Homoeopathic Remedies in Common Use G

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Gelsemium sempervirens

Gelsemium, yellow jasmine, false jasmine, Carolina jasmine, wild woodbine This attractive climbing plant is a native of the southern United States and parts of Mexico. It has a woody stem that twists around any available tree trunk, and grows on stream banks and on the sea coast. It produces attractive, large, bell-shaped, perfumed yellow flowers in the early spring, which belie the poisonous nature of the plant. It has an underground stem, or rhizome, from which arise a tangle of yellow roots that have an aromatic smell.

The root is the part used in homoeopathy and, if eaten in significant amounts, it affects the central nervous system, causing paralysis and possible death through failure of the nerves and muscles of the respiratory system. In homoeopathy it is used to treat both physical and mental symptoms. The physical ailments treated mainly involve the nervous and respiratory systems.

These include headaches that are worsened with bright light and movement, multiple sclerosis, eye pain, especially on the right side, sore throat and influenza-like symptoms, earache and feverish muscular pains. Accompanying symptoms include chills and shivering, flushed face and malaise. It is used to treat some menstrual problems including pain. Mental symptoms that are helped by Gelsemium include fears and phobias with symptoms of fatigue, weakness, trembling and apprehension.

These fears may arise before an examination, interview or public performance (stage fright). Excitement or fear that causes the heart to skip a beat and extreme anxiety causing sleeplessness are helped by Gelsemium. Symptoms are made worse in the sun and in warm, moist, humid weather or damp and fog. They are also worse with smoking and for excitement, anticipation, stress or bad news.

Symptoms improve with movement in the fresh air and after sweating and drinking alcohol or a stimulant drink. They improve after urinating-a large quantity of pale urine is usually passed. People suitable for Gelsemium tend to be well-built with a blue-tinged skin and often complain of feeling weak and tired. They are beset by fears, and may be cowardly and too fearful to lead or enjoy a normal active life.

Graphites

Graphite; black pencil lead Graphite is a form of carbon that is the basis of all life. It is found in older igneous or meta-morphic rocks, such as granite and marble, and is mined for its industrial uses, e.g. in batteries, motors, pencil leads, cleaning and lubricating fluids. It was investigated and proved by Hahnemann after he learned that it was being used by some factory workers to heal cold sores.

The powder used in homoeopathy is ground graphite, and it is mainly used for skin disorders that may be caused by metabolic imbalances and stomach ulcers. It is a remedy, for eczema, psoriasis, acne, rough, dry skin conditions with pustules or blisters, scarring and thickened cracked nails and cold sores. Also, for stomach ulcers caused by a thinning or weakness in the lining of the stomach wall, problems caused by excessive catarrh, loss of hair, and cramping pains or numbing of the feet and hands.

In women it is used to treat some menstrual problems. The symptoms are worse in draughty, cold and damp conditions and for eating sweet meals or sea foods. Also, the use of steroids for skin complaints and, in women, during menstruation. Symptoms are often worse on the left side. They improve with warmth as long as the air is fresh and it is not stuffy, when it is dark and for eating and sleep.

People suitable for Graphites are usually well-built and may be overweight, often having dark hair. They like to eat well but lack physical fitness, and sweat or flush with slight exertion. They are prone to dry, flaky skin conditions that may affect the scalp. Graphites people are usually lethargic and may be irritable, lacking in concentration for intellectual activities. They are prone to mood swings and subject to bouts of weeping, especially when listening to music. A Graphites person feels that he or she is unlucky and is inclined to self-pity, often feeling fearful and timid.

Guaiacum officinale

Guaiac, resin of lignum vitae This attractive evergreen tree is a native of the West Indies and the northern coastal regions of South America. The tree grows to a height of 40-60 feet and produces striking, deep blue flowers. The part used in homoeopathy is a resin obtained from the wood.

The wood is unusual in being very dense, which means that it sinks in water, and this property caused much interest when it was first discovered in the Middle Ages. The resin is obtained by firing the cut log, and the melted resin then flows out of a hole made in the wood and is collected. This is allowed to cool and harden, and it is usually exported in large blocks that split readily into glassy fragments.

The remedy is used to treat inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis) and tonsillitis, being very helpful in relieving painful soreness of the throat. It is particularly indicated where there is foul-smelling sputum and sweating. It is also a remedy for gout and rheumatic conditions with severe and stabbing joint pains. The symptoms are made worse by extremes of heat and cold and damp weather, and also with movement. They may be relieved by rest and keeping warm.