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

  • Amylenum Nitrosum

    Nitrite of Amyl (C5H11NO2.)

    For nervous, sensitive, plethoric women, during or after menopause. Often palliative in incurable cases; very important as regards euthanasia. Rapidly dilates the arteries and accelerates, but later weakens and retards the pulse. Intense surging of blood to face and head (Bell., Glon.). Craves fresh air; opens clothing, removes bed covering and opens windows in the coldest weather (Arg. n., Lach., Sulph.). Flushings: start from face, stomach, various parts of body, followed by sweatings, often hot, profuse; abruptly limited, parts below are icy cold; followed by great prostration. Face flushes at the slightest emotion (Coca, Fer.). Blushing: chronic or acute; sea sickness. Hemicrania, especially when afflicted side is pallid. Collar seems too tight, must loosen it (Lach.). Angina pectoris; tumultuous heart action; intense throbbing of heart and carotids (Glon.). Constant stretching for hours; impossible to satisfy the desire; would seize the bed and call for help to stretch. Profound and repeated yawning (Kali c.). Puerperal convulsions immediately after delivery.

    Relationship. – Similar: to, Bell., Cac., Coca, Fer., Glon., Lach.

    Aggravation. – Mental or physical exertion. Acts promptly by inhalation; resuscitates persons sinking under anaesthetics. Crude drug chiefly palliative; must be repeated as patient becomes accustomed to it; is curative in the stronger higher potencies. The cure more frequently depends upon the strength of the potency than many who have not put it to the curative test imagine.

  • Ammonium Muriaticum

    Sal Ammoniac. (NH4OCl)

    Especially adapted to those who are fat and sluggish; or body large and fat, but legs too thin. Watery, acrid coryza, corroding the lip (All. c.). During menses: diarrhoea and vomiting; bloody discharge from the bowels (Phos.); neuralgic pains in the feet; flow more profuse at night (Bov. – on lying down, Kreos.). Obstinate constipation accompanied by much flatus. Hard, crumbling stools require great effort in expulsion; crumble from the verge of anus. (Mag. m.); vary in color, no two stools alike (Puls.). Haemorrhoids: sore and smarting; with burning and stinging in the rectum for hours after stool (Aesc., Sulph.); especially after suppressed leucorrhoea. Leucorrhoea; like white of egg, preceded by griping pain about the navel; brown, slimy, painless, after every urination. Sensation of coldness in the back, between scapulae (Lach.). Hamstrings feel painfully short when walking; tension in joints as from shortening of the muscles (Caust., Cimex). Offensive sweat of the feet (Alum., Graph., Psor., Sanic., Sil.).

    Relationship. – Followed: by Ant. c., Phos., Puls., Sanic.

  • Ammonium Carbonicum

    Smelling Salts. ((NH4O)2CO.)

    Haemorrhagic diathesis, fluid blood and degeneration of red blood corpuscles; ulcerations tend to gangrene. Stout, fleshy women with various troubles in consequence of leading a sedentary life; delicate women who must have the “smelling-bottle” continually at hand; readily catch cold in the winter. Children dislike washing (Ant. c., Sulph.). Loses breath when falling asleep, must awaken to get breath (Grind., Lach.). Ill-humor during wet, stormy weather. Headache; sensation of fullness, as if forehead would burst (Bell., Glon.). Nosebleed: when washing the face (Arn., Mag. c.) and hands in the morning, from left nostril; after eating. Ozaena, blowing bloody mucus from the nose frequently; blood rushes to tip of nose, when stooping. Stoppage of nose, mostly at night; must breathe through the mouth, a keynote even in diphtheria; long lasting coryza; “snuffles” of infants (Hep., Nux, Samb., Sticta). Putrid sore throat; tendency to gangrenous ulceration of tonsils; glands engorged. In diphtheria or scarlatina when the nose is stopped up; child cannot sleep because it cannot get its breath. Cholera-like symptoms at the commencement of menstruation (Bov., Ver.). Menses: too early, profuse, preceded by griping colic; acrid, makes the thighs sore; copious at night and when sitting (Zinc.); with toothache, colic, sadness; fatigue, especially of thighs; yawning and chilliness; Leucorrhoea: watery burning from the uterus; acrid, profuse from the vagina; excoriation of vulva. Dyspnoea with palpitation, worse by exertion or on ascending even a few steps; worse in a warm room. One of the best remedies in emphysema. Cough: dry, from tickling in throat as from dust, every morning from 3 to 4 a. m. (Kali c.). Panaritium: deep seated periosteal pain (Dios., Sil.). Body red, as if from scarlatina (compare, Ailan.). Malignant scarlatina with deep sleep; stetorous breathing. Miliary rash or faintly developed eruption from defective vitality; threatened paralysis of brain (Tub., Zinc.).

