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

  • FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM

    Phosphate of Iron

    In the early stages of febrile conditions, it stands midway between sthenic activity of Aconite and Bell, and the asthenic sluggishness and torpidity of Gels. The typical Ferr phos subject is not full blooded and robust, but nervous, sensitive, anæmic with the false plethora and easy flushing of Ferrum. Prostration marked; face more active than Gels. The superficial redness never assumes the dusky hue of Gels. Pulse soft and flowing; no anxious restlessness of Acon. Susceptibility to chest troubles. Bronchitis of young children. In acute exacerbation of tuberculosis, a fine palliative of wonderful power. Corresponds to Grauvogl’s Oxygenoid Constitution, the inflammatory, febrile, emaciating, wasting consumptive.

    The remedy for first stage of all febrile disturbances and inflammations before exudation sets in; especially for catarrhal affections of the respiratory tract. Ferr phos. 3x increases hemoglobin. In pale, anæmic subjects, with violent local congestions. Hæmorrhages, bright from any orifice.

    Head.–Soreness to touch, cold, noise jar. Rush of blood to head. Ill effects of sun-heat. Throbbing sensation. Vertigo. Headache better cold applications.

    Eyes.–Red, inflamed, with burning sensation. Feeling as of sand under lids. Hyperæmia of optic disc and retina, with blurred vision.

    Ears.–Noises. Throbbing. First stage of otitis. Membrana tympani red and bulging. Acute otitis; when Bellad fails, prevents suppuration.

    Nose.–First stage of colds in the head. Predisposition to colds. Epistaxis; bright red blood.

    Face.–Flushed; cheeks sore and hot. Florid complexion. Facial neuralgia; worse, shaking head and stooping.

    Throat.–Mouth hot; fauces red, inflamed. Ulcerated sore throat. Tonsils red and swollen. Eustachian tubes inflamed. Sore throat of singers. Subacute laryngitis with fauces inflamed and red (2x). After operations on throat and nose to control bleeding and relieve soreness. First stage of diphtheria. Ranula in vascular, sanguine constitutions.

    Stomach.–Aversion to meat and milk. Desire for stimulants. Vomiting of undigested food. Vomiting of bright red blood. Sour eructations.

    Abdomen.–First stage of peritonitis. Hæmorrhoids. Stools watery, bloody, undigested. First stage of dysentery, with much blood in discharges.

    Urinary.–Urine spurts with every cough. Incontinence. Irritation at neck of bladder. Polyuria. Diurnal enuresis.

    Female.–Menses every three weeks, with bearing-down sensation and pain on top of head. Vaginismus. Vagina dry and hot.

    Respiratory.–First stage of all inflammatory affections. Congestions of lungs. Hæmoptysis. Short, painful tickling cough. Croup. Hard, dry cough, with sore chest. Hoarseness. Expectoration of pure blood in pneumonia (Millefol). Cough better at night.

    Heart.–Palpitation; pulse rapid. First stage of cardiac diseases. Short, quick, soft pulse.

    Extremities.–Stiff neck. Articular rheumatism. Crick in back. Rheumatic pain in shoulder; pains extend to chest and wrist. Whitlow. Palms hot. Hands swollen and painful.

    Sleep.–Restless and sleepless. Anxious dreams. Night sweats of anæmia.

    Fever.–Chill daily at 1 pm. All catarrhal and inflammatory fevers; first stage.

    Modalities.–Worse, at night and 4 to 6 pm; touch, jar, motion, right side. Better, cold applications.

    Relationship.–Compare: (Oxygenoid Constitution. Acon; China; Arsenic; Graphit; Petrol). Ferrum pyrophosph (congestion of brain and headache following great loss of blood; tarsal cysts); Acon; Gelsem; China.

    Dose.–Third to twelfth potency.

  • FERRUM MAGNETICUM

    Loadstone

    Marked symptoms in intestinal tract. Pain in nape of neck. Paralytic weakness. Small warts on hands.

    Stomach.–During a meal, flatulence; afterwards lassitude taciturn and hot, pain in epigastrium, especially on breathing.

    Abdomen.–Movements and grumbling in abdomen. Loose evacuations with much flatulency, especially left side with pullings in legs. Abundant and frequent emission of fetid flatus.

    Dose.–Third potency.

  • FERRUM IODATUM

    Iodide of Iron

    Scrofulous affections, glandular enlargements, and tumors call for this remedy. Crops of boils. Acute nephritis following eruptive diseases. Uterine displacements. Body emaciated Anæmia Exophthalmic goitre following suppression of menses. Debility following drain upon vital forces. Impetigo of the cheek.

    Stomach.–Food seems to push up into throat, as if it had not been swallowed.

    Abdomen.–Fullness, even after a little food; stuffed feeling, as if she could not lean forward.

