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

  • SULPHURICUM ACIDUM

    Sulphuric Acid

    The “debility” common to acids shows itself here, especially in the digestive tract, giving a very relaxed feeling in the stomach, with craving for stimulants. Tremor and weakness; everything must be done in a hurry. Hot flushes, followed by perspiration, with trembling. Tendency to gangrene following mechanical injuries. Writer’s cramp. Lead poisoning. Gastralgia and hypochlorrhydria. Purpura hæmorrhagia.

    Mind.–Fretful, impatient. Unwilling to answer questions; hurried.

    Head.–Right-sided neuralgia; painful shocks; skin feels pinched. Sensation as if brain was loose in forehead and falling from side to side (Bell; Rhus). Concussion of brain where skin is cold, body bathed in cold sweat. Compressive pain in side of occiput; relieved by holding the hands near the head. Pain of outer parts, as if there were subcutaneous ulceration; painful to touch. Thrust in right temple as if plug were pressed in.

    Eyes.–Intra-ocular hæmorrhage following traumatism. Great chemosis of conjunctiva, with aching and sharp pain.

    Mouth.–Aphthæ; gums bleed readily. Offensive breath. Pyorrhea.

    Stomach.–Heartburn; sour eructations; sets teeth on edge (Robin). Craving for alcohol. Water causes coldness of stomach; must be mixed with liquors. Relaxed feeling in stomach. Averse to smell of coffee. Sour vomiting. Desire for fresh food. Hiccough. Coldness of stomach relieved by applied heat Nausea with chilliness.

    Abdomen.–Weak feeling, with dragging into the hips and small of back. Feeling as if hernia would protrude, especially left side.

    Rectum.–Piles; oozing dampness. Rectum feels as if it had a big ball. Diarrhœa, fetid, black, with sour odor of body, and empty faint feeling in abdomen.

    Female.–Menstruation early and profuse. Erosion of cervix in the aged; easily bleeding. Acrid, burning leucorrhœa, often of bloody mucus.

    Respiratory.–Respiration rapid with shooting in cervical muscles and movement of wings of nose; larynx moves up and down violently. Bronchitis in children with short, teasing cough.

    Extremities.–Cramp-like paralytic contraction in arms, hands; jerking of fingers while writing.

    Skin.–Bad effects from mechanical injuries, with bruises and livid skin. Ecchymosis. Petechiæ. Purpura hæmorrhagica. Livid, red, itching blotches. Hæmorrhage of black blood from all outlets. Cicatrices turn red and blue and become painful. Chilblains with gangrenous tendency. Carbuncles, boils and other staphylococcic and streptococcic infections.

    Modalities.–Worse, from excess of heat or cold in forenoon and evening. Better, from warmth, and lying on affected side.

    Relationship.–Complementary: Puls.

    Compare: Arn; Calend; Led; Sep; Calc.

    Dose.–Sulphuric acid mixed with three parts of alcohol, ten to fifteen drops three times daily for several weeks, has been successfully used to subdue the craving for liquor. For homeopathic purposes second to thirtieth potency.

  • SUCCINUM

    Electron. Amber-A Fossil Resin

    Nervous and hysterical symptoms. Asthma. Affections of spleen.

    Head.–Fear of trains and close places. Headache, lachrymation, sneezing.

    Respiratory.–Asthma, incipient phthisis, chronic bronchitis, pains in chest. Whooping-cough.

    Relationship.–Compare: Do not confound with Ambergris (Ambra). Succinic acid (Hay-fever. Paroxysmal sneezing, dropping of watery mucus from nostrils; asthma. Inflammation through respiratory tract; causing asthma, chest pains, etc; itching of eyelids and canthi and nose worse drafts. Use 6 to 30th potency). Compare: Arundo, Wyethia, Sabadilla, Sinapis.

    Dose.–Third trituration. Five drop doses of the oil.

  • STRYCHNINUM PHOSPHORICUM

    Phosphate of Strychnin
    (STRYCHNIA PHOSPHORICA)

    This drug acts through the cerebro-spinal system upon muscles, causing twitching, stiffness, weakness and loss of power; upon circulation, producing irregularity of pulse, and upon the mind, producing lack of control, uncontrollable desire to laugh and disinclination to use the brain. Very irregular pulse. Tachycardia. Rapid and weak pulse. Useful in chorea, hysteria, acute asthenia after acute fevers. Symptoms worse motion, better rest and in open air. An excellent remedy in anćmia of spinal cord; paralysis; burning, aching, and weakness of spine; pain extends to front of chest; tenderness on pressure in mid-dorsal region; cold, clammy feet; hands and axillć covered with clammy perspiration. Atelectasis and break in the compensation of a hypertrophied heart; the beginning of fatty degeneration of the heart muscle (Royal).

