Archives: Remedies

Arsenic Iodatum 93
Arsenic Iodatum Arsenic Iodide is very closely related to Arsenic Album. Arsenic
Iodide is the best prevention against the sores becoming chronic state
or turning gangrenous. It is very effective against abscess in the
lower part of the lungs and the large air passages in the lungs
(bronchi). In Arsenic Iodide, there may be multiple kinds of disease
manifestations (indistinguishable from Arsenic Album). Contrary to Arsenic (in which the patient always feels very cold), the
Arsenic Iodide patient feels hot a nd manifests his restlessness by way
of quick movements and walking fast . An overactive, uncontrollable
child, eating a lot and staying thin, i ndicates the nature of Iodine. So
also may be the condition in Arseni c Iodide. The patient of Arsenic
Iodide shows contrasting clinical pictures of Arsenic and sometimes
of Iodine. However, these two re medies, have opposing symptoms.
So diagnosis needs to be carefully established. Arsenic Iodide is a very wide -ranging homoeopathic remedy. Its
discharges are abrasive in nature and make the exiting orifice red and
inflamed with burning. The inner lining of the nose becomes swollen
and rather indurate. Inflammation of the ear-tubes (Eustachian tubes)
leading into the ear can cause deafness. Arsenic Iodide is extremely effective in all kinds of diseases of the
lungs, including the lung cavities. For this reason, it is very
commonly used in tuberculosis and ch ronic bronchitis associated with
abundant expectoration. It is also very useful in Lupus and skin cancer. It also, very
effectively stops the growth of ovarian cancer though it may not
eradicate it. Dr. Kent is of the op inion that Arsenic Iodide is very
useful in stopping the growth of any kind of cancer . The author has
found it more effective when combined with Suchi Bootie (a herbal
medicine). Arsenic Iodide works very well on eczemas in which the skin is dry
and scaly but under the thick scales is rather raw, abrased and moist. Arsenic Iodatum 94
Arsenic Iodide is useful against Psoriasis, though the apparent cure is
incomplete and short-lived. Acco rding to the traditional western
medicine, when diseases of the gl ands are treated, a violent skin
reaction takes place in the form of wide spread, psoriatic condition
and when the skin condition is suppressed by a drug, yet another kind
of ailment may ensue. So far, there is no known remedy for the
control of both skin and glandular pathology. However, Sulphur 1000
and Psorinum 1000, given alternativ ely, benefit to some extent.
Hydrocotyle is also quite useful. It is also very useful in leprosy.
Arsenic is also a psoric remedy, ca pable of controlling the mucous
membranes (the inner linings of the viscera) as well as the skin. Some
remedies are good for inflammatory conditions of the intestines and
skin, while others are good in diseases of the uterus and skin. Sulphur
and Mercury are saliently effective against the diseases of the skin and
glands. Arsenic Iodide may be indicated in different stages of syphilis. In Arsenic Iodide, the pain is in the nape of the neck and there is a
burning sensation at the back. A cold chill and numbness radiates
down the left leg. The wrist aches on writing. The patient feels cold
though he sweats at the same time. When symptoms of Arsenic Iodide are aggravated, the patient feels
nauseous and very thirsty. After drinking water he throws up (as in
Phosphorus) soon after. There is intense pain in the stomach which
is relieved by bending over forward as in Colocynth. Frequent stools
that start early in the morning ar e associated with severe gripe
inflammation. The stomach becomes bl oated with gas. The appetite
is strong but the body does not thrive. Potency: 30 to 200

Arsenic Album 89
(Arsenious Acid) – Arsenic Trioxide Arsenic alb is a deadly poison. It is said that once it enters the body, it
gets absorbed into the bones and hair permanently. Restlessness and anxiety are the main feature. The restlessness is
mental rather than physical as in Rhus Tox. Fear of death with anxiety and restless ness. Some women become
very anxious following emotional shock or septic fevers. Tidiness – the Arsenic patient is tidily dressed. He keeps his room tidy
and in order and soon gets upset if things are disturbed in his room. Diarrhoea – stools are frequent, black and offensive. The patient is
restless and can have convulsions, as toxins gets absorbed from the
inflamed gut. Prompt treatment with Arsenic Alb will soon restore the
inflamed bowel. Thirsty – increased thirst for small and frequent drinks is due to
anxiety. Anxiety causes dryness of mouth that leads to increased
thirst. In chronic cases he become s less thirsty despite having dryness
of mouth, but anxiety persists. He tosses and turns in bed resembling
Gelsemium. The main difference is that there is no restlessness in
Gelsemium, while the arsenic patient is constantly restless in bed with
increased frequency of urine. Anxiet y and restlessness with throat or
bladder illness indicates that the patient may be suffering from cancer.
Arsenic Alb will relieve the symptoms but one should treat the case
constitutionally. Restlessness with anxiety can be helped by high potency of Arsenic
Alb in cases of terminal cancer. Re stlessness also acts as a stimulant
for natural body defenses. I once gave it to a lady with a terminal
illness, whose doctors had stopped ad ministering her pa inkillers. It
greatly helped and she was peaceful. Kidney diseases – Arsenic Alb is closely re lated to renal diseases. Its
patient has albuminuria with inflamed kidneys . Anxiety and Arsenic Album 90
restlessness can also result from mental overwork causing increased
sensitivity of the kidneys. In cases of diseases of the bladder, prostate
and kidneys, where Arsenic alone is indicated but does not help, the
addition of Phosphorus will help when given separately. This
combination of Arsenic and Phosphorus is also useful in the cancer of
the prostate. In my experience this also helped in a case of terminal
cancer with limited life expectancy – the patient was helped by the
grace of God and lived peacefully for another year. Chilliness – the Arsenic patient is very chilly and feels cold. The
patient feels better for heat (f eeling of heat) except for stomach
ailments and headaches which is be tter for cold (feeling of cold).
