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

  • SAROTHAMNUS SCOPARIUS

    Broom
    (SPARTIUM SCOPARIUM – CYSTISUS SCOPARIUS)

    Spartein sulphate increase the strength of the heart, slows it and reduces the blood pressure. It continues the good effects of Veratrum and Digitalis without any of the undesirable effects of either (Hinsdale).

    The effect of spartein sulphate (the alkaloid of Broom) is to cause a lowering of the systolic and diastolic pressures of the provers. Sphygmograms also show a condition of lowered blood-pressure. It depresses the heart by poisonous action exerted on the myocardium and this, with the stimulating action of the drug upon the vagus, accounts for the lowered blood pressure and reduced pulse rate. It weakens the cardiac contraction. The total amount of urine is increased. The drug has, therefore, diuretic properties and is useful in dropsy.

    Albuminuria. Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Irregular heart following grip and various infections. Hypotension used palliatively in physiological dosage to combat arterial hypertension, arterio-sclerosis. Very useful hypodermically 1/10 to 1/4 grain in sustaining heart after stopping habit of Morphia. Spartium is indicated when primarily the muscles of the heart and especially the nervous apparatus is affected. Acts rapidly and lasts three to four days. Does not disturb digestion. Nephritis.

    Heart.–Tobacco heart. Angina pectoris. Irregular action, disturbed rhythm due to gas, etc, feeble in nervous hysterical patients. Myocardial degeneration, failing compensation. Hypotension. Spartein in 2 gr doses for water-logged cases, cannot lie down. Here it produces much comfort. Has specific action upon the kidneys, enabling them to eliminate and relieve the distress upon the heart.

    Stomach.–Great accumulation of gas in gastro-intestinal canal, with mental depression.

    Urinary.–Burning along urinary tract or in pudendum. Profuse flow of urine.

    Dose.–For non-homeopathic use (palliative as above), one to two grains t.i.d by mouth, exerts a definite action upon the kidneys that will enable them to relieve the distress upon the heart. It is a safe drug and prompt in its action. Hypodermically, not less than 1/4 of a grain. Doses as high as 2 grains by mouth three times a day are safe (Hinsdale).

    Homeopathically. First to third trituration.

  • SARCOLACTICUM ACIDUM

    (SARCOLACTIC ACID)

    Is apparently formed in muscle tissue during the stage of muscle exhaustion. Differs from ordinary Lactic acid in its relation to polarized light. It represents a much broader and more profoundly acting drug and its pathogenesis is quite dissimilar from the normal acid. Proved by Wm. B. Griggs, M. D, who found it of great value in the most violent form of Epidemic influenza, especially with violent and retching and greatest prostration, when Arsenic had failed. Spinal neurasthenia, muscular weakness, dyspnœa with myocardial weakness.

    General Symptoms.–Tired feeling with muscular prostration, worse any exertion. Sore feeling all over, worse in afternoon. Restless at night. Difficulty in getting to sleep. Tired feeling in morning on getting up.

    Throat.–Constriction in pharynx. Sore throat with tightness in naso-pharynx. Tickling in throat.

    Stomach.–Nausea. Uncontrollable vomiting even of water followed by extreme weakness.

    Back and Extremities.–Tired feeling in back and neck and shoulders. Paralytic weakness. Wrist tires easily from writing. Extreme weakness from climbing stairs. Stiffness of thigh and calves. Arms feel as if no strength in them. Cramp in the calves.

    Dose.–Sixth to 30th potency. The 15x most marked action (Griggs).

  • SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS

    Soap Root
    (SAPONARIA)

    Of great use in the treatment of acute colds, coryza, sore throat, etc. Will often “break up” a cold.

    Mind.–Utter indifference to pain or possible death. Apathetic, depressed, with sleepiness.

    Head.–Stitching pain, supraorbital; worse, left side, evening, motion. Throbbing over orbits. Congestions to head; tired feeling in nape. Coryza. Sensation of drunkenness with constant endeavor to go left-wards. Left-sided trigeminal neuralgia, especially supraorbital. Stopped up feeling in nose, also itching and sneezing.

    Eyes.–Violent eye pains. Hot stitches deep in eyeball. Ciliary neuralgia; worse, left side. Photophobia. Exophthalmos, worse reading and writing. Increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma.

    Stomach.–Difficult swallowing. Nausea, heartburn; full feeling not relieved by eructation.

    Heart.–Impulse weak; pulse less frequent. Palpitation with anxiety.

    Modalities.–Worse, at night, mental exertion, left side.

