Minor Homoeopathic Remedies G-H

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Gentiana cruciata

Cross-leaved gentian There are many species of gentian found in most countries throughout the world. In all varieties the plant, and especially the root, is extremely bitter and is used as a tonic medicine. The cross-leaved gentian, with leaves growing in the shape of a cross, has been used in herbal medicine as a treatment for hydrophobia (rabies). In homoeopathy, the root is used to prepare the remedy, which is given for a sore throat or hoarseness, gastritis and infections of the stomach, colicky pains, nausea, sickness and diarrhoea and hernia.

Gentiana lutea

Yellow gentian The yellow gentian is a native species of the mountainous, alpine and sub-alpine pastures of Europe although it does not occur naturally in the British Isles. It has a long root exceeding one foot in length, and the stalk grows to a height of three or four feet. The leaves axe a yellow-green colour, and the plant produces attractive, large, deep orange-yellow flowers. The root is collected and dried to make medicinal preparations and has long been valued for its bitter, tonic properties. In homoeopathy, it is used as a remedy for digestive problems and gastritis with symptoms of griping abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, heartburn and bloatedness.

Glonoinum

Glonoin; nitroglycerine, glyceryl trinitrate This substance, which occurs as a clear, poisonous, oily liquid, is derived from a chemical process and was discovered in the mid-1800s by an Italian chemist. It is prepared by mixing together certain proportions of sulphuric acid and nitric acid and then adding glycerine. The addition of diatomaceous earth or kiesel-guhr (a natural deposit of sediment composed of the silica skeletons of minute marine creatures called diatoms) to nitroglycerine, produces dynamite.

This extremely dangerous explosive was first formulated by the eminent Swedish scientist, Alfred Nobel, in 1867. Nitroglycerine acts very strongly on the heart and blood circulation and is used in conventional medicine as a remedy for the symptoms of angina. In homoeopathy the remedy is also used for symptoms affecting the blood circulation and head caused by a sudden, increased rush of blood.

Symptoms include a feeling of congestion in the head with a pounding, severe headache, hot flushes and sweats. The person may try to relieve the pain by holding and pressing the head between the hands. Also, it is used in the treatment of heat exhaustion and the early symptoms of heatstroke. The symptoms are made worse by any kind of movement, especially turning the head, and by heat. They are relieved by cold and being out in cool, fresh air.

Helleborus niger

Christmas rose, Christ herb, melampode, black hellebore
The Christmas rose is a highly poisonous plant that is found naturally in the mountainous regions of southern, central and eastern Europe. It is known as a garden plant in the British Isles and derives its name of black hellebore from the colour of the root. It flowers in the depths of winter, from which comes its association with Christmas and Christ. The plant has large, serrated, dark-green leaves and white flowers tinged with pink, but it is the dark-coloured rhizome and root that are used to prepare the herbal and homoeopathic remedies. The plant has been known since ancient times and is described in the writings of Pliny.

It was used as a cure for various ailments in cattle and other domestic animals, and has strong purgative and narcotic effects. It also has a powerful effect on the kidneys, heart and uterus. In homoeopathy, it is used in the treatment of severe headaches with stabbing pain that may be associated with a former head injury. There may be symptoms of mental confusion, mood changes or even convulsions or epilepsy. Slight movements make the symptoms worse, as do cold draughts of air.

Hydrastis canadensis

Hydrastis; golden seal, yellow puccoon, orange root, Indian dye, Indian paint, eye balm, eye root, ground raspberry This plant is a native species of Canada and the eastern United States, and has a long history of medicinal use, firstly by the Indian peoples, particularly the Cherokees, and later by Europeans.

It is a small, perennial plant growing to a height of about six to twelve inches and producing a greenish white flower and later an inedible fruit resembling a raspberry. There is a knotty, yellow-brown tangled root system from which a dye was extracted and used by the Indians to colour their clothes and skin. The fresh root or rhizome (underground stem) is the part used medicinally.

It was used by the Indian peoples to treat digestive disorders, liver complaints, eye irritations, ulcers and cancer, heart conditions and fevers. It has a particular effect on mucous membranes, making it useful in the treatment of catarrh, and has tonic, cleansing and astringent properties. The homoeopathic remedy was investigated and proved by the American homoeopath Dr Hale in 1875, although the plant had been known in Europe since the mid-18th century. In homoeopathy the remedy is used to treat catarrhal complaints such as may occur with infections of the nose and throat and chest. Typically, a thick, yellow catarrh is produced, and there may be a sore throat and other pains.

It is also used for digestive disorders in which there may be persistent constipation, nausea and vomiting and loss of appetite and weight. It is particularly useful as a tonic for people who have lost weight because of a long, debilitating illness. The symptoms are worse in the evening and night and out in cold air. They are relieved by rest, quiet and warm surroundings.

Hyoscyamus niger

Hyoscyamus; henbane, henbell, hogbean Henbane grows widely throughout Europe and western Asia, and has been introduced and become naturalized in North America, Canada and parts of South America, such as Brazil. It is believed that it may have been brought to Britain and other European countries by the Romans, and it is described by both Dioscorides and Pliny.

The plant is poisonous, narcotic and sedative, and was used by ancient physicians to induce sleep and relieve pain. Henbane has a varied habit, occurring as both annual and biennial forms. Both are used medicinally, although the biennial form is generally considered to be more useful. The preparations are narcotic, hypnotic and antispasmodic in effect, and are used in conventional medicine to treat spasms of the digestive tract.

Juice extracted from the fresh whole flowering plant is used to prepare the homoeopathic remedy, which is used for mental and emotional problems. Symptoms include paranoia and suspicion of others, unreasonable behaviour and jealousy, delusions, aggressive outbursts and the use of foul and sexually suggestive language. Henbane is also used to relieve the physical symptoms of muscular spasms and cramp-like intermittent pains that may accompany epilepsy, disorders of the digestive system and bladder. Symptoms are made worse by lying down and being touched, with being covered up and for any emotional upheaval. They are relieved if the person sits in an upright position.