ANACARDIUM OR

Anacardium orientale syn. Semecarpus anacardium

The Latin name of this shrub derives from the ancient Greek kardia, or “heart,” inspired by the plant’s heart-shaped, shiny, black nut. The nut yields a milky juice that turns black after it is exposed to air. In southeast Asia this juice is combined with chalk to make an ink for marking patterns on fabric, hence the plant’s common name, the marking-nut tree. The homeopathic remedy Anacardium or. was proved by Hahnemann in 1835. It is prescribed for both psychological and physical disorders.

REMEDY PROFILE

Anacardium or. is traditionally used for memory disturbance and a disturbed psychological state. It is considered especially apt for those who feel they are experiencing a conflict of will or are trapped between extremes of good and evil, sometimes described as “a demon sitting on one shoulder, an angel on the other.” These individuals are typically prone to low self- esteem, or may exhibit hard, angry, cruel behavior. They may suspect that they are being pursued, or experience dreamlike states. Typical physical symptoms include a feeling of constricted pain, as if bands are wrapped tightly around the body, or as if the gut or anus is plugged. In this connection, the remedy is used for certain conditions of the digestive tract. It is also used for skin irritations marked by severe itching and burning, and for minor chest pain.

Psychological problems

SYMPTOMS A state of inner conflict expressed in contrary and changeable behavior. This conflict may provoke behavior that is cold- hearted, violent, and cruel, with a compulsive urge to curse. Exaggerated affection toward a person or pet may be followed by cruelty or violence. An inferiority complex may be evident . There may be an extremely poor memory, a lack of concentration, and general absent-mindedness, especially at times of stress— for example, when studying for exams. In extreme cases, symptoms may be linked to a mental illness, such as depression, manic depression, or schizophrenia.

Low self-esteem

SYMPTOMS Great feelings of unworthiness, irresolution, and low self-confidence, possibly with an inferiority complex, due to an inner conflict of will. Depending on the severity of the mental state, there may even be infrequent or ongoing self-abuse. Behavior patterns may be associated with prior subjection to abuse,violence, humiliation, or oppression.

Digestive disorders

SYMPTOMS Hemorrhoids, indigestion, and constipation with a painful constricted feeling, as if the gut or anus were plugged and the body wrapped by tight bands. The pain may stop after eating but resumes a few hours later.

Skin conditions

SYMPTOMS Eczema and possibly patches of blistered skin, often on the forearms, causing intense itching and burning. The skin is highly sensitive. Warts are also treated with the remedy.

Chest pain

SYMPTOMS Sharp or pricking pain in the heart, possibly with a sense of pressure in the chest,as if it is bound by tight bands or weighed down by a small plug. An uneasy sensation may develop in the chest, possibly involving palpitations.

S O U R C E D E TA I L S
O R I G I N
Native to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Indian subcontinent, and found growing in dry, mountainous forest areas.
B A C K G R O U N D
Arabian physicians traditional y used the juice of the marking nut to treat mental il ness, memory loss, paralysis, and spasms.
P R E PA R AT I O N
The ripe, dried fruit is macerated in alcohol for at least five days, before being filtered and then repeatedly diluted and succussed.
C O M M O N N A M E
Marking-nut tree.