    Relationship.–Compare: Saponin-a glucosidal principle found in Quillaya, Yucca, Senega, Dioscorea and other plants (Tired, indifferent. Pain in left temple, eye, photophobia, hot stitches deep in eye. Fifth nerve affections. Migraine. Much pain before the menstrual flow; severe sore throat, worse right side; tonsils swollen, worse in warm room. Sharp burning taste and violent sneezing).

    Compare, also: Verbasc; Coccul (both containing Saponin). Quillaya; (Anagallis, Agrostema, Helonias, Sarsaparilla, Paris, Cyclamen and others contain Saponin).

  • SANTONINUM

    Santonin

    Is the active principle of Santonica, the unexpanded flower heads of Artemisia Maritima-Cina, which see.

    The eye symptoms and those of the urinary tract are most prominent. It is of unquestioned value in the treatment of worm diseases, as gastro-intestinal irritation, itching of nose, restless sleep, twitching of muscles. Ascaris lumbricoides, and thread worms, but not tapeworms. Night cough of children. Chronic cystitis. Laryngeal crises and lightning pains of tabes.

    Head.–Occipital headache, with chromatic hallucinations. Itching of nose. Bores into nostrils.

    Eyes.–Sudden dimness of sight. Color blindness; Xanthopsia. Strabismus due to worms. Dark rings about eyes.

    Mouth.–Fetid breath, depraved appetite; thirsty. Tongue deep-red. Grinding of teeth. Nausea; better after eating. Choking feeling.

    Urinary.–Urine greenish if acid and reddish purple if alkaline. Incontinence and dysuria. Enuresis. Feeling of fullness of bladder. Nephritis.

    Relationship.–Compare: Cina; Teucr; Napth; Nat phos; Spigel.

    Dose.–Second to third trituration. Lower preparations are often toxic. Do not give to a child with fever or constipation.

  • SANICULA AQUA

    The Water of Sanicula Springs, Ottawa, I11
    (SANICULA)

    Has been found a useful remedy in enuresis, seasickness, constipation, etc. Rickets.

    Head.–Dread of downward motion (Borax). Profuse sweat on occiput and in nape of neck, during sleep (Calc; Sil). Photophobia. Lachrymation in cold air or from cold application. Profuse scaly dandruff. Soreness behind ears.

    Throat.–Thick, ropy, tenacious mucus.

    Mouth.–Tongue large, flabby, burning; must protrude it to keep cool. Ringworm on tongue.

    Stomach.–Nausea and vomiting from car-riding. Thirst; drink little and often (Ars; Chin). Is vomited as soon as it reaches the stomach.

    Rectum.–Stools large, heavy and painful. Pain in whole perineum. No desire until a large accumulation. After great straining only partially expelled; recedes, crumbles at verge of anus (Mag mur). Very offensive odor. Excoriation of skin about anus, perineum, and genitals. Diarrhœa; changeable in character and color; after eating.

    Female.–Bearing-down, as if contents of pelvis would escape; better, rest. Desire to support parts. Soreness of uterus. Leucorrhœa with odor of fish-brine or cold cheese (Hepar). Vagina feels large.

    Back.–Dislocated feeling in sacrum and better lying on right side.

    Extremities.–Burning of soles of feet (Sulph; Lach). Offensive foot-sweat (Sil; Psor). Cold, clammy sweat of extremities.

    Skin.–Dirty, greasy, brownish, wrinkled. Eczema, fissured hands and fingers (Petrol; Graph).

    Modalities.–Worse, moving arms backward.

    Relationship.–Compare: Abrot; Alum; Calc; Sil; Sulph. Sanicula Aqua must not be confounded with the Sanicle (pool-root or wood marsh), also called Sanicula. This is used in various nervous affections, resembling Valeriana. It is used as a vulnerary, resolvent for sanguineous extravasations, and as an astringent (Has not been proved).

    Dose.–Thirtieth potency.

  • SANGUINARINUM NITRICUM

    Nitrate of Sanguinarine
    (SANGUINARINA NITRICA)

    Is of use in polypus of the nose. Acute and chronic catarrh. Acute pharyngitis (Wyethia) Smarting and burning in throat and chest especially under sternum. Influenza. Lachrymation, pains in eyes and head, sore scalp; sensee of obstruction. chronic follicular pharyngitis.

