Category: Materia Medica

PREFACE NINTH EDITION

In preparing the ninth edition of this work, I have followed the lines laid out for all the previous editions, namely, to present in a condensed form the homśopathic Materia Medica for practical use.

The book contains the well known verified characteristic symptoms of all our medicines besides other less important symptoms aiding the selection of the curative remedy, All the new medicines and essentials of the published clinical experience of the school have been added. In its present compact form it contains the maximum number of reliable Materia Medica facts in the minimum space.

I have tried to give a succinct resume of the symptomatology of every medicine used in Homśopathy, including also clinical suggestions of many drugs so far not yet based on provings, thus offering the opportunity to experiment with these and by future provings discover their distinctive use and so enlarging our armamentarium.

I am aware that there is a difference of opinion about the advisability of further introduction of remedies, especially of such as seem obsolete or to some minds illusory. But it is not for the compiler to leave out information about any substance that has received the clinical endorsement from a reliable source.

Our Materia Medica must include all substances which have been proved and which have been used with apparent efficacy. It rests with the individual student to judge for himself the accuracy and, reliability of such observation. In this connection, I cannot forego to avail myself of the high authority of that master of Homśopathy, Dr. Constantine Hering, favoring the introduction of all remedies capable of producing reactions in the body that may guide to their medicinal employment. “Homśopathy is essentially not only many-sided but all-sided. She investigates the action of all substances, whether articles of diet, beverages, condiments, drugs or poisons. She investigates their action on the healthy, the sick, animals and plants. She gives; a new interpretation to that ancient, oft quoted saying of Paul, Prove all things–a new meaning, a new application that acts universally. Elimination of the useless may gradually take place with the growth of accurate physiological and pathological knowledge.”

Again, imperfectly proved remedies necessitate the use of names of diseases at times instead of the component symptoms that alone are the legitimate guide to the choice of the curative remedy. Here, too, I have Hering as pioneer guide for the ligitimacy of this method, which he also followed in his great work, the Guiding Symptoms. He said that he used the disease designations not for the purpose of recommending the particular remedy for that disease, but to show the great variety of remedies that may be used for any form of disease when otherwise indicated. For the same reason I have included nosological terms in the symptomatology and Therapeutic Index, as this is a practical handbook for every-day service, and any aid for finding the curative remedy ought to be utilized. As Dr. J. Compton Burnett expresses it:

“The fact is we need any and every way of finding the right remedy; the simple simile, the simple symptomatic similimum and the farthest reach of all-the pathologic similimum, and I maintain that we are still well within the line- of Homśopathy that is expansive, progressive, science fostered and science fostering.”

The dosage needs some apology. It is, of course, suggestive only; more often to be wholly disregarded. I have followed the lines of the earlier Homśopathists in this regard, and given what was then considered the usual range of potency, to which I have added my own experience and that of many observing practitioners. Every teacher of Materia Medica is constantly importuned by students to suggest the potency–something to start with at least.

The book is in no sense a treatise, and must not be considered or judged as such. It is as accurate and reliable a compilation and the fullest collection of verified Materia Medica facts and clinical suggestions as it is possible to obtain within the compass of the volume. It supplements every other work on Materia Medica, and if used as a ready reminder of the essential facts of our vast symptomatology and as an introduction to the larger books of reference and record of provings, it will fulfill its purpose and prove a useful aid to the student and general practitioner. As such it is again offered with much appreciation of past endorsement to his professional brethren.

I have been aided in seeing this edition through the press by the efficient help of Mr. F. O. Ernesty, who has lightened the labor of making the manuscript more acceptable to the printers, and I desire to express my hearty appreciation of this kind and helpful service.

BOERICK MD

  • APOMORPHINUM

    Alkaloid from Decomposition of Morphine by Hydrochloric Acid
    (APOMORPHIA)

    The chief power of this drug lies in the speedy and effective vomiting that it produces, which becomes a strong guiding symptom to its homeopathic use. The vomiting is preceded by nausea, lassitude and increased secretion of sweat, saliva, mucus and tears. Pneumonia with vomiting. Combined alcoholism, with constant nausea, constipation, insomnia.

