Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

254 •HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPHEALTH IN ADOLESCENCEAdolescence describes the transition from childhoodto adulthood, and is ushered in by hormonal changes thatoccur at about 10 or 11 years of age in girls and a yearor so later in boys. Height and weight are gained duringadolescence, but more significant is the progression to sexualmaturity. In boys, this takes the form of an enlargementof the genitals and the larynx, and the appearance of bodyhair; in girls, it involves the development of breasts and bodyDISORDERINFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSISThis viral infection is spread by personal contact. It starts likeinfluenza, with fever, sore throat, headache, and general achesand pains. Within a day or two the lymph glands, especiallythose in the throat, become swollen and painful and the tonsilsenlarged and dirty-looking. There may be a rash, and—in rarecases—jaundice. Although symptoms usually wear off in twoor three weeks, full recovery may take longer and lethargy maylast for months. Stress, such as that generated by overworkingfor exams or the breakup of a relationship, may increasesusceptibility to mononucleosis.SELF-HELP Rest in bed until acute symptoms abate, after which avoidstrenuous exercise and do only 75 percent of what you are capableof doing, both physically and mentally, until recovery is complete.CAUTION See a doctor for a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.SPECIFIC AILMENTMononucleosis withenlarged tonsilsand ulcersMononucleosis withoffensive perspirationMononucleosis with painon swallowing food andhot drinksPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Tonsils are swollen and purple, with weepingulcers, and swallowing is difficult• Tongue is cracked and parched, and teethhave a brown coating• Great physical exhaustion• Possible headache and muscular pain• Throat is dark red, sore, and swollen• Saliva burns the throat on swallowing• Tongue feels swollen and is yellow-coatedwith tooth imprints• Offensive-smelling breath• Copious, smelly perspiration• Tonsils are dark red• Shooting pain up to the ears on swallowing• Swallowing food and hot drinksis especially painfulBODY ODORSweat glands in the groin and underarms become functional atabout 15 or 16 in girls and a year or two later in boys. Most anxietyabout body odor occurs as a result of the unfamiliar smell ratherthan an excess of perspiration. The odor becomes offensive whenbacteria breed in the stale sweat. Perspiration may be increased bystress and during menstruation in girls.SELF-HELP Wash thoroughly every day using alkaline soap, which willdiscourage the proliferation of bacteria.CAUTION If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.EXAM NERVESThis describes a state of extreme anxiety about taking exams thatalmost amounts to a phobia (see page 211). Psychological symptomsinclude a feeling of panic and an inability to concentrate. Physicalsymptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache.The condition may be exacerbated by other problems—for example,difficulty in studying at home or pressure to achieve high grades.Constitutional homeopathic treatment (see page 176) may be required.SELF-HELP Time management is the key to controlling anxiety. Startstudying well in advance; draw up a timetable that divides subjectsinto manageable units and covers all topics adequately; andalways include time out. Also, make sure that you get enough rest.Remedies should be taken on the day of the exam but also for somedays before whenever symptoms appear.CAUTION If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.Body odor in overweightpeople who feel thecold easilyBody odor from perspiringin hot andcold conditionsExam nerveswith diarrheaExam nerves with inabilityto remember anythingExam nerves with weak,wobbly legs• Perspiration smells sour• Perspiration on the back of the head duringsleep that wets the pillow• Profuse perspiration in the morning• Profuse perspiration for only moderate exertion• Copious, unpleasant-smelling perspiration• Perspiration occurs in both hot andcold conditions• Possible large amounts of saliva• Diarrhea and possibly nausea and vomitingbefore an exam • Watery stools• Diarrhea accompanied by copious gas• Diarrhea immediately after eating or drinking• Sensation as though there is a plug or lumpsomewhere, usually in the throat or rectum• Sensation as though a weight were pressingdown on the shoulders• Possible worsening of eczema in sufferers• Limbs feel weak and wobbly• Possible aches and pains resembling theonset of influenza