Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR PLANT REMEDIES• 51Conium maculatumCONIUMKEY SYMPTOMS materialistic nature with fixed ideas• complaints that are triggered by suppression ofsexual feelings • tendency to develop tumorsGenerations of storytellers have woven the poisonhemlock into their tales. The Greek physician Dioscoridesand the Roman natural historian Pliny used it in the1st century CE to calm sexual urges, as a painkiller, andfor skin complaints, nervous disorders, and breast tumors.Hahnemann proved and published the homeopathic remedyin his Chronic Diseases (1821–34).Stem covered withpurple spots ischaracteristic ofhemlockREMEDY PROFILEConium is prescribed for people whoseminds are dulled by illness, so that theyseem mentally paralyzed, tired, anddepressed, with “fixed” ideas and anaversion to company. These people tendto be very materialistic when young, butultimately lose interest in possessions.The remedy is prescribed for cystsor tumors in the reproductive organs.It is used if physical symptoms, such asgradual stiffening of the legs, “mirror”the mental paralysis. Conium may helpif illness is due to mental strain, grief,or old age. In the elderly, it is thoughtto restore vitality and counter prematureaging. It is also used for giddiness,as well as for emotional and physicalproblems due to sexual excess orsuppression of the sex drive.Cysts, tumors & cancerSYMPTOMS Hard lumps in the prostate,testicles, breasts, ovaries, or uterus, withsharp local pain and a possible feelingof internal itchiness. Breast tumors maybe accompanied by secondary lumps inthe armpits.Symptoms better For local pressure;for movement.Symptoms worse For injury; for exertion;at night; for the pressure of tight clothing.Swollen breastsSYMPTOMS Enlarged, tender, hard breastsprior to menstrual periods, with heavinessin the legs and a reduced sex drive.Symptoms better For pressure onthe breasts; for letting the armshang down; for fasting; forexpressing emotion.Symptoms worse For cold;for lying down; for turningover in bed; for movement.Enlarged prostateSYMPTOMS A sensation of heaviness in theprostate and frequent interruption of urineflow, possibly with a discharge from thepenis and impotency.Symptoms better For firm local pressure;for walking.Symptoms worse For injury; for exertion;for lying down; for tight clothing.Nervous disordersSYMPTOMS Cold, trembly, weak legs, withgiddiness and sensitivity to light. Weaknessmay eventually extend to the entire body.These symptoms are common in advancing age.Symptoms better For warmth; for movement;for letting the limbs hang down.Symptoms worse For injury; at night; forexertion; for jarring; for eating.Sexual problemsSYMPTOMS Extreme sexual excitement withpremature ejaculation or impotence in men,and vaginal discharge and irregular menstruationin women. Suppression of sexual activity maycause anxiety, depression, and forgetfulness.Symptoms better For pressure on the genitals;for walking.Symptoms worse For sexual excess or celibacy;for alcohol.HEMLOCK The toxins in this plantcause paralysis, primarily of therespiratory nerves, which leadsto death by suffocation if takenin excess.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINCommon in hedges, damp meadows,along river banks, and on waste groundthroughout much of Europe, Asia, andNorth America.BACKGROUNDUsed in ancient Rome for epilepsy, mania,chorea, swellings, and tumors. In 19thcenturyEurope, hemlock was given asa painkiller.PREPARATIONThe fresh flowering plant, including the root,is macerated in alcohol and then dilutedand succussed.COMMON NAMESHemlock, spotted hemlock.See also Breast problems, page 201; Prostate problems, page 202; Cancer, page 208; Breast pain, page 258