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

  • ANTHRACINUM

    Anthrax Poison

    This nosode has proven a great remedy in epidemic spleen diseases of domestic animals, and in septic inflammation, carbuncles and malignant ulcers. In boils and boil-like eruptions, acne. Terrible burning. Induration of cellular tissue, abscess, bubo, and all inflammation of connective tissue in which there exists a purulent focus.

    Tissues.–Hæmorrhages, black, thick, tar-like, rapidly decomposing, from any orifice. Glands swollen, cellular tissues œdematous and indurated. Septicæmia. Ulceration, sloughing and intolerable burning. Erysipelas. Black and blue blisters. Dissecting wounds. Insect stings. Bad effects from inhaling foul odors. Gangrenous parotitis. Succession of boils. Gangrene. Foul secretions.

    Relationship.–Similar to Arsenic, which it often follows. Compare: Pyrogen; Lachesis; Crotalus; Hippozoen; Echinac; Silica follows well. In the treatment of carbuncles, remember the prescription of the prophet Isaiah for King Hezekiah’s carbuncle-i.e the pulp of a fig placed on a poultice and apply.

    Dose.–Thirtieth potency. Tarant. Cubensis.

    See associated products:

  • ANTHEMIS NOBILIS

    Roman Chamomile

    This remedy is akin to the ordinary Chamomilla. Gastric disturbance with coldness. Sensitive to cold air and cold things.

    Respiration.–Coryza with much lachrymation, sneezing, and discharge of clear water from the nose. Symptoms worse indoors. Constriction and rawness of throat. Cough, tickling; worse in warm room.

    Abdomen.–Aching in region of liver; griping and chilliness inside of abdomen and into legs. Itching of anus, with white putty-like stools.

    Urinary.–Bladder feels distended. Pain along spermatic cord, which feels full, as if varicosed. Frequent urination.

    Skin.–Itching of the soles, as if from chilblains. Gooseflesh.

    Dose.–Use the third potency.

  • ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM

    Black Sulphide of Antimony

    For homeopathic employment, the mental symptoms and those of the gastric sphere, determine its choice. Excessive irritability and fretfulness, together with a thickly-coated white tongue, are true guiding symptoms to many forms of disease calling for this remedy. All the conditions are aggravated by heat and cold bathing. Cannot bear heat of sun. Tendency to grow fat. An absence of pain, where it could be expected, is noticeable. Gout with gastric symptoms.

    Mind.–Much concerned about his fate. Cross and contradictive; whatever is done fails to give satisfaction. Sulky; does not wish to speak. Peevish; vexed without cause. Child cannot bear to be touched or looked at. Angry at every little attention. Sentimental mood.

    Head.–Aching, worse in vertex, on ascending, from bathing, from disordered stomach, especially from eating candy or drinking acid wines. Suppressed eruptions. Heaviness in forehead with vertigo; nausea, and nosebleed. Headache with great loss of hair.

    Eyes.–Dull, sunken, red, itch, inflamed, agglutinated. Canthi raw and fissured. Chronic blepharitis. Pustules on cornea and lids.

    Ears.–Redness; swelling; pain in eustachian tube. Ringing and deafness. Moist eruption around ear.

    Nose.–Nostrils chapped and covered with crusts. Eczema of nostrils, sore, cracked and scurfy.

    Face.–Pimples, pustules, and boils on face. Yellow crusted eruption on cheeks and chin. Sallow and haggard.

    Mouth.–Cracks in corners of mouth. Dry lips. Saltish saliva. Much slimy mucus. Tongue coated thick white, as if whitewashed. Gums detach from teeth; bleed easily. Toothache in hollow teeth. Rawness of palate, with expectoration of much mucus. Canker sores. Pappy taste. No thirst. Subacute eczema about mouth.

    Throat.–Much thick yellowish mucus from posterior nares. Hawking in open air. Laryngitis. Rough voice from over use.

    Stomach.–Loss of appetite. Desire for acids, pickles. Thirst in evening and night. Eructation tasting of the ingesta. Heartburn, nausea, vomiting. After nursing, the child vomits its milk in curds, and refuses to nurse afterwards, and is very cross. Gastric and intestinal complaints from bread and pastry, acids, sour wine, cold bathing, overheating, hot weather. Constant belching. Gouty metastasis to stomach and bowels. Sweetish waterbrash. Bloating after eating.

    Stool.–Anal itching (Sulpho-calc. Alum). diarrhœa alternates with constipation, especially in old people. Diarrhœa after acids, sour wine, baths, overeating; slimy, flatulent stools. Mucous piles, continued oozing of mucus. Hard lumps mixed with watery discharge. Catarrhal proctitis. Stools composed entirely of mucus.

