Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MINOR REMEDIES• 163Symptoms better For heat; for warm, dryweather; for hot baths; for continuedmovement; for nosebleeds.Symptoms worse For cold; in winter; forbeing chilled; for damp conditions; beforestorms; on beginning tomove; during sleep.See also Rosacea, page 193; Severeeczema, page 194; Osteoarthritis, page196; Rheumatoid arthritis, page 197;Sciatica, page 218; Restless legs, page 230;Diaper rash, page 246; Chicken pox, page 252Rhus venenata syn. R. vernixRHUS VEN.COMMON NAMES Poison sumac, poison elder.ORIGIN Found throughout North America, fromCanada to the Gulf of Mexico.BACKGROUND More toxic than poison ivy (see left),this plant produces a volatile oil that can causeinflamed, blistering lesions, possibly affectingthe whole body.PREPARATION The young, leafy twigs aremacerated in alcohol.Remedy profileGloomy, forgetful people are most likely tobenefit from Rhus ven., particularly if they feelunable to connect ideas together and have nowill for life.The physical symptoms associated with thisremedy are similar to those treated by Rhus tox.,although the focus is more heavily on skinconditions. The classic symptom picture forRhus ven. includes flaking, itching skin, possiblywith patches of thickening or hardening, and atendency for the skin to crack. All symptomsare markedly worse in the morning.Symptoms better For open air; for hot baths; forgentle touch; for mild exercise.Symptoms worse For damp weather; for gettingwet; in the morning; for touch and pressure onthe affected area; for rest; on waking.Ricinus communisRICINUSRHUSTOXICODENDRON(Poison ivy)COMMON NAMES Castor oil plant, Palma Christi,castor bean.ORIGIN Native to east Africa and grown in hotclimates, especially Africa and Asia.BACKGROUND The seeds of this plant are highlytoxic, but the oil made from them has beenused medicinally for centuries in many cultures,notably for constipation.PREPARATION The ripe seeds are steeped inalcohol, filtered, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profileThe digestive system is the primary focus ofthis remedy. Typical symptoms treated includenausea, profuse vomiting, and diarrhea:Ricinus is useful for children who are seriouslyprostrated by diarrhea. Typically, there issevere dehydration and great thirst, but nodesire to eat.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse For pressure on the abdomen.Rumex crispusRUMEX CRISPUSCOMMON NAMES Yellow dock, curled dock.ORIGIN Native to Europe and Africa.BACKGROUND Long used in Western herbalmedicine, yellow dock is a mild laxativeand also acts as a stimulant to the liverand gallbladder.PREPARATION The fresh root is finely choppedand macerated in alcohol.Remedy profileRumex crispus is best suited to low-spirited,serious people who are very restless in theevening. Their sleep is often wakeful, andunpleasant dreams and fantasies disturb themwhen asleep or awake. The throat and chest arethe main focus of Rumex crispus. There may bewhooping cough, a dry, tickling cough, croup,or other hard, hacking cough, or asthma that issuffocating and choking on going to bed. Theremay be great concentration on the breathingand sensitivity to cold air.Symptoms better For wrapping up, includingwrapping the head; for covering the mouth; fordrinking; for sucking hard candy.Symptoms worse For cold air; for open air; forbreathing in cold air; for touch and pressure onthe throat; for uncovering; for movement; fortalking; for eating.Ruta graveolensRUTACOMMON NAMES Rue, herb-of-grace.ORIGIN Native to dry, sunny regions ofMediterranean countries.BACKGROUND Rue has been prescribedherbally since the time of ancient Greeceand Egypt to induce abortion, strengthenthe eyesight, and stimulate menstruation.PREPARATION The aerial parts, gathered asthe plant is beginning to flower, are finelychopped and steeped in alcohol.Remedy profilePeople who respond best to the Ruta remedy areprone to feelings of anxiety and panic and tendto be weepy. They may be quarrelsome andsuspicious, often feeling that they are beingconstantly deceived or watched.The classic symptom picture for Ruta isof connective tissue problems with markedstiffness and pain in the muscles and tendons,often due to sprains, overuse of the muscles,or injury. The pain is typically sore, bruised,aching, and accompanied by restlessness.Repetitive strain injuries, eye strain, ganglions,and chronic arthritis may be helped by Ruta,as may a stiff, sore lower back or sciatica.Symptoms better For warmth; for lying on theback; for movement; for rubbing or scratchingthe affected area.Symptoms worse For cold, damp air; foroverexertion, injury, or sprains; for sitting;for menstruating; for eating uncooked orindigestible foods.See also Eye strain, page 220RUTA GRAVEOLENS(Rue)