    Head and Stomach.–Vertigo. Dilated pupils. Nausea and vomiting. Violent inclination to vomit. Hot feeling all over body, especially head. Empty retching and headache; heartburn; pain between shoulder-blades. Reflex vomiting-pregnancy. Seasickness.

    Non-homeopathic Uses.–The hypodermic injection of one-sixteenth of a grain will cause full emesis within five to fifteen minutes in an adult without developing any other direct action apparently. Do not use in opium poisoning. Apomorph hypodermically, one-thirtieth grain or less, acts as a safe and sure hypnotic. Acts well even in delirium. Sleep comes on in half an hour.

    Dose.–Third to sixth potency.

  • APOCYNUM ANDROSAEMIFOLIUM

    Dogbane

    The rheumatic symptoms of this remedy promise most curative results. Its pains are of a wandering nature, with much stiffness and drawing. Everything smells and tastes like honey. Worms. Trembling and prostration. Swollen sensations.

    Extremities.–Pain in all joints. Pain in toes and soles. Swelling of hands and feet. Profuse sweat, with much heat in soles. Tingling pain in toes. Cramps in soles. Violent heat in soles (Sulph).

    Dose.–Tincture and first potency.

  • APOCYNUM CANNABINUM

    Indian Hemp

    Increases secretions of mucous and serous membranes and acts on cellular tissue, producing śdema and dropsy and on skin causing diaphoresis. Acute hydrocephalus. A diminished frequency of the pulse is a prime indication. This is one of our most efficient remedies, in dropsies, ascites, anasarca and hydrothorax, and urinary troubles, especially suppression and strangury. In the digestive complaints of Bright’s disease, with the nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, difficult breathing, it will be found of frequent service. The dropsy is characterized by great thirst and gastric irritability. Arrhythmia. Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Acute alcoholism. Relaxation of sphincters.

    Mind.–Bewildered. Low spirited.

    Nose.–Long-continued sneezing. Snuffles of children (Sambucus). Chronic nasal catarrh with tendency to acute stuffiness with dull, sluggish memory. Dull headache. Takes cold easily, nostrils become congested and blocked up easily.

    Stomach.–Nausea, with drowsiness. Thirst on walking. Excessive vomiting. Food or water is immediately ejected. Dull, heavy, sick feeling. Oppression in epigastrium and chest, impeding breathing (Lobelia infl). Sensation of sinking in stomach. Abdomen bloated. Ascites.

    Stool.–Watery, flatulent, with soreness in anus; worse after eating. Feeling as if sphincter were open and stools ran right out.

    Urine.–Bladder much distended. Turbid, hot urine, with thick mucus and burning in urethra, after urinating. Little expulsive power. Dribbling. Strangury. Renal Dropsy.

    Female.–Amenorrhśa, with bloating; metrorrhagia with nausea; fainting, vital depression. Hćmorrhages at change of life. Blood expelled in large clots.

    Respiratory.–Short, dry cough. Respiratory short and unsatisfactory. Sighing. Oppression about epigastrium and chest.

    Heart.–Tricuspid regurgitation; rapid and feeble, irregular cardiac action, low arterial tension, pulsating jugulars, general cyanosis and general dropsy.

    Sleep.–Great restlessness and little sleep.

    Modalities.–Worse, cold weather; cold drinks; uncovering.

    Relationship.–Cymarin is the active principle of Apocyn, lowers pulse rate and increases blood-pressure. Strophanthus (extreme cardiac depression with intense gastric disturbance; dropsy). Aralia hispida-Wild Elder-a valuable diuretic, useful in dropsy of the cavities, either due to hepatic or renal disease with constipation. Urinary disorders, especially with dropsy. Scudder advises doses of five to thirty drops in sweetened cream of tartar, (Solution). Apis, Arsenic, Digital; Helleb.

