Coffea

Coffea cruda syn. C. arabica

Origin
Native to Ethiopia, but now grown in tropical areas worldwide. South America and African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania supply the bulk of the world's crop.

Background
Originally an African stimulant and drink that spread to Arabia and was used by Muslims to stay awake in all-night prayer. In England, the Church linked it with the devil.

Preparation
Ripe, unroasted coffee beans are macerated in alcohol for at least five days before being filtered. The resulting liquid is then repeatedly diluted and succussed.

Common Names
Coffee, Arabian coffee.

COFFEE Coffee's stimulating effect is weakened if it is drunk repeatedly.

Key Symptoms

overstimulation leading to sleep problems; oversensitivity to pain; restlessness and nervousness

Native to Ethiopia, coffee was reportedly first drunk in the Middle East, introduced in Europe in the 17th century, then taken by Europeans to the East and to South America. It has been incorporated into Ayurvedic medicine, which uses unripe beans to treat headaches and ripe, roasted beans for diarrhea. Coffee's main active constituent, caffeine, has been used medicinally as an analgesic, a diuretic, a digestive tonic, and a stimulant to the nervous system. Modern medicine combines caffeine with conventional analgesics such as aspirin to make over-the-counter painkillers. However, coffee has long had a reputation for being simultaneously helpful and harmful: excessive consumption upsets the digestion, drains the body of calcium, and can cause nervousness. Dr. Stapf proved the homeopathic remedy in 1823.

Remedy Profile

Drinking too much coffee produces symptoms that are very similar to those treated by Coffea. Homeopaths often prescribe it for those with overactive minds and thoughts that race uncontrollably. This is generally accompanied by restlessness and nervousness.

Coffea is also useful for those who experience overly excited or ecstatic states, perhaps precipitated by narcotics, a series of events, or a sudden shock, such as very good or very bad news. Such states can frequently trigger excessive exhilaration or despair, with an inability to calm down and insomnia or headaches. The nerves are taut, and the senses may be so acute that fresh air, noises, smells, and tastes seem unbearable. Hypersensitivity to pain, to the point where pain causes intense despair, is not unusual. Coffea may also help insomnia, palpitations, overexcitement, and flushing during the menopause.

Insomnia

Symptoms: Excess mental activity, making the mind race with thoughts and ideas. Sleep may be impossible for long periods, despite tiredness, due to a frustrating inability to switch off the mind. Any sleep obtained is interrupted by the slightest noise, since the nerves are stretched taut. Symptoms may often be due to pressure or stress involving work deadlines or exam revision.

Symptoms better: For warmth; for rest.

Symptoms worse: For cold, windy weather; for noise, odors, and touch.

Headaches

Symptoms: One-sided pain in the head, which feels as if a nail is being driven into it. Pain sets in upon waking, and can seem unbearable. It can extend to the ears and teeth, with possible facial neuralgia. Common triggers are tension, stress, or an overactive mind.

Symptoms better: For cold compresses; for lying or sitting still in darkness.

Symptoms worse: For fresh air; for noise; for tea or coffee.

Toothaches

Symptoms: Pain that shoots downward from the teeth to the tips of the fingers.

Symptoms better: For ice or cold water on the affected area.

Symptoms worse: For heat; for menstruation; for hot foods.

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