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

  • Sanicula

    Mineral Spring Water. (Ottawa, Ill.)

    Dread of downward motion (Bor.). Child headstrong, obstinate, cries and kicks; cross, irritable, quickly alternates with laughter; does not want to be touched. Constantly changing his occupation. Head and neck of children sweat profusely during sleep; wets the pillow far around (Cal., Sil.). Profuse, scaly dandruff on scalp, eyebrows, in the beard. Soreness behind ears with discharge of while, gray, viscid fluid (Graph., Psor.). Tongue: large, flabby; burning, must protrude it to keep it cool; ring- worm on tongue (Nat. m.). Nausea and vomiting from car or carriage riding. Thirst; drinks little and often; is vomited soon as it reaches the stomach (Ars., Phos.). Symptoms constantly changing (Lac. c., Puls.). Incontinence of urine and faeces; sphincter unreliable (Aloe); urging from flatus, must cross legs to prevent faeces from escaping. Constipation: no desire until a large accumulation; after great straining stool partially expelled, recedes (Sil., Thuja); large evacuation of small dry, gray balls, must be removed mechanically (Sel.). Stool: hard, impossible to evacuate; of grayish-white balls, like burnt lime; crumbling from verge of anus (Mag. m.); with the odor of limburger cheese. Diarrhoea: changeable in character and color; like scrambled eggs; frothy, grass-green, turns green on standing; like scum of a frog pond; after eating, must hurry from table. The odor of stool follows despite bathing (Sulph.). Excoriation of skin about anus (Sulph.); covering perinueum and extending to genitals. Leucorrhoea with strong odor of fish brine (oozing from rectum smelling like herring brine, Cal.; fish brine discharge from ear, Tel.). Weakness, bearing down as if contents of pelvis would escape; < walking, misstep, or jar, > by rest, lying down; desire to support parts by placing hand against uvula (Lil., Mur.); soreness of uterus. Foot sweat: between the toes, making them sore; offensive (Graph., Psor., Sil.); on soles as if he had stepped in cold water. Burning of soles of feet; must uncover or put them in a cool place (Lach., Med., Sang., Sulph.). Child kicks off clothing even in coldest weather (Hep., Sulph.). Emaciation, progressive; child looks old, dirty, greasy and brownish; skin about neck wrinkled, hangs in folds (Abrot., Iod., Nat. m., Sars.).

    Relations. – Related to: Abrot., Alum., Bor., Cal., Graph., Nat. m., Sil., and others of our great antipsorics.

  • Sanguinaria

    Bloodroot. (Papaveraceae.)

    The periodical sick headache; begins in morning, increases during the day, lasts until evening; head feels as if it would burst, or as if eyes would be pressed out; relieved by sleep. American sick headache, > by perfect quiet in a dark room (“tired headache” from over mental or physical exertion, epigea; sick headache < during rest > by rubbing, pressure, motion, Indigo). Headache begins in occiput, spreads upwards and settles over right eye (Sil., – over or in left orbit, Spig.). Headaches, return at the climacteric; every seventh day (Sabad., Sil., Sulph. – eight day, Iris). Neuralgia of face > by kneeling down and pressing the head firmly against the floor; pain extends in all directions from the upper jaw. Circumscribed red cheeks in afternoon; burning in ears; in bronchitis, pneumonia, phthisis. Rheumatic pain in the right arm and shoulder (left, Fer.); cannot raise the arm, < at night. Pains in places where the bones are least covered, as tibia, backs of hands, etc (Rhus ven.). Burning in pharynx and oesophagus. Laryngeal or nasal polypi (Sang. n., Psor., Tuec.). Climacteric ailments: flushes of heat and leucorrhoea; burning of palms and soles; compelled to throw off bedclothes; painful enlargement of breasts; when Lachesis and Sulphur fail to relieve. Asthma after the “rose cold,” < from odors. Cough: dry, waking him at night and not ceasing until he sits up in bed and passes flatus; circumscribed red cheeks; night sweats; diarrhoea. Severe cough after whooping-cough; the cough returns every time patient takes cold. Eruption on face of young women, especially during scanty menses (Bellis, Cal., Eug. j., Psor.).

    Relations. – Compare: Bell., Iris, Mellil., in sick headache; Lach., Sulph., Ver. v., in chronic bronchitis or latent pneumonia. After Bell. fails in scarlatina. As a dynamic remedy for the narcosis of Opium.

