Araliaceae Anhang:
[Frans Vermeulen]
Homeopathic name Common name Abbreviation
Number of Symptoms
Aralia californica Elk-clover
Aral-c. None
Aralia hispida Bristly
sarsaparilla Aral-h. 5–10
Aralia nudicaulis Wild
sarsaparilla Aral-nu. None
Aralia racemosa American
spikenard Aral-c. 240
Aralia spinosa Devil’s-walking-stick
Aral-sp. None
Eleutherococcus senticosus Siberian ginseng Eleut. None
Ginseng Ginseng Gins-c. 5402
1 =
Identity uncertain: unclear whether it concerns Panax ginseng [Chinese ginseng]
or Panax quinquefolius [American ginseng], or both. 2–4 = Symptoms provings not
yet included.
Hedera helix English ivy Hed-c. 220
Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh pennywort Hydrc-vg. None
Oplopanax horridus Devil’s club Oplo-h. None 3
Panax quinquefolius American ginseng Panax-q. None 4
Sarsaparilla
As with many plants and common names, there is some confusion as to what
is really what. In this case sarsaparilla is causing the confusion. It often
recalls the imagery of the Wild West of the rugged ranch hand bellying up to
the saloon bar and hailing the bartender for a foaming sarsaparilla. What
actually is that sarsaparilla? From Aralia species or Smilax species? In fact,
it is from neither.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture, Food And Drug Administration, New
and Revised Definitions and Standards for Food Products.[1931]
mandates that sarsaparilla flavour be made from oil of sassafras
[Laurales – Sassafras] and methyl salicylate or oil of wintergreen or oil of
sweet birch. This seems to indicate that the botanical name sarsaparilla and
the flavouring named sarsaparilla are two entirely different things. Just to
confound things even further, the flavour that was called sarsaparilla is not
generally available any longer under that name.
It is simply not heard of anymore. There are exceptions, however.
Australians can still drink sarsaparilla-flavoured soft drinks and in
Taiwan it is not all too difficult to find HeySong Sarsaparilla soda. Though
the name is a dead end, the same old-time sarsaparilla flavour is still very
much alive, having reinvented itself as Root Beer.
Main Constituents:
Triterpene saponins – lipophilic steroid-like compounds: aralosides in
Aralia, ginsenosides or panaxosides in Panax, eleutherosides in Eleutherococcus
and hederacosides in Hedera.
Pharmacological Activities
Historically, the triterpene saponins in this family have been claimed
to exert a strengthening effect and to raise physical and mental capacity for
work. These properties are defined with the term adaptogenic, involving a
non-specific increase in resistance to the noxious effects of physical,
chemical, biological or emotional stress. A less scientific sounding term could
be ‘stress busters’.
Herbs of this family are thought to help support adrenal gland function
when the body is challenged by stress, helping it adapt to any situation that
would alter its normal function.
Thought to help reduce the exhaustion phase of the stress response and
return the adrenals to normal function faster. Triterpenes are also known to
bind to steroid hormone receptors.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Pharmacologically, the centre of activity of Araliaceae appears to be the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, called the HPA. The HPA is a complex set
of direct influences and feedback interactions among the hypothalamus, the
pituitary gland and the adrenal glands. As a major part of the neuro-endocrine
system, the HPA axis regulates many body processes, including digestion, the
immune system, mood and emotions, sexuality and energy storage and expenditure.
Furthermore, it is the common mechanism for interactions among glands,
hormones and parts of the midbrain that mediate the general adaptation
syndrome. It is through the regulation of all these body systems that the HPA
controls reactions to stress. The HPA axis response to stress is generally
higher in women than in men.
The key hormones of the HPA axis include vasopressin, known as
antidiuretic or water conservation hormone, and corticotropin-releasing
hormone, CRH.
Vasopressin and CRH stimulate the secretion of adrenocorticotropic
hormone, ACTH, which in turn acts on the adrenal cortices, which produce
glucocorticoid hormones, mainly cortisol in humans, in response to stimulation
by ACTH.
Cortisol is a major stress hormone and has effects on many tissues in
the body, including the brain. In healthy individuals, cortisol rises rapidly
before or right after wakening, reaching a peak within 30–45 minutes. About 80%
of the day’s cortisol is secreted in this early morning time, getting a person
pepped up for the day. It then gradually falls over the day, rising again in
late afternoon about 16 h. Cortisol levels continue falling through the
evening, reaching a trough during the middle of the night, only to sharply rise
again when a new day starts.
If adrenaline is the short-term, immediate danger, flight or fight
hormone, then cortisol is the hormone of long-term continuous danger or stress.
It picks up after adrenaline wears off.
Cortisol deficiency or an abnormally flattened circadian cortisol cycle
has been linked with chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia and burnout. Increased
production of cortisol results from long-term alarm reactions to stress where
adapting to the chronic on-going presence of stress is necessary for survival.
The person is adapting to stress and the price for that adaptation is very high
indeed. Many immune related conditions, incl. rheumatoid arthritis, arteriosclerosis
and even cancer can be the result of living with elevated cortisol levels
chronically. A spectrum of conditions may be associated with increased and
prolonged activation of the HPA axis, including melancholic depression,
anorexia nervosa with or without malnutrition, obsessive compulsive disorder,
panic anxiety, chronic active alcoholism, alcohol and narcotic withdrawal,
excessive exercising, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, childhood sexual
abuse and hyperthyroidism.
Hypoactivation or depletion of the stress system, on the other hand, has
been linked with post-traumatic stress disorder, atypical seasonal depression,
chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, post stress conditions,
postpartum, menopause and nicotine withdrawal.
Neurasthenia
Stress related syndromes are not at all new. In 1869 George Miller Beard
first used the term neurasthenia to denote a condition with symptoms of
fatigue, anxiety, headache, impotence, neuralgia and depressed mood.
Americans were supposed to be particularly prone to neurasthenia, which
resulted in the nickname the Great American Disease or ‘Americanitis’,
popularised by William James. Just as today with chronic fatigue syndrome, in
the late 1800s neurasthenia became a popular diagnosis, expanding to include
such symptoms as weakness, dizziness and fainting. A common treatment was the
rest cure (women), who were the gender primarily diagnosed with the condition
at that time. It was explained as being a result of exhaustion of the central nervous
system’s energy reserves, which Beard attributed to civilisation. He might be
credited with first developing the idea that ‘living was dangerous to your
health’. Physicians in the Beard school of thought associated neurasthenia with
the stresses of urbanisation and the pressures placed on the intellectual class
by the increasingly competitive business environment.
Typically, it was associated with upper class individuals in sedentary
employment.
The modern view holds that the main problem with the neurasthenia
diagnosis was that it attempted to group together a wide variety of cases. In
recent years, Richard M. Fogoros has posited that perhaps ‘neurasthenia’ was a
word that included some psychiatric and psychological conditions, but more
importantly many physiological conditions that are marginally understood by the
medical community, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable
bowel syndrome. [Extracted from Wikipedia]
Today this syndrome, by whatever name it goes, is accepted as a psycho-pathological
phenomenon. When first used by Beard in 1869, the pioneer who elucidated the
physiological component to physical medical problems, Sigmund Freud, was only
13 years old. Understanding the interactions of mind and body were decades in
the future.
The homeopathic materia medica is chock-full with the term neurasthenia.
It wouldn’t make much sense to connect it with any plant family or remedy group
in particular. On the other hand, little is known about the Araliaceae as a
group that some broad generalisations will help get a preliminary idea.
