Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

52 •MAJOR PLANT REMEDIESCucumis colocynthis syn. Citrullus colocynthisCOLOCYNTHISKEY SYMPTOMS conditions that are triggered by pent-up anger • colicky pains thatare relieved by pressure • indignation • neuralgic pains that are better for warmthIn the Old Testament, it is related that the prophet Elisha turnedthis bitter, toxic gourd into an edible fruit during famine, butcolocynth was generally used as a drastic purgative, andalso to induce abortion. Ingesting the pulp causesinflammation of the bowels and severe cramps.The homeopathic remedy, which was proved byHahnemann in 1821, is used to treat these samesymptoms, as well as colicky pains, neuralgia,and cramps in the pelvis.REMEDY PROFILEColocynthis works best on those whosesymptoms are brought on by suppressedanger. These people tend to be generallyrestless, anxious, and reserved, but easilyirritated or angered. They have a strongsense of right and wrong, and can feelhumiliated if their opinion is contradicted;the humiliation then gives way toindignation. Colocynthis is prescribed ifthe physical complaint, such as neuralgiaor a digestive disorder, is brought on by,or exacerbated by, pent-up anger.The remedy is used chiefly for acute pain,specifically colicky abdominal pain;cramping in the hips, kidneys, and ovaries;headaches; or shooting nerve pain in theface, neck, and limbs. It may also beprescribed for gout and rheumatic painin the neck.Colic & diarrheaSYMPTOMS Griping, twisting, spasmodic painsjust below the navel. Often of sudden onset,the pain is generally linked to repressed anger,but may also have a physical cause, such asgallstones. Other symptoms include nausea,vomiting, and diarrhea with copious, thin,green or yellowish stools. The abdomen mayfeel bloated, and pressing on the site orpassing gas may bring relief.Colocynthis may be prescribed for infantilecolic if a baby screams, gets red in the face,and draws the legs up to the abdomen. Thepain is usually most intense in the evening,lasting from a few minutes to several hours.Seeds areconsiderednutritious butare not usedin homeopathySymptoms better For warmth; for bendingdouble; for passing gas or stools; for coffee.Symptoms worse For anger; before diarrhea orpassing stools; for drinking; for eating,particularly fruits.Facial neuralgiaSYMPTOMS Searing pain on the right side ofthe face, maybe extending to the ear. Theburning, lacerating pain often comes in acutewaves. There may also be a headache withright-sided facial neuralgia.Symptoms better For firm pressure on theaffected area; for sleep; for coffee.Symptoms worse For anger; for touch;for movement.Menstrual problemsSYMPTOMS Cramping pain in the uterus orovaries during menstruation. Alternatively,menstrual periods may cease entirelyfollowing bouts of extreme anger.Symptoms better For heat; for the applicationof firm pressure to the affected area.Symptoms worse For cold; for anger; foremotional stress.Neuralgic painsSYMPTOMS Sharp pains down the outer side(usually the right side) of the thigh, leg, andfoot. These severe, tearing pains are oftenaccompanied by a backache, followed bynumbness and weakness in the limbs. SciaticaCOLOCYNTH This gourdcontains a substancecalled colocynthin, whichcauses severe crampsand gastrointestinalinflammation if ingested.SOURCE DETAILSDried fruit resemblessmall pumpkin thesize of an orangeORIGINNative to Turkey, but can now be foundgrowing in many hot, dry, sandy regionsthroughout the world.BACKGROUNDUsed in ancient Greece as a strongpurgative and for complaints ranging frommania to lethargy, edema, and dropsy.PREPARATIONThe dried, deseeded fruit is powdered andmacerated in alcohol, before being dilutedand succussed.COMMON NAMESColocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber.and sharp, cramping pain in the kidneys, hips,or pelvis may also be helped by this remedy.Symptoms better For warmth; for bendingdouble; for lying on the painful side; for firmpressure on the affected area.Symptoms worse For cold; for drafts;for anger; for the slightest movement,even breathing deeply; for lying on thenon-painful side.See also Irritable bowel syndrome, page 189; Ulcerative colitis, page 190; Sciatica, page 218; Gastroenteritis, page 236; Colic, page 246