    Dose.–Third trituration.

  • STRYCHNOS GAULTHERIANA

    Tropical Bind-weed
    (HOANG NAN)

    Exhaustion with vertigo; numbness and tingling in hands and feet; involuntary action of lower jaw. Pustules and boils; tertiary syphilis and Paralysis, Eczema, prurigo, old ulcers, leprosy, cancer of glandular structures and bites of serpents. Removes fetor and hæmorrhage in cancer, revives the healing process. Follows Arsenic.

    Dose.–Five drops of the tincture. May be increased to twenty.

  • STRYCHNINUM PURUM

    Alkaloid of Nux Vomica
    (STRYCHNINUM)

    Its primary function is to stimulate the motor centers and the reflex action of the spinal cord. Homeopathic to spasms of muscles, cramps from an undue reflex excitability of the cord, spasms of the bladder, etc. Strychnin stimulates the central nervous system, mental activities, special senses rendered more acute. Respiration increased. All reflexes are made more active. Stiffness in muscles and face and neck. Opisthotonos. Tetanic convulsions with opisthotonos. The muscles relax between paroxysms; worse slightest touch, sound, odor. Influences more directly the spinal cord and is less appropriate in visceral derangements than Nux. Tetanus. Explosive nervousness. The pains and sensations come suddenly and return at intervals.

    Head.–Restless. Over-irritability. Full and bursting headache, with heat in eyes. Vertigo, with roaring in ears. Jerking of head forwards. Scalp sore. Itching of scalp and nape.

    Eyes.–Hot, painful, protruding, staring. Pupils dilated. Sparks before eyes. Spasmodic contraction of ocular muscles; twitching and trembling of lids.

    Ears.–Hearing very acute; burning, itching, and roaring in ears.

    Face.–Pale, anxious, livid. Jaws stiffened; lower jaw spasmodically closed.

    Throat.–Dry, contracted; feeling of a lump. Deglutition impossible. Burning along and spasms of œsophagus. Violent itching in roof of mouth.

    Stomach.–Constant retching. Violent vomiting. Nausea of pregnancy.

    Abdomen.–Sharp pain in abdominal muscles, griping pain in bowels.

    Rectum.–Feces discharged involuntarily during spasms. Very obstinate constipation.

    Female.–Desire for coitus (Canth; Camph; Fl ac; Lach; Phos; Plat). Any touch on body excites a voluptuous sensation.

    Respiratory.–Spasm of muscles about larynx. Excessive dyspnœa. Sharp, contractive pains in muscles of chest. Persistent cough, recurring after influenza.

    Back.–Rigitidy of cervical muscles. Sharp pain in nape and down spine. Back stiff; violent jerks in spinal column. Icy sensation down spine.

    Extremities.–Limbs stiff. Rheumatism with stiff joints. Violent jerking, twitching, and trembling. Tetanic convulsions and opisthotonos; spasms provoked by slightest touch and attempt to move. Shocks in the muscles. Cramp-like pains.

    Fever.–Cold chills down spine. Perspiration in a stream down head and chest. Lower extremities cold.

    Skin.–Itching of whole body, especially nose. Icy sensation down the spine.

    Modalities.–Worse, morning; touch; noise; motion; after meals. Better, lying on back.

    Relationship.–Compare: Eucalyptus (neutralizes ill effects of Strychnin). Strych ars (Paresis in the aged, relaxed musculature. Prostration. Psoriasis; chronic diarrhœa with paralytic symptoms; compensatory hypertrophy of heart with beginning fatty degeneration; marked dyspnœa when lying down; œdema of lower extremities, urine scanty, high specific gravity, heavily loaded with glucose. Diabetes. 6x trit). Strych et Ferr cit (chlorotic and paralytic conditions; dyspepsia, with vomiting of ingesta; 2x and 3x trit); Strychnin nit (2x and 3x. Said to remove craving for alcohol. Use for two weeks); Strychnin sulph (Gastric atony); Strych valerin (exhaustion of brain-power; women of high nervous erethism; 2x trit). Compare: Cicuta; Arnica (tetanus).

    Dose.–Third to thirtieth potency. For non-homeopathic use, to produce its direct physiological effects in paralysis the dose will range from one-fiftieth to one-twentieth of a grain, repeated three times a day. Under twelve years of age, one-fiftieth to one two-hundredth of a grain. Strych, hypodermically, is capable of arresting progressive muscular atrophy, and is a certain stimulant to the respiratory centers, and is useful in embarrassed breathing, in the course of pneumonia especially. Is an antidote to Chloral, used in asphyxia from gas and chloroform and early stages of Opium poisoning. Dose, one one-hundredth to one-sixtieth grain every three hours.