1st: Ginseng features in the rubric, ‘Neurasthenia after
debilitating diseases’, while Hed. has a key symptom of the condition,
‘Constantly lives in a state of anxiety and worry’.
2nd: Louis Berman [1928]: the ‘relations of neurasthenia to
the glands of internal secretion in general and to adrenal insufficiency in
particular’.
3rd: the symptoms in the proving of American ginseng [Panax
quinquefolius] characterised by ‘a condition of anxiety which is constantly
present in all sexual hypochondriacs
. . . [making Panax] a curative remedy in such cases of sexual weakness
that especially react upon the mind, causing lassitude, and uneasy mental
condition even to fears of approaching impotence’.
Breaking Down under too Great
Demands
Berman: ‘The neurasthenic is to be recognised by the fact that the most
painstaking objective examination of his organs reveals nothing the matter with
them. Yet, according to his complaint, everything is the matter with
him. He cannot sleep when he lies down, he cannot keep awake when he
stands up. He cannot concentrate, but still he is pitifully worried about his
life. The slightest irritant causes him to go off the handle.
‘As he works himself up into his hysterical state as a reaction to a
disagreeable person or problem, irregular blotches may appear on his face and
neck. Generally, his hands and feet are clammy and perspiring, his face is
abnormally flushed or pallid, the eyes are worried or starey, unwonted
wandering sensations involving now this area of the body or now that obsess
him. As the blood pressure is too low for the age, the circulation is nearly always
inadequate and palpitation of the heart is a frequent complaint. So frequent
that attention is often centred upon the heart, a diagnosis of heart disease is
made and the unfortunate is doomed for life – to brood over horrible
possibilities.
The brooding over themselves and their troubles is one of the
distinctive features of the whole complex.
Neurasthenia may masquerade as any organic disease. An individual with a
soil for a neurasthenic reaction to life will become neurasthenic when
confronted by any stone wall, including a serious ailment within himself’.
Compare Berman’s description with a symptom in Aralia racemosa. ‘I have
been annoyed all day by a dread that my right lung is seriously diseased. Could
not shake off the fear’. Berman goes on to say: ‘Neurasthenia, regarded as a
reaction of people to the stress and strain of life, has without a doubt
increased. The most casual of observers will tell you that the generation of
the Great War is a neurasthenic generation. It takes its pleasures too
intensely, its pains too seriously, its troubles too flippantly. . . .
Now one of the outstanding effects of disease of the adrenal glands is
the feeling of muscular and mental inefficiency.
And as a matter of fact, a good number of observations conspire for the
idea that a certain number of neurasthenics are suffering from insufficiency of
the adrenal gland.
The chronic state of the acute phenomenon, known as the nervous
breakdown, really represents in them a breakdown of the reserves of the
adrenals and an elimination of their factor of safety. In the light of that
conception, the great American disease -dementia americana – is seen to be
adrenal disease- and the American life to be the adrenal life, often making too
great demands upon that life and so breaking down with it’.
Reading Berman’s depiction, it is easy to find oneself thinking how
accurately he was describing modern life and the sufferers of chronic fatigue
syndrome that has been so prevalent in the last 20 years. Recalling that Beard
blamed neurasthenia on ‘urbanisation and the pressures placed on the
intellectual class by the increasingly competitive business environment’ it
would appear that Berman must be referring to our modern world with its work
pressures, fast-paced demanding life style, whiz-bang advancing technology,
globalisation and terrorism threats. Settled with that image, it is something
of a surprise to come upon his reference to the ‘Great War’, meaning 1914–1918.
He was not speaking about the current era, but about one that is looked
back upon with nostalgia for its sublime simplicity, slow-paced graciousness
and bucolic peacefulness. How could they think they were stressed?
The Tired Competition
Beard and Berman have given us sterling descriptions of neurasthenia as
fatigue or a breakdown resulting from the stress and strain of life. More
recently Betsy Berne gave
her unsurpassed observations of fatigue of our time, what could be
called the ‘new neurasthenia’. Her article, The Tired Chronicles, contains
scathingly accurate commentary. ‘I’ve noticed recently that the main topic of
conversation among my friends is tiredness.
Actually, there is an underlying contest over who is the more tired and
who has truly earned his or her tiredness.
. . . According to the tired married people with kids, there is no
contest. They are the royalty of the tired kingdom. They are smug with exhaustion.
I belong to the tired-single-people-who-work-at-home group and in the tired
Race I don’t have a prayer. . . . By now it might be time to mention my
brother, the jazz musician. He is bone tired. This is because he is a member of
yet another group, the international-jet-set tired people. My brother is always
on the road playing gigs – from Istanbul to Helsinki to Houston Street. When he
is on tour in Italy, for example, not only must he deal with adulation of fans,
but he must consume sumptuous free meals and stay in Tuscan castles. And he
must always hang out after a gig. “Hang” is jazz lingo for drinking all night
with fans, who are often female. You can imagine the tiredness this leads to. .
. . Just last year, my big wheel writer friend joined the ranks of the
international-jet-set tired group. Now she, too, is always flying to exotic
locales. . . . She, too, is forced to consume sumptuous free meals and stay in
Tuscan castles. And, if that weren’t tiring enough she is also searching for a
mate . . . naturally leading to you know what’. [The New Yorker; Aug 7, 1995]
Courage
Dr. James Lembke of Riga in former Russia, now Latvia, proved a large
number of remedies upon himself between 1845 - 1868. The Ginseng proving
elicited a unique feeling in him – courage. It is one of the first sensations
noticed some two hours after the first dose. The word courage goes right back
to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, more particularly to Louis Berman
and his view on the adrenals.
Berman writes: ‘Courage is commonly thought of as the emotion that is
the opposite of fear. It would follow that courage meant simply inhibition of
the adrenal medulla.
As a matter of fact, of course, the mechanism of courage must be more
complex. One must distinguish animal courage and deliberate courage.
Animal courage is literally the courage of the beast. Animals with large
adrenals are the pugnacious, aggressive, charging kings of the fields and
forests. . . .
In courage, deliberate courage, there is more than instinct. There is an
act of volition, a display of will. Admitting that without the adrenals such
courage would be impossible, the chief credit for courage must be ascribed to
the prepituitary.
. . . The prepituitary has been called the gland of intellectuality [to
use that term for lack of better]. By intellectuality is meant the capacity of
the mind to control its environment by concept and abstract ideas. . . .
Now the emotion that is the precursor of intellectuality is curiosity,
with wonder and its expression in the various constructive and acquisitive
tendencies. . . . The ability to profit by experience and to make more and more
accurate judgements as one grows older implies at least a maximum efficiency of
the prepituitary’.
The rubric ‘Courageous’ played a key role for Maud Nerman in finding
Ginseng as the similimum in two cases. About the first case, a woman with
lumbar herniation and sciatica after a fall on the sacrum, she says: ‘What do
we mean by courage? And what is the kind of courage particular to this remedy
[Ginseng], rather than other remedies, in this rubric?
To be courageous, one has to have a firm conviction that the way one
sees the world is good and valid. Otherwise, that person cannot move forward
with confidence and fortitude. In my unpublished novel, “A Deep Sworn Vow” I
address the issue of courage: In a limited sense, courage is about enduring the
unendurable. On another level, courage is the ability to maintain important
human values, kindness, tenderness, respect in the face of the intolerable.
The ultimate act of courage is not moving forward without fear.
Ultimately courage is the act of moving forward wisely, despite pain, fear or
desire.