  • Sambucus Nigra

    Elder. (Caprifoliaceae.)

    Adapted to diseases of scrofulous children, which affect the air passages specially. Persons formerly robust and fleshy, suddenly become emaciated (Iod., Tub.). Bad effects of violent mental emotions; anxiety, grief, or excessive sexual indulgence (Phos. ac., Kali p.). Oedmatous swelling in various parts of the body, especially in legs, instep and feet. Dry coryza of infants (sniffles); nose dry and completely obstructed, preventing breathing and nursing (Am. c., Nux). Dyspnoea: child awakens suddenly nearly suffocated, face livid, blue, sits up in bed; turns blue, gasps for breath, which it finally gets; attack passes off but is again repeated; child inspires but cannot expire (Chlorine, Meph.); sleeps into the attack (Lach.). Compare: Aurum drac. in Miller’s asthma. Attacks of suffocation as in last stage of croup. Cough: suffocative, with crying children; worse about midnight; hollow, deep whooping, with spasm of chest; with regular inhalations but sighing exhalations. Cough deep, dry, precedes the fever paroxysm. Fever: dry heat while he sleeps; on falling asleep; after lying down; without thirst, dreads uncovering (must be covered in every stage, Nux). Profuse sweat over entire body during waking hours; on going to sleep, dry heat returns (sweats as soon as he closes his eyes to sleep, Cinch., Con.).

    Relations. – Compare: Cinch., Chlor., Ipec., Meph., Sulph. Relieves ailments from abuse of Arsenicum. Compare: Aurum drac. in Miller’s asthma. Follows well: after, Opium, in bad effects of fright.

    Aggravation. – During rest; after eating fruit.

    Amelioration. – Sitting up in bed. Motion; most of the pains occur during rest and disappear during motion (Rhus).

  • Sabina

    Savine. (Coniferae.)

    Chronic ailments of women; arthritic pains; tendency to miscarriages, especially at third month. Music is intolerable: produces nervousness, goes through bone and marrow (causes weeping Thuja). Drawing pains in small of back, from sacrum to pubes, in nearly all diseases (from back, going round the body to pubes, Vib. op.). Ailments: following abortion or premature labor; haemorrhage from uterus; flow partly pale red, partly clotted; worse from least motion (Sec.); often relieved by walking; pain extending from sacrum to pubes. Menses: too early, too profuse, too protracted; partly fluid, partly clotted (Fer.); in persons who menstruated very early in life; flow in paroxysym; with colic and labor-like pains; pains from sacrum to pubes. Discharge of blood between periods, with sexual excitement (Amb.). Retained placenta from atony of uterus; intense after-pains (Caul., Sec.). Menorrhagia: during climacteric, in women who formerly aborted; with early first menses. Inflammation of ovaries or uterus after abortion or premature labor. Promotes expulsion of moles or foreign bodies from uterus (Canth.). Fig warts with intolerable itching and burning; exuberant granulations (Thuja, Nit. ac.).

    Relations. – Complementary: to, Thuja. Compare: Calc., Croc., Millef., Sec., Trill. Follows: Thuja in condyloma and sycotic affections.

    Aggravation. – From least motion (Sec.); warm air or room (Apis, Puls.).

    Amelioration. – In cool, open, fresh air.

  • Sabadilla

    Cevadilla. (Liliaceae)

    Suited to persons of light hair, fair complexion with a weak, relaxed muscular system. Worm affections of children (Cina, Sil., Spig.). Nervous diseases; twitching, convulsive tremblings, catalepsy; from worms (Cina, Psor.). Illusions: that he is sick; parts shrunken; that she is pregnant when merely distended from flatus; that she has some horrible throat disease that will be fatal. Delirium during intermittents (Pod.). Sneezing: in spasmodic paroxysyms; followed by lachrymation; copious watery coryza; face hot and eyelids red and burning. Diphtheria, tonsillitis; can swallow warm food more easily; stitches and most symptoms, especially of throat, go from left to right (Lach., Lac. c.). Sensation of a skin hanging loosely in throat; must swallow over it. Headache: from too much thinking, too close application of attention (Arg. n.); from worms. Dryness of fauces and throat. Parchment-like dryness of skin.

    Relations. – Compare: Col, Colch., Lyc., where < is from 4 to 8 p. m.; Puls., Sab. > in open air. Follows: Bry. and Ran. b. well in pleurisy, and has cured after Acon. and Bry. failed.

