Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MINOR REMEDIES• 153Lycopus virginicusLYCOPUSCOMMON NAMES Bugleweed,Virginian horehound.ORIGIN Found in eastern North America.BACKGROUND Bugleweed has been used inherbal medicine for various ailments, such ashyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, coughs, andheavy menstruation.PREPARATION The whole, fresh, finely choppedplant in flower, including the root, ismacerated in alcohol.Remedy profilePeople who respond best to Lycopus tend tobe irritable when ill unless spoken to verysoftly. Their minds often wander from onething to another, and they may experienceincreased mental and physical activity inthe evening.Lycopus is associated chiefly with the heart,and is used to treat a weak heart and erraticpulse or heart disease. Additional symptomsmay include a tendency to hemorrhage, andoveractivity of the thyroid gland, particularlyduring menopause. Respiratory complaintsmay develop in conjunction with the heartproblems. These include violent coughing inthe evening or at night during sleep, withsweet-tasting mucus that recurs in coldweather, especially following exposure tocold winds. In addition, there may be anincrease in appetite.Symptoms better For warm surroundings; forlying in bed.Symptoms worse For cold winds; towardsunset; in the morning; in the evening; formovement; for exercise; for walking; forclimbing stairs.Lyssin hydrophobinumLYSSINCOMMON NAME Rabies.ORIGIN Saliva from a rabid dog.BACKGROUND Rabies is an acute viralinfection that affects both wild anddomestic animals and, more rarely,humans. Transmitted by saliva, it isalmost always fatal in humans.PREPARATION The saliva is renderedsterile, then dissolved in purifiedwater, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profileLyssin is most appropriate for peoplewho tend to be mentally excited andhyperactive, and have extreme sensitivityto stimuli such as light, noise, and odors.They may be affected by phobiasand compulsive disorders associated withritualistic behavior patterns and violence.There may be a personal or parental historyof rabies vaccination in those who suit Lyssin.Physical symptoms generally affect thenervous system, throat, and sexual organs.Typically, the sight or sound of running watermay cause fear, irritability, and a desire topass stools or urinate, possibly involuntarily.On trying to swallow, there is a chokingsensation, with profuse saliva that is spat out.In addition, the sight of glistening objectsmay cause distress.Further conditions that may be associatedwith Lyssin include excessive sexual energy andpain during sexual intercourse due to a sensitivevagina. There may also be uterine prolapse.Symptoms better For gentle rubbing; forsteam baths.Symptoms worse For the heat of the sun; forthe sound or sight of running water; foremotional stress; for bad news.Magnesium carbonicumMAG. CARB.COMMON NAME Magnesium carbonate.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND This compound is widely used inindustry, especially in the making of bricks,paper, plastics, and paints. It is used medicinallyas an antacid.PREPARATION Magnesium carbonate is trituratedwith lactose sugar.Remedy profileMag. carb. is best suited to long-suffering peoplewho feel worn down and who crave quiet calm,MAGNESIUM CARBONICUM(Magnesium carbonate)being highly sensitive to noise or touch. Theyare peacemakers who cannot bear disharmony,although when pushed their temper may erupt,especially in the case of children.A key symptom associated with Mag. carb.is acidity in the digestive system with soursmellingstools and perspiration, and poordigestion of milk. The remedy may be usedfor diarrhea or constipation with abnormal,undigested, discolored, fatty stools. It mayalso be prescribed for exhaustion or chronicfatigue syndrome with swollen glands, laxmuscles, and susceptibility to hernias.Symptoms better For open air; for warm air;for movement; after passing stools.Symptoms worse For cold; for changes in theweather; at night; for rest; during pregnancy;for warm foods.Magnesium chloratumMAG. MUR.COMMON NAME Magnesium chloride.ORIGIN Chemically prepared.BACKGROUND The bitter taste of this compoundcan be detected in many mineral waters and insea water. It is used in wall plaster and as a fireproofingagent for wood.PREPARATION Magnesium chloride is trituratedwith lactose sugar.Remedy profileMag. mur. is most suitable for people who feeldeep distress on witnessing arguments andcrave peace and harmony. Reserved, sad, andself pitying, they often show a long-sufferingface to the world. Nervous oversensitivity istypical, with restlessness in bed: they find ithard to sleep well, waking unrefreshed andneeding a long time to recover each morning.The liver, nerves, uterus, and rectum are oftengreatly affected. Conditions treated are usuallychronic, involving great weakness, swollenglands, and a susceptibility to colds. Chronicfatigue syndrome, for example, may be helpedby the remedy. Digestive complaints suchnausea, indigestion, and constipation are allstrongly associated with the remedy if theyare accompanied by the characteristicnervous state of mind. Children who areprone to digestive problems and whoseparents regularly argue, for instance, maybenefit from Mag. mur.Symptoms better For cool, open air; for firmpressure on the affected area; for gentlemovement.Symptoms worse At night; for noise; for touch;for lying on the right side of the body;for swimming in the sea; for eating, especiallysalt; for milk.