    Relationship. – It antidotes, poisoning with Rhus and sting of insects. Affects the right side most. Inimical to Lachesis.

    Aggravation. – Cold, wet weather; wet poultices; from washing, during menses.

    Amelioration. – Lying on abdomen (Acet. ac.); on painful side (Puls.); in dry weather.

  • Ambra Grisea

    Ambergris. (A Nosode.)

    For children, especially young girls who are excitable, nervous and weak; nervous affections of old people, nerves “worn out.”. Lean, thin, emaciated persons who take cold easily. Great sadness, sits for days, weeping. After business embarrassments, unable to sleep, must get up (Act., Sep.). Ranula with fetid breath (Thuja). Sensation of coldness in abdomen (Cal.). The presence of others, even the nurse, is unbearable during stool; frequent, ineffectual desire, which makes her anxious. Discharge of blood between periods, at every little accident – a long walk, after very hard stool, etc. Leucorrhoea; thick, bluish-white mucus, especially or only at night (Caust., Mer., Nit. ac.). Violent cough in spasmodic paroxysyms, with eructations and hoarseness; worse talking or reading aloud (Dros., Phos.); evening without, morning with expectoration (Hyos.); whooping cough, but without crowing inspiration.

    Relationship. – Similar: to, Act., Asaf., Coca, Ign., Mosch., Phos., Val.

    Aggravation. – Warm drinks, warm room; music; lying down; reading or talking aloud; the presence of many people; after waking.

    Amelioration. – After eating; cold air; cold food and drinks; rising form bed.

  • Alumina

    Pure Clay. (Al2O3.)

    Adapted to persons who suffer from chronic diseases; “the Aconite of chronic diseases.”. Constitutions deficient in animal heat (Cal., Sil.). Spare, dry, thin subjects; dark complexion; mild, cheerful disposition; hypochondriacs; dry, tettery, itching eruption, worse in winter (Petr.); intolerable itching of whole body when getting warm in bed (Sulph.); scratches until bleeds, then becomes painful. Time passes too slowly; an hour seems half a day (Can. Ind.). Inability to walk, except with the eyes open, and in the daytime; tottering and falling when closing eyes (Arg. n., Gels.). Abnormal appetite; craving for starch, chalk, charcoal, cloves, coffee or tea grounds, acids and indigestible things (Cic., Psor.); potatoes disagree. Chronic eructations for years; worse in evening. All irritating things – salt, wine, vinegar, pepper – immediately produce cough. Constipation: no desire for and no ability to pass stool until there is a large accumulation (Melil.); great straining, must grasp the seat of closet tightly; stool hard, knotty, like laurel berries, covered with mucus; of soft, clayey, adhering to parts (Plat.). Inactivity of rectum, even soft stool requires great straining (Anac., Plat., Sil., Ver.). Constipation: of nursing children, from artificial food; bottle-fed babies; of old people (Lyc., Op.); of pregnancy, from inactive rectum (Sep.). Diarrhoea when she urinates. Has to strain at stool in order to urinate. Leucorrhoea: acrid and profuse, running down to the heels (Syph.); worse during the daytime; > by cold bathing. After menses: exhausted physically and mentally, scarcely able to speak (Carbo an., Coc.). Talking fatigues; faint and tired, must sit down.

    Relationship. – Complementary: to Bryonia. Follows: Bry., Lach., Sulph. Alumina is the chronic of Bryonia. Similar: to Bar. c., Con., in ailments of old people.

    Aggravation. – In cold air; during winter; while sitting; from eating potatoes; after eating soups; on alternate days; at new and full moon.

    Amelioration. – Mild summer weather; form warm drinks; while eating (Psor.); in wet weather (Caust.). Alumina is one of the chief antidotes for lead poisoning; painter’s colic; ailments from lead.

