Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

164 • MINOR REMEDIESSambucus nigraSAMBUCUSCOMMON NAMES European elder, black elder.ORIGIN Native to Europe.BACKGROUND Used medicinally for millennia,elder became known as “nature’s medicinechest” and was also strongly linked to muchEuropean folklore.PREPARATION The fresh leaves and flowers arefinely chopped and steeped in alcohol.Remedy profileThe remedy is best suited to people whoare constantly fretful, restless, easily frightened,and prone to trembling. Sambucus is usedmainly for respiratory problems. Generalsymptoms associated with the remedy includesevere weakness, and profuse continuous orintermittent sweating. The remedy may helprespiratory conditions such as asthma, croup,whooping cough, or bronchitis, particularlywhen they occur on waking. Generally, thereis hoarseness, with mucus and inflammationin the larynx but no desire to drink. Duringasthma attacks, a lack of oxygen may causethe face to turn blue.Symptoms better For wrapping up warmly;for sitting up in bed; for leaning over a tableor chair back; for movement.Symptoms worse For dry, cold air; for heat;during the night; for lying down, especiallywith the head low; for rest.SAMBUCUS NIGRA(Elder)Sanguinaria canadensisSANGUINARIACOMMON NAMES Bloodroot, red puccoon.ORIGIN Native to eastern North America.BACKGROUND Native Americans took bloodrootto induce therapeutic vomiting, and used theorange-colored juice of the root as a body paintand clothing dye.PREPARATION The rhizome, unearthed in fall, isdried and macerated in alcohol.Remedy profilePeople who respond best to Sanguinariaare confused and full of dread, and feelvery weak and stupid. Despite feeling heavy,languid, and drowsy, they cannot sleep atnight and the slightest noise wakes them up.An uncomfortable sensation of pricklingwarmth sometimes spreads over thewhole body.The classic symptom picture for thisremedy is of irritation of the mucousmembranes, particularly those of therespiratory system. Sanguinaria may begiven for hay fever accompanied by greatsensitivity to grass, flowers, and scents, andby burning and dryness in the nose andthroat. Other conditions that are typicallyassociated with Sanguinaria include asthmawith catarrh and raw, burning membranes.Symptoms tend to affect the right side ofthe body more than the left.Symptoms better In the evening; for lyingon the back; for lying on the left side;for sleep; for vomiting; for belching.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; for sun;for movement and touch; for lying on theright side; during menopause;for sweet foods.Schoenocaulon officinaleSABADILLACOMMON NAMES Sabadilla,cebadilla.ORIGIN Found in Mexico,the West Indies,Guatemala, andVenezuela.BACKGROUND The bitter seedsof sabadilla contain the alkaloids veratridine andveratrine, which are used in insecticides.PREPARATION The ripe seeds are steeped inalcohol, filtered, diluted, and succussed.Remedy profileSabadilla is most appropriate for people who arenervous, easily startled, and prone to hystericalparoxysms following a fright.Key physical symptoms associated withthis remedy include paroxysmal sneezing,an itchy, tingly nose, copious, watery catarrh,and chilliness. There may be throat pain andinflammation, with a constant desire to clearthe throat. Sabadilla is used chiefly forinflammation of the respiratory mucousmembranes, possibly due to hay fever,asthma, tonsillitis, or a cold.Symptoms better For open air; for heat orwrapping up; for warm foods or drinks.Symptoms worse For cold air; at periodic,consistent intervals; for cold drinks.Scorpio europaeusSCORPIONCOMMON NAME Scorpion.ORIGIN Found in central and southern Europe.BACKGROUND Scorpions were listed as a medicinein an ancient Egyptian medical papyrus,although their use is not known.PREPARATION The whole, live animal is maceratedin alcohol.Remedy profileScorpion is most effective for people whofeel detached and disconnected from theworld. Their mental state is dull and foggy,and they are unable to concentrate on morethan one thing at a time. This state of mindmay be accompanied by anxiety about health,an aversion to work and to talking, andsensitivity to music. Their moods areusually very changeable, and they mayhave confused, troubling, vague, angry,or erotic dreams.Strong fears may be helped by Scorpion,especially those of driving and of accidents.A classic symptom is great fear, which is rootedin the abdomen, and may occur with sharpcramps below the ribs.Symptoms better For crying; for walking;for movement; for urinating; for eating.Symptoms worse At night; for bright light;for noise; for sitting; for breathing deeply;for pressure on the abdomen.Scutellaria laterifoliaSCUTELLARIACOMMON NAME Virginia skullcap.ORIGIN Native to North America.BACKGROUND This plant was once used bythe Cherokee Indians to promote menstruation,but has more recently been used widelyas a sedative, especially for stressand tension.PREPARATION The whole, fresh plant, excludingthe root, is steeped in alcohol.