    Throat.–Sore, as if of a splinter, shooting in different directions. Hoarse.

    Respiratory.–Coryza; discharge of mucus from nose, trachea, and larynx. Pressure beneath sternum. Scrofulous swelling of nose. Chest feels oppressed. Hæmoptysis.

    Urinary.–Urine dark. Sweet smelling. Crawling sensation in urethra and rectum. Sensation as if urine were stopped at fossa navicularis. Difficulty in retaining urine. Incontinence in anæmic children.

    Female.–On sitting, feeling as if something pressed upward in vagina. Much bearing down. Retroversion and prolapse of uterus. Leucorrhœa like boiled starch. Menses suppressed or scanty. Itching and soreness of vulva and vagina.

    Dose.–Third trituration. Does not keep long.

  • FERRUM METALLICUM

    Iron

    Best adapted to young weakly persons, anæmic and chlorotic, with pseudo-plethora, who flush easily; cold extremities; oversensitiveness; worse after any active effort. Weakness from mere speaking or walking though looking strong. Pallor of skin, mucous membranes, face, alternating with flushes. Orgasms of blood to face, chest, head, lungs, etc. Irregular distribution of blood. Pseudo-plethora. Muscles flabby and relaxed.

    Mind.–Irritability. Slight noises unbearable. Excited from slightest opposition. Sanguine temperament.

    Head.–Vertigo on seeing flowing water. Stinging headache. Ringing in ears before menses. Hammering, pulsating, congestive headache; pain extends to teeth, with cold extremities. Pain in back of head, with roaring in neck. Scalp painful. Must take down the hair.

    Eyes.–Watery, dull red; photophobia; letters run together.

    Face.–Fiery-red and flushed from least pain, emotion, or exertion. Red parts become white, bloodless and puffy.

    Nose.–Mucous membrane relaxed, boggy, anæmic, pale.

    Mouth.–Pain in teeth; relieved by icy-cold water. Earthy, pasty taste, like rotten eggs.

    Stomach.–Voracious appetite, or absolute loss of appetite. Loathing of sour things. Attempts to eat bring on diarrhœa. Spits up food by the mouthful (Phos). Eructations of food after eating, without nausea. Nausea and vomiting after eating. Vomiting immediately after eating. Vomiting after midnight. Intolerance of eggs. Distention and pressure in the stomach after eating. Heat and burning in stomach. Soreness of abdominal walls. Flatulent dyspepsia.

    Stool.–Undigested, at night, while eating or drinking, painless. Ineffectual urging; stool hard, followed by backache or cramping pain in rectum; prolapsus recti; itching of anus, especially young children.

    Urine.–Involuntary; worse daytime. Tickling in urethra extending to bladder.

    Female.–Menses remit a day or two, and then return. Discharge of long pieces from uterus. Women who are weak, delicate, chlorotic, yet have a fiery-red face. Menses too early, too profuse, last too long; pale, watery. Sensitive vagina. Tendency to abortion. Prolapse of vagina.

    Respiratory.–Chest oppressed; breathing difficult. Surging of blood to chest. Hoarseness. Cough dry, spasmodic. Hæmoptysis (Millefol). With the cough pain in occiput.

    Heart.–Palpitation; worse, movement. Sense of oppression. Anæmic murmur. Pulse full, but soft and yielding; also, small and weak. Heart suddenly bleeds into the blood vessels, and as suddenly draws a reflux, leaving pallor of surface.

    Extremities.–Rheumatism of the shoulder. Dropsy after loss of vital fluids. Lumbago; better, slow walking. Pain in hip-joint, tibia, soles, and heel.

    Skin.–Pale; flushes readily; pits on pressure.

    Fever.–General coldness of extremities; head and face hot. Chill at 4 am. Heat in palms and soles. Profuse, debilitating sweat.

    Modalities.–Better, walking slowly about. Better after rising. Worse, while sweating; while sitting still. After cold washing and overheating. Midnight aggravation.

    Relationship.–Antidotes: Ars; Hep.

    Complementary.: Chin; Alum; Hamamel.

    Compare: Rumex (similar in respiratory and digestive sphere and contains organic iron).

    Ferrum aceticum (alkaline urine in acute diseases. Pain in right deltoid. Epistaxis; especially adapted to thin, pale, weak children who grow rapidly and are easily exhausted; varices of the feet; copious expectoration of greenish pus; asthma; worse, sitting still and lying; phthisis, constant cough, vomiting of food after eating, hæmoptysis).

    Ferrum arsenicum (enlarged liver and spleen, with fever; undigested stool; albuminuria). Simple and pernicious anæmia and chlorosis. Skin dry. Eczema, psoriasis, impetigo (Use 3x trituration).

    Ferrum bromatum (sticky, excoriating leucorrhœa; uterus heavy and prolapsed, scalp feels numb).

    Ferrum cyanatum (neuroses with irritable weakness and hypersensitiveness, especially of a periodical character; epilepsy; cardialgia, with nausea, flatulence, constipation, alternating with diarrhœa; chorea).

    Ferrum magneticum (small warts on hands)

    Ferrum muriaticum (Arrested menstruation; tendency to seminal emissions or copious urination at puberty; very dark, watery stools; diphtheria; phlegmonous erysipelas; pyelitis; hæmoptysis of dark, clotty blood; dyspareunia; pain in right shoulder, right elbow, and marked tendency to cramps and round red spots on cheeks; bright crystals in urine. Anæmia, 3x, after meals. Tincture 1-5 drops 3 times daily for chronic interstitial nephritis).

    Ferrum sulphuricum (Watery and painless stools; menorrhagia pressing, throbbing between periods with rush of blood to head. Basedow’s disease. Erethism. Pain in gall-bladder; toothache; acidity; eructation of food in mouthfuls); Ferrum pernitricum (cough, with florid complexion); Ferrum tartaricum (cardialgia; heat at cardiac orifice of stomach).

    Ferrum protoxalatum (Anæmia). Use 1x trit. Compare also; Graph; Mangan; Cupr.

    Dose.–States of debility where the blood is poor in hematin require material doses; plethoric, hæmorrhagic conditions call for small doses, from the second to the sixth potency.

  • FEL TAURI

    Ox-gall

    Increases the duodenal secretion, emulsifies fats and increases the peristaltic action of the intestines. Liquefies bile and acts as a purgative and chologogue. Disordered digestion, diarrhœa, and pain in nape of neck are among its chief symptoms. Obstruction of gall ducts. Biliary calculi. Jaundice.

    Stomach.–Eructations, gurgling in stomach and epigastric region. Violent peristaltic movements. Tendency to sleep after eating.

    Relationship.–Compare: Merc dulc; Cholesterin. In Biliary Lithiasis, China. Calculobili-Triturate Gall stones-10-12x (Gall stones).

    Dose.–Lower triturations. Purified oxgall 1 to 10 gr.

  • FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM

    Buckwheat
    (FAGOPYRUM)

    Its action on the skin, producing pruritus, is very marked. Visible pulsation of arteries. Fluent coryza. Offensive excretions. Itching erythema. Pruritus senilis. Post-nasal catarrh; dry crusts, granular appearance of posterior nares with itching.

    Head.–Inability to study or remember. Depressed and irritable. Itching of eyes and ears. Pains deep in head, with upward pressure. Itching in and around eyes and ears. Head hot, better bending backward, with tired neck. Occipital headache. Bursting pains. Cerebral hyperæmia.

    Nose.–Sore, red, inflamed. Fluent coryza, with sneezing, followed by dryness and crust formation.

    Eyes.–Itching and smarting, swelling, heat and soreness.

    Throat.–Soreness and feeling of excoriation, deep down pharynx. Uvula elongated, tonsils swollen.

    Stomach.–Eructations of scalding, hot, acid, watery substance; better, coffee. Bad taste in the morning. Persistent, morning nausea. Drooling.

    Heart.–Pain around heart, better lying on back, extending to left shoulder and arm. Throbbing in all arteries after retiring. Palpitation with oppression. Pulse irregular, intermittent, rapid. Light feeling in chest.

    Female.–Pruritus vulvæ, with yellow leucorrhœa, worse, rest. Burning in right ovary.

    Extremities.–Stiffness and bruised sensation in the muscles of the neck, with sensation as if nape of neck could not support head. Pain in shoulder, with pain along fingers. Vehement itching in arms and legs; worse towards evening. Feet numb and pricking. Streaking pains in arms and legs.

    Skin.–Itching; better by bathing in cold water; worse scratching, touch and retiring. Sore red blotches. Blind boils. Itching of knees and elbows and hairy portions. Itching of hands, deep in. Vesicular, pustular, phlegmonous dermatitis. Skin hot, swollen.

    Modalities.–Better, cold water, coffee; worse, in afternoon; from sunlight, scratching.

    Relationship.–Compare: Dolichos; Bovista; Urtica.

    Dose.–Third potency and 12x.

  • FABIANA IMBRICATA

    Pichi

    A South American shrub cultivated in Southern California. It is a terebrinthine diuretic. It has also tonic and chologogue properties, used in the treatment of nasal catarrh, jaundice, dyspepsia and to increase the secretion of bile (Albert Schneider). Useful in the uric acid diathesis, cystitis, gonorrhœa, prostatitis, dysuria, vesical catarrh with suppurative prostatic conditions; post-gonorrhœal urinary conditions; cholethiasis and liver affections. Vesical tenesmus and burning after urination. Excoriating urine and calculi.

