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

  • AMYGDALUS PERSICA

    Peach Tree

    A most valuable remedy in vomiting of various kinds; morning sickness. Irritation of eyes. Ischuria and hæmaturia.

    Hæmorrhage from the bladder.

    Gastric irritation of children; no form of food tolerated. Loss of smell and taste. Gastric and intestinal irritation when the tongue is elongated and pointed, tip and edges red. Constant nausea and vomiting.

    Relationship.–Compare: Amygd amara-Bitter Almond (Pains through tonsils, throat dark, difficult swallowing, vomiting, cough with sore chest).

  • AMMONIUM CAUSTICUM

    Hydrate of Ammonia-Ammonia Water

    This is a powerful cardiac stimulant. As such in syncope, thrombosis, hćmorrhage, snake-bites, chloroform narcosis, may be given by inhalation.

    The śdema and ulceration of mucous membranes produced by this powerful drug have been utilized as guiding symptoms for its use; hence in membranous croup with burning in śsophagus. Aphonia. See Causticum.

    Respiratory.–Difficult respiration. Accumulation of mucus with incessant coughing. Loss of voice. Burning rawness in throat. Spasm of the glottis with suffocation; patient gasps for breath. Pain in śsophagus on breathing deeply. Scraping and burning in throat and śsophagus. Uvula covered with white mucus. Nasal diphtheria, with burning excoriating discharge.

    Extremities.–Excessive exhaustion and muscular debility. Rheumatism of shoulders. Skin hot and dry.

    Dose.–First to third potency; also five to ten minims, well diluted with water.

  • AMMONIUM CARBONICUM

    Carbonate of Ammonia
    (AMMONIUM CARB)

    The diseased conditions met by this remedy are such as we find often in rather stout women who are always tired and weary, take cold easily, suffer from cholera-like symptoms before menses, lead a sedentary life, have a slow reaction generally, and are disposed to frequent use of the smelling-bottle. Too frequent and profuse menses. Mucous membranes of the respiratory organs are especially affected. Fat patients with weak heart, wheezing, feel suffocated. Very sensitive to cold air. Great aversion to water; cannot bear to touch it. Malignant scarlatina, with somnolence, swollen glands, dark red sore throat, faintly developed eruption. Urćmia. Heaviness in all organs. Uncleanness in bodily habits. Swelling of parts, glands, etc. Acid secretions. Prostration from trifles.

    Mind.–Forgetful, ill-humored, gloomy during stormy weather. Uncleanliness. Talking and hearing others talk affects greatly. Sad, weepy, unreasonable.

    Head.–Pulsating forehead; better, pressure and in warm room. Shocks through head.

    Eyes.–Burning of eyes with aversion to light. Eye-strain (Nat mur). Asthenopia. Sore canthi.

    Ears.–Hardness of hearing. Shocks through ears, eyes, and nose, when gnashing teeth.

    Nose.–Discharge of sharp, burning water. Stoppage at night, with long-continued coryza. Cannot breathe through nose. Snuffles of children. Epistaxis after washing and after eating. Ozćna, blows bloody mucus from nose. Tip of nose congested.

    Face.–Tetters around mouth. Boils and pustules, during menses. Corners of mouth sore, cracked, and burn.

    Mouth.–Great dryness of mouth and throat. Toothache. Pressing teeth together sends shocks through head, eyes, and ears. Vesicles on tongue. Taste sour; metallic. Cracking of jaw on chewing.

    Throat.–Enlarged tonsils and glands of neck. Burning pain all down throat. Tendency to gangrenous ulceration of tonsils. Diphtheria when nose is stopped up.

    Stomach.–Pain at pit of stomach, with heartburn, nausea, waterbrash, and chilliness. Great appetite, but easily satisfied. Flatulent dyspepsia.

    Abdomen.–Noise and pain in abdomen. Flatulent hernia. Stools difficult, hard, and knotty. Bleeding piles; worse during menses. Itching at anus. Protruding piles, worse after stool, better lying down.

    Urine.–Frequent desire; involuntary at night. Tenesmus of bladder. Urine white, sandy, bloody, copious, turbid and fetid.

    Male.–Itching and pain of scrotum and spermatic cords. Erection without desire. Seminal emissions.