    Urine.–Frequent, with burning, and backache; turbid and foul odor.

    Male.–Eruption on scrotum and about genitals. Impotence. Atrophy of penis and testicles.

    Female.–Excited; parts itch. Before menses, toothache; menses too early and profuse. Menses suppressed from cold bathing, with feeling of pressure in pelvis and tenderness in ovarian region. Leucorrhœa watery; acrid, lumpy.

    Respiratory.–Cough worse coming into warm room, with burning sensation in chest, itching of chest, oppression. Loss of voice from becoming overheated. Voice harsh and badly pitched.

    Back.–Itching and pain of neck and back.

    Extremities.–Twitching of muscles. Jerks in arms. Arthritic pain in fingers. Nails brittle; grow out of shape. Horny warts on hands and soles. Weakness and shaking of hands in writing followed by offensive flatulence. Feet very tender; covered with large horny places. Inflamed corns. Pain in heels.

    Skin.–Eczema with gastric derangements. Pimples, vesicles, and pustules. Sensitive to cold bathing. Thick, hard, honey-colored scabs. Urticaria; measle-like eruption. Itching when warm in bed. Dry skin. Warts (Thuja; Sabina; Caust). Dry gangrene. Scaly, pustular eruption with burning and itching, worse at night.

    Sleep.–Continual drowsiness in old people.

    Fever.–Chilly even in warm room. Intermittent with disgust, nausea, vomiting, eructations, coated tongue, diarrhœa. Hot sweat.

    Modalities.–Worse, in evening, from heat, acids, wine, water, and washing. Wet poultices. Better, in open air, during rest. Moist warmth.

    Relationship.–Compare: Antimonium Chloridum. Butter of Antimony (A remedy for cancer. Mucous membranes destroyed. Abrasions. Skin cold and clammy. Great prostration of strength. Dose-third trituration).

    Antimon iodat (Uterine hyperplasia; humid asthma. Pneumonia and bronchitis; loss of strength, and appetite, yellowish skin, sweaty, dull and drowsy). In sub-acute and chronic colds in chest which have extended downwards from head and have fastened themselves upon the bronchial tubes in the form of hard, croupy cough with a decided wheeze and inability to raise the sputum, especially in the aged and weak patients (Bacmeister). Stage of resolution of pneumonia slow and delayed.

    Compare: Kermes mineral-Stibiat sulph rub (Bronchitis). Also Puls, Ipecac, Sulph.

    Complementary: Sulph.

    Antidote: Hepar.

    Dose.–Third to sixth potency.

  • ANTIMONIUM ARSENICOSUM

    Arsenite of Antimony

    Found useful in emphysema with excessive dyspnœa and cough, much mucous secretion. Worse on eating and lying down. Catarrhal pneumonia associated with influenza. Myocarditis and cardiac weakness. Pleurisy, especially of left side, with exudation and pericarditis, with effusion. Sense of weakness. Inflammation of eyes and œdema of face.

    Dose.–Third trituration.

  • ANISUM STELLATUM

    Anise
    (ILLICIUM)

    Should be remembered in the treatment of flatulent conditions. So-called three-months’ colic, especially if it recurs at regular hours; much rumbling in abdomen. One symptom is worthy of special remembrance-pain in region of third rib, about an inch or two from the sternum, generally on right side, but occasionally on left. Frequent cough with this pain. Purulent tracheal and gastric catarrh of old drunkards. Old asthmatics. Vomiting, epileptiform convulsions with biting of tongue.

    Nose.–Sharp stitches beneath lip. Acute catarrh. Burning and numbness of inner lower lip.

    Respiratory.–Dyspnœa. Pain near third intercostal cartilage. Cough, with pus-like phlegm. Palpitation, with aphthæ. Hæmoptysis.

    Dose.–Third potency.

  • ANILINUM

    Coal Tar Product-Amidobenzene

    Marked giddiness and pain in head; face has a purple hue. Pain in penis and scrotum with swelling. Tumors of the urinary passages. Profound anæmia with discoloration of skin, blue lips, anorexia, gastric disturbances. Swelling of skin.

    Relationship.–Compare: Arsenic; Antipyrin.

  • ANHALONIUM LEWINII

    Mescal Button
    (ANHALONIUM)

    Mescal is a strong intoxicating spirit distilled from Pulque fuerte. Pulque is made from the Agave Americana of Mexico, locally known as Maguey and is the national beverage of Mexico. Indians call it Peyote. It weakens the heart, produces insanity. Its most striking effects appear in the auditory nerve for it makes each note upon the piano a center of melody which seems to be surrounded by a halo of color pulsating to the rhythm of the music” (Hom. World).

