Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 83GraphitesGRAPHITESKEY SYMPTOMS poor concentration • indecisiveness • conditions that mainly affect the leftside • weeping on hearing music • chilliness • cracked skin with a honeylike dischargeGRAPHITEPOWDERGraphite is a carbon mineral that contains traces of iron. The name derives fromthe Greek graphein, meaning “to write.” The main constituent of pencil lead,graphite is also used in the production of lubricants, polishes, batteries, andelectric motors. The remedy, proved by Hahnemann and published in his ChronicDiseases (1821–34), is often given for skin complaints and for anxiety with lackof confidence.Graphite isa soft rockGRAPHITE ROCKREMEDY PROFILEThose who respond best to Graphites tendto be more physically than intellectuallyoriented. These practical types prefer actionto discussion, and are seen as “the ones whoare going to cope.” They can, however, belethargic, notably on waking. Seeminglymoody, pessimistic, and agitated, under thesurface they are deeply emotional, often sad,and easily moved to tears by music.These people are especially susceptible tocertain physical symptoms affecting the skin,nails, mucous membranes, and the left side ofthe body. Symptoms are often linked toglandular problems. Sensitivity to the coldand headaches after skipping mealsare typical.Skin & nail conditionsSYMPTOMS Irritated, cracked, dry skin behindthe ears, and on the nostrils, knees, nipples,and fingertips. Eczema or psoriasis mayooze a honey-colored discharge. Crackedskin may bleed and easily become infected.There may be old scars that ulcerate andburn, cold sores around the mouth, andherpes blisters around the genitals.Symptoms better For warmth with fresh air; inthe dark; for sleep; for eating.Symptoms worse For cold; during menstruation;for sweet foods; for seafood.Anxiety & shynessSYMPTOMS Self-doubt, lack of selfconfidence,shyness, and indecision.There is a tendency to anticipate the worst,to be full of anxiety, and to become upsetover the slightest thing, which frequentlycauses depression or overexcitement.Concentration may be poor, and may evendevelop into dementia. Fastidiousnessand perfectionism are further commonGraphites traits.Symptoms better For walking in fresh air; forthe dark; for being in a moving vehicle.Symptoms worse On waking; for music;during menstruation.Eye, ear & nose conditionsSYMPTOMS Swollen, red, dry eyelids dueto blepharitis, and styes with a yellowdischarge. There may be an ear dischargewith an itchy infection of the outer ear. Acracking sound, especially while eating, mayoccur, as may deafness related tootosclerosis (a middle-ear disorder). Hotsweats (often due to a hormonal imbalance)may be followed by nosebleeds.Symptoms better For warmth; for fresh air.Symptoms worse For cold; on the left side;before and during menstruation.Digestive disordersSYMPTOMS Constipation, bloating, andflatulence, maybe with cramps. There maybe rectal itching, hemorrhoids, anal fissures,and stomach pains with hunger or vomiting.Bland foods are preferred to meat and saltyor sweet foods.Symptoms better For warmth with fresh air;for hot foods.Symptoms worse For cold; during menstruation;for sweet foods; for seafood.Menstrual problemsSYMPTOMS Irregular, scanty, menstruation, andswollen, hard, painful breasts before andduring menstruation. There may be itchygenitals and constipation (see above).Symptoms better For wrapping up warmly.Symptoms worse At night; for scratching.GRAPHITE This mineral is not generally usedmedicinally, except in its homeopathic form.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINForms within other rocks, such as granite,slate, schist, and marble. Commonly foundin Sri Lanka, Mexico, and North America.BACKGROUNDDr. S. Weinhold, a German contemporary ofHahnemann, noted that workmen in a mirrorfactory cured cold sores with graphite.PREPARATIONGraphite powder is triturated with lactosesugar to make it soluble. After beingdissolved in water it is repeatedly dilutedand succussed.COMMON NAMESGraphite, blacklead, plumbago.Erectile problemsSYMPTOMS Impotence in men with a highlibido at an early age. Priapism (persistent,sore erection) may affect men who dislikesexual intercourse.Symptoms better For walking in fresh air.Symptoms worse For sexual excess;for masturbation.See also Eczema, pages 194, 240; Reproduction, page 198; Emotional problems, page 210; Catarrh, page 226