  • STROPHANTHUS HISPIDUS

    Kombe-seed

    Strophanthus is a muscle poison; it increases the contractile power of all striped muscles. Acts on the heart; increasing the systole and diminishes the rapidity. May be used with advantage to tone the heart, and run off dropsical accumulations. In small doses for weak heart; it feels enlarged. In mitral regurgitation, where œdema and dropsy have supervened (Digit). Strophanthus occasions no gastric distress, has no cumulative effects, is a greater diuretic, and is safer for the aged, as it does not affect the vaso-motors. In pneumonia and in severe prostration from hæmorrhage after operations and acute diseases. After the long use of stimulants; irritable heart of tobacco-smokers. Arterio-sclerosis; rigid arteries of aged. Restores tone to a brittle tissue, especially of the heart muscle and valves. Especially useful in failing compensation dependent upon fatty heart. Hives. Anæmia with palpitation and breathlessness. Exophthalmia goitre. Corpulent persons.

    Head.–Temporal pains with double vision, impaired sight; brilliant eyes, flushed face. Senile vertigo.

    Stomach.–Nausea with special disgust for alcohol and so aids in treatment of dipsomania. Seven drops of tincture.

    Urinary.–Increased secretion; scanty and albuminous.

    Female.–Menorrhagia; uterine hæmorrhage; uterus heavily congested. Aching pain through hips and thighs during climacteric.

    Respiratory.–Dyspnœa, especially on ascending. Lungs congested. Œdema of lungs. Bronchial and cardiac asthma.

    Heart.–Pulse quickened. Heart’s action weak, rapid irregular, due to muscular debility; and insufficiency. Cardiac pain.

    Skin.–Urticaria, especially more chronic forms.

    Extremities.–Swollen, dropsical. Anasarca.

    Relationship.–Compare: Digit (but is slower than strophant in its action); Phos ac (weak heart, irregular pulse, fluttering sensation in cardiac region, palpitation during sleep, fainting).

    Dose.–Tincture and 6x potency. In more acute cases, five to ten drops of the tincture three times a day.

  • STRONTIUM CARBONICUM

    Carbonate of Strontia
    (STRONTIA)

    Rheumatic pains, chronic sprains, stenosis of œsophagus. Pains make patient faint or sick all over. Chronic sequelæ of hæmorrhages, after operations with much oozing of blood and coldness and prostration. Arterio-sclerosis. High blood pressure with flushed face pulsating arteries, threatened apoplexy. Violent involuntary starts. Affections of bones, especially femur. Restlessness at night, smothering feeling. For shock after surgical operations. Neuritis, great sensitiveness to cold.

    Head.–Vertigo with headache and nausea. Distensive pressure. Aches from nape of neck, spreading upwards; better wrapping head up warmly (Sil). Flushes in face; violent pulsating. Supraorbital neuralgia; pains increase and decrease slowly (Stann). Bloody crusts in nose. Face red; burns, itches. Itching, redness and burning of nose.

    Eyes.–Burning and redness of eyes. Pain and lachrymation on using eyes, with dancing and chromatic alterations of objects looked at.

    Stomach.–Loss of appetite, aversion to meat, craves bread and beer. Food tasteless. Eructations after eating. Hiccough causes chest pains; cardialgia.

    Abdomen.–Sticking in abdominal ring. Diarrhœa; worse at night; continuous urging; better towards morning. Burning in anus lasts a long time after stool (Ratanh). Uncomfortable fullness and swelling of abdomen.

    Extremities.–Sciatica with œdema of ankle. Rheumatic pain in right shoulder. Rheumatism with diarrhœa. Gnawing as if in marrow of bones. Cramps in calves and soles. Chronic spasms, particularly of ankle-joint. Œdematous swelling. Icy-cold feet. Rheumatic pains, especially in joints. Veins of hands engorged.

    Fever.–Heat, with aversion to uncover or undress.

    Skin.–Moist, itching, burning eruption; better in open air, especially warm sunshine. Sprains of ankle-joint, with œdema. Violent perspiration at night.

    Modalities.–Better immersing in hot water; worse, change of weather; from being quiet; when beginning to move; great sensitiveness to cold.

    Relationship.–Compare: Arnica; Ruta; Sil; Baryta c; Carbo; Stront jodat (arterio-sclerosis). Strontium brom (often gives excellent results where a bromide is indicated. Vomiting of pregnancy. Nervous dyspepsia. It is anti-fermentative and neutralizes excessive acidity). Stront nit (Morbid cravings; headache and eczema behind ears).

    Dose.–Sixth trituration and thirtieth potency.

