Part 2: Sssnakes of the Snake-kingdom – their homeopathic identity

 Part 2: Sssnakes of the Snake-kingdom – their homeopathic identity

* Mythology – does it have any bearing on the snake-remedy picture

 

Proud and elegant creatures they are, feared and respectfully eschewed by many. No creature has taken up a place so mysterious, resembling deity and evil at the same time. They are connected to deceit, dishonesty and pride and yet are timid, almost shy to the trespasser in their territory. Their movement is majestic, their appearance biased by fear and reservation in those that search for them. Mythology believes that their eyes can kill and doom to chaos. The lick of their tongue is feared to cast a magic spell. Through the millenniums the fascination for these creatures has been cast in stone on temple walls and on altars. The snake resembles a goddess of fertility or an underworld eater of souls. Across many cultures, for thousands of years, she has been worshiped for she resembles immortality in a cycle of death and rebirth through the shedding of her skin. She is a dual being, a living dead, neither male nor female, is able to kill and to cure at the same time.

 

 

The Rod of Asclepius

The Greek god of healing, Asclepius, has been symbolized by a stick that has a snake winding around it. The rod of Asclepius, has become the emblem of the healing professions, and the snake symbolizes “the will to live” and rehabilitation.

 

 

 

 

Ancient – medicinal – snake – elixirs

Snake venom in allopathic medicine today, is prescribed successfully for patients that have suffered a stroke. But throughout history, a potion made of snake was said to cure ailments and bestow endless life to he who nourished of such a poisonous elixir.

In the Arab speaking countries, stories are told of the consumption of snake as a cure all, which renders invulnerable and bestows eternal youth to he who drinks a potion made of snake. Apparently, up until today, Bedouins of the Sinai follow an old tradition by eating a preparation of a poisonous snake.

In parts of Macedonia, a decoction of snake, peppers and vinegar is believed to contain the healing powers of the snake. Life expectancy in this area is well above 100 years of age.

In the ´Vinschgau`, an area of Switzerland, ´Vipera aspis` is commonly set up in alcohol. This venomous ´Schnaps` is taken as a strengthening elixir.

 

These cure-potions are relics of ancient healing-eras the roots of which go back millennial years. The very first scriptures of Chinese medicine too, contain poisonous snakes and snake venom in their curative methodologies. In the high cultures of India, Egypt and ancient Greece, healers knew of the value of snake poison. Hippocrates (400 B.C.) already mentioned this.

In the Middle Ages a ´Snake-theriac` was considered a cure-all, universal-antidote, aphrodisiac and rejuvenating elixir.

At the beginning of the 19^th century the snake-therapies experienced a renaissance. Constantin Hering (1800 – 1880) saw in snake venom potential for a healing medicine. By dilution of the snake venom the poisonous essence was removed, and by succussion a curative homeopathic remedy produced. Hering was the first to prove a homeopathic snake remedy; Lachesis muta.

 

 

 

 

A modern theriac-recipe:

The medieval elixir originally contained diverse ingredients. A strengthening potion can be produced with less:

20ml Vipera berus D6 (6X)

100ml Archangelica fluid extract

20ml Pyrit D6 (Iron-disulfid) (6X)

To be added to these basic ingredients are 0.25ml of Sherry. Shake well before use. For a vitalizing cure 1 to 2 teaspoons daily are recommended.

 

Source:  [Madejsky,M., 2002. Schlangen in Mythos und Heilkunst [online].München: Natura Naturans – Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Traditionelle Abendländische Medizin . Available at: artikel/schlange.htm> [Accessed November 17, 2008].]

 

 

 

 

* List of snake remedies in homeopathy

Bitis arientans                                                                                      Lachesis muta

Bothrops atrox                                                                                     Naja tripudians

Bothrops lanceolatus                                                                            Oxyuranus scutellatus

Bungarus fasciatus                                                                               Oxyuranus microlepidotus

Cenchris contortrix                                                                               Phyton regia

Crotalus cascavella                                                                               Toxicophis pugnax

Crotalus horridus                                                                                  Vipera aspis

Dendroaspis polylepsis                                                                          Vipera berus

Echis carinatus                                                                                      Vipera redi

Elaps corallinus                                                                                     Vipera torva

Hydrophis cyanocinctus

 

 

 

* The Remedy

Snake venom is used to prepare a remedy. The chemical composition is:

• Very complex mixture of proteins in the form of modified saliva; digestive enzymes,

• Related to snakes own biology, and to the type of prey it feeds on

• Composition of venom varies by species and locality

• Venom is either predominantly neurotoxic or haemolytic

 

Source: [ITN News.anon. Snake Medicine Farm [online]. Available at: <http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6vtz9_snake-venom-used-in-homeopathic-med_news> [Accessed November 18, 2008].]

