Materia Medica R - Z

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RHUS TOX
No. 1 Remedy for sprains and strains.
Stiffness, coupled with terrible restlessness. Pains usually around joints, which ache, feel sore, bruised. The pain gets worse on first movement, with a tearing or stitching sensation, but this eases after continued movement, provided it is not too strenuous. During colds, fevers, flus, a triangular red tip at the end of their tongue is an excellent confirmatory symptom. Children who need this remedy crave cold milk. Better: heat; gentle motion. Worse: damp, cold weather.
RUTA
No. 1 Remedy for injuries to tendons and bone surface.
Ruta's action is deeper, but it has a less distinctive picture than Rhus Tox. It is less restless. Bone feels damaged. Useful for injuries to wrists; Knees; ankles or bones with a thin covering of flesh (e.g shins). Better: for movement. Worse: lying on the affected part.
SEPIA
Useful remedy for conditions brought about by hormonal changes in women. Suits those who are worn out and have a dragged-down, heavy feeling. Indifferent to loved ones. Chilly. Weepy. Dislike sympathy, prefer to be alone. Desires acidic things and chocolate Better: vigorous exercise; eating; warmth; open air. Worse: during menstruation; missing a meal; pregnancy.
SILICA
No. 1 Remedy for forcing out splinters, etc.
In first aid treatment excellent for forcing foreign bodies out, but beware if you have a pace-maker, grommets, metal pins etc. In acute illnesses suits chilly types, who keep getting infections, which are very slow to clear up. Thirsty. Perspire easily. Better: heat. Worse: cold, damp, wet weather.
STAPHISAGRIA
No. 1 Remedy following episiotomy.
Appear sweet and calm, but may feel angry, resentful, humiliated. Feel boundaries have been violated. Doesn't want to be touched. Very useful after cuts with a sharp instruments. Better: warmth; rest; breakfast. Worse: missing a meal; tobacco; exertion.
SULPHUR
Warm-blooded, wants doors and windows open. Empty sinking feeling in stomach at 11am. Desires sweets; spicy food. Burning pains. Offensive corrosive, burning discharges. Itchy. Do not use routinely for skin complaints always see a qualified homoeopath. Better: fresh air. Worse: warmth; bathing; 10-11am.