    Female.–Itching, swelling and burning of pudendum. Leucorrhśa burning, acrid, watery. Aversion to the other sex. Menses too frequent, profuse, early, copious, clotted, black; colicky pains, and hard, difficult stool, with fatigue, especially of thighs; yawning and chilliness.

    Respiratory.–Hoarseness. Cough every morning about three o’clock, with dyspnśa, palpitation, burning in chest; worse ascending. Chest feels tired. Emphysema. Much oppression in breathing; worse after any effort, and entering warm room, or ascending even a few steps. Asthenic Pneumonia. Slow labored, stertorous breathing; bubbling sound. Winter catarrh, with slimy sputum and specks of blood. Pulmonary śdema.

    Heart.–Audible palpitation with fear, cold sweat, lachrymation, inability to speak, loud breathing and trembling hands. Heart weak, wakes with difficult breathing and palpitation.

    Extremities.–Tearing in joints relieved by heat of bed; inclination to stretch limbs. Hands cold and blue; distended veins. Fingers swell when arm is hanging down. Panaritium, deep-seated periosteal pain. Cramps in calves and soles. Big toe painful and swollen. Felons in the beginning. Heel painful on standing. Tearing in ankle and bones of feet, better when warm in bed.

    Sleep.–Sleepiness during the day. Starts from sleep strangling.

    Skin.–Violent itching and burning blisters. Scarlet rash. Miliary rash. Malignant scarlatina. Faintly developed eruptions from defective vitality. Erysipelas in the aged, with brain symptoms. Eczema in the bends of extremities, between legs, about anus and genitals.

    Modalities.–Worse, evenings, from cold, wet weather, wet applications, washing, and during 3 to 4 am, during menses. Better, lying on painful side and on stomach; in dry weather.

    Relationship.–Inimical to Lachesis. Similar in action.

    Antidotes: Arnica; Camphor.

    Compare: Rhus; Muriatic acid; Tartar emet.

    Of use in poisoning by charcoal fumes.

    Dose.–Lower potencies deteriorate with age. Sixth potency best for general use.

  • AMBROSIA ARTEMISIAEFOLIA

    Rag-Weed
    (AMBROSIA)

    A remedy for hay-fever, lachrymation and intolerable itching of the eye-lids. Some forms of whooping-cough. Respiratory tract in its entire length stopped up. Many forms of diarrhœa, especially during summer months, also dysentery.

    Nose.–Watery coryza; sneezing; watery discharge. Nosebleed. Stuffed up feeling of nose and head. Irritation of trachea and bronchial tubes, with asthmatic attacks (Aral; Eucalypt). Wheezy cough.

    Eyes.–Smart and burn. Lachrymation.

    Relationship.–Compare in hay-fever: Sabadilla, Wyethia; Succin ac; Ars jod; Arundo.

    Dose.–Tincture, to third potency; 10 drops in water during and after attack of epistaxis. In hay-fever high potencies.

  • AMMONIUM BROMATUM

    Bromide of Ammonia

    Indicated in chronic laryngeal and pharyngeal catarrh, neuralgic headaches, and obesity. Constrictive pain in head, chest, legs, etc. Irritable feeling under finger nails; relieved only by biting them.

    Head.–Cerebral congestion. Feeling of a band above ears. Sneezing; thick nasal discharge.

    Eyes.–Edges of lids red and swollen, also Meibomian glands. Eyeballs feel large and pain around eyes into head.

    Throat.–Smarting in mouth. Tickling in throat, with inclination to dry, spasmodic cough, especially at night. Burning in fauces. White, sticky, mucus. Chronic speakers’ catarrh.

    Respiratory.–Sudden, short cough, strangling. Tickling in trachea and bronchial tubes. Wakes at 3 am with cough. Feels suffocated; continuous cough, when lying down at night; sharp pain in lungs. Whooping Cough.–Dry, spasmodic cough on lying down.

    Relationship.–Hyos; Con; Arg nit; Kali bich.

    Dose.–First potency.