‘Clearly, despite tremendous pain, this patient persevered. She worked
to help others, she travelled and she even went into the pain with meditation.
All of this, for someone suffering from tremendous pain, is an expression of
her courageous nature. . . . As one of my friends suggested on hearing the
case, perhaps Ginseng is the woman warrior remedy: fierce, protective,
enduring. . . . Did courage in these Ginseng cases have a tinge of pathology?
Possibly. In the first case, she may have pushed herself too hard, too
sure of her own vital, physical strength. Whereas some cultures demand a lot of
emotional suppression,
as we have seen in some of the English and some of the Asian cultures,
perhaps America drives people of talent to “burn out” and pushes most of us to
our limits. Aristotle said that core virtues are based on a balance between two
extremes. Courage is the balance between recklessness and cowardice on either
side’. [Maud Nerman, Osteopathy and Homeopathy: a Marriage of Similars; IFH
1993; RefWorks]
Pacemaker of Ageing
Aging is a feature inherent to all multi-cellular organisms and is
defined as a progressive, generalised impairment of functions resulting in a
loss of adaptable responses to stress and a growing risk of functional loss,
disease and disablement. No two individuals age in the same way. Genetics and
adaptability are key personal factors that determine how well a person ages,
while environment and behaviour are major modifiers of biological structures
and processes.
Longevity, in Berman’s endocrinal view, is ‘perhaps largely a matter of
preventing or postponing the wane of all of the glands of internal secretion,
at least the most important (thyroid/pituitary/adrenals/gonads). This may well
be a great idea, however, human biology does not support it. Scientific data
have conclusively shown that there is a natural decline in many hormones with
age (oestrogen/testosterone/growth hormone/melatonin/calcitonin/renin). The
endocrine system with its variety of hormones is called the ‘pacemaker of
ageing’. This process of endocrine decline is responsible for many
manifestations of ageing. For instance, lean and fat masses, as well as skin
elasticity, immune functions, bone density, energy levels and mood swings
closely correlate with levels of a number of hormones.
Many women have found out the hard way what happens when attempting to
give their bodies a hormone complement appropriate for an age at a time when
they are a very different age. Providing post-menopausal women with oestrogen
or oestrogen-containing combinations, called Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT]
is such an attempt.
For decades this treatment approach was hailed as the panacea for not
only the symptoms but also for the ravages of ageing.
It was youthfulness in a pill. Recent comprehensive studies, however,
have unequivocally demonstrated that the dangers of this include increased risk
of breast and uterine cancers, heart attacks and other serious diseases.
Forever Young
Tonic herbs have long been advocated as promoting immunity, longevity
and rejuvenation. (Incl. Aralia spp/Eleutherococcus/Ginseng/Panax). Used as
flavouring in beverages, sarsaparilla was regarded as a detoxification agent as
well as a general pepping up tonic to invigorate and cleanse the body.
Like other evergreens, ivy [Hed.] symbolises eternal life and
resurrection. It also signifies true love, faithfulness and undying affection
both in marriage and in friendship.
Ivy itself is noted for its vigorous growth habit and longevity. It is
nearly indestructible. Famed American writer of the late 19th
century, O. Henry, featured Ivy as the main character in his story The Last
Leaf, which encompasses all of these themes.
TCM distinguishes a variety of herbs for realising ‘deathlessness’,
among them ginseng. It is said that the continuous use of ginseng ‘leads one to
longevity with light weight’.
With this in mind, it is fascinating to look at Lembke’s proving of
Ginseng. There are four entries recorded by all three provers. The time frame
shows that it involves the primary action.
After 2 hours the ‘feeling of weakness entirely disappears and gives
place to an agreeable sensation of lightness and clearness of mind’. After the
first day, there was a ‘peculiar lightness and vigour in the limbs in spite of
much walking’. The second day produced a ‘peculiar pervading joyous sensation
of vigour and elasticity, especially in
the upper extremities. There was a peculiar lightness and flexibility of
the limbs in the morning, in spite of a bad night’.
It can be safely assumed that a ‘pervading joyous sensation of vigor and
elasticity’ equates a feeling of being young. ‘Delusion she is young’ is a
leading indication for Ginseng in a case by Dr. Prashant Shah.
A brief synopsis of the case:
‘She is a spinster aged 47. . . . She is very adventurous in nature in
her life as well as in her profession. Signature of disease: Her temperament
and adventures give us a
feeling of a young and energetic person. That is the state of being in
which she likes to stay. So the body has also produced a similar phenomenon.
Her reproductive system was not ready to go into a state of menopause
[growing old]. This was the reason for her physical ailment in the form of hot
flushes.
Many of the following characteristics are not found in the repertory so
you may note the following rubrics with pencil in the repertory. I feel it
requires a few more experiences before it gets included. These characteristics
I have derived from the doctrine of signatures of the remedy and the case.
Delusion: she is young. Energetic. Adventurous. Mannish woman. Courageous.
Fearless. >> Physical exercise.
On the physical side, she has more eruptions on the right side of the
body, as well as face. Second strong physical symptom was dryness of mouth, to
the extent, that she had to drink water every hour during sleep’.
It has long been a human wish to be forever youthful in mind and body,
full of the vitality, verve and enthusiasm that only the idealistic young
appear to have. People now live longer, having almost twice the lifespan of 41
yrs that males had at the turn of the 20th century. The desire is for those
extra years to be vigorous years, not ones of aging incapacity. A universal age
defying stress-buster is needed to fulfill one’s wishes.
To be youthful is to be energetic, fearless and flexible. One is able to
adapt and bend with changing circumstances, handle the onslaught that life
delivers and endure the unendurable. There is strength and courage enough to
push oneself to the absolute limit, roll with the punches and persevere in the
face of challenges.
The fact remains that human beings age. The mere act of living is
dangerous to one’s health. Stresses, the constant exposure to cares or worries
and a fast-paced, demanding lifestyle slowly erode vitality, causing a
progressive, generalised impairment and chronic diminishment of facilities and
capacities, both mental and physical. Whatever the name -nervous exhaustion,
neurasthenia, chronic fatigue syndrome or simply ‘burn out’- the result is the
same: weakness, lassitude, forgetfulness and prostration. Such are
the ravages of ageing.
Araliaceae won’t accept the natural decline wherein youthful vigor and
well-being are replaced by ageing debility. Aralia is noted for the ‘constant
dread of disease’.
They seek indestructible, enduring, eternal, ever-lasting life.
Clinging to the dream of longevity, all their energy goes to
rejuvenation, where it is possible to postpone or prevent the natural wane of
functions.
There should be resistance to and protection from noxious effects and
stresses so that physical and mental capacities are once again raised and restored.
Purification, cleansing and even supernatural or spiritual practices are used
to try to achieve these ends. Though equipped with fortified strength to live
with high stress, this is not really the best strategy for living. One readily
crosses the fine line between helpful and harmful. This route to longevity
achieves the opposite by burning out mind and body in the youthful spree of
spending energy and vitality. The collapse, the sheer exhaustion, the weakness
that follow are practically unsupportable.
A more measured pace, appropriate for each phase of life, allows for the
dynamism of youth to yield gracefully and productively to the more settled,
calm, contemplative pursuits as one ages. The dilemma for the Araliaceae is how
to stay flexible and youthful while embracing all stages of life with
open-minded enthusiasm and joy.
The wisdom to do this is the true preserver of health and life.
1. Youthful, vitality, enthusiasm, fearless and flexible. Courage,
vigour, verve.
2. Enduring the unendurable. Fighting against resistance. Perseverance,
strength. Adaptability.