 

According to the doctrine of signatures:

• Rising heat – snake rears up when caught

• Worse for heat – prefers cool and dark

• Spring aggravation – looses skin

Keynotes:

• Mental symptoms

• Sidedness

• Temperature

• Blood or breathing

• Periodicity

 

 

* References of Materias medica that supplied the information on these remedies

 

 

 

 

*The essence of the snakes

 

 

*Sexuality, Jealousy and suspicion

 

 

 

*Fear

Bothrops lanceolatus

• Fear that his heart will stop.

Cenchris contortrix

• Fear of being bitten by a snake.
• Strong sense of anxiety with a feeling they will die suddenly.

Crotalus cascavella

• Fears death – especially when alone.
• Someone is behind them (at night).
• Suffocation.
• Being thrown from a height.
• Fear of being alone.
• Fear of ghosts.

Crotalus horridus

• Thunder and lightning.
• Fear of being pursued by enemies and therefore constantly suspicious.
• Fear of medicine.
• Fear of public places-agoraphobia.
• Fear of crowds and people.

Dendroaspis polylepsis

• Fear of being alone.
• Fear of the future.
• Fear something will happen.
• Fear of heights.

Elaps coralinus

• Fear of rain.
• Fear of being alone.
• Fear of snakes.
• Apoplexy (brain-stroke).
• Dreads to be alone lest some calamity may overcome him (trembling, chattering of teeth).
• Fear of fatal and impending disease.
• Fear something terrible will happen.

Hydrophis cyanocinctus

• Starting from sleep as if from fright.

Lachesis

• Fear of being damned.
• Fear of falling under satanic influence.
• Fear of the unknown.
• Fear of dying in her sleep.

• Insanity, misfortune, impending disease.

• Fear of thunderstorm.
• Fear of travelling by car.
• Fear of divine punishment and death.

Naja

• Fear of being alone.
• Fear of the rain.

Python regia

• Fear of starvation and of being alone.
• Fear of being strangled, of suffocating.
• Fear of weddings, the dark, catastrophes.

Toxicophis pugnax

• Fear of being alone.
• Has many fears, easily frightened, frightful images on closing of eyes.
• Terrified after dreams.
• Fear alternating with sadness.

Vipera

• Great anxiety and premonition of death.

 

 

* Death, Delusion & Suicide

Bothrops lanceolatus

Feelings of stabbing.

Cenchris contortrix

Delusions of plotting to fire town or building down. Delusions and presentiments of sudden death. Dreams of dead, sees dead infants.

Crotalus cascavella – Suicide by throwing himself from a window. Delusion of eyes falling out, of hearing footsteps behind him. Delusion of spectres, death, appears as a gigantic black skeleton. Delusions of voices that he must follow. Fear of death, dreams of corpses. Close to death and in contact with the other worlds. (Clairvoyance)

Crotalus horridus

Suicide by throwing himself from a height. Great apathy and indifference of approaching cessation of life. Delusion of body only half alive. Delusion of senile dementia and forgetfulness. Fear of death, constant thoughts of death.

Dendroaspis

Delusions of torture, desire and pleasure to hurt. Delusions of death and accidents especially of relatives, of life not being worth living. Wish to sleep and never wake up. Death due to suffocation.

Elaps coralinus

Delusions of being beaten, of hearing talking. Dreams of dead people.

Hydrophis cyanocinctus

Clairvoyance. Loathing of life.

Lachesis

Suicide by drowning. Delusions of seeing dead persons, himself as dead, his mother dead. Delusions of seeing the devil. Delusions of being poisoned by medicine. Sees spirits and spectres and ghosts.

Naja

Suicide with an axe. Suicidal insanity and depression. Delusions of head injured and of being starved. Suicidal from grief, from being betrayed by the loved one.

Python regia

Delusion of sling around neck, throat compressed (responsibility to family prevents suicide)

Toxicophis pugnax

Delusions of someone harming by shooting . Themes are threat and terror.

Vipera

Delusions of being prosecuted by Satan. Has desires and presentiments of death and feelings of being poisoned. Suicidal tendency by overdose. Impulse to kill. Delusions of being fragmented, divided into many pieces. Premonition of death.

 

 

 

* Miasmatic connection

Syphilitic –

• Destroy before I am Destroyed!

• Fight or flight!

• Anger!

• Competitiveness!

Cancer- (Sycotic / Syphilitic)

• Conformity!

• Rebellion!

 

 

* Comparison of modalities and periodicity (< aggravated / >ameliorated)

 

 

Lachesis Muta

Modality< : After sleep, Sleeps onto and out of aggravations, Touch or constriction, especially round the throat and abdomen. Extremes of temperature, and weather. Alcohol.

Modality>: With appearance of discharges. Eating esp fruit. Firm pressure. Open air. Cold drinks

Periodcity: <spring and summer.

 

 

Naja Tripudiens

Modality< : Lying on left side. Cold air, draughts. Alcohol. After sleep. After menses. Riding in a carriage. Touch, pressure of clothes. At night

Modality>: Walking or riding in the open air. Sneezing, smoking. For lying on the right side.