Headache is better with the application of pressure. Nausea and vomiting – Arsenic Alb patients can have severe nausea
and vomiting. Periodicity of symptoms – the relapse of symptoms at a particular
time, such as in migraine, recurs every seven to fourteen days. The
headache is better with cold applications. If acute headache is not
treated properly in the Arsenic i ndividual it can become chronic and
move to the joints. Aggravation after midnight – the symptoms are worse at night. The
patient is afraid of being alone and is anxious. When the disease
progresses the patient will not find any relief even in company. Menorrhagia and menstrual problems – many a time uterine
ailments can change into mental symptoms of anxiety and
restlessness, with fear of death and depressi on. If menses are stopped
suddenly with medicine and the mental symptoms appear this is not a
good sign. The symptoms become chronic with offensive vaginal
discharges with blood clots. The pa tients have mental symptoms of
restlessness as well as general bo dy pains. Arsenic will relieve all
symptoms if indicated and gets ri d of toxins from the body. In these
cases Kali Iodide and Arsenic Iodide combined or given separately are
also of benefit. In addition, Sulphur and Pyrogenium 200 given
together is very effective in such cases. It will clear the infection and
associated symptoms. Arsenic Album 91
Arsenic and Secale Corn have many similarities . Secale is useful
for offensive and dark colored discharges The Secale patient feels hot
while Arsenic Alb is chilly. Secale, even though he feels hot, feels
better with external heat while the Arsenic Alb patient has offensive
discharges, with fear of dying and increased thirst for small drinks. Dry cough and asthma – the patients have nasal obstruction with
itchy nose, sneezing, clear runny nose a nd swollen neck glands as in
hay fever. Arsenic* is useful in dry asthma and chronic cardiac asthma. In
cardiac asthma the pulse is weak and rapid but palpable. In the
Aconite and Belladonna patient, the pulse is palpable. In a Carbo Veg
patient, the pulse is weak but not palpable. It disappears under the
finger. Arsenic is helpful in othe r cardiac diseases. The patient gets
breathless on climbing uphill and al so when flying. Such cases will
benefit from Arsenic given before, during and after the journey. Gangerine and Arsenic Alb – Arsenic is a very useful remedy in
gangerine. In gangerine the afflicted part gets ischemic and infected.
In my experience, Arsenic has proved life saving in many cases. In
some cases where surgery seemed unavoidable the patient, by the
grace of God, was completely cure d with timely use of Arsenic Alb
200. In another case, a young man had his arm crushed in a machine,
the wound became infected and amputation was advised. I treated
him with Arsenic Alb in CM to be repeated weekly over a few weeks.
By the grace of God the arm of the patient soon started regaining
normal color and the black colourat ion disappeared, thus surgery was
avoided. If the case does not respon d to Arsenic Alb one should try
other remedies like Silicia or Sul phur in high potency before surgery,
otherwise it is better to have surgery to save the patient’s life. In deep
ischemic ulcers Kali Iodide and Arsenic Iodide can be helpful. *
Arsenic on its own always means Arsenic Album.
Arsenic Alb and eyes – the whole eye is inflamed. In Kali Carb the
inflammation is confined to the upper eyelid, while in Apis it is the
lower eyelid. Premature ageing – the patient can have symptoms of ageing in
Arsenic, but it is more marked in Sarsaparilla and Chinumum Ars. Arsenic Album 92
Arsenic alb and depression – there is anxiety with depression. The
patient has suicidal tendencies and thinks he is beyond redemption. Malaria and Arsenic Alb – as in malaria periodicity is also found in
Arsenic Alb, the relapse of symptoms every fourth, seventh or
fourteenth day. Arsenic Alb given in high potency is also effective as
a preventative in malaria. Arsenic should be given during remission of
fever and not during the attack. Natrum Mur is also useful in malaria
but one should avoid its use in rising fever. I have also found Arnica
in high potency of great help in the treatment of malaria. Chinumum
Ars is reported to be useful in malaria but this is not so in my
experience. In fact, I have found that Arsenic Alb and Arnica are
much better than Chinumum Ars. Bryonia and Rhus Tox is useful for
general bodyache in the beginning of fevers generally. The success of treatment in malaria is judged by the fact that the fever
will not return or will be of less severity or if the fever relapse is early
or delayed. These are good signs and indicate that the treatment is
effective. Otherwise, one should change the treatment or start
allopathoic treatment. Retention of urine after labour – the best treatment is Causticum, but
if it is ineffective Arsenic Alb can be useful. Hoarseness – Arsenic Alb is beneficial when the throat is hoarse.
Also, if the patient has earache with offensive catarrh and burning in
eyes and nose. Arsenic symptoms are worse in damp weather, after midnight, at the
seaside, after cold food, with heat and worse for hot drinks. Adjuvants: Rhus Tox, Carbo Veg, Phosphorus and Thuja
Antidote: Opium, Carbo Veg, China, Hepar Sulph, Nux Vomica
Potency: 30 to CM.

Arnica has a special place in homoe opathy. It is prepared from
tobacco grown on the mountains, and ha s long since been used in the
treatment of blunt injuries. To fa ll and get hurt is common in hilly
areas, no wonder that the Gracious God has provided the appropriate
remedy right there! In homoeopathy, Arnica is used in the treatment of new as well as old
injuries. Its main symptom is the clotting of blood (resembling
Alumen); thus, it is an essential ingredient in the treatment of heart
diseases. Arnica, in homoeopathic form, liquefies the clotted blood.
Yet, unlike allopathic medicine, it does not make the blood too thin to
clot when needed. In the case of heart attack , Arnica is given in
combination with Lachesis. Lachesis is a remedy for snake venom,
which causes the blood to clot in th e arteries supplying the heart and
causes heart attack. Some snake venoms affect the nerv ous system instead of the blood.
Naja is one such example. Its venom affects the heart musculature.
Arnica and Lachesis, both are closel y related to the coagulation of
blood. They must be given together , and not one after the other, so
that their action does no t conflict with each ot her. Administration of
two to three medicines, together or in sequence, demands a special
skill based on deep knowledge and long experience a bout the nature
of the medications to be used. I usually give Arnica and Lachesis
together or just one of the two. If the heart attack has been
precipitated due to co agulation of the blood, Arnica will adequately
dilute the blood, and re-establish its flow. Arnica is the best remedy for accidents and blunt injuries , causing
the injured part to turn blue or black due to the accumulation of
clotted blood. Once, a patient had been badly beaten with a club and
his entire body was black and blue. His condition was critically
serious and I thought he would not survive. I gave him sufficient
supply of Arnica and prayed for him. By the next evening, I was very
worried because I had received no information about his condition.
