Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR MINERAL REMEDIES• 97Silicea terra syn. Acidum silicicumSILICAKEY SYMPTOMS lack of assertiveness and stubbornness • lack of stamina • chilliness,but with offensive-smelling perspiration • susceptibility to recurrent infectionsSilica is a form of the nonmetallic element silicon, which is one of the majorelements of Earth’s crust and a vital constituent in the structure of plants. In thehuman body, it strengthens teeth, hair, and nails and is also found in connectivetissue. Silica, proved by Hahnemann in 1828 and given more for slow-developingconditions than for acute ailments, has the unusual feature of reputedly being ableto help expel foreign bodies such as splinters from the skin.REMEDY PROFILEPeople who respond best to Silica typicallylack mental and physical stamina. Their overconscientiousattitude to work can often leadto exhaustion or insomnia. They may feelanxious and “in two minds” about things, andfear pointed objects, such as needles. Theiroutlook and aspirations are limited by fear offailure. Very shy as children, they are selfconsciousand unassertive as adults, but canbe extremely stubborn and may relieve theirfrustrations on subordinates.Chilliness is a typical physical symptom,along with a marked tendency for profuse,smelly sweat. Digestive problems and aweakened bone structure, due to poorabsorption of food and undernourishment,may occur, along with recurrent infectionscaused by a weak immune system. Skin andbone problems are slow to heal and anywounds tend to suppurate.Many symptoms appear at an early age: thefontanelles (membrane-covered spacesbetween the bones of a baby’s skull) closeslowly, for instance, and the bones and teethform more slowly and are weaker than thoseof other children.Skin, teeth, nail & boneconditionsSYMPTOMS Slow eruption of teeth, wisdomteeth problems, and defects in skin, hair, andnails, due to poor absorption of minerals inthe diet. Brittle, distorted, infected nails andingrown toenails are also common symptoms.Wounds, even scratches, suppurate and healslowly; abscesses may form anywhere,including in the roots of teeth. There may beitchy scars or keloids after larger wounds,persistent acne, and copious, smelly sweating.Backaches are common; brittle, poor-qualitybones are slow to mend if broken; and theremay be curvature of the spine.Symptoms better In summer; for lying down;for being well wrapped up.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; whenmenstruating; for pressure on the painful area.Ear, nose & throat conditionsSYMPTOMS Recurrent colds, swollen glands, earinfections, and tonsillitis leading to quinsy(abscess on the tonsil). Chronic catarrh maycause sinusitis, and glue ear (fluid in the middleear) may cause earaches and hearing problems.Symptoms better For lying down; for being wellwrapped up; for warm drinks.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; for drafts;for suppressing perspiration.CoughsSYMPTOMS A persistent, dry, irritating coughthat takes the form of severe, exhaustingcoughing bouts. Inflammatory conditionssuch as bronchitis may be accompanied byfoul-smelling sputum.Symptoms better For being well wrapped up;for lying down; for warm drinks.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; for drafts;for suppressing perspiration.Digestive disordersSYMPTOMS A weak digestive system, withintolerance of particular foods, especially fatand milk; in babies this may even includemother’s milk. There may be poor absorptionof essential minerals into the body, and apreference for cold foods. Symptoms mayinclude constipation, with an inability to expelstools so that they slip back into the rectum,SOURCE DETAILSORIGINHahnemann prepared Silica from mountaincrystal; homeopaths later made it from flint.Chemically prepared silicon dioxide (silicasand) is now used.BACKGROUNDUsed as silica sand in industry in themaking of cement and concrete, as well asceramics and glass. It is also used to grindand polish glass and stone.PREPARATIONMade by triturating silicon dioxide, grindingthe sand repeatedly with lactose sugar untilit becomes soluble in water, then dilutingand succussing it.COMMON NAMESSilica, flint, quartz, rock crystal.which may develop painful cracks (fissures)or abscesses. Painful abdominal cramps andsmelly flatulence are other symptoms.Symptoms better In summer; for being wellwrapped up.Symptoms worse For cold and damp; at a newmoon; for suppressing perspiration.HeadachesFLINTSILICA A principal constituentof sandstone and otherrocks, silica is found inmany forms, from colorlessrock crystal to stonelikeflint and semipreciousstones such as opal.SILICON DIOXIDESYMPTOMS Severe pain, starting at the back ofthe head and extending over to the forehead,with dizziness and visual disturbance.Symptoms better For warmth; for closed eyes;for dark, quiet rooms; for wrapping the head.Symptoms worse For cold; for light; for noise.See also Tuberculosis, page 182; Diabetes, page 191; Skin, page 192; Osteoarthritis, page 196; Reproduction, page 198