  • Ruta Graveolens

    Rue. (Rutaceae.)

    Scrofulous exostosis; bruises and other mechanical injuries of bones and periosteum; sprains; periostits; erysipelas; fractures, and especially dislocations (Symph.). Bruised lame sensatoin all over, as after a fall or blow; worse in limbs and joints (Arn.). All parts of the body upon which he lies are painful, as if bruised (Bap., Pyr.). Restless, turns and changes position frequently when lying (Rhus). Lameness after sprains, especially of wrists and ankles (chronic sprains, Bov., Stron.). Phthisis after mechanical injuries to chest (Mill.). Aching in and over eyes, with blurred vision, as if they had been strained. After using eyes at fine work, watchmaking, engraving (Nat. m.); looking intently (Sen.). Amblyopia or asthenopia from over-exertion of eyes or anamolies of refraction; from over-use in bad light; fine sewing, over-reading at night; misty, dim vision, with complete obscuration at a distance. Eyes burn, ache, feel strained; hot, like balls of fire; spasms of lower lids. Constipation; from inactivity, or impaction following mechanical injuries (Arn.). Prolapse of rectum, immediately on attempting a passage; from the slightest stooping; after confinement; frequent unsuccessful urging. Pressure on the bladder as if constantly full; continues after urinating; could hardly retain urine on account of urging, yet if not attended to it was difficult afterwards to void it; scanty green urine; involuntary. Warts; with sore pains; flat, smooth on palms of hands (Nat. c., Nat. m. – on back of hands, Dul.). Backache, relieved by lying on the back.

    Relations. – Compare: Arn., Arg. n., Con., Euphr., Phyt., Rhus, Symph. After Arnica, it hastens the curative process in the joints; after Symphytum, in injuries to bones.

  • Rumex Crispus

    Yellow Dock. (Polygonaceae.)

    For the tubercular diathesis, extremely sensitive skin and mucous membranes. Extremely sensitive to open air; hoarseness; worse evenings; after exposure to cold; voice uncertain. Tickling in throat pit, causing, dry, teasing cough. Dry, incessant, fatiguing cough; worse from changing air or room (Phos., Spong.); evening after lying down; touching or pressing the throat pit; lying on left side (Phos.); from slightest inhalation of cold air; covers head with bedclothes to make air warmer; little or no expectoration. The cough is < in cool air or by anything which increases the volume or rapidity of inspired air. Sensation of lump in throat; descends on swallowing, but returns immediately. Raw sensation in larynx and trachea when coughing (Caust.). Urine; involuntary with cough (Caust., Puls., Sil.). Early morning diarrhoea; from 5 to 10 a. m. (Aloe, Nat. s., Pod., Sulph.); stools painless, profuse, offensive; sudden urging, driving out of bed in morning. Skin: itching of various parts; < by cold, > by warmth; when undressing, uncovering or exposing to cold air (Hep., Nat. s., Olean.).

    Relations. – Compare: Bell., Caust., Dros., Hyos., Phos., Sang., Sulph.

    Aggravation. – Cool or cold air; lying down (Hyos.).

    Amelioration. – Warmth; keeping mouth covered to exclude cold air.

  • Rhus Toxicodendron

    Poison Oak. (Anacardiaceae)