On inquiry, I was told that he had become well enough that night and
he was even up and about by then. Alhamdolillah. Arnica 200 given along with Aconite 200 is much better and faster in
action than Arnica 200 alone. If the injured area is flushed and
swollen due to increased local circ ulation, Belladonna should also be
given along with Arnica for better re sponse. Increased blood flow to
the injured part is a natural response to the physical insult. In Arnica
alone, local blood flow is not e nhanced and there is no unusual
swelling. In the case of increas ed swelling, Belladonna or Aconite
should also be administered. This general prescription may be used
without any hesitation or fear of ha rm. It can simply work to one’s
advantage. Arnica works equally well in low as well as high potencies. However,
in deep-established illnesses, it should be administered in high
potency. Once an army officer, Major Mumtaz, slipped off the snow-
covered cliff during military exerci ses and landed in an abyss 75 feet
deep in the Himalayas. He was se riously hurt with no apparent hope
of survival. I gave him Arnica 1000 and Natrum Sulph 1000 twice on
the first day and then once a day. By God’s grace, he recovered
astonishingly well. One of my patients had been badl y hurt and his backbone had also
fractured. The doctors told him that he would not survive, if he
luckily survived, he would be bed-ridden or bound to a wheelchair for
life. I prescribed him Arnica, Ruta, Hypericum, Calcarea Phos and
Symphytum, all in potency 30 to be taken 3 to 4 times a day. After
some time, he showed up in my office in London walking on his own,
without any support. I failed to recognize him, although I
remembered his face. It was unbelievable to see him walking
independently. He smiled and told me that he had used the
homoeopathic prescription suggested by me and that I had prayed for
him, and given him hope. His r ecovery was indeed miraculous.
Hence, this prescription is the best remedy in all injuries causing
swelling, inflammation, pain and stiffne ss. In the first patient, I had
also included Natrum Sulph 1000, whic h in my opinion is the best for
injuries of the nape of the neck. Over many years of practice, I have
found a triad of homoeopathic medicine s that are very effective in the
treatment of broken bones. This consists of Symphytum, Ruta and
Calcarea Phos. It virtually doubles the speed of healing of a broken
bone, even when there is a gap due to the loss of bone. The bone
starts growing from both ends of the fracture to fill up the gap. Apart from physical trauma, Arnica is also very useful for fatigue and
discomfort following physical exertion . If the aching is severe,
Arnica and Bryonia together will offe r sure relief. Arnica is very
useful in various women’s diseases. At the time of childbirth,
unusual straining can tear apart the pelvic muscles and tissues ,
resulting in chronic pain. Arni ca 1000 given a few days before
childbirth will prevent against such happening. The puerperal sepsis
and fever are very amenable to Sulphur and Pyrogenium.
Prophylactic use of Arnica 1000 will mo st probably preclude their use
or Arnica can be given also with Sulphur and Bryonia. As a matter of principle, the more medicines are mixed, the less their
individual beneficial affect would be. The medicines similar in action
but not analogous to the illness w ill lose, rather than gain any
beneficial effect. I pe rsonally resort to mixed prescription due to the
shortage of time at my disposal. I have used them over the years and
found them uniformly effective in all the patients. The rigid types of
homoeopaths still stick to the practice of using only one remedy for a
particular illness, I do not agree with them. I would rather advise the
use of well-tried and tested combination prescriptions rather than
letting the patient remain untreated and suffer. One, if not more, of
the combinations may happen to be a truly analogous remedy. The Arnica patient does not usually fear during the day but has
nightmares during sleep. The pregna nt women feel lower abdominal
pain due to the foetal movements, which intensify as the pregnancy
progresses. At night, the pain being suppressed by sleep expresses
itself in the form of scary dreams. In the case of chronic, deep-seated
illnesses, the Arnica patient may also develop a fear of death . In
Opium, the person experiences such fear irrespective of the severity of
the illness or timing of the day and night. In Arnica, however, he does
not fear much in the absence of severe illness. The bleeding is dark
and smelly. The Arnica patient exhibits the early symptoms of
malaria and typhoid i.e. the body aches. The skin feels raw and
uncomfortable and the skin is very sensitive, even to touch. So are the
joint pains of Arnica. Arnica given in high potency cures the sprain and the strain of the
ankle effectively. In spite of being given repeatedly, low potency will
not be very effective. Even soft bedding feels unbearably hard to
Arnica patients. They change side fre quently to get relief, but in vain. In Arsenic and Rhus Tox, tossing about in bed is secondary to
restlessness. Arnica resembles other homoeopathic medicines also. Like
Belladonna, the head is warm but the body is cold. The fever
suppressed inside the body can be dangerous. One dose of Arnica
high potency will induce gradual warming up of the body and the
suppressed symptoms of the disease will start manife sting externally
and thus give time for the appropriate treatment. In case the diagnosis
is already made, the appropriate analogous remedy can be
administered without the intermediary use of Arnica. Once, a lady suffered from severe sprain of the ankle and was unable
to walk. She took homoeopathic remedies but at the same time
continued massageing the injured an kle. I gave her Arnica, Bryonia
and Causticum and strictly forbad e her from doing massage, because
the massage caused recurrent injury to the tissues. She got better in a
week. The other remedies were combined with Arnica because
sometimes it is not a superficial injury, rather some muscle has also
become weak. Bryonia is effective for the deep muscular injuries and
is also a muscle tonic. In Causticum, the muscles are flabby and may
predispose to hernia. If the symptoms are on the right side , a combination of Arnica,
Belladonna and Bryonia will do the job, while the symptoms on the
left side respond better to a combin ation of Arnica, Ledum and
Lachesis. Arnica is the best remedy when the joints get twisted and sprained
badly during a fall or an accident. It will offer visible relief in a few
hours. When the back gets sprained or strained as a result of jerky
movements, it can settle down afte r a while. Sometimes, it becomes
chronic. The previously damage d muscles and ligaments become
weak and stiff or flabby further. Arnica is quite helpful in such a
condition; although it does not have a direct effect on the muscles.
Cimicifuga is more appropriate fo r deep-seated muscular conditions.