  • AMBRA GRISEA

    Ambergis-A Morbid Secretion of the Whale

    Suitable to excitable, nervous children and thin, nervous patients. Extreme nervous hypersensitiveness. External numbness of whole body in the morning and weakness. Nervous bilious temperament. Thin, scrawny women. Adapted to hysterical subjects, or those suffering from spinal irritation, with convulsive cough, eructation, etc. Also for patients weakened by age or overwork, who are anæmic and sleepless. Great remedy for the aged, with impairment of all functions, weakness, coldness and numbness, usually of single parts, fingers, arms, etc. One-sided complaints call for it. Music aggravates symptoms. Ebullitions and pulsations after walking in open air. One-sided complaints.

    Mind.–Dread of people, and desire to be alone. Cannot do anything in presence of others. Intensely shy, blushes easily. Music causes weeping. Despair, loathing of life. Fantastic illusions. Bashful. Loss of love of life. Restless, excited, very loquacious. Time passes slowly. Thinking, difficult in the morning with old people. Dwells upon unpleasant things.

    Head.–Slow comprehension. Vertigo, with weakness in head and stomach. Pressure on front part of head with mental depression. Tearing pain in upper half of brain. Senile dizziness. Rush of blood to head, when listening to music. Hearing impaired. Epistaxis, especially in the morning. Profuse bleeding from teeth. Hair falls out.

    Stomach.–Eructations, with violent, convulsive cough. Acid eructations, like heartburn. Distention of stomach and abdomen after midnight. Sensation of coldness in abdomen.

    Urinary.–Pain in bladder and rectum at the same time. Burning in orifice of urethra and anus. Feeling in urethra as if a few drops passed out. Burning and itching in urethra while urinating. Urine turbid, even during emission forming a brown sediment.

    Female.–Nymphomania, Itching of pudendum, with soreness and swelling. Menses too early. Profuse, bluish leucorrhœa. Worse at night. Discharge of blood between periods, at every little accident.

    Male.–Voluptuous itching of scrotum. Parts externally numb; burn internally. Violent erections without voluptuous sensations.

    Respiratory.–Asthmatic breathing with eructation of gas. Nervous, spasmodic cough, with hoarseness and eructation, on waking in morning; worse in presence of people. Tickling in throat, larynx and trachea, chest oppressed, gets out of breath when coughing. Hollow, spasmodic, barking cough, coming from deep in chest. Choking when hawking up phlegm.

    Heart.–Palpitation, with pressure in chest as from a lump lodged there, or as if chest was obstructed. Conscious of the pulse. Palpitation in open air with pale face.

    Sleep.–Cannot sleep from worry; must get up. Anxious dreams. Coldness of body and twitching of limbs, during sleep.

    Skin.–Itching and soreness, especially around genitals. Numbness of skin. Arms “go to sleep”.

    Extremities.–Cramps in hands and fingers, worse grasping anything. Cramps in legs.

    Modalities.–Worse, music; presence of strangers; from any unusual thing; morning, warm room. Better, slow motion in open air; lying on painful part; cold drinks.

    Relationship.–Do not confound with Amber-Succinum q v. Moschus frequently follows advantageously. Compare: Oleum succinum (hiccough). Sumbul; Castor; Asaf; Crocus; Lilium.

    Dose.–Second and third potencies; may be repeated with advantage.

  • AMMONIUM BENZOICUM

    Benzoate of Ammonia

    One of the remedies for albuminuria, especially in the gouty. Gout, with deposits in joints. Urinary incontinence in the aged.

    Head.–Heavy, stupid.

    Face.–Bloated, swollen eyelids. Swelling under tongue like ranula.

    Urine.–Smoky, scanty. Albuminous and thick deposits.

    Back.–Pain across sacrum, with urgency to stool. Soreness in region of right kidney.

    Relationship.–Compare: Terebinth; Benz ac; Ammonia salts; Caust.

    In albuminuria compare: Kalmia; Helon; Merc cor; Berb; Canth.

    Dose.–Second trituration.

  • ALUMINA SILICATA

    Andalasite rock-Alumina 63, Silica 37 parts

    Deep acting remedy for chronic complaints of brain, spine and nerves. Constriction is a marked general symptom, also constriction of orifices. Venous distention. Weakness, especially spinal. Aching and burning in spine. Formication, numbness, pain in all limbs. Epileptiform convulsion. Coldness during pains.