    Adapted to persons of a rheumatic diathesis; bad effects of getting wet, especially after being overheated. Ailments: from spraining or straining a single part, muscle or tendon (Cal., Nux); overlifting, particularly from stretching high up to reach things; lying on damp ground; too much summer bathing in lake or river. Affects the fibrous tissue, especially (Rhod. – serous, Bry.); the right side more than the left. Pains: as if sprained; as if a muscle or tendon was torn from its attachment; as if bones were scrapped with a knife; worse after midnight and in wet, rainy weather; affected parts sore to touch. Lameness, stiffness and pain on first moving after rest, or on getting up in the morning, > by walking or continued motion. Great restlessness, anxiety, apprehension (Acon., Ars.); cannot remain in bed; must change position often to obtain relief from pain (from mental anxiety, Ars.). Restless, cannot stay long in one position. Back: pain between the shoulders on swallowing; pain and stiffness in small of back < sitting or lying, > by motion or lying on something hard. Great sensitiveness to open air; putting the hand from under the bed-cover brings on cough (Bar., Hep.). Muscular rheumatism, sciatica, left side (Col.); aching in left arm, with heart disease. Great apprehension at night; fears he will die of being poisoned; cannot remain in bed. Vertigo, when standing or walking; worse when lying down (better when lying down, Apis); < rising from lying, or stooping (Bry.). Headache: brain feels loose when stepping or shaking the head; sensation of swashing in brain; stupefying; as if torn; from beer; returns from least chagrin; < from sitting, lying, in cold, > warmth and motion. Dreams of great exertion; rowing, swimming, working hard at his daily occupation (Bry.). Corners of mouth ulcerated, fever blisters around mouth and on chin (Nat. m.). Tongue: dry; sore, red, cracked; triangular red tip; takes imprint of teeth (Chel., Pod.). Great thirst, with dry tongue, mouth and throat. External genitals inflamed, erisiplatous, oedematous. A dry, teasing cough, before and during chill, in intermittent fever; cough, with taste of blood. When acute diseases assume a typhoid form. Diarrhoea: with beginning typhoid; involuntary, with great exhaustion; tearing pain down the posterior part of limbs during stool. Paralysis: with numbness of affected parts; from getting wet on lying on damp ground; after exertion, parturition, sexual excesses, ague or typhoid; paresis of limbs; ptosis. Erysipelas, from left to right; vesicular, yellow vesicles; much swelling, inflammation; burning, itching, stinging.

    Relations. – Complementary: to, Bryonia. Inimical: to, Apis, must not be used before or after. Compare: Arn., Bry., Rhod., Nat. s, Sulph.

    Aggravation. – Before a storm; cold, wet rainy weather; at night, especially after midnight; from getting wet while perspiring; during rest.

    Amelioration. – Warm, dry weather, wrapping up; warm or hot things; motion; change of position; moving affected parts. The great characteristic or Rhus is that with few exceptions the pains occur and are < during repose and are > by motion. Sepia, often quickly > itching and burning of Rhus, the vesciles drying up in a few days. Rhus is best antidoted by the simillimum; the potentized remedy given internally. The dermatitis should never be treated by topical medicated applications; they only suppress, never cure.

  • Rhododendron

    Snowrose. (Ericaceae)

    Nervous persons who dread a storm and are particularly afraid of thunder; < before a storm, especially an electrical storm (Nat. c., Phos., Psor., Sil.). Toothache, every spring and fall during sharp east winds; worse from change of weather, thunderstorm, windy weather. Acute inflammatory swelling of joints, wandering from one joint to another; severe at night; < in rest and during rough stormy weather (Kalm.). Rheumatic drawing, tearing pains in all the limbs, worse at rest and in wet, cold windy weather (Rhus). Cannot get sleep or remain asleep unless legs are crossed. Gout with fibrous deposit in great toe-joint, rheumatic, often mistaken for bunion (Colch., Led.). Induration and swelling of the testicle after gonorrhoea or rheumatic exposure (Clem.); orchitis, sensation in gland as if it were being crushed (Aur., Cham.).

    Relations. – Compare: Bry., Con., Cal., Led., Lyc., Sep., Rhus.

    Aggravation. – Stormy, windy weather, electrical changes in the atmosphere; on approach of thunderstorm; symptoms reappear with rough weather.

    Amelioration. – Better from wrapping the head warmly; dry heat and exercise.

  • Rheum

    Rhubarb. (Polygonaceae)

    Suitable for children, especially during dentition. Sour smell of the whole body; child smells sour, even after washing or bathing (Hep., Mag. c.). Screaming of children with urging and sour stools. Children cry and toss about all night (Psor.). Child impatient, desires many things, and cries; dislikes even favorite playthings (Cina, Staph.). Sweat of scalp, constant, profuse; whether asleep or awake, quiet or in motion, the hair is always wet; may or may not be sour (Cal., Sanic.). Difficult dentition; child restless, irritable, peevish, with pale face and sour smell (Kreos., Cham.). Desires various kinds of food but cannot eat them, become repugnant. Colic: < at once by uncovering an arm or leg; with every sour stool; < when standing; not > by stool.

    Relations. – Complementary: after Magn. c., when milk disagrees and child has sour odor. Compare: Cham., Col., Hep., Ipec., Magn. c., Pod., Staph., Sulph. May be given after abuse of Magnesia with or without rhubarb, if stools are sour.