 

 

Crotallus Cascavella

Modality< : Cold washing. At night. Alcohol. Menopause.

 

 

Crotallus Horridus

Modality< : Right side. Lying. Falling asleep and waking. Morning and evening. Jarring. Exertion. Alcohol. Open air. Damp, wet. Hunger.

Modality>: Rest. Motion. Light.

Periodcity: <spring. <yearly. <changing to warm weather.

 

 

Elap corallinus

Modality< : Right side. Cold drinks, food. Fruit. Cold air, draughts. Wet weather, dampness. Approach of storms. Exertion. Touch. Warmth of bed.

Modality>: Rest. Lying on stomach. Oscillatory movment.

Periodcity: Marked but individual.

 

 

Toxicophis pugnax

Periodcity: Annually, but decreasing over time.

 

 

Hydrophis cyanocinctus

Modality< : Left side. Warmth.

Modality>: Open air.

 

 

Vipera Aspis

Modality< : Left side. Pressure. Evening. Before menses.

Modality>: During menses. Gentle motion.

 

 

Vipera Berus

Modality< : For letting limbs hang down. For pressure. From change in the weather. From cold touch.

Periodcity: <yearly

 

 

Bothrops lanceolatus

Modality< : Right side

 

 

Cenchris contortix

Modality< : Waking. Lying down. Pressure – tight clothing is unbearable. Afternoon, evening and all night. 3pm.

Modality>: Movement. Walking about.

 

 

 

* A short summary of the 12 snake that were appraised:

 

Dendroaspis – Nothing left, no desire to live. Feels forsaken and alone. Neuralgic pains, weakness. Anger and hopelessness.

 

Hydrophis cyan.- Especially useful for the central nervous system and muscular disorders.

 

Python- Loosing of one’s own identity – release of what has been confined or cut off. Coagulation.

 

Toxicophis pug.- Dropsy, bone-cancer. She wishes to be a saint.

 

Elaps- Haemorrhage with dark or black blood. Fear of rain. Painful coldness within stomach or chest. Internal spasms.

 

Crotalus casc.- Delusions/fear of ghosts and spirits. Hears voices. Dreams of spiders. Weakness of memory. Inarticulate speech. Aggressive urticaria with burning pain. Right-sided palsy.

 

Cenchris cont.- Dreams of rape. Sensation of body being enlarged to point of bursting. Lids swollen, below and above the eyes. Increased nocturnal production of saliva.

 

Bothrops lanc.- Haemorrhage, thrombosis, affinity to apoplexy. Inarticulate speech. Palsy of the tongue, forgets words.

 

Vipera- Guilt-projection. Blood-vessels are enlarged and inflamed.

 

Lachesis- Overstimulation, needs a valve/outlet. Jealousy, suspicion. Discoloration-purple, blue. Sensitivity to touch. Asthma following jealousy. Palpitation.

 

Crotalus horr.- Melancholic and indolent. Haemorrhagic diathesis – blood leaks from every body-opening. Chest-pain, weakness of the heart, haemorrhoids.

 

Naja- Suicidal, life does not really touch her. Spiritually focused (from spirituality to life). Feeling of constriction. Loud palpitation. Angina pectoris. Different heart-problems. Oedemas.

 

“The snake, is the remedy of the central

development of our ego-oriented times!” (anon)

 

 

 

* Trust in me?

 

 

* References:

This work was initially designed for a presentation “Snake Remedies; their homeopathic identity”, on the BSc homeopathic medicine course at the University of Central Lancashire. For references other than those incorporated in the text of this work, please refer those attached here below, and those of part 1!

 

 

 

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About the Authors:

 

Maureen McElroy is a Classical Homeopath, trained at the University of Central Lancashire, where she graduated with a BSc (Hons) (First Class) in Homeopathic Medicine. Before she embarked on her Homeopathic career she worked as a Physiotherapist and latterly as a qualitative researcher within the NHS. Her involvement with homeopathy goes back over 30 years. As a wife, mother and grandmother, she has seen and experienced the benefits of this simple gentle healthcare system on children and adults of all ages.Her approach to homeopathic practice and prescribing is that of the founder. Samuel Hahnemann. She firmly believes that chronic illness is a reflection on the outside, conscious level of our being, of deep dis-ease within. She can be contacted at: 35 Kirkoswald Road, Maybole, KA19 7DX, Phone: 07952 983596  http://www.ayrhomeopath.co.uk/

 

 

 

Uta Mittelstadt, BSc & MSc in homeopathic medicine: I am a homeopath, an artist, a writer and a vegegan, a traveller, and adventurer. I’m a crab born in June. I am passionate about homeopathy. I have a BSc and MSc in homeopathic medicine. I love to investigate and write about my findings, and I blog at Clever Homeopathy