3. Stress, worries, cares, demands, fast-paced life. Pushed to the
limit.
4. Generalised impairment, chronic diminishment of facilities and
capacities.
Aging.
5. Nervous exhaustion, neurasthenia, burn out, weak, forgetful,
prostration.
6. Indestructible, enduring, ever-lasting life. Longevity. Clinging to
Life.
7. Strengthening, restoring, enhancing mental and physical capacities.
8. Purification, cleansing, supernatural or spiritual practices.
9. The fine line between helpful and harmful.
10. Pushed to exhaustion. Collapse and exhaustion; fatigue, weakness.
Unsupportable.
11. Endocrine system, adrenals and thyroid. Cortisone.
12. Coldness.
13. Constriction.
Aralia californica = Elk-clover/= California spikenard.
Native range: Western USA – California, Oregon. Habitat: Moist shade,
canyons, streamsides. Deciduous herbaceous perennial, to 2–3 m high, with
creeping rhizomes
and thick stems that are not woody. Laticiferous.
Leaves large, papery, 1–3-pinnate,1–2 m long, 1 m broad; leaflets ovate
to oblong, toothed.
Flowers small, greenish-white flowers, in large compound umbels 30–45 cm
across. Fruit a dark purple or black drupe, with 3–5 seeds.
Native Americans: treating upper respiratory complaints, arthritis with
a root decoction as a soak, colds, fevers, stomach ailments, itching sores with
a wash and to facilitate labour. As a tonic it is said to give great strength
to weakened parts and weakened people.
No symptoms in Materia Medica.
Aralia hispida = Bristly sarsaparilla/= dwarf elder/= bristly spikenard.
Native range: Eastern North America. Habitat: Fields, hedges, rocky
places, roadsides. Herbaceous perennial or semi-woody shrub, to 1 m high, with
stem base woody and shrubby, and thickly beset with sharp, stiff bristles.
Leaves 2-pinnate; leaflets oblong-ovate, sharply toothed. Flowers
greenish-white, in simple, long-stalked, globose umbels. Fruit a round, black
drupe with 3 seeds.
Specific eclectic indications include: ‘Diffused anasarca; dropsy of
cavities; oedema; dropsy with constipation; renal and hepatic torpor; dyspnoea;
and pain in the lumbar region’. [King 1898]
[Boericke]
Valuable diuretic, useful in dropsy of the cavities, either due to hepatic
or renal disease with constipation.
1. Urinary disorders (with dropsy).
2. Enduring the unendurable. Fighting against resistance. Perseverance,
strength. Adaptability.
3. Stress, worries, cares, demands, fast-paced life. Pushed to the
limit.
4. Generalised impairment, chronic diminishment of facilities and
capacities.
Aging.
5. Nervous exhaustion, neurasthenia, burn out, weak, forgetful,
prostration.
6. Indestructible, enduring, ever-lasting life. Longevity. Clinging to
Life.
7. Strengthening, restoring, enhancing mental and physical capacities.
8. Purification, cleansing, supernatural or spiritual practices.
9. The fine line between helpful and harmful.
10. Pushed to exhaustion. Collapse and exhaustion; fatigue, weakness.
Unsupportable.
11. Endocrine system, adrenals and thyroid. Cortisone.
12. Coldness.
13. Constriction.
Aralia quinquefolia:
Stimulant to the secretory glands (salivary). Acts on the lower part of
the spinal cord. Lumbago, sciatica, and rheuma. Paralytic weakness. Hiccough. Skin
symptoms, itching pimples on neck and chest.
DD.: Aral. Coca.
Courage is about enduring the unendurable. On another level, courage is
the ability to maintain important human values, kindness, tenderness, respect
in the face of the intolerable. The ultimate act of courage is not moving
forward without fear. Ultimately courage is the act of moving forward wisely,
despite pain, fear or desire.
Clearly, despite tremendous pain, this patient persevered. She worked to
help others, she travelled and she even went into the pain with meditation. All
of this, for someone suffering from tremendous pain, is an expression of her
courageous nature. . . . As one of my friends suggested on hearing the case,
perhaps Ginseng is the woman warrior remedy: fierce, protective, enduring. . .
. Did courage in these Ginseng cases have a tinge of pathology? Possibly. In
the first case, she may have pushed herself too hard,
too sure of her own vital, physical strength. Whereas some cultures
demand a lot of emotional suppression, as we have seen in some of the English
and some of the Asian cultures, perhaps America drives people of talent to
“burn out” and pushes most of us to our limits. Aristotle said that core
virtues are based on a balance between two extremes. Courage is the balance
between recklessness and cowardice on either side.’ [Maud Nerman, Osteopathy
and Homeopathy: a Marriage of Similars; IFH 1993; RefWorks]
Pacemaker of Aging
Ageing is a feature inherent to all multi-cellular organisms and is
defined as a progressive, generalised impairment of functions resulting in a
loss of adaptable responses to stress and a growing risk of functional loss,
disease and disablement.
No two individuals age in the same way. Genetics and adaptability are
key personal factors that determine how well a person ages, while environment
and behaviour are
major modifiers of biological structures and processes. Longevity, in
Berman’s endocrinal view, is ‘perhaps largely a matter of preventing or
postponing the wane of all of
the glands of internal secretion, at least the most important -the
thyroid, the pituitary and the adrenals- as well as the gonads.’ This may well
be a great idea, however, human biology does not support it. Scientific data
have conclusively shown that there is a natural decline in many hormones with
age, such as oestrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, melatonin, calcitonin and
renin. The endocrine system with its variety of hormones is called the
‘pacemaker of ageing’. This process of endocrine decline is responsible for many
manifestations of ageing. For instance, lean and fat masses, as well as skin
elasticity, immune functions, bone density, energy levels and mood swings
closely correlate with levels of a number of hormones.
Many women have found out the hard way what happens when attempting to
give their bodies a hormone complement appropriate for an age at a time when
they are a very different age. Providing post-menopausal women with oestrogen
or oestrogen-containing combinations, called Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT]
is such an attempt.
For decades this treatment approach was hailed as the panacea for not
only the symptoms but also for the ravages of ageing. It was youthfulness in a
pill. Recent comprehensive studies, however, have unequivocally demonstrated
that the dangers of this include increased risk of breast and uterine cancers,
heart attacks as well as other serious diseases.
Forever Young
Tonic herbs have long been advocated as promoting immunity, longevity
and rejuvenation. Invariably included are species of Aralia, Eleutherococcus,
Ginseng and Panax. Used as flavouring in beverages, sarsaparilla was regarded
as a detoxification agent as well as a general pepping up tonic to invigorate
and cleanse the body.
Like other evergreens, ivy [= Hedera helix] symbolises eternal life and
resurrection. It also signifies true love, faithfulness and undying affection
both in marriage and in friendship. Ivy itself is noted for its vigorous growth
habit and longevity. It is nearly indestructible. Famed American writer of the
late 19th century,
[O. Henry]
Ivy is the main character in his story
The Last Leaf, which encompasses all of these themes. [see Hedera helix]
TCM distinguishes a variety of herbs
for realising ‘deathlessness’, among them ginseng. It is said that the
continuous use of ginseng ‘leads one to longevity with light weight.’ With this
notion in mind, it is fascinating to look at Lembke’s proving of Ginseng.