    Dose.–Tincture (ten drops three times daily) and in acute alcoholism 1 dram of decoction in 4 oz water.

  • APIS MELLIFICA

    The Honey-Bee

    Acts on cellular tissues causing œdema of skin and mucous membranes.

    The very characteristic effects of the sting of the bee furnish unerring indications for its employment in disease. Swelling or puffing up of various parts, œdema, red rosy hue, stinging pains, soreness, intolerance of heat, and slightest touch, and afternoon aggravation are some of the general guiding symptoms. Erysipelatous inflammations, dropsical effusions and anasarca, acute, inflammation of kidneys, and other perenchymatous tissues are characteristic pathological states corresponding to Apis. Apis acts especially on outer parts, skin, coatings of inner organs, serous membranes. It produces serous inflammation with effusion, membranes of brain, heart, pleuritic effusion, etc. Extreme sensitiveness to touch and general soreness is marked. Constricted sensations. Sensation of stiffness and as of something torn off in the interior of the body. Much prostration.

    Mind.–Apathy, indifference, and unconsciousness. Awkward; drops things readily. Stupor, with sudden sharp cries and startings. Stupor alternating with erotic mania. Sensation of dying. Listless; cannot think clearly. Jealous, fidgety, hard to please. Sudden shrill, piercing screams. Whining. Tearfulness. Jealously, fright, rage, vexation, grief. Cannot concentrate mind when attempting to read or study.

    Head.–Whole brain feels very tired. Vertigo with sneezing, worse on lying or closing eyes. Heat, throbbing, distensive pains, better on pressure, and worse on motion. Sudden stabbing pains. Dull, heavy sensation in occiput, as from a blow, extending to neck (better on pressure), accompanied with sexual excitement. Bores head into pillow and screams out.

    Eyes.–Lids swollen, red, œdematous, everted, inflamed; burn and sting. Conjunctiva bright red, puffy. Lachrymation hot. Photophobia. Sudden piercing pains. Pain around orbits. Serous exudation, œdema, and sharp pains. Suppurative inflammation of eyes. Keratitis with intense chemosis of ocular conjunctiva. Staphyloma of cornea following suppurative inflammation. Styes, also prevents their recurrence.

    Ears.–External ear red, inflamed, sore; stinging pains.

    Nose.–Coldness of tips of nose. Red, swollen, inflamed, with sharp pains.

    Face.–Swollen, red, with piercing pain. Waxy, pale, œdematous. Erysipelas with stinging burning œdema. Extends from right to left.

    Mouth.–Tongue fiery red, swollen, sore, and raw, with vesicles. Scalding in mouth and throat. Tongue feels scalded, red hot, trembling. Gums swollen. Lips swollen, especially upper. Membrane of mouth and throat glossy, as if varnished. Red, shining, and puffy, like erysipelas. Cancer of the tongue.

    Throat.–Constricted, stinging pains. Uvula swollen, sac-like. Throat swollen, inside and out; tonsils swollen, puffy, fiery red. Ulcers on tonsils. Fiery red margin around leathery membrane. Sensation of fishbone in throat.

    Stomach.–Sore feeling. Thirstless. Vomiting of food. Craving for milk (Rhus).

    Abdomen.–Sore, bruised on pressure, when sneezing. Extremely tender. Dropsy of abdomen. Peritonitis. Swelling in right groin.

    Stool.–Involuntary on every motion; anus seems open. Bloody, painless. Anus feels raw. Hæmorrhoids, with stinging pain, after confinement. Diarrhœa watery, yellow; cholera infantum type. Cannot urinate without a stool. Dark, fetid, worse after eating. Constipation; feels as if something would break on straining.

    Urine.–Burning and soreness when urinating. Suppressed, loaded with casts; frequent and involuntary; stinging pain and strangury; scanty, high colored. Incontinence. Last drops burn and smart.

