Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR PLANT REMEDIES• 33Agaricus muscarius syn. Amanita muscariaAGARICUSKEY SYMPTOMS twitching and spasms • chilblains • depression or overexcitement• fear of cancer • complaints that are worse after sexual intercourseThis toxic toadstool’s common name, fly agaric, is derived from its traditionaluse as a fly poison. Fly agaric contains hallucinogens that were used by Siberianshamans to induce visionary states, and it may have formed the basis of theancient Hindu soma drink and the Zoroastrian haoma drink, due to its abilityto increase strength and stamina. The fungus has sedative properties in smalldoses but is highly toxic: a severe overdose can be fatal, while a mild overdose cancause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, and confusion, althoughrecovery usually takes place within 24 hours. The homeopathic remedy wasproved in 1828 by Dr. Stapf, and it remains the only medicinal use of fly agaric.REMEDY PROFILEThose in need of Agaricus may be anxious,insecure, or fearful, and have morbid thoughtsabout death. Anxiety about health may leadto an obsessive fear of having conditions suchas cancer. Symptoms typically include greatlethargy and an aversion to conversation, ordelirium and loquacity to the point of ecstasy,elation, or hypomania, and disturbed senseof perspective.People for whom Agaricus is most suitableare particularly sensitive to the cold whenill. Some symptoms are worse prior tothunderstorms and after sexual intercourse.Agaricus is taken as a remedy for disordersof the nervous system that cause trembling,itching, and twitching and jerking of the limbs.Such conditions include epilepsy, chorea, andmultiple sclerosis. Agaricus can be prescribed forthe treatment of the delirium tremens associatedwith alcoholism, and for the effects of seniledementia. It is also used to treat chilblains.Nervous-system disordersSYMPTOMS Twitching and spasms in almostany muscle group in the body, caused bydegenerative neurological disorders suchas senile dementia or multiple sclerosis.Symptoms tend to manifest themselvesdiagonally from one side of the body to theother, and may be accompanied by pain thatis out of proportion to the clinical condition.There may also be sharp, shooting pains, withpossible convulsions and spasms. Movementsmay be very shaky, with clumsiness,awkwardness, and a staggering gait. Furthersymptoms may include facial tics or Bell’spalsy, fainting, chorea, neuralgia, and sciatica.Symptoms better For slow movement;for sleep; at evening.Symptoms worse For cold air; beforethunderstorms; after sexual intercourse;for touch.ChoreaSYMPTOMS Twitching, erratic, unpredictablelimb movements and a sensation that thelimbs are detached from the body.Symptoms better For slow movement;for sleep; at evening.Symptoms worse For cold air; beforethunderstorms; after sexual intercourse.Parkinson’s diseaseSYMPTOMS General weakness with tremblingand twitching limbs that exhibit the typicalnervous symptoms (see left). The spine maybe particularly sensitive to touch. Furthersymptoms may include a mental decline intogreat anxiety, despair, fear, and hypochondria.Symptoms better For slow movement;for sleep.Symptoms worse Before thunderstorms; aftersexual intercourse.ChilblainsSYMPTOMS Chilblains with burning and itching.The skin shows signs of redness and swelling.Symptoms better For heat.Symptoms worse For cold air; forcold compresses.Bright-red capwith whiteflecking fades toorange whenfungus is driedFLY AGARIC Thisfungus was oncecrumbled into milkto make fly poison.It has also beenused as the toxiccomponent inflypaper.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINGrows in dry pastures and woods duringsummer in Scotland, Scandinavia, andother parts of Europe, as well as in Asiaand the US.BACKGROUNDHas been used throughout history as ahallucinogen, as a method of contacting thespirit world, and as a means of increasinghuman strength and endurance.PREPARATIONThe whole, fresh fungus or the dried cap iswashed thoroughly and ground into a mash.It is then steeped in alcohol before beingstrained, diluted, and succussed.COMMON NAMESFly agaric, bug agaric.AlcoholismSYMPTOMS Delirium tremens with markedgiddiness and an impulse to fall backward.The face is puffy and red, but not hot. Theremay be a marked increase in appetite.Symptoms better For slow movement.Symptoms worse For cold air; beforethunderstorms; after sexual intercourse;after eating.See also Multiple sclerosis, page 179; Palpitations, page 186; Twitching eyelids, page 220; Chilblains, page 230