There are four entries recorded by all three provers. The time frame
shows that it involves the primary action. After 2 hours the ‘feeling of
weakness entirely disappears and gives place to an agreeable sensation of
lightness and clearness of mind.’ After the first day, there was a ‘peculiar
lightness and vigour in the limbs in spite of much walking.’ The 2nd
day produced a ‘peculiar pervading joyous sensation of vigour and elasticity,
especially in the upper extremities. There was a peculiar lightness and
flexibility of the limbs in the morning, in spite of a bad night.’ It can be
safely assumed that a ‘pervading joyous sensation of vigour and elasticity’
equates a feeling of being young. ‘Delusion she is young’ is a leading
indication for Ginseng in a case by Dr. Prashant Shah. A brief synopsis of the
case informs us that, ‘She is a spinster aged 47. . . . She is very adventurous
in nature in her life as well as in her profession. Signature of disease: Her
temperament and adventures give us a feeling of a young and energetic person.
That is the state of being in which she likes to stay. So the body has
also produced a similar phenomenon. Her reproductive system was not ready to go
into a state of menopause [i.e. grow old]. This was the reason for her physical
ailment in the form of hot flushes. . . . Many of the following characteristics
are not found in the repertory
so you may note the following rubrics with pencil in the repertory. I
feel it requires a few more experiences before it gets included. These
characteristics I have derived from the doctrine of signatures of the remedy
and the case. Delusion she is young. Energetic. Adventurous. Mannish woman.
Courageous. Fearless. Physical exercise >>. On the physical side, she has
more eruptions on the right side of the body, as well as face. Second strong
physical symptom was dryness of mouth, to the extent, that she had to drink
water every hour during sleep.’ [cited in RefWorks]
THEMES & AFFINITIES ARALIACEAE
It has long been a human wish to be forever youthful in mind and body,
full of the vitality, verve and enthusiasm that only the idealistic young
appear to have. People now live longer, having almost twice the lifespan of 41
years that males had at the turn of the 20th century. The desire is
for those extra years to be vigorous years, not ones of ageing incapacity. A
universal age-defying stress-buster is needed to fulfil one’s wishes. To be
youthful is to be energetic, fearless and flexible. One is able to adapt and
bend with changing circumstances, handle the onslaught that life delivers and
endure the unendurable. There is strength and courage enough to push oneself to
the absolute limit, roll with the punches and persevere in the face of
challenges. The fact remains that human beings age. The mere act of living is dangerous
to one’s health. Stresses, the constant exposure to cares or worries and a
fast-paced, demanding lifestyle slowly erode vitality, causing a progressive,
generalised impairment and chronic diminishment of facilities and capacities,
both mental and physical. Whatever the name -nervous exhaustion, neurasthenia, chronic
fatigue syndrome or simply ‘burn out’- the result is the same:
weakness, lassitude, forgetfulness and prostration. Such are the ravages of ageing.
Araliaceae won’t accept the natural decline wherein youthful vigour and
well-being are replaced by ageing debility. Aralia is noted for the ‘constant
dread of disease.’
They seek indestructible, enduring, eternal, ever-lasting life. Clinging
to the dream of longevity, all their energy goes to rejuvenation, where it is
possible to postpone or prevent the natural wane of functions. There should be
resistance to and protection from noxious effects and stresses so that physical
and mental capacities are once again raised and
restored. Purification, cleansing and even supernatural or spiritual
practices are used to try to achieve these ends.
Though equipped with fortified strength to live with high stress, this is
not really the best strategy for living. One readily crosses the fine line
between helpful and harmful. This route to longevity achieves the opposite by
burning out mind and body in the youthful spree of spending energy and
vitality. The collapse, the sheer exhaustion, the weakness that follow are
practically unsupportable.
A more measured pace, appropriate for each phase of life, allows for the
dynamism of youth to yield gracefully and productively to the more settled,
calm, contemplative pursuits as one ages. The dilemma for the Araliaceae is how
to stay flexible and youthful while embracing all stages of life with
open-minded enthusiasm and joy.
The wisdom to do this is the true preserver of health and life.
1. Youthful, vitality, enthusiasm, fearless and flexible. Courage,
vigour, verve.
2. Enduring the unendurable. Fighting against resistance. Perseverance, strength.
Adaptability.
3. Stress, worries, cares, demands, fast-paced life. Pushed to the
limit.
4. Generalised impairment, chronic diminishment of facilities and capacities.
Aging.
5. Nervous exhaustion, neurasthenia, burn out, weak, forgetful,
prostration.
6. Indestructible, enduring, ever-lasting life. Longevity. Clinging to
Life.
7. Strengthening, restoring, enhancing mental and physical capacities.
8. Purification, cleansing, supernatural or spiritual practices.
9. The fine line between helpful and harmful.
10. Pushed to exhaustion. Collapse and exhaustion; fatigue, weakness.
Unsupportable.
11. Endocrine system, adrenals and thyroid. Cortisone.
12. Coldness.
13. Constriction.
Aralia californica S. Watson. Elk-clover; California spikenard.
Native range: Western USA – California, Oregon. Habitat: Moist shade, canyons,
streamsides. Deciduous herbaceous perennial, to 2–3 m high, with creeping
rhizomes and thick stems that are not woody. Laticiferous. Leaves large, papery,
1–3-pinnate,1–2 m long, 1 m broad; leaflets ovate to oblong, toothed.
Flowers small, greenish-white flowers, in large compound umbels 30–45 cm
across. Fruit a dark purple or black drupe, with 3–5 seeds.
It has a long history of use among Native Americans in treating upper
respiratory complaints, arthritis with a root decoction as a soak, colds,
fevers, stomach ailments, itching sores with a wash and to facilitate labour.
As a tonic it is said to give great strength to weakened parts and weakened
people.
No symptoms in Materia Medica.
Aralia hispida Vent. Bristly sarsaparilla; dwarf elder; bristly
spikenard.
Native range: Eastern North America. Habitat: Fields, hedges, rocky
places, roadsides. Herbaceous perennial or semi-woody shrub, to 1 m high, with
stem base woody and shrubby, and thickly beset with sharp, stiff bristles.
Leaves 2-pinnate; leaflets oblong-ovate, sharply toothed. Flowers
greenish-white, in simple, long-stalked, globose umbels. Fruit a round, black
drupe with 3 seeds.
Specific eclectic indications include: ‘Diffused anasarca; dropsy of
cavities; oedema; dropsy with constipation; renal and hepatic torpor; dyspnoea;
and pain
in the lumbar region.’ [King 1898]
Symptoms in Materia Medica from Boericke:
A valuable diuretic, useful in dropsy of the cavities, either due to
hepatic or renal disease with constipation.
Urinary disorders (dropsy).
Aralia nudicaulis L. Wild sarsaparilla; false sarsaparilla; American
sarsaparilla.
Native range: North America. Habitat: Moist or dry woodlands, thickets,
riparian (= Uferböschung” areas, prairie or bog edges. Widespread, dominant
understorey species throughout the boreal coniferous and mixed-wood forests.
Rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, to 70 cm high, forming extensive colonies.
Stemless, flowering stems and leaves arise directly from the rhizome;
nudicaulis means naked stem. Leaves ternate, each division 3–5 pinnately
divided; leaflets lanceolate-elliptic, finely toothed and about 15 cm long.
Leaves go dormant in summer before fruits ripen. Dioecious; flowers
greenish-white, in globose umbels. Fruit a bluish-black drupe. ‘Possesses
alterative properties and is used in decoction or syrup as a substitute for
sarsaparilla in all cases where an alterative is required. It is likewise used
in pulmonary diseases. Externally, a decoction of it has been found beneficial
as a wash in zona [shingles] and in indolent ulcers.’ [King 1898]
No symptoms in Materia Medica.