  • STRAMONIUM

    Thorn-apple

    The entire force of this drug seems to be expended on the brain, through the skin and throat show some disturbance. Suppressed secretions and excretions. Sensation as if limbs were separated from body. Delirium tremens. Absence of pain and muscular mobility especially of muscles of expression and of locomotion. Gyratory and graceful motions. Parkinsonism.

    Mind.–Devout, earnest, beseeching and ceaseless talking. Loquacious, garrulous, laughing, singing, swearing, praying, rhyming. Sees ghosts, hears voices, talks with spirits. Rapid changes from joy to sadness. Violent and lewd. Delusions about his identity; thinks himself tall, double, a part missing. Religious mania. Cannot bear solitude or darkness; must have light and company. Sight of water or anything glittering brings on spasms. Delirium, with desire to escape (Bell; Bry; Rhus).

    Head.–Raises head frequently from the pillow. Pain in forehead and over eyebrows, beginning at 9 am; worse until noon. Boring pain, preceded by obscure vision. Rush of blood to head; staggers, with tendency to fall forward and to the left. Auditory hallucinations.

    Eyes.–Seem prominent, staring wide open; pupils dilated. Loss of vision; complains that it is dark, and calls for light. Small objects look large. Parts of the body seem enormously swollen. Strabismus. All objects look black.

    Face.–Hot, red; circumscribed redness of cheeks. Blood rushes to face; distorted. Expression of terror. Pale face.

    Mouth.–Dry; dribbling of viscid saliva. Aversion to water. Stammering. Risus sardonicus. Cannot swallow on account of spasm. Chewing motion.

    Stomach.–Food tastes like straw. Violent thirst. Vomiting of mucus and green bile.

    Urine.–Suppression, bladder empty.

    Male.–Sexual erethism, with indecent speech and action. Hands constantly kept on genitals.

    Female.–Metrorrhagia, with loquacity, singing, praying. Puerperal mania, with characteristic mental symptoms and profuse sweatings. Convulsions after labor.

    Sleep.–Awaken terrified; screams with fright. Deep snoring sleep. Sleepy, but cannot sleep (Bell).

    Extremities.–Graceful, rhythmic motions. Convulsions of upper extremities and of isolated groups of muscles. Chorea; spasms partial, constantly changing. Violent pain in left hip. Trembling, twitching of tendons, staggering gait.

    Skin.–Shining red flash. Effects of suppressed eruption in scarlatina, with delirium, etc.

    Fever.–Profuse sweat, which does not relieve. Violent fever.

    Modalities.–Worse, in dark room, when alone, looking at bright or shining objects, after sleep, on swallowing. Better, from bright light, company, warmth.

    Relationship.–Compare especially: Hyoscy and Bellad. It has less fever than Bellad, but more than Hyos. It causes more functional excitement of the brain, but never approaches the true inflammatory condition of Bellad.

    Antidotes: Bellad; Tabac; Nux.

    Dose.–Thirtieth potency and lower.

  • STILLINGIA SILVATICA

    Queen’s Root
    (STILLINGIA)

    Chronic periosteal rheumatism, syphilitic and scrofulous affections. Respiratory symptoms well marked. Torpor of lymphatics; torpid liver, with jaundice and constipation.

    Mind.–Gloomy forebodings; depressed.

    Respiratory.–Dry, spasmodic cough. Larynx constricted, with stinging in fauces. Trachea feels sore when pressed. Hoarseness and chronic laryngeal affections of public speakers.

    Urinary.–Urine colorless. Deposits white sediment; urine milky and thick.

    Extremities.–Aching pains in bones of extremities and back.

    Skin.–Ulcers; chronic eruptions on hands and fingers. Enlarged cervical glands. Burning, itching of legs; worse, exposure to air. Exostosis. Scrofuloderma; syphilis, secondary eruption and later symptoms. Valuable for intercurrent use.

    Modalities.–Worse, in afternoons, damp air, motion. Better, in morning, dry air.

    Relationship.–Compare: Staphis; Mercur; Syphil; Aur; Corydalis (syphilitic nodes).

    Dose.–Tincture and first potency.

  • STIGMATA MAYDIS

    Corn-silk
    (ZEA)

    Has marked urinary symptoms, and has been used with success in organic heart disease, with much œdema of lower extremities and scanty urination. Enlarged prostate and retention of urine. Uric and phosphatic Gonorrhœa. Cystitis.

    Urinary.–Suppression and retention. Dysuria. Renal lithiasis; nephritic colic; blood and red sand in urine. Tenesmus after urinating. Vesical catarrh. Gonorrhœa. Cystitis.

    Shucks (as a decoction used for chronic malaria, teaspoonful doses freely. Dr. E. C. Lowe, England).

    Dose.–Tincture in tent-to fifty-drop doses.