KEY SYMPTOMS

Involuntary stools,  diarrhea with sudden urging, especially at 5 a.m.,  insecure feeling in the rectum,  headaches that are better for cold compresses.

REMEDY PROFILE

Homeopaths consider Aloe when the psychological traits exhibited include weariness, a reluctance to work, and great irritability, especially in cloudy weather. Dissatisfaction and anger are commonly directed internally, possibly producing constipation. Moreover, the person may dream about stools or involuntary soiling. Beer is a typical craving, despite the fact that it usually exacerbates any physical symptoms.

Aloe is most frequently prescribed for disorders of the large intestine. It may be taken for congestion in the pelvic organs and the head, and is also thought to counter fatigue, hemorrhoids, and the possible consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, particularly in the elderly.

SOURCE DETAILS

ORIGIN

Native to southern Africa, particularly the northern, eastern, and western Capes, but now cultivated throughout the world. Found

in fertile, well-drained areas with sandy soil and direct sunlight.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, aloe gel has been used as a laxative and purgative. Various research trials conducted between 1979 and 1995 found

that extracts from the plant boost immunesystem functioning, and may even help to

treat cancer and irritable bowel syndrome.

PREPARATION

The juice is extracted from the plant and dried to make a hard resin, which is then powdered and steeped in alcohol. The

mixture is left to macerate for at least five days, after which it is filtered, and then repeatedly diluted and succussed.

COMMON NAME

Aloe, Cape aloe.

KEY SYMPTOMS

Burning catarrh, bland discharge from the eyes, splitting sensation in the throat, phantom pains, person feels worse in warm rooms.

REMEDY PROFILE

Melancholy, anxiety, fear of pain, and dullness of mind are not uncommon in individuals who respond well to Allium cepa, but there

are no marked emotional symptoms indicative of the remedy. Allium cepa is used primarily for the

treatment of coughs and colds characterized by profuse, watery catarrh that leaves the skin

irritated and sore. Symptoms usually develop following exposure to cold weather and damp

winds. They may be associated with hay fever, especially if accompanied by sensitivity to the scent of flowers. Allium cepa is also used to treat burning neuralgic pain that alternates from one side of the body to the other.

SOURCE DETAILS

ORIGIN

Native to the Northern Hemisphere, and cultivated for centuries in the Middle East. Now grown worldwide as a vegetable.

BACKGROUND

Widely used in traditional medicine: as a poultice for chilblains, infections, and arthritis; internally for gastric and bronchial

infections; and to thin and purify the blood.

PREPARATION

The whole, mature bulb is gathered in summer and chopped finely. It is

steeped in alcohol for ten days and shaken repeatedly, before being filtered, diluted, and succussed.

COMMON NAME

Onion.

KEY SYMPTOMS

Agaricus muscarius syn. Amanita muscaria

REMEDY PROFILE

Those in need of Agaricus may be anxious,insecure, or fearful, and have morbid thoughts about death.  Anxiety about health may lead to an obsessive fear of having conditions such as cancer. Symptoms  typically  include great lethargy and an aversion to conversation, or delirium and loquacity to the point of ecstasy, elation, or hypomania, and disturbed sense of perspective.

People for whom Agaricus is most suitable are particularly sensitive to the cold when ill. Some symptoms are worse prior to thunderstorms and after sexual intercourse.

Agaricus is taken as a remedy for disorders of the nervous system that cause trembling, itching, and twitching and jerking of the limbs. Such conditions include epilepsy, chorea, and multiple sclerosis. Agaricus can be prescribed for the treatment of the delirium tremens associated with alcoholism, and for the effects of senile dementia. It is also used to treat chilblains.

SOURCE DETAILS

ORIGIN

Grows in dry pastures and woods during summer in Scotland, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe, as well as in Asia and the US.

BACKGROUND

Has been used throughout history as a hallucinogen, as a method of contacting the spirit world, and as a means of increasing human strength and endurance.

PREPARATION

The whole, fresh fungus or the dried cap is washed thoroughly and ground into a mash. It is then steeped in alcohol before being strained, diluted, and succussed.

COMMON NAMES

Fly agaric, bug agaric.

KEY SYMPTOMS

Complaints triggered by shock or exposure to cold winds, panic attacks and fear of death, acute infections of sudden onset.

REMEDY PROFILE

Homeopaths consider using Aconite for people who are excitable, generally healthy, and strong but develop illness rapidly and exhibit a marked sinking of strength. Physical and mental symptoms are like a great storm, arising suddenly but also subsiding quickly. Patterns of behavior are characterized by intense fear, anxiety, and restlessness, with susceptibility to extreme phobias, panic attacks, and a fear of death.

Physical symptoms often develop as a result of shock, fear, or exposure to cold, dry winds or, occasionally, intensely hot weather. Acute infections, such as colds and coughs, can be treated with the remedy, particularly at their onset. Aconite may also be prescribed for anxiety states, and for mothers and infants during or immediately after childbirth.

SOURCE DETAILS

ORIGIN

Grows in damp, shady, mountainous regions of Europe and Central Asia. Also cultivated as a garden plant.

BACKGROUND

Used externally, except on broken skin, toease bruising and joint pain, but rarely used internally due to its toxic nature.

PREPARATION

Whole plant, including the root, is unearthed during the flowering season, chopped, and macerated in alcohol.

COMMON NAMES

Aconite, monk’s-hood, wolf’s-bane, blue rocket, friar’s-cap.