Aralia racemosa Aral.
Common names American spikenard. Life-of-man. Small spikenard. Petty-morel.
Family Araliaceae – order Apiales.
Homeopathy
Botanical Features
Rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, with few-leaved stems, sometimes
becoming woody in basal part.
Native range: Eastern North America.
Habitat: Rich wooded slopes, ravines, shaded moist ledges and bluffs.
Leaves ternate or 1–2-pinnate, rather stiff, both surfaces green.
Flowers greenish-white, in umbels 12–30 cm across.
Fruit a brown to purple drupe.
Medicinal Uses
‘Like other close relatives of ginseng, spikenard has shown an ability
to stimulate phagocytosis in white blood cells, increase interferon synthesis
in infected cells, and increase the capacity for metabolic stress in rats. I
haven’t done too much counselling with rats, but I can vouch for its helping
human beings. This function of spikenard is sometimes adaptogenic, increasing
mobilisation but decreasing the metabolic costs of stress responses. This may mean
[the jury is still out] that moderate amounts of the tincture or tea
on a regular basis can strengthen someone with metabolic or chronic
disease, whatever the type.
Aral.: ‘More prosaic but more predictable, spikenard is a first-class
medicine for the initial stages of bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchorrhoea . . .
all that stuff we
Sensations
Eyes as if pushed outward; accommodation diminished.
Stomach as if heavy.
Legs as if paralysed.
Locals
Dizziness with throbbing in head when rising from reclining posture.
Headache from occiput to frontal bone, < motion; muscles of neck
sore.
Frontal headache [6 pr.] < motion [2 pr.], stooping, cold air [2
pr.].
Dryness of right eye; twitching of left. Focusing eyes causes pain.
Metallic taste at base of tongue.
Obstruction nose < cold air [3 pr.].
Right thyroid sore, painful on pressure.
Swelling right side of throat.
Pain in abdomen near navel when abdomen is contracted.
Severe stabbing pain in liver.
Burning pain in urethra when urinating [2 pr.].
Violent erections during day [4 pr.].
Dull aching pain in lumbar region < motion.
Pain in left chest and left shoulder, especially during deep exhalation.
Burning in chest < deep inhalation.
Hands cold with hot fingertips.
Pain in right leg down to knee, posteriorly; muscles on front right
thigh sore.
Cramps left calf; soreness right calf.
Skin sensitive to touch of bedclothes [2 pr.].
Worn Down by Worries
‘We find that the drug [Panax quinquefolius, American ginseng] produces
a marked physical depression, also a more marked mental depression. Especially does
it seem to cause a hypochondriacal state, as is shown by the symptoms of lassitude,
restless and unrefreshing sleep; by the irritability and indisposition to mental
or physical labour.
These, coupled with the marked effect it produced on the sexual organs,
stimulating them primarily, weakening them secondarily, should make ginseng a
valuable remedy
in treating a large class of sexual hypochondriacs. Four out of the nine
provers retained, had amorous dreams and six had continual nocturnal emissions.
This was so marked
a symptom that some of those who commenced the proving become frightened
and refused to continue, which in itself shows that it tended to produce a
condition of
anxiety which is constantly present in all sexual hypochondriacs. This
temporary sexual stimulation has been an old use of the drug, and this fact, in
connection with the foregoing, should make it a truly homoeopathic and
therefore curative remedy in such cases of sexual weakness which especially
react upon the mind, causing lassitude, and uneasy mental condition even to
fears of approaching impotence.
The digestive symptoms were few and these were of a depressing nature
such as loss of appetite, bad taste, foul breath. There seemed to be a desire
for something stimulating yet little or no thirst. Three provers, tobacco
users, had no desire for tobacco during the time they were under influence of
the drug.’ [W.A. Dewey, Résumé and Therapeutic Field of Ginseng; Hom. Dep.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; June 17, 1905]
HEDERA HELIX
Scientific name
Hedera helix L.
Common names
English ivy. Common ivy.
Family
Araliaceae – order Apiales.
Homeopathy
Hedera helix – Hed.
Botanical Features
Woody vine, creeping or climbing, evergreen, with stems up to 20–30 m.
Holds on to suitably rough surfaces such as trees, cliffs, walls by means of
short adhesive rootlets.
Native range: Europe; naturalised nearly worldwide.
Habitat: Shady woodland, coastal woodland and scrub, preferably
calcareous and stones; groves and parks.
Young shoots, petioles, young blades, pedicels and sepals more or less
densely hairy.
Two types of leaves; palmately 5-lobed juvenile leaves on creeping and climbing
stems, and unlobed cordate adult leaves on fertile flowering stems exposed to
full sun, usually high in crowns of trees or top of rock faces.
Flowers greenish-yellow, fragrant, mostly 10–15 per umbel; in terminal, globose
umbels, solitary or grouped in racemose panicles.
Fruit a globose drupe, violet-black when ripe.
Main Constituents
Triterpene saponins and their glycosides – hederins and hederacosides in
leaves and berries.
Polyacetylenes – falcarinol and derivatives;
See Apiaceae.
Flavonoids, mainly rutin.
Pharmacological Activities
The leaves and berries of English ivy could cause toxicosis if ingested.
Symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, breathing
difficulty, coma, fever, polydipsia, dilated pupils, muscular weakness and lack
of coordination. Contact with cell sap may result in severe skin irritation
with redness, itching and blisters.
Eating the berries may cause burning in the throat.
Medicinal Uses
The German Commission E reported that skin and mucosa are sensitive to
ivy leaf and it performs correspondingly expectorant and spasmolytic activity.
The constituent falcarinol has been confirmed as having antibacterial,
analgesic and sedative effects. The Commission commends ivy leaf as treatment
for catarrhs of the respiratory passages and for symptoms of chronic
inflammatory bronchial conditions. Ivy is suggested as an expectorant,
secretolytic and antispasmodic in response to, specifically, whooping cough,
spastic bronchitis and chronic catarrh.
Ivy has possible effects as an astringent, micro-vessel protector,
anti-oedema and antiseptic. Ivy extracts are major constituents in slimming
products (cellulitis). They are found in most of the compositions offered by
well-established cosmetic houses. It has vasoconstrictor and anti-exudative
properties, and reduces capillary permeability, an action attributed to its
rutin and other flavonoids. It is also reported to be an effective moderator of
peripheral sensitivity and can improve tolerance to skin massage. It is
likewise
noted that Ivy extracts activate the circulation, allow drainage of
infiltrated tissue and thereby reduce local inflammation, exerting an
anti-oedematous effect and lowering tissue sensitivity.
Mezger’s claim of ivy containing high iodine concentrations could not be
confirmed in the literature. Stephenson, however, observed plenty of thyroid symptoms
in Mezger’s proving [see below].
Endocrine System
‘Among non-marine plants Hedera has one of the highest concentrations of
iodine. From this follows its relationship to the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Indeed, as a keynote one might call Hedera ‘vegetable iodine.’ There is
marked
anxiety particularly about the heart, goitre, exophthalmos, sensations
of tension
in the throat, increased appetite [or loss of], constipation,
constrictions and
needle like pains in the heart, palpitations, insomnia, profuse
perspiration, a
desire for the open air and extreme tiredness.