    Female.–Œdema of labia; relieved by cold water. Soreness and stinging pains; ovaritis; worse in right ovary. Menses suppressed, with cerebral and head symptoms, especially in young girls. Dysmenorrhœa, with severe ovarian pains. Metrorrhagia profuse, with heavy abdomen, faintness, stinging pain. Sense of tightness. Bearing-down, as if menses were to appear. Ovarian tumors, metritis with stinging pains. Great tenderness over abdomen and uterine region.

    Respiratory.–Hoarseness; dyspnœa, breathing hurried and difficult. Œdema of larynx. Feels as if he could not draw another breath. Suffocation; short, dry cough, suprasternal. Hydrothorax.

    Extremities.–Œdematous. Synovitis. Felon in beginning. Knee swollen, shiny, sensitive, sore, with stinging pain. Feet swollen and stiff. Feel too large. Rheumatic pain in back and limbs; Tired, bruised feeling. Numbness of hands and tips of fingers. Hives with intolerable itching. Œdematous swellings.

    Skin.–Swellings after bites; sore, sensitive. Stinging. Erysipelas, with sensitiveness and swelling, rosy hue. Carbuncles, with burning, stinging pain (Ars; Anthrac). Sudden puffing up of whole body.

    Sleep.–Very drowsy. Dreams full of care and toil. Screams and sudden starting during sleep.

    Fever.–Afternoon chill, with thirst; worse on motion and heat. External heat, with smothering feeling. Sweat slight, with sleepiness. Perspiration breaks out and dries up frequently. Sleeps after the fever paroxysm. After perspiration, nettle rash, also with shuddering.

    Modalities.–Worse, heat in any form; touch; pressure; late in afternoon; after sleeping; in closed and heated rooms. Right side. Better, in open air, uncovering, and cold bathing.

    Relationship.–Complementary.: Nat mur. The “chronic”, Apis; also Baryta carb, if lymphatics are involved. Inimical. Rhus.

    Compare: Apium virus (auto-toxæmia, with pus products); Zinc; Canth; Vespa; Lachesis.

    Dose.–Tincture to thirtieth potency. In œdematous conditions the lower potencies. Sometimes action is slow; so several days elapse before it is seen to act, and then urine is increased. Apium virus, sixth trituration.

  • APHIS CHENOPODII GLAUCI

    Plant-lice from Chenopodium
    (CHENOPODI GLAUCI APHIS)

    Partakes largely of the properties of the plant upon which the insect lives.

    Head.–Sad; aching, worse from motion. Brain seems swashed hither and thither. Coryza, with burning or biting in nostrils. Noise in ears, as of cannon. Yellow face. Orbital right neuralgia, with profuse lachrymation. Toothache, relieved by general warm sweat (Cham). Toothache extends to ear, temple, and cheek-bone (Plantago).

    Stomach.–No appetite for meat and bread. Vesicles at end of tongue. Much mucus. Colic with much rumbling and ineffectual urging to stool.

    Stools.–Hard and knotty. Diarrhúa in morning, with painful urging and burning in anus, and pressure in rectum and bladder.

    Urine.–Voluptuous feeling in glans. Burning in urethra. Urination frequent, copious, frothy.

    Back.–Severe pains in region of lower inner angle of left shoulder-blade, running into chest.

    Fever.–Shuddering all over; burning in palms; hot sweat in bed.

    Relationship.–Compare: Nat sulph; Nux.

    Dose.–Sixth to thirtieth potency.

  • APIUM GRAVEOLENS

    Common Celery

    Contains a soporific active principle. Obstinate retention of urine, throbbing headaches and heartburn, have been produced by celery. Swelling of throat, face, and hands. Rheumatic pain in muscles of neck also in sacrum. Growing pains. Hungry for apples. Dysmenorrhœa, with sharp, short pains, better flexing legs.

    Head.–Depressed; energetic; feeling of fidgets; cannot sleep from thinking. Headache; better eating. Eyeballs feel sunken. Itching in eyes. Itching and smarting in inner canthus of left eye.

    Abdomen.–Sore; sharp sticking pain as if stool was coming on; diarrhœa, sharp pain in left iliac region going over to right. Nausea increases with pains.

    Female.–Sharp sticking pains in both ovarian regions, left, better bending over, by lying on left side, with legs flexed; nipples tender.

    Respiratory.–Tickling, dry cough. Intense constriction over sternum, with drawing feeling through to back on lying down. Throat swollen, dyspnœa.

    Skin.–Itching blotches; burning, creeping sensation. Profuse discharge from granulating ulcers. Urticaria with shuddering.

    Sleep.–Unrefreshed; sleepless. Wakes from 1 to 3 am.Eating does not help sleep. Not fatigued from loss of sleep.

    Dose.–First to thirtieth potency.

  • ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM

    Tartar Emetic. Tartrate of Antimony and Potash

    Has many symptoms in common with Antimonium Crudum but also many peculiar to itself. Clinically, its therapeutic application has been confined largely to the treatment of respiratory diseases, rattling of mucus with little expectoration has been a guiding symptom. There is much drowsiness, debility and sweat characteristic of the drug, which group should always be more or less present, when the drug is prescribed. Gastric affections of drunkards and gouty subjects. Cholera morbus. Sensation of coldness in blood-vessels. Bilharziasis. Antimonium tart is homeopathic to dysuria, strangury, hæmaturia, albuminuria, catarrh of bladder and urethra, burning in rectum, bloody mucous stools, etc. Antimon tart acts indirectly on the parasites by stimulating the oxidizing action of the protective substance. By-effects following injection for Bilharziasis. Chills and contractures and pain in muscles.

    Trembling of whole body, great prostration and faintness. Lumbago. Chills, contractures and muscular pains. Warts on glans penis.

    Mind and Head.–Vertigo alternates with drowsiness. Great despondency. Fear of being alone. Muttering, delirium, and stupor. Vertigo, with dullness and confusion. Band-like feeling over forehead. Face pale and sunken. Child will not be touched without whining. Headache as from a band compressing (Nit ac).

    Tongue.–Coated, pasty, thick white, with red edges. Red and dry, especially in the center. Brown.

    Face.–Cold, blue, pale; covered with cold sweat. Incessant quivering of chin and lower jaw (Gelsem).

    Stomach.–Difficult deglutition of liquids. Vomiting in any position, excepting lying on right side. Nausea, retching, and vomiting, especially after food, with deathly faintness and prostration. Thirst for cold water, little and often, and desire for apples, fruits, and acids generally. Nausea produces fear; with pressure in præcordial region, followed by headache with yawning and lachrymation and vomiting.

    Abdomen.–Spasmodic colic, much flatus. Pressure in abdomen, especially on stooping forward. Cholera morbus. Diarrhœa in eruptive diseases.

    Urinary.–Burning in urethra during and after urinating. Last drops bloody with pain in bladder. Urging increased. Catarrh of bladder and urethra. Stricture. Orchitis.

    Respiratory Organs.–Hoarseness. Great rattling of mucus, but very little is expectorated. Velvety feeling in chest. Burning sensation in chest, which ascends to throat. Rapid, short, difficult breathing; seems as if he would suffocate; must sit up. Emphysema of the aged. Coughing and gaping consecutively. Bronchial tubes overloaded with mucus. Cough excited by eating, with pain in chest and larynx. Œdema and impending paralysis of lungs. Much palpitation, with uncomfortable hot feeling. Pulse rapid, weak, trembling. Dizziness, with cough. Dyspnœa relieved by eructation. Cough and dyspnœa better lying on right side–(opposite Badiaga).

    Back.–Violent pain in sacro-lumbar region. Slightest effort to move may cause retching and cold, clammy sweat. Sensation of heavy weight at the coccyx, dragging downward all the time. Twitching of muscles; limbs tremulous.

    Skin.–Pustular eruption, leaving a bluish-red mark. Small-pox. Warts.

    Fever.–Coldness, trembling, and chilliness. Intense heat. Copious perspiration. Cold, clammy sweat, with great faintness. Intermittent fever with lethargic condition.

    Sleep.–Great drowsiness. On falling asleep electric-like shocks. Irresistible inclination to sleep with nearly all complaints.

    Modalities.–Worse, in evening; from lying down at night; from warmth; in damp cold weather; from all sour things and milk. Better, from sitting erect; from eructation and expectoration.

    Relationship.–Antidotes: Puls; Sepia.

    Compare: Kali sulph; Ipecac.

    Dose.–Second and sixth trituration. The lower potencies sometimes aggravate.

  • ANTIMONIUM SULPHURATUM AURATUM

    Golden Sulphuret of Antimony

    A remarkable remedy for many forms of chronic nasal and bronchial catarrh. Acne. Amaurosis.

    Nose and throat.–Nosebleed on washing. Increased secretion in nose and throat. Rough and scrapy feeling. Loss of smell. Metallic styptic taste.

    Respiratory.–Tickling in larynx. Increased mucus with fullness in bronchi. Respiration difficult, pressure in bronchi, with constriction. Tough mucus in bronchi and larynx. Dry hard cough. Congestion of upper lobe of left lung. Winter coughs patient is sore all over. Pneumonia, when hepatization occurred and resolution failed to take place.

    Skin.–Acne (pustular variety). Itching on hands and feet.

    Dose.–Second or third trituration.

  • ANTIPYRINUM

    Phenazone-A Coal-tar Derivative
    (ANTIPYRINE)

    Antipyrine is one of the drugs that induce leucocytosis, similar to ergotin, salicylates, and tuberculin. Acts especially on the vaso-motor centers, causing dilation of capillaries of skin and consequent circumscribed patches of hyperæmia and swelling. In large doses causes profuse perspiration, dizziness, cyanosis, and somnolence, albumen and blood in urine. Acute erythema multiforme.

    Mind.–Fear of becoming insane; nervous anxiety; hallucinations of sight and hearing.

    Head.–Throbbing headache; sensation of constriction. Flashes of heat. Headache under ears with earache.

    Eyes.–Puffiness of lids. Conjunctiva red and œdematous, with lachrymation. Red spots (Apis).

    Ears.–Pains and buzzing. Tinnitus.

    Face.–Œdema and puffiness. Red and swollen.

    Mouth.–Swelling of lips. Burning of mouth and gums. Ulceration of lips and tongue; vesicles and bullæ. Small lump in cheek. Tongue swollen. Bloody saliva. Toothache along lower jaw.

    Throat.–Pain on swallowing. Expectoration of fetid pus. Abscess, white false membrane. Sensation of burning.

    Stomach.–Nausea and vomiting; burning and pain.

    Urine.–Diminished. Penis black.

    Female.–Itching and burning in vagina. Menses suppressed. Watery leucorrhœa.

    Respiratory.–Fluent coryza. Nasal mucous membrane swollen. Dull pains in frontal sinus. Aphonia. Oppression and dyspnœa. Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

    Heart.–Faintness, with sensation of stoppage of heart. Throbbing throughout the body. Rapid, weak, irregular pulse.

    Nerves.–Epileptiform seizures. Contractures. Trembling and cramps. Crawling and numbness. General prostration.

    Skin.–Erythema, eczema, pemphigus. Intense pruritus. Urticaria, appearing and disappearing suddenly, with internal coldness. Angioneurotic-œdema. Dark blotches on skin of penis, sometimes with œdema.

    Dose.–Second decimal potency.

  • ANTHRACOKALI

    Anthracite Coal Dissolved in Boiling Caustic Potash
    (ANTHRAKOKALI)

    Useful in skin affections, scabies, prurigo, chronic herpes, cracks and ulcerations. Papular-like eruption with a vesicular tendency, especially on scrotum, also on hands, tibia, shoulders and dorsum of feet. Intense thirst. Chronic rheumatism. Bilious attacks, vomiting of bile, tympanic distention of abdomen.

    Dose.–Low triturations.