    Head.–Congestion of brain. Constriction of scalp. Pain in head, better heat, perspires. Pain in eyes, flickering. Frequent coryzas. Swelling and ulceration of nose.

    Respiratory.–Catarrh of chest, pain, raw feeling. Feeling of great weakness in chest. Stitching pains. Spasmodic cough with purulent viscid expectoration.

    Extremities.–Heaviness, jerking, numbness, aching and pains.

    Skin.–Formication along course of nerves, veins feel full and distended. Sore to touch and pressure.

    Modalities.–Worse, cold air, after eating, standing. Better, warmth, fasting, resting in bed.

    Dose.–Higher potencies. -Lower triturations.

  • ALUMEN

    Common Potash Alum

    The clinical application of this remedy points to its bowel symptoms, both in obstinate constipation and in hćmorrhage from bowels in the course of typhoid-one phase of the paralytic weakness of the muscles in all parts of the body. Tendency to induration is also marked, a low form of tissue-making is favored. Hardening of tissues of tongue, rectum, uterus, etc; ulcers with indurated base. Adapted to old people, especially bronchial catarrhs. Sensation of dryness and constriction. Mental paresis; dysphagia especially to liquids. Tendency to induration, Scirrhus of the tongue.

    Head.–Burning pain as of weight on top of lead better by pressure of hand. Vertigo, with weakness in pit of stomach. Alopecia.

    Throat.–Throat relaxed. Mucous membrane red and swollen. Cough. Tickling in throat. Tendency to throat colds. Enlarged and indurated tonsils. Burning pain down the śsophagus. Complete aphonia. Every cold settles in throat. Constriction of śsophagus.

    Heart.–Palpitation, from lying down on right side.

    Rectum.–Constipation of the most aggravated kind. No desire for stool for days. Violent ineffectual urging to stool. No ability to expel stool. Marble-like masses pass, but rectum still feels full. Itching after stool. Itching in anus. Long lasting pain and smarting in rectum after stool; also hćmorrhoids. Yellow, like an infant’s. Hćmorrhage from bowels.

    Female.–Tendency to induration of neck of uterus and mammary glands (Carb an; Con). Chronic yellow vaginal discharge. Chronic gonorrhśa, yellow, with little lumps along urethra. Aphthous patches in vagina (Caul). Menses watery.

    Respiratory.–Hćmoptysis, great weakness of chest; difficult to expel mucus. Copious, ropy morning expectoration in old people. Asthma.

    Skin.–Ulcers, with indurated base. To be thought of in indurated glands, epithelioma, etc; veins become varicose and bleed. Indurations resulting from long-continued inflammatory irritations. Glands inflame and harden. Alopecia, Scrotal eczema and on back of penis.

    Extremities.–Weakness of all muscles, especially arms and legs. Constricted feeling around limbs.

    Modalities.–Worse, cold except headache, which is relieved by cold.

    Dose.–First to thirtieth potency. The very highest potencies have proved efficacious. Powdered alum, 10 grains, placed on tongue, said to arrest an attack of asthma.

  • ALUMINA

    Oxide et Aluminum-Argilla

    A very general condition corresponding to this drug is dryness of mucous membranes and skin, and tendency to paretic muscular states. Old people, with lack of vital heat, or prematurely old, with debility. Sluggish functions, heaviness, numbness, and staggering, and the characteristic constipation find an excellent remedy in Alumina. Disposition to colds in the head, and eructations in spare, dry, thin subjects. Delicate children, products of artificial baby foods.

    Mind.–Low-spirited; fears loss of reason. Confused as to personal identity. Hasty, hurried. Time passes slowly. Variable mood. Better as day advances. Suicidal tendency when seeing knife or blood.

    Head.–Stitching, burning pain in head, with vertigo, worse in morning, but relieved by food. Pressure in forehead as from a tight hat. Inability to walk except with eyes open. Throbbing headache, with constipation. Vertigo, with nausea; better after breakfast. Falling out of hair; scalp itches and is numb.

    Eyes.–Objects look yellow. Eyes feel cold. Lids dry, burn, smart, thickened, aggravated in morning; chronic conjunctivitis. Ptosis. Strabismus.