  • Aloe Socotrina

    Socotrine Aloes (Liliaceae)

    Adapted to indolent, “weary” persons; averse to either mental or physical labor; mental labor fatigues. Old people; especially women of relaxed, phelgmatic habit. Extreme prostration, with perspiration. Itch appears each year, as winter approaches (Psor.). Dissatisfied and angry about himself or his complaints, especially when constipated. Diseases of mucous membranes; causes the production of mucus in jelly-like lumps from throat or rectum; affects mucous membrane of rectum. Headache across the forehead < by every footstep (Bell., Bry.); with heaviness of eyes and nausea. Headaches: are worse from heat, better from cold applications (Ars.); alternating with lumbago; after insufficient stool. Diarrhoea: has to hurry to closet immediately after eating and drinking (Crot. t.); with want of confidence in sphincter ani; driving out of bed early in the morning (Psor., Rum., Sulph.). When passing flatus, sensation as if stool would pass with it. (Olean., Mur. ac., Nat. m.). Colic: cutting, griping pain in right lower portion of abdomen; excruciating, before and during stool; all pains cease after stool, leaving profuse sweating and extreme weakness; attacks preceded by obstinate constipation. Flatus offensive, burning copious; much flatus with small stool (Agar.); burning in anus after passage of flatus. Solid stool and masses of mucus pass involuntarily; hungry during diarrhoea. Before stool: rumbling, violent sudden urging; heaviness in rectum; during stool, tenesmus and much flatus; after stool faintness. Haemorrhoids: blue, like a bunch of grapes (Mur. ac.); constant bearing down in rectum; bleeding, sore, tender, hot, relieved by cold water; intense itching. Itching and burning in anus, preventing sleep (Ind.).

    Relationship. – Like Sulphur in many chronic diseases with abdominal plethora and congestion of portal circulation; develops suppressed eruptions. Similar: to, Am. m., Gamb., Nux, Pod.

    Aggravation. – Early morning; sedentary life; hot dry weather; after eating or drinking; standing or walking.

    Amelioration. – Cold water; cold weather; discharge of flatus and stool.

  • Allium Cepa

    Onion (Liliaccae)

    Acute catarrhal inflammation of mucous membranes, with increased secretion. Catarrhal dull headache, with coryza; < in the evening, > in open air; < on returning to a warm room (compare, Euph., Puls.). Headache ceases during menses; returns when flow disappears (Lach., Zinc.). Eyes: burning, biting, smarting as from smoke, must rub them; watery and suffused; capillaries injected and excessive lachrymation. Coryza: profuse, watery and acrid nasal discharge, with profuse, bland lachrymation (profuse, full of acrid tears, bland and fluent coryza, Euph.). Acrid, watery discharge dropping from tip of nose (Ars., Ars. iod.). Spring coryza: after damp northeasterly winds; discharge burns and corrodes nose and upper lip. Hay fever; in August every year; violent sneezing on rising from bed; from handling peaches. Nasal polypus (Mar. v., Sang., Sang. nit., Psor.). Catarrhal laryngitis; cough compels patient to grasp the larynx; seems as if cough would tear it. Colic: from cold by getting feet wet; over eating; from cucumbers; salads; haemorrhoidal; of children; <sitting, > moving about. Neuralgic pains like a long thread; in face, head, neck, chest. Traumatic chronic neuritis; neuralgia of stump after amputation; burning and stinging pains. Panaritia: with red streaks up the arm; pains drive to despair; in child-bed. Sore and raw spots on feet, especially heel, from friction. Efficacious when feet are rubbed sore – Dioscorides. Phlebitis, puerperal; after forceps delivery.

    Relationship. – Complementary: Phos., Puls., Thuja. Compatible: before Cal. and Sil. in polypus. Similar: to, Euph., but coryza and lachrymation are opposite. Bad effects from getting wet (Rhus).

    Aggravation. – Predominantly in the evening and in warm room (Puls. – in open air, Euph.).

    Amelioration. – In cold room and open air (Puls.).

