Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

158 • MINOR REMEDIESNicotiana tabacumTABACUMCOMMON NAME Tobacco plant.ORIGIN Native to tropical America, but nowcultivated worldwide.BACKGROUND Tobacco was a traditional Mayantreatment for asthma, convulsions, and skincomplaints, and has long been smoked on theAmerican continent. It is no longer usedmedicinally, but is still used in cigarettes andas an insecticide.PREPARATION The dried, unfermented leaves aremacerated in alcohol.Remedy profileThe remedy is best suited to people whofeel wretched and gloomy. They are usuallyunable to concentrate for long.Severe nausea is a key symptom treatedby Tabacum. The nausea is similar to thatexperienced by someone on inhaling theirfirst cigarette, and causes a deathly, icy coldsensation. It may be used for motion sicknessor acute digestive upset, especially duringpregnancy or chemotherapy. Tabacum is alsothought to help ease acute diarrhea or,conversely, habitual constipation with rectalparalysis or spasms. A sensation of obstructionor constriction in the rectum or intestines, withweakness and cramping pain, is typical.Symptoms better For cold and cold compresseson the affected area; at twilight; for uncoveringthe abdomen; for vinegar and sour foodsor drinks.Symptoms worse For extremes of heat and cold;in the evening; for lying on the left side; for themovement of a car or boat; for opening the eyes.Onosmodium virginianumONOSMODIUMCOMMON NAME False gromwell.ORIGIN Found in eastern North America.BACKGROUND It is thought that this plant, like itsclose relative Lithospermum, may suppressovulation in women and reduce blood sugarand thyroxine levels.PREPARATION The whole, fresh plant ismacerated in alcohol.Remedy profileThis remedy is given primarily to women whoare physically and mentally worn out.Confused, indecisive, and aimless, they mayfeel as if their emotions are working in slowmotion. Their memory is often weak, and theyare unable to finish sentences when speaking.Physically, Onosmodium is associated withexhaustion characterized by trembling,a sensation of heaviness, and lack ofcoordination. There may be diminished orabsent sexual desire in both men and women.Onosmodium may also be given for eye strain, incases where the eyes feel tense and strained onreading small print, and distances are misjudgeddue to slow eye accommodation or adjustment.Symptoms better For undressing; for sleep; forlying on the back; for eating; for cold drinks.Symptoms worse For warm, humid air; forstraining the eyes; for sexual excess.Origanum majorana syn. Majorana hortensisORIGANUMCOMMON NAME Sweet marjoram.ORIGIN Found in regions borderingthe Mediterranean sea.BACKGROUND Usedmainly as aculinary flavoring,sweet marjoram is alsoprescribed in herbalmedicine for anxiety,flatulence, menstrual pain,and insomnia.PREPARATION The fresh,finely chopped aerialparts in flower aresteeped in alcohol.RemedyprofileWomen who experiencesexual problems,especially those who areobsessed by sexual thoughts and those whohave a constant desire to masturbate, are likelyto benefit most from Origanum. They may berestless, finding it difficult to stay still, and asa result become fanatical about working out,turning to sports such as running to burnoff energy. Breasts and nipples may becomeswollen, itchy, and painful. An intense level ofsexual addiction may indicate relationshipdifficulties or a history of sexual abuse.Symptoms better For being occupied.Symptoms worse For lying down; at night.Paeonia officinalisPAEONIAORIGANUMMAJORANA(Sweet marjoram)COMMON NAME Peony.ORIGIN Native to Europe and Asia.BACKGROUND Culpeper, the 17th-century Englishherbalist, claimed that the root of this herbwould prevent epilepsy in children if hungaround their necks.PREPARATION The fresh, finely chopped root, dugin spring, is steeped in alcohol.Remedy profileThis remedy is given mostly for problemsin the rectum and anus such as fissures andhemorrhoids, although it may also help totreat terrifying nightmares, particularly thoseinvolving ghosts. It is used for intense, burningpain in the anus during and after passing stools,followed by a chilly sensation. The pain may bevery severe during the night and eased only bywalking, rolling on the floor, or lying for hourswith the buttocks spread apart.Symptoms better For warm compresseson the affected area.Symptoms worse At night; fortouch or pressure on theaffected area.Palladium metallicumPALLADIUMMET.COMMON NAME Palladium.ORIGIN Found in Columbia, Brazil, Russia, andSouth Africa.BACKGROUND First isolated in 1803 by theEnglish physicist William Wollaston, this metalwas named in honor of the asteroid Pallas,which had recently been discovered.PREPARATION The metal is triturated withlactose sugar.Remedy profilePalladium met. is most suitable for peoplewho need approval and praise. They tendto interpret things in a self-centered lightand constantly feel neglected, insulted,and unappreciated. Usually enjoyingcompany, they behave in an attentionseeking,excited way, but may latercollapse from exhaustion and fear ofimagined slights.The classic symptom picture for thisremedy focuses on the uterus and ovaries.Ovarian pains and cysts tend to be rightsided.The pains are worse for jarring, aftermenstruation, and for excitement; andbetter for bending the legs and lying on theleft side. The uterus may prolapse orbecome displaced, and an infection maydevelop in the abdomen.Palladium met. may also be used to treatpains in the head and limbs, includingheadaches that develop across the top ofthe head from one ear to another. Theyare often accompanied by irritabilityand impatience. Tired, cold, or tenselimbs may respond well to the remedy.In addition it is prescribed to ease the painof sprained limbs.