    Ears.–Humming; roaring. Eustachian tube feels plugged.

    Nose.–Pain at root of nose. Sense of smell diminished. Fluent coryza. Point of nose cracked, nostrils sore, red; worse touch. Scabs with thick yellow mucus. Tettery redness. Ozœna atrophica sicca. Membranes distended and boggy.

    Face.–Feels as if albuminous substance had dried on it. Blood-boils and pimples. Twitching of lower jaw. Rush of blood to face after eating.

    Mouth.–Sore. Bad odor from it. Teeth covered with sordes. Gums sore, bleeding. Tensive pain in articulation of jaw when opening mouth or chewing.

    Throat.–Dry, sore; food cannot pass, œsophagus contracted. Feels as if splinter or plug were in throat. Irritable, and relaxed throat. Looks parched and glazed. Clergyman’s sore throat in thin subjects. Thick, tenacious mucus drops from posterior nares. Constant inclination to clear the throat.

    Stomach.–Abnormal cravings-chalk, charcoal, dry food, tea-grounds. Heartburn; feels constricted. Aversion to meat (Graph; Arn; Puls). Potatoes disagree. No desire to eat. Can swallow but small morsels at a time. Constriction of œsophagus.

    Abdomen.–Colic, like painter’s colic. Pressing in both groins toward sexual organs. Left-sided abdominal complaints.

    Stool.–Hard dry, knotty; no desire. Rectum sore, dry, inflamed, bleeding. Itching and burning at anus. Even a soft stool is passed with difficulty. Great straining. Constipation of infants (Collins; Psor; Paraf) and old people from inactive rectum, and in women of very sedentary habit. Diarrhœa on urinating. Evacuation preceded by painful urging long before stool, and then straining at stool.

    Urine.–Muscles of bladder paretic, must strain at stool in order to urinate. Pain in kidneys, with mental confusion. Frequent desire to urinate in old people. Difficult starting.

    Male.–Excessive desire. Involuntary emissions when straining at stool. Prostatic discharge.

    Female.–Menses too early, short, scanty, pale, followed by great exhaustion (Carb an; Coccul). Leucorrhœa acrid, profuse transparent, ropy, with burning; worse during daytime, and after menses. Relieved by washing with cold water.

    Respiratory.–Cough soon after waking in the morning. Hoarse, aphonia, tickling in larynx; wheezing, rattling respiration. Cough on talking or singing, in the morning. Chest feels constricted. Condiments produce cough. Talking aggravates soreness of chest.

    Back.–Stitches. Gnawing pain, as if from hot iron. Pain along cord, with paralytic weakness.

    Extremities.–Pain in arm and fingers, as if hot iron penetrated. Arms feel paralyzed. Legs feel asleep, especially when sitting with legs crossed. Staggers on walking. Heels feel numb. Soles tender; on stepping, feel soft and swollen. Pain in shoulder and upper arm. Gnawing beneath finger nails. Brittle nails. Inability to walk, except when eyes are open or in daytime. Spinal degenerations and paralysis of lower limbs.

    Sleep.–Restless; anxious and confused dreams. Sleepy in morning.

    Skin.–Chapped and dry tettery. Brittle nails. Intolerable itching when getting warm in bed. Must scratch until it bleeds; then becomes painful. Brittle skin on fingers.

    Modalities.–Worse, periodically; in afternoon; from potatoes. Worse, in morning on awaking; warm room. Better, in open air; from cold washing; in evening and on alternate days. Better damp weather.

    Relationship.–Compare: Aluminum chloridum (Pains of loco-motor ataxia. Lower trits in water). Slag Silico-Sulphocalcite of Alumina 3x (anal itching, piles, constipation, flatulent distention); Secale; Lathyr; Plumb. Aluminum acetate solution. Externally a lotion for putrid wounds and skin infections. Arrests hæmorrhage from inertia of uterus. Parenchymatous hæmorrhage from various organs-23 % solution. Hæmorrhage following tonsillectomy is controlled by rinsing out nasopharynx with a 10 % sol.

    Complementary: Bryonia.

    Antidotes: Ipecac; Chamom.

    Dose.–Sixth to thirtieth and higher. Action slow in developing.