  • Agnus Castus

    Chaste tree (Verbenaceae)

    For the lymphatic constitution. Absent-minded, reduced power of insight; cannot recollect; has to read a sentence twice before he can comprehend (Lyc., Phos. ac., Sep.). “Old sinners,” with impotence and gleet; unmarried persons suffering from nervous debility. Premature old age: melancholy, apathy, mental distraction, self- contempt; arising in young persons from abuse of the sexual powers; from seminal losses. Complete impotence: relaxation, flaccidity, coldness of genitalia. No sexual power or desire (Cald., Sel.). Impotence, after frequent attacks of gonorrhoea. Bad effects of suppressed gonorrhoea (Med.). Gleet, with absence of sexual desire or erections. Leucorrhoea: transparent, but staining linen yellow; passes imperceptibly from the very relaxed parts. Deficient secretion or suppression of milk in nursing women. (Asaf., Lac. c., Lac. d.); often with great sadness; says she will die. Complaints of imaginary odor before the nose, as of herring or musk. Prevents excoriation, from walking.

    Relationship. – Calad. and Selen. follow well after Agnus in weakness of sexual organs or impotence.

  • Agaricus Muscarius

    Toadstool (Fungi.)

    Persons with light hair; skin and muscles lax. Old people with weak, indolent circulation. Drunkards, especially for their headaches; bad effects after a debauch (Lob., Nux, Ran.). Delirium: with constant raving; tries to get out of bed; in typhoid or typhus. Headaches: of those who readily become delirious in fever or with pain (Bell.); of persons subject to chorea, twitchings or grimaces; from spinal affections. Chilblains, that itch and burn intolerably; frostbite and all consequences of exposure to cold, especially in face. Involuntary movements while awake, cease during sleep; chorea, form simple motions and jerks of single muscles to dancing of whole body; trembling of whole body (twitching of muscles of face, Myg.). Sensation as if ice touched or ice-cold needles were piercing the skin; as from hot needles. Burning, itching, redness of various parts; ears, nose, face, hands and feet; parts red, swollen, hot. Uncertainty in walking, stumbles over everything in the way; heels pain as if beaten, when standing. Spine sensitive to touch (Ther.); worse mornings. Pain: sore, aching, in lumbar and sacral regions; during exertion in the day time; while sitting (Zinc.). Spinal irritation due to sexual excesses (Kali p.). Nervous prostration after sexual debauches. Epilepsy from suppressed eruptions (Psor., Sulph.). Every motion, every turn of body, causes pain in spine. Single vertebra sensitive to touch. Prolapsus, post-climacteric; bearing-down pain almost intolerable (compare, Lilium, Murex, Sepia). Exteremely sensitive to cold air (Cal., Kali c., Psor.). Complaints appear diagonally; upper left and lower right side (Ant. t., Stram. – upper right, lower left, Ambr., Brom., Med., Phos., Sul. ac.).

    Relationship. – Similar; to, Act., Cal., Can. Ind., Hyos., Kali p., Lach., Nux, Op., Stram., in delirium of alcoholism; to, Myg., Tar., Zinc., in chorea.

    Aggravation. – After eating; after coitus; cold air; mental application; before a thunder-storm (Phos., Psor.).

  • Aethusa Cynapium

    Fool’s Parsley (Umbelliferae.)

    Especially for children during dentition in hot summer weather; children who cannot bear milk. Great weakness; children cannot stand; unable to hold up the head (Abrot.); prostration with sleepiness. Idiocy in children; incapacity to think; confused. An expression of great anxiety and pain, with a drawn condition and well-marked linea nasalia. Features expressive of pain and anxiety. Herpetic eruption on end of the nose. Complete absence of thirst (Apis, Puls. – rev of Ars.). Intolerance of milk: cannot bear milk in any form; it is vomited in large curds as soon as taken; then weakness causes drowsiness (compare Mag. c.). Indigestion of teething children; violent, sudden vomiting of a frothy, milk-white substance; or yellow fluid, followed by curdled milk and cheesy matter. Regurgitation of food and hour or so after eating; copious greenish vomiting. Epileptic spasms, with clenched thumbs, red face, eyes turned downwards, pupils fixed and dilated; foam at the mouth, jaws locked; pulse small, hard, quick. Weakness and prostration with sleepiness; after vomiting, after stool, after spasm.

    Relationship. – Similar: to Ant. c., Ars., Cal., Sanic.

    Aggravation. – After eating or drinking; after vomiting; after stool; after spasm.