If the backache becomes chronic, in itially Arnica should be combined
with Bryonia. However, if the relief is only temporary, Arnica should
be combined with Rhus Tox. Rhus Tox is very effective in deep- seated muscular ailments. Rhus T ox is very beneficial is cases of
muscular paralysis. It strengthens and invigorates the muscles. It is
useful in case of a dilated heart also. In chronic paralyses, it is given
along with Sulphur. Calcarea Car b, being chronic of Sulphur and
Rhus Tox, may also be indicated to prolong their useful effects. Arnica is very useful in herpes. The common kind of herpes is
related to the nervous weakness or infection. The other kind is related
to venereal diseases and is very resi stant to treatment. Herpes due to
nervous weakness responds well to Arnica, which is more effective
when combined with Arsenic and Ledum. The triad of Arsenica,
Arsenic and Ledum offers cure in all kinds of poisonous
insects/animal bites. In Arnica, the inner lining of the gut is as
irritable as the skin is in malaria and typhoid. There is a tendency to
bleed from the ruptured small vessels . If there is bleeding in the
vomiting, stools or sputum and th e appropriate analogous remedy
cannot be thought of, Arnica may well be tried. If the disease has
advanced, the mucous membranes of the intestines may disintegrate,
leading to offensive smelling, blood mixed stools . The specific
analogous remedy has to be sought af ter in such a case, since Arnica
alone will not be of much use. The patient of Arnica sometimes
presents with the offensive breath and sweat, smelling like that of
Baptisia. When the disease becomes severe, the Arnica patient, like that of
Arsenic, becomes fearful of death. His head feels warm. He wants
his body to be warmed up but not his head. The Arsenic patient likes
the head to be cooled and the body warmed. Being constantly cold,
the Arsenic patient resembles that of Psorinum, though in Psorinum,
the patient is cold from head to toe. Lachesis is very useful, especially
if the feet are cold after going to sleep. The feet are cold on and off
and not all the time. The excreta or the discharges are not offensive
smelling, unlike Psorinum. The Psori num patient smells terrible, and
feels intense cold. Sometimes the skin is covered with ugly-looking,
thin scales like Arsenic. If the scales and scabs smell awful, Arsenic
and Psorinum should be given together. If the fever prolongs, the Arnica pa tient may involuntarily pass urine,
as well as stools, in their sleep. The urine is deep coloured and
contains blood . The bladder feels full and tense, the kidneys ache.
There is tendency of chills, naus ea and vomiting. The stools are dark and reddish in colour and frequent. The f requency of stools is
associated with severe griping pain in the intestines. The patient feels
progressively weak after every motion and likes to retire. Arnica is a good remedy for whooping cough also. The child
screams before or after the bout of cough. Excessive straining can
rupture the small capillaries and cause them to bleed. If Arnica is not
given, the patient may go blind due to bleeding in the eyes. The
whole body feels badly beaten up due to increased internal pressure.
Arnica is not a cure, but offers suffi cient relief of symptoms so that
the serious after-effects of whooping cough can be minimized.
Drosera is very effective in whooping cough and similar coughs. One
dose of potency 30 taken at night, works extraordinarily well. The Arnica patient is irritable, sad and distressed only during the
ailment, even though he is not of this nature. When the symptoms
progress, the pain is ameliorated and the drowsiness prevails. The
mind, however, remains clear. On questioning the patient will
respond clearly. In the heart diseases associated with Arnica, the heart
feels as if squeezed into a vice. Th e patient’s heart beats out of fear.
The pulse is irregular. The heartb eat becomes fast in response to
physical exertion and exercise, and slows down with rest. The patient
wants to move to a new place, hoping that he may feel better. Arnica
combined with Bryonia and Iris Tenax is very useful in Appendicitis.
Arnica 1000 given prior to a surger y or childbirth prevents many
complications. Adjuvants: Aconite, Ipecac
Antidote: Camphor
Potency: 30 to CM.

Argentum Nitricum has previously b een used in treating epilepsy. It
relieves epileptic fits but causes itching of the skin. Traditionally, it
has been used in eye diseases. People who wear silver jewellery may develop symptoms of silver
poisoning. Similarly, prolonged allopa thic use of silver can have a
negative effect on mental faculties. When the mind becomes slow
and creative skills decline, Argentum Nitricum must be kept in mind.
The memory is weak , and reasoning is flawed. Superstitions, visual
hallucinations and delusions prevail. The patient is afra id of visiting
some particular places. Such child ren should be accompanied to such
spots and told that there is nothing to be afraid of. Argentum Nitricum
is not only capable of curing these symptoms, but is also effective
against some other deep-seated illnesses. The Argentum Nitricum
patient is afraid of heights lest he may leap off. Argentum Nitricum
patients are afraid of even looking up at a very tall building or a
building with a high ceiling, in case it may fall on them. Most
homoeopaths have not stressed these symptoms: they have only
mentioned fear of heights and ep ileptic fit. However, when I
personally analysed the symptoms of my patients after closely
observing them, the above mentioned symptoms became clearly
evident. Such a patient is afraid of jumping into the river while
crossing a bridge. In advanced illne ss, there is a strong desire to jump
from the bridge. Such patient trembles with fear and also feels weak. Some people have loose motions prior to an exam or an important
interview. Some may feel agitated and angry. Extraordinary mental fatigue and gastric hyperacidity adversely
affect the memory . Transient loss of recent memory can also occur
as a result of narrowing of the arte ries going to th e brain (due to
arterial thickening or just because of spasms of the artery). If the
tendency to spasm is frequent, the patient loses his memory
permanently. This is not related to transient stomach upset or mental
fatigue. Argentum Nitricum also shows these signs, however, loss of memory appears as a permanent sign. Alumina is also useful in this
disease; but has to be used for a long period. In Argentum Nitricum, the heart becomes weak . There is bluish
discolouration of the body as in Cuprum and Carbo Animalis. In
Cuprum, the cyanosis is due to the spasm of the blood vessels. In
Carbo Animalis it is due to lack of oxygen and disorder of the blood.
The blueness of Argentum Nitricum resembles that of Carbo
Animalis. In both these remedies , blueness appears all over the body
as if somebody has been suffocated. In Cuprum, there may be violent
spasms of the hands and feet, along with cyanosis of the face and the
lips. In Argentum Nitricum, there is a tendency to form sores. In
allopathy, silver nitrate was us ed in many eye conditions. In
homoeopathy also, silver nitrate in a well-diluted form can benefit
many eye conditions, especially co rneal ulcers. The eyes are
hypersensitive to light. The eyes ache and feel tired. Argentum
Nitricum is good in persistently sore eyes with purulent discharge.
