Minor Homoeopathic Remedies B

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Baptisia tinctoria

Baptisia; wild indigo, indigo weed, horsefly weed, rattlebush
This is an herbaceous, perennial plant that grows throughout Canada and most of the United States in dry, upland, wooded habitats. It has a dark woody root that is pale on the inside with many small roots arising from it, and this is the part used in homoeopathy. The root was ground down and used by the Indian peoples both as a medicine and as a dye. ('Baptisia' is derived from the Greek word bapto, meaning 'to dye').

The plant grows to about three feet in height, producing yellow flowers in August and September. It is poisonous if eaten in large quantities but preparations of the root are valued for their antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent properties. In homoeopathy it is used to treat acute, severe infections and fevers. These include influenza, whooping cough, scarlet fever and typhoid fever. The person feels unwell and may be exhausted, confused and delirious with a discoloured tongue and bad breath. There may be diarrhoea with an offensive smell. Symptoms are made worse by hot, humid airless conditions and improve with gentle exercise in the fresh, open air, once the person is convalescent.

Baryta carbonica

Baryta carb., witherite, barium carbonate The barium carbonate that is used to make the homoeopathic remedy is found as white crystals of witherite and barite in ancient rocks. Barium, which is derived from these minerals, is used in radiology and also in the manufacture of glassware. Witherite was once used medicinally to treat swollen glands and tuberculosis.

In homoeopathy it is a useful remedy for children and elderly persons suffering from intellectual and, possibly, physical impairment. Children may have Down's syndrome or similar disorders, and often have a disproportionately large head and impairment of growth. They tend to suffer from recurrent respiratory infections such as tonsillitis. Elderly persons who benefit from Baryta carb. may suffer from dementia or be physically and intellectually impaired because of an event such as a stroke.

People suitable for this remedy are shy and unsure of themselves and they need a great deal of reassurance. They tend to be childlike, and need to be guided into making the right decisions. Symptoms are made worse by cold in any form, especially damp and chilly weather and biting cold winds. They improve with warmth in any form and with exercise in the open air. The person feels better if warm clothing is worn.

Beliis perennis

Beliis; the daisy, bruisewort, garden or common daisy
This little plant with its dark green leaves and white flowers with yellow centres, is so common as to be familiar to all. The leaves contain an acrid liquid that protects the plant from being eaten by insects or grazing animals. The daisy has a long history of medicinal use, having been used since mediaeval times to relieve bruising (hence bruisewort).

The whole fresh flowering plant is used to make the homoeopathic remedy, which is mainly used to treat bruising, pain and inflammation following accidental injury, trauma or surgery. It is useful for the prevention of infection and in the treatment of boils and abscesses. Symptoms are more severe if the person becomes chilled when already too hot, and glands may be swollen. Arms and legs may feel cold or numb. Beliis may be given during pregnancy to relieve pains and cramps. Symptoms are made worse by chilling, becoming wet and for sweating and being too hot at night in bed. They improve with massage or rubbing of the painful area and for gentle exercise and movement.

Benzoicum acidum

Benz. ac; benzoic acid Benzoic acid is found naturally in a resinous substance, benzoin gum, that occurs in some plants. A combination of sodium and benzoic acid forms sodium benzoate, which is used in the preservation of food. The homoeopathic remedy is used for arthritic conditions and gout and also for urinary disorders, particularly kidney stones. There is a characteristic clicking of the joints in arthritic conditions and severe, searing pain. Urinary complaints are accompanied by the production of a dark urine that smells offensive and associated pain. The person is very sensitive to cold and often feels chilled. Benz. ac. may also be given as a treatment for menstrual disorders and a prolapsed uterus. Symptoms are made worse for getting cold while undressing or chilling because of winter weather or draughts. They improve with heat and hot applications to the painful part.

Berberis vulgaris

Berberis, barberry, pipperidge bush Berberis is a common bushy shrub that grows throughout Europe, producing pale green leaves, yellow flowers and glossy red berries. The berries have always been valued for culinary purposes, and the plant also has a long history of medicinal use. The physicians of ancient Greece and Arabia used Berberis to treat feverish conditions, haemorrhage, gastroenteritis, dysentery and jaundice. In herbal medicine it is still used to treat jaundice, liver disorders, gallstones and digestive disorders.

The fresh root of the plant is used to prepare the homoeopathic remedy, which is used in the treatment of kidney complaints accompanied by severe pain, such as renal colic and kidney stones. These complaints may be accompanied by the production of dark-coloured abnormal urine with an offensive odour. Also, it is used for gallstones, jaundice and biliary colic accompanied by the passing of pale faeces. People suitable for this remedy tend to have an unhealthy appearance, being pale with sunken features and dark shadows beneath the eyes. Symptoms may show rapid fluctuations and are made worse by prolonged standing.

They are relieved for stretching exercise and gentle movements.

Borax

Borate of sodium This homoeopathic remedy acts on the gastrointestinal tract and is used in the treatment of digestive disorders. It is particularly helpful as a remedy for pains, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. These may be accompanied by sweating, fever and giddiness. Symptoms are made worse by downward movements such as sitting or lying down.

Bothrops lanceolatus

Bothrops; Lachesis lanceolatus, fer-de-lance, yellow pit viper
This greyish-brown snake, marked with a diamond pattern, is a native animal of the Caribbean island of Martinique. It produces a deadly venom, and if a person receives a bite, the affected part swells and eventually becomes affected by gangrene. The venom of the snake is harvested and used to make the homoeopathic remedy, which is given for conditions of the blood such as haemorrhage and thrombosis.

It is also used for strokes that affect the left side of the brain, producing symptoms of weakness and paralysis on the right side of the body and speech difficulty. People who need Bothrops are frequently exhausted, with slow, weary movements, and may be subject to tremor (involuntary trembling).

Bovista

Lycoperdon bovista; waited puffball, Lycoperdon gigantewn This fungus can be found in countries throughout Europe and has the shape of a round, white ball, varying in diameter from four inches to one foot. When the fungus is ripe, an irregular gash forms in its surface and dark browny/ green spores are released. Young puffballs are eaten in some countries and they have a long history of use among country dwellers.

The puffball was cut and applied to wounds to staunch bleeding and also burnt to produce a smoke that would stupefy bees so that honey could be collected from a hive. In homoeopathy, the remedy is used for speech disorders such as stammering and also for skin lesions, including eczema, blisters, warts, bunions, corns and nettle rash. These skin eruptions tend to weep and crust over and produce severe itching. Symptoms are made worse by heat and relieved by cold applications.

Bufo rana

Bufo, the common toad This toad is found in many countries throughout the world and has a mottled brown and pale warty skin. When the toad is disturbed and feels threatened, it secretes a toxic irritant substance from pores in its skin, especially from the raised pouches above its eyes. This poisonous substance is noxious and prevents the toad from being eaten. It affects the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, etc, and can produce quite severe symptoms, even in larger predators that might be tempted to attack the toad.

The poison has a long history of use in Chinese medicine and is collected and prepared to make the homoeopathic remedy, which was first investigated and proved by the American homoeopath Dr James Tyler Kent. It is used to treat epilepsy, in which the person is disturbed by bright lights or music before the onset of a fit and moves the tongue rapidly (lapping). After the fit, the sufferer is left with a severe headache.

Symptoms are made worse at night and for sleep and during menstruation in women. They are much better in the morning and after resting lying down. People who benefit from this remedy have a puffy appearance because of fluid retention. They are apt to lose their temper if unable to make their views understood.