Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

36 •MAJOR PLANT REMEDIESAnacardium orientale syn. Semecarpus anacardiumANACARDIUM OR.KEY SYMPTOMS lack of self-confidence • conflict of wills • sensation as if there isa plug in the anus, gut, or chest • poor memory • itching, burning skin eruptionsThe Latin name of this shrub derives from the ancient Greek kardia, or“heart,” inspired by the plant’s heart-shaped, shiny, black nut. The nut yieldsa milky juice that turns black after it is exposed to air. In southeast Asia thisjuice is combined with chalk to make an ink for marking patterns on fabric,hence the plant’s common name, the marking-nut tree. The homeopathicremedy Anacardium or. was proved by Hahnemann in 1835. It is prescribedfor both psychological and physical disorders.REMEDY PROFILEAnacardium or. is traditionally used formemory disturbance and a disturbedpsychological state. It is considered especiallyapt for those who feel they are experiencinga conflict of will or are trapped betweenextremes of good and evil, sometimesdescribed as “a demon sitting on oneshoulder, an angel on the other.” Theseindividuals are typically prone to low selfesteem,or may exhibit hard, angry, cruelbehavior. They may suspect that they arebeing pursued, or experience dreamlikestates. Typical physical symptoms includea feeling of constricted pain, as if bands arewrapped tightly around the body, or as if thegut or anus is plugged. In this connection, theremedy is used for certain conditions of thedigestive tract. It is also used for skinirritations marked by severe itching andburning, and for minor chest pain.Psychological problemsSYMPTOMS A state of inner conflict expressedin contrary and changeable behavior. Thisconflict may provoke behavior that is coldhearted,violent, and cruel, with a compulsiveurge to curse. Exaggerated affection towarda person or pet may be followed by crueltyor violence. An inferiority complex may beevident (see above, right). There may be anextremely poor memory, a lack ofconcentration, and general absentmindedness,especially at times of stress—for example, when studying for exams. Inextreme cases, symptoms may be linkedto a mental illness, such as depression, manicdepression, or schizophrenia.Symptoms better For lying in the sun; forhot baths; in the late morning; for eating.Symptoms worse For mental exertion; foranger; for fright; for stress; for studying.Low self-esteemSYMPTOMS Great feelings of unworthiness,irresolution, and low self-confidence, possiblywith an inferiority complex, due to an innerconflict of will. Depending on the severity ofthe mental state, there may even be infrequentor ongoing self-abuse. Behavior patterns maybe associated with prior subjection to abuse,violence, humiliation, or oppression.Symptoms better For lying in the sun; for hotbaths; in the late morning; for eating.Symptoms worse For mental exertion; for fright;for stress; for humiliation.Digestive disordersSYMPTOMS Hemorrhoids, indigestion, andconstipation with a painful constricted feeling,as if the gut or anus were plugged and thebody wrapped by tight bands. The painmay stop after eating but resumes a fewhours later.Symptoms better Immediately after eating.Symptoms worse For a hot bath or compress;at midnight; a few hours after eating.Skin conditionsSYMPTOMS Eczema and possibly patches ofblistered skin, often on the forearms, causingintense itching and burning. The skin is highlysensitive. Warts are also treated with the remedy.Symptoms better For the application of very hotwater.Symptoms worse For stress, for scratchingthe affected skin.MARKING NUTS In India the juice of theSOURCE DETAILSORIGINNative to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Indiansubcontinent, and found growing in dry,mountainous forest areas.BACKGROUNDArabian physicians traditionally used the juiceof the marking nut to treat mental illness,memory loss, paralysis, and spasms.PREPARATIONThe ripe, dried fruit is macerated inalcohol for at least five days, beforebeing filtered and then repeatedly dilutedand succussed.COMMON NAMEMarking-nut tree.marking nut was traditionally used as aremedy for burning off warts.Chest painSYMPTOMS Sharp or pricking pain in the heart,possibly with a sense of pressure in the chest,as if it is bound by tight bands or weigheddown by a small plug. An uneasy sensationmay develop in the chest, possiblyinvolving palpitations.Symptoms better For inhaling freshair outdoors.Symptoms worse A few hours after eating.See also Indigestion, page 234; Hemorrhoids, page 238; Constipation, page 238; Eczema, page 240