    Nose.–Feels obstructed. Profuse, watery mucus, with burning pain. Enlarged turbinates at beginning of hypertrophic process. Secretion scant, tendency to dryness. Small crusts which bleed when removed. Post-nasal secretions adherent to nasopharynx, dislodged with difficulty. Dry and burning nostrils; watery mucus, with pressure over root of nose. Nostrils plugged with thick, yellow, bloody mucus. Sneezing. Rawness and soreness in posterior nares.

    Throat.–Rough, dry, constricted, burning. Right tonsil sore, swallowing difficult.

    Mouth.–Ulceration on the side of the tongue.

    Respiratory.–Short, hacking cough, with expectoration of thick, yellow, sweetish mucus. Pressure behind center of sternum. Dryness and burning in throat and bronchi. Tickling cough. Chronic nasal, laryngeal, and bronchial catarrh. Voice altered, deep, hoarse.

    Relationship.–Compare: Sanguin tartaricum (exophthalmos; mydriasis; dim vision); Arum triph; Psorin; Kal bich.

    Dose.–Third trituration.

  • SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS

    Blood Root
    (SANGUINARIA)

    Is a right-sided remedy pre-eminently, and affects chiefly the mucous membranes, especially of the respiratory tract. It has marked vaso-motor disturbances, as seen in the circumscribed redness of the cheeks, flashes of heat, determination of blood to head and chest, distention of temporal veins, burning in palms and soles, and has been found very applicable to climacteric disorders. Burning sensations, like from hot water. Influenzal coughs. Phthisis. Sudden stopping of catarrh of respiratory tract followed by diarrhśa. Burning in various parts is characteristic.

    Head.–Worse right side, sun headache. Periodical sick headache; pain begins in occiput, spreads upwards, and settles over eyes, especially right. Veins and temples are distended. Pain better lying down and sleep. Headaches return at climacteric; every seventh day (Sulph; Sabad). Pain in small spot over upper left parietal bone. Burning in eyes. Pain in the back of head “like a flash of lightning”.

    Face.–Flushed. Neuralgia; pain extends in all directions from upper jaw. Redness and burning of cheeks. Hectic flush. Fullness and tenderness behind angle of jaws.

    Nose.–Hay-fever. Ozćna, with profuse, offensive yellowish discharges. Nasal polypi. Coryza, followed by diarrhśa. Chronic rhinitis; membrane dry and congested.

    Ears.–Burning in ears. Earache with headache. Humming and roaring. Aural polypus.

    Throat.–Swollen; worse, right side. Dry and constricted. Ulceration of mouth and fauces, with dry, burning sensation Tongue white; feels scalded. Tonsillitis.

    Stomach.–Aversion to butter. Craving for piquant things. Unquenchable thirst. Burning, vomiting. Nausea, with salivation. Sinking, faint all-gone feeling (Phos; Sep). Spitting up of bile; gastro-duodenal catarrh.

    Abdomen.–Diarrhśa as coryza improves. Pain over region of liver. Diarrhśa; bilious, liquid, gushing stool (Nat sulph; Lycop). Cancer of rectum.

    Female.–Leucorrhśa fetid, corrosive. Menses offensive, profuse. Soreness of breasts. Uterine polypi. Before, menses, itching of axillć. Climacteric disorders.

    Respiratory.–Śdema of larynx. Trachea sore. Heat and tension behind the sternum. Aphonia. Cough of gastric origin; relieved by eructation. Cough, with burning pain in chest; worse, right side. Sputum tough, rust-colored, offensive, almost impossible to raise. Spasmodic cough after influenza and after whooping-cough. Cough returns with every fresh cold. Tickling behind sternum, causes a constant hacking cough; worse at night on lying down. Must sit up in bed. Burning soreness in right chest, through to right shoulder. Severe soreness under right nipple. Hćmoptysis from suppressed menses. Severe dyspnśa and constriction of chest. Offensive breath and purulent expectoration. Burning in chest as of hot steam from chest to abdomen. Fibroid phthisis. Pneumonia; better, lying on back. Asthma with stomach disorders (Nux). Valvular disease with lung development, phosphates in urine and loss of flesh. Sudden stoppage of catarrh of air passages brings on diarrhśa.

    Extremities.–Rheumatism of right shoulder, left hip-joint and nape of neck. Burning in soles and palms. Rheumatic pains in places least covered by flesh; not in joints soles of feet burn. Right-side neuritis; better touching the part.

    Skin.–Antidotes: Rhus poisoning. Red, blotchy eruptions; worse in spring. Burning and itching; worse by heat. Acne, with scanty menses. Circumscribed red spots over malar bones.

    Modalities.–Worse, sweets, right side, motion, touch. Better, acids, sleep, darkness.