    Causes a form of intoxication accompanied by wonderful visions, remarkably beautiful and varied kaleidoscopic changes, and a sensation of increased physical ability. Also visions of monsters and various gruesome forms. A cardiac tonic and respiratory stimulant. Hysteria and insomnia. A remedy for brainfag, delirium, megrim, hallucinations, with colored brilliant visions. Motor inco-ordination. Extreme muscular depression; increased patellar reflex. Paraplegia.

    Mind.–Loss of conception of time. Difficult enunciation. Distrust and resentment. Lazy contentment.

    Head.–Aches, with disturbed vision. Fantastic, brilliant, moving colored objects. Affected by beating time. Pupils dilated, vertigo, brain tired. Polychrome spectra. Exaggerated reverberation of ordinary sounds.

    Dose.–Tincture.

    Relationship.–Compare Agave. The intoxication of Anhalonium is similar to that of Cannabis Indica and Oenanthe.

  • ANGUSTURA VERA

    Bark of Galipea Cusparia

    Rheumatic and paralytic complaints-great difficulty in walking. Crackling in all joints.

    The greatest craving for coffee is a characteristic symptom. Caries of long bones. Paralysis. Tetanus. Stiffness of muscles and joints. Oversensitive.

    Principal action on spinal motor nerves and mucous membranes.

    Head.–Oversensitive. Headache, with heat of face. Acute pain in cheeks. Drawing in facial muscles. Pain in temporal muscles, when opening the jaws. Pain in articulation of jaw, in masseter muscles, as if fatigued by chewing too much. Cramp-pain on the zygomatic arch.

    Stomach.–Bitter taste. Irresistible desire for coffee. Pain from navel into sternum. Atonic dyspepsia. Belching, with cough (Ambra).

    Abdomen.–Diarrhœa and colic. Tenesmus with soft stool; chronic diarrhœa, with debility and loss of flesh. Burning in anus.

    Back.–Itching along back. Pain in cervical vertebræ. Drawing in the neck. Pain in spine, at nape of neck and sacrum, worse on pressure. Twitching and jerking along back. Bends backward.

    Extremities.–Stiffness and tension of muscles and joints. Pain in limbs on walking. Arms tired and heavy. Caries of long bones. Coldness of fingers. Pain in knees. Cracking in joints.

    Skin.–Caries, very painful ulcers which affect the bone.

    Relationship.–Compare: Nux; Ruta; Mercur; Brucea. -Bark of Nux vomica or angustura falsa (Tetanic spasms with undisturbed consciousness, worse noise, liquids, paralyzed lower extremities, worse least touch, cries for fear of being touched. Painful jerking of legs; cramp-like pain in knees; rigid and lame limbs of paralytics. For pain in the passing of calculus).

    Dose.–Sixth potency.

  • ANEMOPSIS CALIFORNICA

    Yerba Mansa-Household Herb

    A mucous membrane medicine. Chronic forms of inflammation of the Schneiderian membrane with considerable relaxation and profuse discharge. Chief value in catarrhal states, with full stuffy sensation in head and throat. Useful in cuts, bruises and sprains; and as a diuretic and in malaria. Not yet proven, but found useful in profuse mucous or serous discharges; in nasal and pharyngeal catarrh, diarrhúa and urethritis. Recommended in heart disease, as a quieting agent when unduly excited. Flatulence; promotes digestion.

    Relationship.–Compare Piper meth.

    Dose.–The tincture internally and locally as a spray.

  • ANANTHERUM MURICATUM

    Cuscus-An East Indian Grass
    (ANATHERUM)

    A skin remedy of high order.

    Painful swelling of various parts, going on to suppuration. Glandular inflammation.

    Head.–Pains pierce brain like pointed arrows; worse in afternoon. Herpes, ulcers, and tumors on scalp. Wartlike growth on eyebrows. Boils and tumors on tip of nose. Tongue fissured, as if cut on edges; copious salivation.

    Urine.–Turbid, thick, full of mucus. Constant urging. Bladder cannot hold smallest quantity. Involuntary. Cystitis.

    Sexual.–Chancre-like sores. Scirrhus-like swelling of cervix. Breasts swollen, indurated, nipples excoriated.

    Skin.–Diseased and deformed nails. Offensive foot-sweat. Abscesses boils, ulcers. Erysipelas. Pruritus, herpes.

    Relationship.–Compare: Staphisag; Mercur; Thuja.

    Dose.–Third potency.