Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR PLANT REMEDIES• 43Cannabis sativa ‘Indica’CANNABIS IND.KEY SYMPTOMS moods swing between overexcitement and paranoia • out-of-bodyexperiences • burning pain in the urethra • “opening and shutting” sensations in the headFirst mentioned in a Chinese herbal dating to 2700 BCE, marijuana haslong been an important medicine in the herbal repertories of manycultures. By the 19th century, marijuana had become a standardpainkiller in Europe. More recently, it hasbeen prescribed as a conventional medicinein some countries to relieve nausea caused bychemotherapy and spasms due to multiple sclerosis. Theplant is also an illegal recreational drug, and its prohibition extendsto medicinal uses in many countries. The homeopathic remedy Cannabisind. was proved by the American Provers’ Union in 1839 and introducedby Dr. Trinks in 1841.REMEDY PROFILEThe behavior of those who benefit most fromCannabis ind. alternates between sweet andgentle, and desperate or even paranoid.Typical physical symptoms include a markedincrease in appetite and thirst, especially forsweet foods and cold drinks.Cannabis ind. is prescribed primarily to treatabnormal psychological states, such asconfusion, disorientation, loss of memory,overexcitement, unwarranted fears, orparanoia. The remedy is also given forphysical conditions such as headaches,urinary-tract infections, and pain in the legs.Disordered mental statesSYMPTOMS Marked swings in thought andmood between a gentle state and paranoia.The gentle state is marked by mild euphoria,an overactive brain, and headstrong views,particularly about esoteric subjects such asastrology and UFOs. Wonderful andenlightening ideas occur in rapid succession,but they are equally quickly forgotten. Theslightest thing may trigger hysterical giggling.Prophetic dreams, out-of-body experiences,or an apparent ability to predict the futuremay also be experienced. In the paranoidstate, there is generally fear and anxiety,particularly a fear of losing control andbecoming insane. There may be disorientation,memory loss, and confusion, even whenin well-known environments. Travel orrelocation may cause distress. Hallucinationsthat distort time, space, and distance are notuncommon.Symptoms better For open air; for rest;for walking.Symptoms worse For the dark; for tobacco;for coffee.HeadachesSYMPTOMS An opening and closing sensationat the top of the head, as if shock waves arepassing through the brain. The head mayshake involuntarily and feel as if it is separatefrom the body. A stooping posture may beadopted due to a sensation of heavy pressureon the brain or to a migraine.Symptoms better For rest; for deep breathing.Symptoms worse For exertion; for tobacco;for alcohol; for coffee.Urinary-tract infectionsSYMPTOMS A dull, burning, aching, or stitchlikepain in the right kidney. Urine may beprofuse and colorless, with erratic flow due toobstructed urination. There may be urethritis(inflammation of the urethra) with mucusdischarge and burning, stinging pain.Symptoms better For rest; for deep breathing.Symptoms worse In the morning; for tobacco;for alcohol; for coffee.Pain or paralysis in the legsSYMPTOMS Shooting pains that rise up the legswhen walking. Exhaustion may follow even aLeaves are longand deeplyserratedCANNABIS The active ingredient in this plant,tetrahydrocannabinol, causes mild euphoriceffects when ingested or smoked.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINNative to China and central western Asia,but now grown worldwide, although usuallysubject to legal restrictions.BACKGROUNDImportant in cultures such as ancient Egypt,China, and India, as a strong analgesic,sedative, and anti-inflammatory.PREPARATIONThe flowering tops and seeds are finelychopped, macerated in alcohol for ten days,then filtered, diluted, and succussed.COMMON NAMESMarijuana, hashish, cannabis, Indian hemp,bhang bhanga.very short walk. Alternatively, there may bea sensation of paralysis in the lower limbs.These symptoms are frequently accompaniedby a backache.Symptoms better For rest; for deep breathing.Symptoms worse For walking; duringmenstruation.See also Confusion, page 266