‘Although, from its iodine content one might expect a similarity of
symptoms
to Iodum, there appears rather to be a contrast. For instance, unlike
the coryza
of Iodum, which is < open air, Hedera is > open air. There is
throat pain on
swallowing [Iodum has pain when not swallowing]. Iodum has suppressed as
well
as increased urination, whereas Hedera urination is increased. Hedera
has left
ovarian pain; Iodum, right. It is primarily in the cardiac sphere that
Hedera and
Iodum have a similar action. Both have constriction of the heart with
piercing,
needle-like pains.
‘Hedera has been of great service in myocardial infarction and should be
considered along with our other great heart remedies. Hedera also has
the organic
hypertrophies of Iodum [prostatic as well as thyroid]. Therefore Hedera
shares
with Iodum many of the pathological signs and symptoms of
hyperthyroidism
but contrasts with Iodum in the expansion of these into the subtle
sphere of
subjective, physiological response. In this manner Hedera gives us one
more
effective agent for the individualisation of the treatment of
hyperthyroidism.
‘The outstanding symptom not shared either with the clinical symptoms of
hyperthyroidism or the symptoms of Iodum is a generalised tingling of
the joints,
muscles and nerves. Clinically, in homeopathic dilutions, Hedera has
been of
particular value in hyperthyroidism, gallstones and cholecystitis, and
chronic
cirrhosis. In gross dilutions it has been used to cure drunkenness, for
worms, late
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ARALIACEAE
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menses, varicose veins and retarded menses.’ [Stephenson, interpretation
of
Mezger’s proving]
Clinging to a Strong Support
‘The symbolism of the ivy rests on three facts which are that it clings,
it thrives
in the shade and it is an evergreen. Its clinging has made the ivy a
symbol of the
traditional, albeit now unpopular, image of the helpless female clinging
to her
man for protection. It also signifies true love, faithfulness and
undying affection
both in marriage and in friendship. Christian symbolists consider the
ivy’s need
to cling to a support emblematic of frail humanity’s need for divine
support.
‘Like other evergreens, the ivy symbolises eternal life and
resurrection. It has
been associated with the Egyptian god Osiris and the Greco-Roman god
Attis;
both of whom were resurrected from the dead. Medieval Christians,
noticing that
ivy thrived on dead trees used it to symbolise the immortal soul, which
lived
even though the body [represented by the dead tree] decayed.
‘In spite of its use as a symbol of immortality, ivy’s association with
the grave
caused it to be strongly emblematic of mortality. According to Crippen,
at
Christmas time, ivy, which represents mortality, should be used only on
the
outside of buildings because this holiday celebrates Jesus, the giver of
everlasting
life and destroyer of death.
‘Because it thrives in the shade, ivy represents debauchery, carousing,
merry-
making, sensuality, the flourishing of hidden desires and the enjoyment
of secret
or forbidden pleasures. Some even believed this plant to have demonic
associ-
ations. Dionysus [Bacchus] the Greco-Roman god of wine, satyrs and
Sileni are
often wreathed in ivy. Crowns of ivy were believed to prevent
intoxication and
thought to aid inspirational thinking. Therefore, the Greeks crowned
their poets
with wreaths of this plant. Although generally considered poisonous, the
ivy’s
black berries were used to treat plague.’ [Tucker 1997]
Clinging to Life
As a vigorous, long-lived evergreen plant, ivy is used to symbolise
‘ever-life’ or
eternal life and resurrection. Also associated with the indestructible
ivy are other
undying qualities, such as true love, faithfulness and everlasting
affection both
in marriage and in friendship. American writer O. Henry [1862–1910]
featured
ivy as the main character in his short story
The Last Leaf
, which encompasses
such themes as courage, faithfulness, undying affection, enduring friendship
and
the indestructible quality of the gift of love.
Set during a blistery east-coast winter, two young female would-be
bohemian
artists live in a squatty, old tenement building. Barely scratching a
living with
their sketches and drawings, they are hit hard when serious cold takes
hold of
the city. The more delicate of the two contracts pneumonia. As she lies
in bed,
sinking each day further towards death, she watches through her window
an old
ivy vine climbing half way up a brick wall. Each day the winter winds
take a few
more of the leaves from their mooring on the stalk. She knows her life
will fly
away with the falling of the last leaf.
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The building houses another artist, an old man experienced in life but a
failure
in art. He has befriended the girls, witnessing their youthful optimism
from his
perch of disillusioned old age. His mantra of years holds that one day
he would
paint his masterpiece.
The days sweep by, bringing no relief to either the weather or the sick
girl. The
leaves continue to fall, until there comes the day when only one ivy
leaf is left.
Both girls are sure the end is near. Stubbornly, the last leaf clings to
its stalk, just
as the young woman clings to life. A few more days pass and,
miraculously, the
leaf still hangs on. The enduring persistence and indestructible vigour
of the ivy
leaf finally melt the young woman’s pessimism and embolden her with the
courage to get well. And she does, the outcome being a happy ending to
the story.
Anyone familiar with O. Henry’s style will know that this is not the end
of the
story. One day, as the young woman is well on the road to recovery, her
friend
comes to tell her the news. Their neighbour, the old, would-be
masterpiece
painter, has died the night before of pneumonia. It happened that he
caught a
deadly chill while outside painting an ivy leaf on the brick wall the
night that
the last leaf fell. He had been right; he did paint his masterpiece.
MATERIA MEDICA HEDERA HELIX
Hed.
Sources
1 Proving Mezger [Germany], 17 provers, tincture, 1x, 6x, 15x; 1932.
Mind
[1]
Anxiety about heart.
[1]
Constantly lives in a state of anxiety and worry.
[1]
Anxiety uncontrollable.
[1]
Anxiety & sensation of constriction in throat; & palpitation of
heart. Open air
>.
Generals
[1]
Physical exertion >.
[1]
During menses >.
[1]
Restlessness, despite weariness, < waiting.
[1]
Heat of sun, hot summer weather <.
[1]
Open air > – mind; head; coryza; cough; general.
Sensations
[1]
Throat as if constricted; tension.
[1]
Heart as if having to beat against a strong resistance.
Locals
[1]
Vertigo on bending head, rapid movement of head.
[1]
Left-sided frontal headache, & coryza, > open air, cold bathing.
[1]
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps > eating.
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[1]
Difficult respiration and cough in a warm room.
[1]
Needle-like pain in heart region while talking; awakening with it
between 3
and 5 a.m.
[1]
Numbness hands on waking, > motion.
Hydrocotyle vulgaris
Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. Pennywort.
Native range: Europe. Habitat: Sunny, moist or wet places, often on
peaty soil.
Shores of lakes and streams, fens and temporarily wet depressions. Rhizomatous,
herbaceous perennial, creeping or floating. Leaves glabrous, peltate,
almost
orbicular, coarsely crenate. Inflorescences 1–2 at each node, each
consisting of
3–6 flowers; sepals absent. Flowers dark to light violet or almost
white, usually
with orange glands on the outside. Fruit elliptic, green, covered with
brownish
glands. Formerly included in Apiaceae, or sometimes separated in the
family
Hydrocotylaceae, but now transferred to Araliaceae, based on results
from molec-
ular studies.
The therapeutic properties are unknown, sometimes confused with those of
the closely related Centella [previously Hydrocotyle] asiatica of the
Apiaceae.
[1]
No symptoms in MM.
OPLOPANAX HORRIDUS
Scientific name
Oplopanax horridus (Sm.) Miq.
Synonyms
Echinopanax horridus (Sm.) Decne. & Planch.
Fatsia horrida (Sm.) Benth. & Hook.
Panax horridum Sm.
Common names
Devil’s club. Devil’s walking stick.
Family
Araliaceae – order Apiales.
