Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

92 •MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIESNatrum chloratum syn. N. muriaticumNAT. MUR.KEY SYMPTOMS ailments that are brought on by suppression of emotions • personfeels worse for consolation • craving for salt • discharges that resemble egg whiteSodium chloride, the main ingredient of this remedy, occurs naturally as the mineralhalite, or rock salt, and in salt water. An essential part of the human diet, deficiencycauses fatigue and muscle cramps, while excess intake is thought to exacerbate highblood pressure and heart disease. In conventional medicine salt is administered assaline solution, often to replace fluid loss. Nat. mur. was proved and published byHahnemann in his Chronic Diseases (1821–34).COARSE-GROUND ROCK SALTHalite has aglassy lusterREMEDY PROFILENat. mur. is most suitable for sensitivepeople who are easily wounded by criticism.They keep a tight rein on emotions, but thiscan lead to moodiness and self-absorption.Despite a desire for company, they feelawkward in social situations and isolatethemselves to avoid being hurt, thusseeming self-reliant and stoic. Inhibitionand self-awareness may restrict them: forinstance, they may be unable to urinate ina public toilet. They are often conscientious,diligent, and loyal in their relationships.Suppressing strong emotions such asdepression, anxiety, or grief is often a causeof illness. These people hate sympathy andfuss. They are prone to colds, crave salt,and feel worse for stuffy heat, sunshine,eating, physical exertion, and sweating.They may be worse by the seaside.ColdsSYMPTOMS Profuse, runny catarrh that tendsto resemble uncooked egg white and mayslip down the throat. There may be a dry,hacking cough.Symptoms better For fresh air; for bathing incool water.Symptoms worse For heat; between 9 a.m.and 11 a.m.HeadachesSYMPTOMS A hammering, bursting headacheor migraine above the eyes, possibly withvision disturbances such as zigzag lines.Symptoms better For pressure on the eyes;for lying in the dark.Symptoms worse For heat; for light; for noise;for movement; for reading; between 10 a.m. and3 p.m.; for menstruating; for sun on the head.Skin conditionsSYMPTOMS Greasy skin and hair, withdandruff around the hairline. Warts, boils,psoriasis, urticaria (hives), hangnails, and coldsores on the nose and lips may be helped bythe remedy.Symptoms better For fresh air; for bathing incool water; for perspiring; for fasting.Symptoms worse For heat; for sunshine; forsea air; after menstruating.Mouth & throat conditionsSYMPTOMS Cold sores, mouth ulcers, dentalabscesses, and gingivitis (bleeding gums).The lips may be cracked and dry, with asplit running down the center of the lowerlip. The tongue is bright red with a whitecoating, and has a tendency to developblisters. Extreme thirst, a bitter-tastingmouth, and halitosis are also typicalsymptoms. A sore throat may occur,producing white mucus and the sensationof having a lump in the throat.Symptoms better For fresh air; for fasting.Symptoms worse For heat; for sea air; foremotional stress.Women’s healthSYMPTOMS Vaginal discharge that resemblesuncooked egg white, usually due to thrush.Fatigue may develop before and after menstrualperiods. Premenstrual syndrome is marked bywater retention and severe headaches (see left).Menstruation may be irregular, and shock orgrief may stop it entirely. A dry, sore vagina mayeven lead to vaginismus (painful spasms duringsexual intercourse).Symptoms better For fresh air; for lying onthe right side.Symptoms worse For heat; foremotional stress.SALT A common source of salt is the mineralhalite, also known as rock salt, which formswhere ancient saltwater lakes, possiblyunderground, have evaporated.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINRock salt is obtained from undergroundsources in the form of halite. Salt is alsoproduced when sea water is evaporated.BACKGROUNDHistorically of immense economic value intrade as a preservative and a condiment,but has had limited medicinal usesoutside homeopathy.PREPARATIONRock salt is dissolved in boiling water,filtered, and evaporated to make puresodium chloride, which is then trituratedwith lactose sugar.COMMON NAMESSalt, rock salt, sodium chloride.HALITE CRYSTALDigestive disordersSYMPTOMS Constipation with hard, dry stools,colicky pains with nausea, and possibly analfissures, rectal bleeding, and backaches. Theremay be sour belches and a bitter taste in themouth. Any diarrhea is only evident duringthe day.Symptoms better For fresh air; for tightclothing; for lying on the right side; for fasting.Symptoms worse For heat; for emotionalstress; for fuss.See also Skin, page 192; Migraines, page 218; Respiration, page 224; Gingivitis, page 232; Cold sores, page 242