    Relationship.–Complementary: Tart em.

    Compare: Justicia (bronchial catarrh, coryza, hoarseness; oversensitive). Digitalis (Migraine). Bell; Iris; Melil; Lach; Ferr; Op.

    Dose.–Tincture in headaches; sixth potency in rheumatism.

  • SAMBUCUS NIGRA

    Elder

    Acts especially on the respiratory organs. Dry coryza of infants, snuffles, œdematous swellings. Profuse sweat accompanies many affections.

    Mind.–Sees images when shutting eyes. Constant fretfulness. Very easily frightened. Fright followed by suffocative attacks.

    Face.–Turns blue with cough. Red, burning spots on cheeks. Heat and perspiration of face.

    Abdomen.–Colic, with nausea and flatulence; frequent watery, slimy stools.

    Urine.–Profuse urine with dry heat of skin. Frequent micturition, with scanty urine. Acute nephritis; dropsical symptoms, with vomiting.

    Respiratory.–Chest oppressed with pressure in stomach, and nausea Hoarseness with tenacious mucus in larynx. Paroxysmal, suffocative cough, coming on about midnight, with crying and dyspnœa. Spasmodic croup. Dry coryza. Sniffles of infants; nose dry and obstructed. Loose choking cough. When nursing child must let go of nipple, nose blocked up, cannot breathe. Child awakes suddenly, nearly suffocating, sits up, turns blue. Cannot expire (Meph). Millar’s asthma.

    Extremities.–Hands turn blue. Œdematous swelling in legs, insteps, and feet. Feet icy cold. Debilitating night-sweats (Salvia; Acet ac).

    Fever.–Dry heat while sleeping. Dreads uncovering. Profuse sweat over entire body during waking hours. Dry, deep cough precedes the fever paroxysm.

    Skin.–Dry heat of skin during sleep. Bloated and swollen; general dropsy; profuse sweat on waking.

    Modalities.–Worse, sleep, during rest, after eating fruit. Better, sitting up in bed, motion.

    Relationship.–Compare: Ipec; Meph; Opium; Sambucus Canadensis (great value in dropsies; large doses required-fluid extract, 1/4 to 1 teaspoonful three times daily).

    Antidotes: Ars; Camph.

    Dose.–Tincture, to sixth potency.

  • SALVIA OFFICINALIS

    Sage

    Controls excessive sweating when circulation is enfeebled; of less use in phthisis with night-sweats and suffocating tickling cough. Galactorrhœa. Exerts a tonic influence on the skin.

    Respiratory.–Tickling cough, especially in consumption.

    Skin.–Soft, relaxed, with enfeebled circulation and cold extremities. Colliquative perspiration.

    Relationship.–Compare: Chrysanhemum Leucanthemum–Ox-eye Daisy. Has specific action on sudoriparous glands. Quiets nervous system like Cypripedium. Right sided tearing pain in bones of jaw and temple. Pain in teeth and gums, worse touch, better warmth. Irritable and tearful. Here use 12x. Insomnia and night-sweats. For colliquative sweating and hyperæsthesia of nervous system. Material doses of tincture. Phelland; Tuberc; Salvia sclerata (tonic influence on nervous system; dose, teaspoonful to one pint hot water, as inhalent for sponging). Rubia tinctorum-Madder-A remedy for the spleen (Ceanothus). Chlorosis and amenorrhœa; tuberculosis. Anæmia; undernourished conditions; splenic anæmia. Dose, 10 drops of tincture.

    Dose.–Tincture, in twenty-drop doses, in a little water. The effects manifest themselves quickly two hours after taking a dose, and they persist for from two to six days.

  • SALIX NIGRA

    Black-willow

    Has a positive action on the generative organs of both sexes Hysteria and nervousness. Libidinous thoughts and lascivious dreams. Controls genital irritability. Moderates sexual passion. Satyriasis and erotomania. In acute gonorrhœa, with much erotic trouble; chordee. After masturbation; spermatorrhœa.

    Face.–Red, swollen, especially the end of nose-eyes blood-shot and sore to touch and on motion. Roots of hair hurt. Epistaxis.

    Female.–Before and during menses much nervous disturbance, pain in ovaries; difficult menstruation. Ovarian congestion and neuralgia. Menorrhagia. Bleeding with uterine fibroid. Nymphomania.

    Male.–Painful movement of the testicles.

    Back.–Pain across sacral and lumbar region. Unable to step out quickly.

    Relationship.–Compare: Yohimbin; Canth.

    Dose.–Material doses of the tincture, thirty drops.