Homeopathy
Oplopanax horridus – Oplo-h.
Botanical Features
[1]
Deciduous shrub, 1–6 m high, heavily armed with yellowish, needle-like,
brittle
spines up to 2 cm long.
[1]
Native range: Western North America.
[1]
Habitat: Moist woods, near streams; most abundant in old growth conifer
forests.
[1]
Leaves spirally arranged, simple, maple-shaped palmately lobed with 5–13
lobes, 20–40 cm across.
[1]
Flowers small, whitish, in dense, upright, conical-shaped, terminal
clusters to
18 cm long.
[1]
Fruit a shiny, flattened, bright red, berry-like drupe in upright,
terminal
clusters, inedible.
[1]
Entire plant has been described as having a ‘primordial’ appearance.
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Medicinal Uses
‘Devil’s club is probably the most important spiritual and medicinal
plant to most
indigenous peoples who live within its range. Different parts of this
plant are
used by over 38 linguistic groups for over 34 categories of physical
ailment, as
well as many spiritual applications. . . . Phytochemical research has
revealed that
this plant has antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial and
anti-mycobacterial proper-
ties, and these are undoubtedly related to its widespread use in
traditional
medicine.
‘. . . Among all of the traditional medicinal uses of devil’s club, its
most wide-
spread is for the treatment of external and internal infections,
including tuber-
culosis. The efficacy of many of the treatments is undoubtedly related
to devil’s
club’s significant antibacterial, anti-mycobacterial being active against
bacteria in
the genus Mycobacterium, antifungal and antiviral properties. Devil’s
club is also
commonly used by many cultural groups to treat arthritis, rheumatism,
respira-
tory ailments and as an emetic and purgative. It is also used as an aid
in child-
birth, post-partum, for internal haemorrhaging, as an analgesic, to
treat stomach
and digestive tract ailments, broken bones, fever, dandruff, lice,
headaches and
as a treatment for cancer. Several parts of the shrub, including inner
bark, inner
bark ash, whole stems, roots, berries and leaves, are used in a variety
of ways to
effect these treatments. However, the most common type of preparation is
as an
infusion or decoction of the stem inner bark.
‘. . . Western herbalists report that the roots of devil’s club and to a
lesser extent
the inner stem bark are a strong respiratory stimulant and expectorant
and
recommend their use for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune
conditions,
as well as to treat eczema, sores and a number of internal and external
infections.
Devil’s club is also commonly recommended for the treatment of type II
adult
onset diabetes, a use of devil’s club that is also extensive in
indigenous communi-
ties. . . . Since devil’s club is still widely and increasingly, used as
a treatment for
late onset type II diabetes and is listed in a recent review of
anti-diabetic plants,
additional research and more rigorous clinical trials are required to
validate and
characterise or to disprove hypoglycaemic properties in devil’s club.’
[Lantz 2004]
Spiritual Uses
‘In addition to ethnographic accounts of medicinal uses, there are also
numerous
sources that describe spiritual applications of devil’s club. These
include purifi-
cation and cleansing; protection against supernatural entities, epidemics
and evil
influences; acquisition of luck; to combat witchcraft; as ceremonial and
protec-
tive face paint; and in rituals by shamans and others to attain
supernatural
powers.
‘Two of the most widespread spiritual uses are bathing with a devil’s
club inner
bark solution for personal protection and purification, and its use,
particularly
the spiny or de-spined aerial stems, as an amulet for protection against
a variety
of external influences. External and internal cleansing involving the
use of devil’s
club was, and is, of paramount importance to many of the cultural groups
throughout devil’s club’s range. The inner stem bark of devil’s club has
also often
been used in solution to wash down fishing boats, fishnets and to purify
a house
Family
ARALIACEAE
511
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after an illness or death, and, as charcoal, to prepare protective face
paint for
ceremonial dancers. John Thomas explained that amongst the Ditidaht, and
many other neighbouring groups, devil’s club is considered sacred and
“along
with red ochre paint is considered to be a link between the ordinary, or
profane
world, and the supernatural, or spirit world.” ’ [Lantz 2004]
MATERIA MEDICA OPLOPANAX HORRIDUS
Oplo-h.
Sources
1 Proving Lucy De Pieri [Canada], 9 provers [8 females, 1 male; 2
placebo], 30c;
2007.
Mind
[1]
Positiveness. A total of 7 out of 9 provers experienced an increased
sense of
confidence, calmness, of being able to easily work throw situations that
in the
past would cause anxiety and irritability. Provers also reported an
increased
feeling of wellbeing, and being able to relax easily and relax others.
[1]
Delusions: Body is weightless; being a fish, having fish eyes; lost in
the wood;
belonging to the opposite sex; stabbed in the back; carrying a heavy
weight;
being in a different world.
[1]
Wanting to give up responsibilities [2 pr.].
[1]
Will-power strong or sensation of having two wills [2 pr.].
[1]
Dreams: Danger, being unprotected, being vulnerable; danger to others;
flood,
large areas of water.
Generals
[1]
Desire for asparagus; cold beer; white bread; butter; coffee [2 pr.];
garlic; honey;
raw mushrooms; prawns; salami; sweets [3 pr.].
[1]
Sexual desire increased in menopausal and post-menopausal women [3 pr.];
orgasm reached easier.
Sensations
[1]
Brain as if loose, < motion.
[1]
Dust in eyes.
[1]
Hot steam out of ears.
[1]
Lips as if chapped, dry [while not].
[1]
Tongue underneath numb, as if burned.
[1]
Throat as if empty.
[1]
Bladder as if distended.
[1]
Hips and thighs unbending as if steel rods.
[1]
Coldness in bones.
Locals
[1]
Vertigo & redness eyes, involuntary closing of eyes, > cold
application; &
hunger; & sensation of heat in nape of neck, > cold washing.
512
Family
ARALIACEAE
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Ltd
[1]
Vertigo in room, > open air; & nausea, < indoors, in car, >
open air.
[1]
Headache above eyebrows, < heat, smell of food, walking, > cold,
dry appli-
cations, lying down, pressure; & desire to pull hair from back of head.
[1]
Dull pain occiput, extending to forehead, > alcohol, sleep.
[1]
Congestion nose on waking [3 pr.].
[1]
Throat sensitive, < cold air, cold drinks, dryness, smoke,
swallowing, touch.
[1]
Bursting pain stomach < walking, > lying down.
[1]
Constipation, stool remains long in rectum without urging.
[1]
Pain knees, stitching on first movement, < cold, > lying down,
covering.
Impression
‘Dullness was a common sensation that the provers experienced, so it is
not
surprising that there was a need for stimulants. Provers had craving for
beer and
coffee even if they didn’t usually drink coffee, or had aversion for
coffee prior to
the proving. Depleted, drained together with vertigo or being
light-headed was
often experienced before breakfast or a meal. Note the language of water
by using
the term “drained”. The sensations were resolved with eating. Other
sensations
were pinching, pulsating, cramping, like a pin prick, sore, stinging,
dryness or
dust in eyes, brain loose and moving back and forth, bitterness,
tingling, as if
burned, numbness, something stuck, rawness, tickling and chilly.’ [Lucy
De Pieri]
Family
16. Araliaceae 27/8/11 13:17 Page 513
©
S
Quelle: remedia.at
Aralia racemosa
Dracontium foetidum
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Eleutherococcus senticosus ex herba
Hedera helix
Oplopanax horridus
Osmoxylon lineare
Panax ginseng
Polyscias filicifolia
Schefflera arboricola
Schefflera rodriguesiana
Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum