiness in thestomach that remains even aftereating, and constipation with no urgeto pass stools.