The eyelids are swollen. Their inner linings are inflamed and form red
circles. This condition (which is called purulent C onjunctivitis) is
very common in the Indo-Pak sub-continent during summer. Argentum Nitricum is very useful in diseases of the women , like
abdominal discomfort and discharging sores at the mouth of the uterus
before the onset of periods. The periods become frequent, but are
scanty. If other symptoms of Argentum Nitricum are also present, this
remedy can cure other internal diseases of uterus as well. The wounds tend to bleed. There is a tendency of vomiting containing
blood. Argentum Nitricum may be used in chronic resistant ulcers of
the stomach. The peptic ulcer of the stomach can be treated with
ground liquorice. Unripe banana, dried and powdered, taken two to
three times a day, is also very useful in such ulcers. The powder coats
the ulcer, as well as inducing healing. This treatment has been
described in a scientific magazine and I have often used it very
successfully. Argentum Nitricum patients with chronic ulcers tend to have anaemia.
They crave sweets. This craving for sweets is also found in other
homoeopathic remedies. Some peopl e can eat a lot of sweets but this
does not bother them, whereas in a patient of Argentum Nitricum,
sweets do not suit him: on ingestion, the stomach becomes upset and other symptoms also aggravate. In an Argentum Nitricum patient, the
desire to eat sweets, if associ ated with wind and abdominal
distension, is very typical. The patien t cannot sleep on his right side.
This symptom is also found in Naja . On lying on the right side, the
pulse becomes rapid. The symptom of a rapid pulse is common to
Kalmia, Spongia, Kali Nitrate, Al umen, Platina, Lilium Tigrum also.
A distinction among these remedies can be made by keeping their
respective characteristic features in mind. The symptoms of Argentum Nitricum aggravate in a warm room or
sitting near the fire. The perspiration on the face is very prominent. It
appears as if water is erupting out. The face is sallow and bluish. The
eyes are drawn in and are without lustre. Like in Thuja, there is
tendency to develop warts. Blisters form in the throat. The throat
feels as if something is stuck in it, like Hepar Sulph, but any attempt
to cough it out makes the sensation wo rse. In fact, there is nothing
inside the throat; it is just a feeling and it is typical in Nitric Acid also.
The person feels as if something is poking him on his body. If
touched by hand anywhere on the body, the person feels pain. In case of Argentum Nitricum, the symptoms of lactating mothers are
exhibited in their children. If th e mother eats too many sweets, the
child develops diarrhoea. In case of Argentum Nitricum, the
vomiting and diarrhoea start concurrently . The stools are green.
The ingested food passes out of the system quickly. Such children are
generally dehydrated and marasmic. However, the marasmus of the
children may not always be the resu lt of suckling Argentum Nitricum
mothers. They can be patients of Argentum Nitricum per se. The
stools are green; vomiting and diarrhoea can alternate or be present at
the same time. With the stools, the child passes a lot of mucus. In Argentum Nitricum there is pain in the deep organs of the body.
The liver, spleen or stomach may hur t. The discomfort may not be
felt spread throughout the abdomen. In Argentum Nitricum, one may i nvoluntarily pass urine. Children
may wet their beds at night. Another sign is that one may have the
desire to urinate, but is unable to pass urine easily. There may be
pain, swelling or itching in the urethra. This is also one of the best
remedies for gonorrhoea. Argentum Nitricum is very useful in many problems associated with
pregnancy. The patient feels a weakness of the heart which worsens
due to the additional load of pregnancy. The feeling of weakness of
the heart by physical exertion or mental anguish continues throughout
the pregnancy. The patient may have nightmares. In the morning, as the person gets up, the legs feel as if they have been
beaten. Walking is uncomfortable. The legs feel weak and the upper
arms feel numb. The back hurts and the backbone area is very
sensitive. The backache is worse at night. In Argentum Nitricum,
there can be paralysis of the lower half of the body , and stiffness
and tightness at the tissues surr ounding the backbone. The symptoms
aggravate in the heat and after food. The open air and the cold relieve
the symptoms. In epilepsy, fear of heights, and the tendency to see dreadful dreams, a
very high potency should be given. Adjuvants:
Merc Sol, Pulsatilla
Antidotes:
Natrum Mur, Arsenic, Phosphorus
Potency:
30 to 200

Argentum Metallicum is the other name for silver. Pure silver cannot
be absorbed into the body. However, when silver is combined with
other elements, the body is able to absorb its compounds. In Greek
medicine, it was used in the form of silver foil as a tonic, but pure
silver cannot become a part of th e body tissue. Unfortunately, these
days lead is beaten into the form of a foil and sold as silver even
though lead is very harmful to the health of a person. As far as homoeopathy is concerned, any metal which comes into
contact with the lining of the skin or the inner lining of the gut is
absorbed into the body, although it may not be detectable by any
sophisticated gauges. The main effect of the Argentum Metallicum is on the elastic
cartilage bones, which become thick and hard. The thickened nasal
bone can cause difficulty in breathing. Small bones of the ears
develop nodular thickening. This process of progressive thickening of
the bone can lead to cancer formation. Argentum Metallicum works profoundly on the brain cells. The cells
start melting away slowly, and premature senility sets in. The
capability to comprehend deteriorates . This weakness starts in the
central part of the brain and then spreads gradually to other organs of
the body. Mental faculties start failing. Hands and feet start to bend.
The memory becomes weak to the extent that th e patient goes out of
his senses and talks nonsense. The ability to think decreases .
Serious thinking causes dizziness. This is a danger signal
and
indicates the degenerati on of brain cells. In such cases, Argentum
Metallicum in high potency should be administered without delay and
repeated every fifteen to twenty days or monthly. The inhaler used by
asthmatic patients also contains a poisonous substance which, like
Argentum Metallicum, makes the brain tissue shrink and then
degenerate. Argentum Metallicum resembles Lachesis in the way that the
symptoms aggravate during sleep, es pecially the ner vous exhaustion
leading to generalized physical fatigue. Argentum Metallicum works deeply on the muscles of the limbs.
