Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 69Acidum hydrofluoricumFLUORIC AC.KEY SYMPTOMS materialistic and unspiritual nature • indifference to loved ones• preoccupation with sexual intercourse • weakness in the bones, nails, and hairFluorine, a component of hydrofluoric acid, is found chiefly in the mineral fluorite(fluorspar). It is essential for healthy teeth and gums, and a compound of it, fluoride,is often added to toothpastes and the water supplies of some countries to helpprevent tooth decay. Some homeopaths believe that fluorine intake from thesesources can be excessive and can, in certain people, cause health problems that maybe treated with this remedy. Fluoric ac. was proved by Dr. Constantine Hering, andpublished in his Guiding Symptoms of Our Materia Medica (1879–91).REMEDY PROFILEFluoric ac. suits people who are energetic,lively, and bustling in the early stages ofillness, but rapidly become exhausted andforgetful as it progresses.Spiritually and emotionally these peoplehave a tendency to be extremely limited,and they are highly materialistic. As a result,they generally neglect their relationships,showing indifference to family and lovedones. Often, they cut themselves off fromothers. Their shallow relationships indicatean inability to connect deeply with others.Prone to self-satisfaction and egotism, theydislike any responsibility or commitmentin their relationships. They tend to bedominant in relationships, and may becomeobsessed with sexual intercourse. Anexcessive sexual drive may lead to behaviorthat is amoral and promiscuous.Fluoric ac. is used to treat fibrous tissuedisorders, usually affecting the bones, teeth,nails, hair, and veins. It is prescribed forcertain sexual problems, varicose veins,hair loss and baldness related to prolongedillness, and ear and nasal discharges. It mayalso help osteomyelitis (bone infection).Sexual problemsSYMPTOMS In men, especially in old age,increased sexual desire and erections atnight, perhaps preventing sleep. Thescrotum may swell, and varicoceles(testicular varicose veins) may develop.There may be nymphomania.Symptoms better For a cold shower; followinga short sleep.Symptoms worse For heat; at night; for alcohol.Tooth decaySYMPTOMS Teeth decay easily, perhapsbecoming discolored, mottled, and brittle.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse None known.Nail conditionsSYMPTOMS Weak, distorted, and crumbling nailsthat tend to grow too quickly, becoming toothick in some places or corrugated in others.Symptoms better None known.Symptoms worse For alcohol.Varicose veinsSYMPTOMS Prominent, painful, enlarged veinsin the backs of the calves and insides of thelegs. The affected area may ache, and the painmay be aggravated by standing for prolongedperiods of time.Symptoms better For fresh air; for coldcompresses.Symptoms worse For heat; at night; for alcohol.AlopeciaSYMPTOMS Patchy baldness in both sexes,perhaps after prolonged illness. Hair tendsto fall out easily, and new growth istypically dry and brittle.Symptoms better For fresh air; for coldcompresses.Symptoms worse For heat; for alcohol.Discharges from the ears &noseSYMPTOMS Ear infection with profuse dischargeafter a period of stress, prolonged illness, ordepression. Copious, runny catarrh may “driplike a faucet” from the nose, and may beassociated with hay fever.YELLOW FLUORITE This is one of the severaldifferent colored forms of the mineral fluorite(fluorspar). This mineral is distilled with sulfuricacid to produce fluoric acid.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINPrepared by distilling fluorite (fluorspar) withsulfuric acid to create hydrogen fluoride gas,which is then dissolved in water to producehydrofluoric acid.BACKGROUNDPrescribed in traditional Chinese medicinefor the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, andcoughs. Used industrially in the manufactureof enamel, glass, and jewelry.PREPARATIONHydrofluoric acid is first dissolved in alcohol,before being repeatedly diluted further inalcohol and succussed between each dilution.COMMON NAMEHydrofluoric acid.Symptoms better For being in open air; fora cool room; following a short sleep.Symptoms worse For heat; at night; for alcohol.Bone conditionsSYMPTOMS Painful, inflamed, tender bonesfollowing injury or a bone infection suchas osteomyelitis, with swelling around theinfected bone.Symptoms better For a cool room; for bathingin cold water; following a short sleep.Symptoms worse For heat; at night; for alcohol.See also Cancer, page 208