    Dose.–Ten to twenty drops of the tincture.

  • EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM

    Queen of the Meadow

    Albuminuria, diabetes, strangury, irritable bladder, enlarged prostate are a special field for this remedy. Excellent in renal dropsy. Chills and pains run upwards. Impotency and sterility. Homesickness.

    Head.–Left-sided headache with vertigo. Pain from left shoulder to occiput. Sick headache beginning in morning, worse afternoon and evening, worse in cold air.

    Urinary.–Deep, dull pain in kidneys. Burning in bladder and urethra on urinating. Insufficient flow; milky. Strangury. Hæmaturia. Constant desire; bladder feels dull. Dysuria. Vesical irritability in women. Diabetes insipidus.

    Back.–Weight and heaviness in loins and back.

    Female.–Pain around left ovary. Threatened abortion. External genitals feel as though wet.

    Fever.–No thirst during chill, but much frontal ache. Chill commences in back. Violent shaking, with comparatively little coldness. Bone-pains.

    Relationship.–Compare: Senecio; Cannab sat; Helon; Phos ac; Triticum; Epigea.

    Dose.–First potency.

  • EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM

    Thoroughwort

    Known as “Bone-set”, from the prompt manner in which it relieves pain in limbs and muscles that accompanies some forms of febrile disease, like malaria and influenza. Eupatorium acts principally upon the gastro-hepatic organs and bronchial mucous membrane. It is a boon in miasmatic districts, along rivers, marshes, etc, and in all conditions where there is a great deal of bone-pain. Cachexia from old chronic, bilious intermittents. Worn-out constitutions from inebriety. Sluggishness of all organs and functions. Bone-pains, general and severe. Soreness. Marked periodicity (Ars; China; Cedron).

    Head.–Throbbing pain. Pressure as if a cap of lead pressed over the whole skull. Vertigo; sensation of falling to left. Vomiting of bile. Top and back of head with pain and soreness of eyeballs. Periodical headache, every third and seventh day. Occipital pain after lying down, with sense of weight.

    Mouth.–Cracks in corners of mouth, yellow coated tongue, thirst.

    Stomach.–Tongue yellow. Taste bitter. Hepatic region sore. Great thirst. Vomiting and purging of bile, of green liquid several quarts at a time. Vomiting preceded by thirst. Hiccough (Sulph ac; Hydrocy ac). Avoids tight clothing.

    Stool.–Frequent, green watery. Cramps. Constipated, with sore liver.

    Respiratory.–Coryza, with sneezing. Hoarseness and cough, with soreness in chest; must support it. Influenza, with great soreness of muscles and bones. Chronic loose cough, chest sore; worse at night. Cough relieved by getting on hands and knees.

    Fever.–Perspiration relieves all symptoms except headache. Chill between 7 and 9 am, preceded by thirst with great soreness and aching of bones. Nausea, vomiting of bile at close of chill or hot stage; throbbing headache. Knows chill is coming on because he cannot drink enough.

    Extremities.–Aching pain in back. Aching in bones of extremities with soreness of flesh. Aching in arms and wrists. Swelling of left great toe. Gouty soreness and inflamed nodosities of joints, associated with headache. Dropsical swelling.

    Modalities.–Worse, periodically. Better, by conversation, by getting on hands and knees.

    Relationship.–Compare: Bryon; Sepia; Natr mur; Chelidon. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (bilious fever; insatiable thirst; bitter vomiting at close of chill; also constipation of children).

    Dose.–Tincture, to third attenuation.

  • EUPIONUM

    Wood-tar distillation
    (EUPION)

    Marked female symptoms, and backache. A remedy for uterine displacements. Pain in back, followed by a bland leucorrhœa. Menses too early and copious; flow thin. Intense sweat from slightest exertion. Disgusting dreams. Sensation as if whole body were made of jelly.

    Head.–Vertigo; everything turns round on sitting up in bed. Heat at vertex; stitches from vertex down limbs into abdomen and genitals. Sore painful spots on head. Painful pulsation in forehead.

    Female.–Burning in right ovary. Gushing leucorrhœa. Chronic tubal disease. Uterine flexions. Menses too early and copious. During menses, irritable and disinclined to talk; burning and stitches in chest and heart. After menses, yellow leucorrhœa, with severe backache. When pain in back ceases, the discharge gushes out. Sore pain between labia during urination. Pruritus pudendi; labia swollen.

    Extremities.–Cramps in the calves; worse at night.

    Back.–Sacrum pains, as if broken. Severe backache; must lean against something for support. Pains extended into pelvis.

    Relationship.–Kreosot; Graph; Lach.

    Dose.–Third potency.