Neuralgic pains mostly affect both the legs and the feet . The nerve
fibres feel as though they are being torn apart. These neuralgic pains
aggravate during sleep and in cold and wet weather. (Rheumatic
aches and pains also get worse in stormy and humid weather). In the
rainy season, they also get worse before and after the rain. There is no
associated swelling of the limbs, but the patient is definitely very
restless. Light movements lessen the joint pains while rapid motions
intensify them. The discomfort is not due to the sleep itself, but the
rest offered by sleep. The pains are worse at night as in Rhus Tox.
The difference is that in Rhus Tox, there is a severe physical
uneasiness and the person spends the night tossing about. Argentum Metallicum is very useful in the cancers of the skin and
mucus membranes . Cancer at the uterine neck, which most
doctors label as incurable, is very amenable to Argentum Metallicum,
even curable. In case the cure is not achieved, the patient can still
remain comfortable for a long time. Tarentula Hispania, Helonias and
Carbo Animalis are also very useful in cancer of the cervix of the uterus. In Argentum Metallicum, there are widespread ulcerations on the
body. The ulcers over the cartilage bone s respond very well to
Argentum Metallicum. It is also a ssociated with the lining of veins.
A very special feature of Argentum Metallicum is that it affects the
internal organs of women strictly on the left side, and the internal
organs of men strictly on the right side. Usually it is not difficult to
differentiate the remedies specific for the right or the left and upper or
lower part of the body. This remedy, however, particularly
differentiates the ailments of ri ght and left in men and women
respectively. In women, the ovary swells into a form of a large cyst.
Accumulation of different materials makes it large and more thick.
The uterus also expands and loses its elasticity. Once expanded, it
does not return to its original condition. This problem aggravates after
every delivery and sometimes the uterus descends down. Argentum
Metallicum is extremely useful in such women, offering cure. The
uterus becoming hard and the cervix stiff, in association with a putrid discharge, indicate the presence of a deep serious problem.
Administered early on, Argentum Metallicum can abort the disease. If the legs hurt but the real cause is not known, Argentum Metallicum
is worth a trial. It can be very useful in post-menopausal bleeding.
Argentum Metallicum is generally , though not necessarily, indicated
in women of thin, lean build with long slender hands. It may be useful
in obese women also. Some people feel sudden jerks on retiring to sleep or during sleep.
This is quite troublesome. Grindelia is ideal in such cases. Arsenic
may also be useful. Argentum Metallicum is indicated if such jerks of
violent motion are secondary to severe physical fatigue. Generally,
Grindelia is good enough in most such patients. One single dose may
work for many weeks, and does not need to be repeated. Argentum Metallicum symptoms are at the climax exactly at midday.
The patient feels dizzy. The headache is localised to the forehead and
face or sometimes on any one side of the head, but mostly on the right
side. It intensifies gradually, but th en subsides rapidly. This pain is
related to facial neuralgia, because basically this is a neuralgic remedy
and headache is also related to nerves. Severe itching, limited to one ear and leading to the injury and
thickening of the ears, is indicative of Argentum Metallicum.
Thickening of both ears is an early sign of le prosy. Leprosy, a very
slowly progressive disease, can be st be controlled by early use of
Hydrocotyle. Argentum Metallicum is extremely useful in diabetics and patients
passing albumin in the urine. Provided its other signs are also present, it
can be completely cured. Argentum Metallicum is also very beneficial in
inflammation of the inner lining of the kidneys (Nephritis). In Argentum Metallicum, two signs are shown in urine. If it is dark
coloured, this indicates passage of albumin in the urine. If it is
cloudy and copious , this indicates the presence of sugar, as is in
juvenile diabetes. Argentum Metallicum would only be useful if other
constitutional symptoms are also present. Argentum Metallicum
would be useful in diabetics with failing kidneys who wet their beds
at night. In Argentum Metallicum there is a feeling of extremely unusual
weakness and lethargy and the body feels lifeless. Argentum
Metallicum is the treatment for th is extreme fatigue. Argentum
Metallicum is a remedy of speakers and singers. It is well known for
the treatment of hoarseness of the voice following excessive speaking
and singing. Hoarseness is known in other homoeopathic remedies
too, such as in Rhus Tox, however, it is not difficult to differentiate
between them. In Rhus Tox, the patient feels a hoarseness of the
voice at the outset, which gradually gets clearer and better gradually
on continued talking. If the voice becomes worse on talking, Borax
can be used. However, if the overall symptoms are of Argentum
Metallicum, this will prove better than Borax. In Argentum Metallicum, the trachea swells up and is very painful .
The cough becomes aggravated by laughing (as in Phosphorus).
Argentum Metallicum patients develop cold on exposure to the cold
which can lead to irritation of the throat, and discomfort at the upper
part of the chest. The fever comes on in the afternoon. There is
severe weakness in the chest and pain on the left ribs. Argentum
Metallicum is of good use in diseases of the lungs . Stanum is better
than Argentum Metallicum in diseases associated with a lot of
sputum/expectoration, unless the overall picture resembles that of
Argentum Metallicum. There is premature ageing in Argentum
Metallicum. Even at the age of 20 to 25 years, the face appears full of
wrinkles. Sarsaparilla is the be st remedy for premature ageing.
Chinisum Ars is good in ageing which is secondary to deep illnesses
of long-standing. The liver and spleen fail. In Sarsap arilla the skin
shrivels. In Argentum Metallicum, if the patient lies flat on his back, watery
fluid accumulates in the lung, causing palpitations and difficulty in
breathing. On sitting up and stan ding, the upper part of the lung
becomes clear of the fluid, and the person can breathe easily.
Argentum Metallicum is very a dvantageous in pregnant women
experiencing sudden or severe palpitations of the heart. Typically,
the symptoms of Argentum Metallicum aggravate by touch and at
midday. Sleeping in the open air at night lessens the severity of the
cough, but other physical ailments get worse.
Antidote: Merc Sol, Pulsatilla
Potency: 30 to CM

Medicinally, bee venom is used in several diseases. In ancient times,
it was used to treat insect bites and st ings. Apis is especially useful in
the illnesses caused by honeybee stings and like ailments. The typical pain of the Apis patient is fraught with burning and
piercing sensation. Cold applicati on relieves the pain while heat
aggravates it. The symptoms usually begin on the right side and then
spread to the left. The skin fe els sore and cannot tolerate any
pressure. Even the touch of clot h is unbearable. The patient feels
intense heat in the blood and is relieved by exposure to the open air.
He is worse for heat (feeling heat). Apis is very useful in every kind
of inflammation and swelling aggravated by exposure to heat or heat
application. This is the best remedy for Meningitis also. When used
promptly, it also prevents the su bsequent development of epilepsy
whereas even if Meningitis is cured by conventional treatment, some
long-term complications persist, one of which is epilepsy. If cold,
rather than warmth, worsens th e symptoms, Apocynum should be
used instead. In the later part of pregnancy, some women develop convulsions
(Eclampsia). The general perceptio n is that in such a condition, a
patient gets relief from a hot ba th. However, if the patient’s
constitution is that of Apis, a hot ba th leads to severe convulsions to
the extent that due to constricti on of the cervix, the baby can die in
utero. If not treated i mmediately, the mother may also die. Similarly,
small children, of Apis temperament, can also fall into a state of
convulsions with a hot bath and thes e convulsions can result in their
death. It is extremely important to know if the symptoms worsen with
heat or cold. If heat aggrav ates the symptoms, Belladonna 1000 and
Aconite 1000 should also be added to Apis and repeated 2 to 3 times
within 15 minutes. If the condition is aggravated by cold, Mag Phos
should be administered. Apocynum is the ideal remedy for a c ool disposition and Apis, that of
a hot disposition. If a child does not like to be covered but kicks the
cloth off, this shows that he does not like heat. The salient sign of Apis is that the affected area swells and throbs
(as after a bee sting). Apocynum does not exhibit this feature.
Sometimes, the swelling of Apis a ppears in the outer lining of the
brain. Typically, the patient feels wo rse in the heat and feels severe
throbbing. A young child cannot e xpress himself and suddenly
screams loudly. The doctor should ta ke immediate notice of this sign
and administer Apis. Apis also affects the membranous c overings of the heart, lungs and
liver. In other words, it works mo stly on the coveri ngs rather than
these organs themselves. Apocynum, like Apis, also affects the
coverings. Both these remedies aff ect the secretory membranes of the
abdomen like those of the intestines or kidneys, which filter the blood
and produce urine. In both, the body swelling is soft and pits on
pressure. In Apocynum, the swelling (Oedema) may become rather
hard. The Apis patient with a kidney di sease will show soft baggy swelling
below the eyes. If along with this, the kidneys have a throbbing pain,
or there is a sign of worsening of symptoms by heat, this is a clear
indication of Apis. The affected eyes show severe swel ling of the eyelids and Conjuctiva,
along with bright redness, a piercing pain in the eye and
aggravation of the symptoms by heat. Such a patient will not be able
to open his eyes in bright sunlight. In Apis, some signs and symptoms
manifest themselves on the right side . On hearing bad news or out of
jealousy or sheer dislike, the right side of the body may be
paralysed. However, the ailments of the eye and throat begin on the
left side and then migrate to the ri ght side (like Lachesis). In Apis,
cold water gargles, instead of warm water, relieve the throat
discomfort. In Apis, the abdomen (belly) becomes markedly distended with
wind or gas, causing spasms below the ribs on the right side and then
possibly on the left side also, like a vice. Pressure on the affected area
of the belly relieves the discomfort. Apis is the sure-shot remedy if
the symptoms aggravate with heat. Apis shows its beneficial effects
in ten to fifteen days, however, it starts relieving the distension and
spasm of the abdomen immediately af ter use. In an hour or two, the effect is well evident. It works fairly fast in Meningitis, unless it is
associated with Hydrocephalus. Apis will relieve the swelling of the
membranes of Meningitis, but the cu re of Hydrocephalus will not be
achieved without Silicea, which is the correct treatment for this
condition. Silicea should be starte d in small potency and then
advanced steadily to very high po tency. In abdominal distension,
Apis gives immediate relief. However, in some chronic intestinal
problems, it has to be used over a long period. As a matter of principle, in slowly progressive illnesses, the treatment
will also be effective gradually, whereas, in sudden acute illnesses, the
response to the medication is also prompt. In kidney disease, when
Apis has to be used over a long pe riod, this does not mean that the
appearance of its beneficial effect will also take that long. If Apis
starts working in kidney disease, the kidneys start forming urine
within seven to ten days, which is a clear indication of its effect,
although complete recovery will take time. In such a situation, the
potency should be incr eased gradually with longer intervals in
between. This way of administrati on is called rising potency and is
described in detail in the chapter on Tuberculinum and Bacillinum. Adjutant: Natrum Mur
Antidotes: Cantharis, Ipecac, Lachesis, Ledum, Natrum Mur
Potency: 30 to 200

The salient feature of Antimonium Cr udum is that the gastric function
is badly affected. There is a coating on the tongue, which is
essentially thick and white unless al tered by the colour of food taken,
e.g. the coating can obviously turn brown after eating chocolate or
drinking tea. The Antimonium Crudum patient eats a lot and
constantly so, until the sudden functional failure of the stomach sets
in. Antimonium Crudum is a profound and wi dely effective medicine. It
stops the vomiting following excessive eating . It is very useful in
deep warts and corns of the feet. Sometimes, streaks on nails or their
irregularity may be a sign of deep -seated disease. In the Antimonium
Crudum patient, raised warts devel op near finger nails. The nails
either become loose or shrivel and streaks appear on them. The same
happens on the feet. The gums swe ll and recede from the teeth and
the teeth decay. If this is a promin ent feature, then it is diagnostic of
Antimonium Crudum. In Antimonium Crudum and Antimonium tart,
the toothache may be of neuralgic nature.
In Antimonium Crudum, the stools are formed and the blood is only
smeared on the outside. In dysentery, the stools are mixed with blood. Antimonium Crudum patient suffers from the pain at the heels. Along
with the dysfunction of the stomach, various skin conditions can also
develop. The Antimonium Crudum sy mptoms are relieved in the
open air and hot, humid weather. However, the patient cannot tolerate
heat, especially direct sunlight. The classical signs of Antimonium
Crudum are gastric dysfunction, naus ea and its effects on the lungs,
involvement of the nails, peeling of the tip of the nose and lips, and
dry eczema. Adjutant: Sulphur
Antidote: Hepar Sulph
Potency: 30

Anthrakokali is very useful in skin conditions associated with
itching, dryness, fissuring and blister formation, as well as in cracking
at the nostrils and the nails, followed by the formation of sores.
