Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

154 • MINOR REMEDIESMagnesium sulphuricumMAG. SULPH.COMMON NAMES Magnesium sulfate,epsom salts.ORIGIN Occurs naturally in some mineralwaters, but is chemically prepared for usein homeopathy.BACKGROUND Magnesium sulfate is found inmany spa waters, such as those in Epsom,England, which were often drunk for their mildlaxative effect.PREPARATION Magnesium sulfate is trituratedwith lactose sugar.Remedy profileMag. sulph. is best suited to those who fly intorages and overreact, yet also have the typicalMagnesium desire for peace. They tend to berestless and uneasy, fearing evil or a terribleevent. Often concerned about relationships,they are prone to jealousy.The remedy is usually prescribed for urinarydisorders, possibly with digestive, skin, ormenstrual problems and awkward limbmovements. The urinary disorders arecharacterized by an intermittent stream onurinating, and burning pain after urinating.Mag. sulph. may also be used to treatexhaustion or chronic fatigue, dry skin, andnausea. Sleep may occur in the early evening,followed by insomnia at night. It may be restlessas a result of anxious, disagreeable dreams.Symptoms better For rubbing the affected area;for walking.Symptoms worse In the morning; on waking.MalandrinumMALANDRINUMCOMMON NAME Horse grease.ORIGIN Specimen of the oily secretion takenfrom an infected horse.BACKGROUND Grease is a disease that affectshorses, causing inflammation of the fetlocks,which become covered by an oily secretion.PREPARATION The specimen is rendered sterile,dissolved in purified water, then dilutedand succussed.Remedy profileMalandrinum is commonly used for skinproblems characterized by greasy, pustulareruptions, rough, unhealthy-looking skin, or dry,scaly, itchy skin with cracks or fissures, especiallyon the hands and feet during cold weather. Theremedy may also be given as an antidote to anyadverse effects of a smallpox vaccination.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse In the evening.Mandragora officinarumMANDRAGORACOMMON NAMES Common mandrake,devil’s apple.ORIGIN Native to the Mediterranean regionof Europe.BACKGROUND Legend attributed magicalaphrodisiac properties to the mandrake root.It is highly toxic and narcotic, and is no longerused herbally.PREPARATION The root is dried and maceratedin alcohol.Remedy profilePeople for whom Mandragora is best suited areprone to changeable moods, such as cryingspells alternating with feelings of euphoria.They may be in a state of “aroused exhaustion,”simultaneously sleepy and hyperactive. They arehypersensitive, particularly to noise, but also tosmell; symptoms are violent in nature.The classic symptom profile associated withMandragora focuses on abdominal pain that isworse on the upper right side and better forbending backward. The remedy may also helplimbs that feel heavy, bruised, and sore, as iffrom muscular exertion, and may ease sciaticawith burning pain that is worse on the rightside. A further use is for congestive headachesthat are better for cold air and cold compresses.Symptoms better For urinating; for bendingbackward; for rest; for continuous movement;for warm compresses (except in the caseof headaches).Symptoms worse For damp and stormy weather;between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.Manganum metallicumMANGANUM MET.COMMON NAME Manganese.ORIGIN Occurs primarily in pyrolusiteand rhodonite.BACKGROUND This metal was discovered in 1774.After iron, it is the second most common metalin Earth’s crust. It is most often used forindustrial purposes to make alloys of steeland copper.PREPARATION Manganese is triturated withlactose sugar.Remedy profileManganum met. is most appropriate for thosewho are open, friendly, and helpful. They areorderly and conscientious and, if unable tobe of help to others, tend to feel restless, lost,and irritable.The remedy is most commonly given whenthe bones are extremely sensitive, especiallyin children who have been experiencing rapidgrowth. Symptoms are usually better for lyingdown. Manganum met. is also prescribed for earconditions such as earaches, temporarilyreduced hearing, tinnitus, and great sensitivityto noise and wind. Earaches seem to beginelsewhere in the body and travel to the ear.Symptoms better For a change of air; for lyingdown; for sad music.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; at night;for touch; for speaking.Medicago sativaALFALFACOMMON NAMES Alfalfa, lucerne.ORIGIN Native to Asia, north Africa, and Europe.BACKGROUND Cultivated for thousands of years asa fodder plant, alfalfa is highly nutritious anddetoxifying, and has long been used herballyand in cooking.PREPARATION The fresh aerial parts are finelychopped and macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileAlfalfa is usually given in the mother tinctureform as a tonic for conditions associated withmalnutrition or great weight loss, such ascancer, anorexia, nervous indigestion,insomnia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.There may be constant hunger or anincreased appetite, particularly in the middleof the morning, and a craving for sweet foods.Further symptoms may include a left-sidedheadache or a heavy, dull sensation in theback of the head.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse In the evening.Melilotus officinalis syn. M. arvensisMELILOTUSCOMMON NAMES Melilot, yellow melilot,sweet clover.ORIGIN Native to Europe, temperate partsof Asia, and north Africa, and naturalizedin North America.BACKGROUND This sedative herb can be usedmedicinally to relieve spasms, reduceinflammation, and as a decongestant.PREPARATION The fresh, flowering tops, withoutthe woody stems, are finely chopped andsteeped in alcohol.Remedy profileMelilotus is best suited to people who are highlyagitated, talkative, suspicious, insane, andpossibly even suicidal. They often worry aboutbeing poisoned, fear the police, and fail torecognize familiar people and places.