Typically, the mouth and the throat are very dry. Excessive bile
formation leads to vomiting, the abdomen distends with wind, the
thirst is intense and there is copious urination. Potency : 30

Anthracinum is prepared from th e putrefied matter taken from the
spleen of sick sheep. It is a first-rate treatment for ulcers and
bleeding. Most homoeopaths use it sparingly but I have found it to be
very useful in my practice. Abscesses developing in inflamed glands
are hard and bundled together. They exhibit an ugly, bluish
discolouration and are painful, but do not progress to softening and
pus formation. For such boils, Anthracinum is a sure-shot
homoeopathic remedy, resulting in cure within a month or two. Chronic wounds and ulcers of the in ternal organs, which exude blood
and have a tendency to turn into ca ncer, can possibly be treated with
Anthracinum. Anthracinum is also very useful in the treatment of
deep wounds, which rip the skin apart and bleed. In view of this
symptom, I am of the opinion th at Anthracinum would also be
beneficial in Ulcerative Colitis (in which, the lining of the large gut
disintegrates, ulcerate s and bleeds). In the allopathic system of
treatment, there is no definite cure for this disease. The medicines
used only temporarily control the disease, and have side effects. Only
the surgical removal of the diseased part of the colon offers cure.
When a disease has been merely suppressed by inappropriate
medication, this may lead to Ul cerative Colitis. I have found
Anthracinum to be very useful in such medically induced colitis. Anthracinum not only has the capabili ty of curing chronic sores and
abscesses, but also prevents their recurrence. Anthracinum can be
useful in combating the persistent, dark bleeding from any part of the
body. Antidotes: Apis, Camphor, Carbo Veg, Kreosote, Silicea, Rhus
Tox
Potency: 30 to 200

This is a profoundly effective medicine, which works on blood
circulation. Its effect resemble s several kinds of snake venom.
Ammonium Carb has been successfully used in the Sindh province of
Pakistan by eminent homoeopaths, for the treatment of snakebites.
The resulting bleeding is thin and dark. The dark colour signifies that
the inner lining of the nose, mout h, pharynx, stomach and intestines
are no longer intact, they have either ulcerated or ruptured. The same
also happens following a snakebite. The blood that comes out is dark
and thin. Ammonium Ca rb is extremely useful in combating such
conditions. In some diseases, the lining of the blood vessels becomes
permeable and cannot retain the red cel ls. For such diseases, there are
other useful remedies described elsewhere in this book. Dark blood is
usually indicative of a severe illness, which may lead to death, unless
treated promptly. There are also other remedies for the dark bloody
discharge, as mentioned in other places of this book. The dark bloody
discharge occurs in in se rious illnesses. This requires urgent treatment
otherwise the patient’s life will be in danger. To distinguish between
different remedies, one has to k eep the differences of different
remedies in mind. Otherwise, only the mere presence of this symptom
will not help. For example, the dark blue bleeding of piles is a result
of failure of the portal venous system, rather than the effect on the
inner lining. This system of circulation is related to the liver and the
veins of the intestines draining into the liver. The veins contain dark
blood. Portal system dysfunction ma y be treated with Sulphur or
Hamamelis. However, if the dark blood is exuding from the broken
down lining of the kidneys or intestines , Ammonium Carb is the
ideal remedy in this critically serious condition. In snakebites, the blood may either clot or flow freely. Bleeding is
from the junctional area (i.e. where th e outer skin and the inner lining
meet), such as the roots of the nail , lips, and other na tural orifices.
Whenever there is such bleeding, th is is a sign of snake venom and
similarly that of Ammonium Carb. Female Ammonium Carb patients may become hysterical. Their
symptoms aggravate with sleep (as in Lachesis). Puerperal fever or other fevers due to blood poisoning (toxaemia or Septicaemia) can
influence the mind. The patient expe riences strange, dreadful dreams.
Detailed analysis of such dr eams can help in making a proper
diagnosis. If the patient sees snakes in his dreams, it indicates Natrum
Mur, although, snake venom is Lachesis, rather than Natrum Mur. If
the patient sleep walks, it indicates Silicea. Such patients may walk
long distances and then come back to their bed. One such patient got
up during her sleep and picked up the bedding and took it to another
house. Finding the door of that house locked, she dropped the
bedding there, returned home and lay back on the bed devoid of
bedding. In the morning, she did no t remember anything about it at
all! Restlessness during sleep, or non-sa tisfying sleep s hould be properly
looked into, so that a diagnosis may be established and correct
treatment offered for natural relief. An offensive discharge from the ear should lead the homoeopath
towards Ammonium Carb. Ammonium Carb is very useful in chronic
illnesses of the ears associated with putrid discharge. In a chronic
illness, the patient may be on the verge of death. The affected tissues
start decaying and dying. The deadly odourous discharge from the ear
results from the destruction of the inner lining of the ear. Ammonium
Carb should be used in these patients on a permanent basis. Pulsatilla will offer immediate relief in case of a sudden, severe
earache associated with restlessness, provided the patient is of mild
nature and has the sobbing tendency. Chamomilla would be the best
remedy if the patient suffering from earache is also irritable. Allium
Cepa is good if the earache is secondary to a nasal cold. If there is
lots of blood congestion of the ears associated with a reddish glow on
the face, one should also add Belladonna 30 to Pulsatilla. Ammonium Carb is useful in diseases of the glands and chronic
diseases of the lungs . Sometimes the lymph glands of the neck
enlarge, become firm and then ha rden due to chronic inflammation
and may resemble cancerous glands. So Ammonium Carb is also
useful in cancerous co nditions of the lymph gl ands. When the skin
diseases are suppressed due to some kind of treatment, the diseases
settle in the lymph nodes making them hard and subject to cancerous transformation. Even if cancerous, such lymph adenopathy is very
amenable to Ammonium Carb. Antidotes Arnica, Camphor
Potency: 30 or as high as needed