Aristolochia clematitis
- VERMEULEN Frans
Arist-cl.
Only mothers can think of the future
Because they give birth to it in their children.
[Maxim Gorky]
Signs
Aristolochia clematitis. Birthwort. N.O. Aristolochiaceae.
CLASSIFICATION The family Aristolochia contains eight genera [and 400 species] of mostly warm-temperate to tropical herbs, shrubs and lianas. Homoeopathy uses various species of the genus Aristolochia: Aristolochia milhomens [Brazilian snakeroot], Aristolochia serpentaria [Virginia snakeroot], and Aristolochia clematitis [Birthwort]. Of the genus Asarum, Asarum europaeum [European wild ginger or European snakeroot] is employed. Most species have bad-smelling flowers, which are pollinated by the capture and release of flies.
DISTRIBUTION Native to central and southern Europe, A. clematitis is an unpleasant-smelling perennial with heart-shaped leaves and tubular yellow flowers with flattened lips. The joints of the stem make an angular deviation, so that the stems are zigzag. The plant climbs by twining its stem, as opposed to members of the gourd family [Bryonia, Colocynthis, among others] which climb by means of long tendrils springing from the leaf stalks. The flowers are peculiar, growing from the joints near the root and drooping until they are nearly buried in the earth or in their dried leaves. Esteemed for its medicinal properties in its native countries [Mediterranean and Asia Minor], birthwort was brought to regions north of the Alps by monks, who planted it in monastery gardens. It escaped from such gardens and managed to hold its own in cooler climates to this very day. At one expense, however: it seldom produces ripe fruits in cooler climates, despite all its 'sexual' activities, but reproduces by vegetative propagation. .
NAME The name derives from the Greek aristos, best, and lochia, childbirth, in allusion to the curved form of the flower with base and top together recalling the human foetus in the correct position for birth. 1 The specific name clematitis means 'clematis-like' and refers to its climbing habit.
INSECTS There are insect-eating plants and plants using insects. Homoeopathically employed plants belonging to the first group include Drosera, Nepenthes, and Sarracenia. The Araceae, such as Arum, Caladium, Ictodes, and the Aristolochiaceae represent the second group. Both families apply three basic mechanisms to achieve their purpose of pollination: smell, clearly defined direction marks, and temporary confinement. The smell of decay [Aristolochia emits an odour of rotten fish] serves for attracting flies and other bugs. The entrance to the flower is of an inviting colour, often with contrasting spots, to designate the landing platform. Entering the flower is made easy for the insect, and may even be accelerated by a steep and slippery descent. Escaping, however, is out of the question, being prevented temporarily by stiff, downward-pointing hairs on the inside of the flower. Aristolochia, as one author pointed out, "seems almost to delight in listening to the insect beating its wings against the wall of its prison as it tries to escape." By this tossing about it will perform its task and pollinate the stamens with pollen. Satisfied with the visitor's performance, the stiff hairs will wither, allowing the insect to escape.
CONSTITUENTS Aristolochia clematitis contains magnoflorine, a substance also found in Magnolia grandiflora, Cocculus trilobus, and Thalictrum thunbergii. The main constituent is aristolochic acid [see below]. Its high content of allantoin explains its stimulating effect on suppurating wounds and resistant ulcers. Allantoin is present in foetal urine and in allantoic fluid [hence its name]; it is also an oxidation product of uric acid and the end product of purine metabolism in animals other than man and the other primates.
TOXICOLOGY Toxic effects in animals include anorexia, constipation, nephritis, coma, weak pulse, and accelerated heart's action. Particularly horses are very sensitive to the plant. Intoxication generally has no adverse effects, but recovery is slow.
MEDICINE Many Aristolochia species have medicinal properties, and have been used in the past to facilitate childbirth and as an antidote to the bites of snakes and mad dogs. A. clematitis has a long history of use in childbirth, being recorded in ancient Egyptian times.
"Medicinal action and uses: stimulant, tonic and diaphoretic, properties resembling those of valerian and cascarilla. Too large doses occasion nausea, griping pains in the bowels, sometimes vomiting and dysenteric tenesmus. In small doses, it promotes the appetite, toning up the digestive organs. It has been recommended in intermittent fevers, when it may be useful as an adjunct to quinine. In full doses it produces increased arterial action, diaphoresis, and frequently diuresis. In eruptive fevers where the eruption is tardy, or in the typhoid stage where strong stimulants cannot be borne, it may be very valuable. An infusion is an effective gargle in putrid sore throat. It benefits sufferers from dyspepsia and amenorrhoea. ... It is stated that Egyptian jugglers use some of these plants to stupefy snakes before they handle them, while it is related that the juice of the root of A. anguicida, if introduced into the mouth of a serpent, will stupefy it, and if it be compelled to swallow a few drops it will die in convulsions."2
CARCINOGEN Aristolochia stimulates phagocytosis; hence its benefit for patients who have been treated with drugs that inhibit phagocytosis, such as chloramfenicol and immunosuppressants. The main constituent, aristolochic acid, stimulates white blood cell activity, but is also believed to be carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys. In 1992-1994 an outbreak of progressive renal failure occurred in Belgium in women who had followed a weight-loss regimen that included the use of Chinese herbs. Chemical analysis of the powdered herbal extracts demonstrated the presence of Aristolochia fangchi, a potentially nephrotoxic plant due to the high amount of aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid is one of a small group of naturally occurring nitro compounds that have been shown to possess tumour-inhibiting, and tumour-provoking, properties under laboratory conditions. It has antibacterial, antileukemic, contraceptive [or abortifacient], cytotoxic, immunostimulant, and mutagenic properties. Chinese research into aristolochic acid has shown it to be an effective wound healer. In Germany its medicinal use has been banned due to its carcinogenic potential.
SERPENTARIA Being indigenous to North America, Aristolochia serpentaria [named Serpentaria in homoeopathic literature] was used by natives and herbalists in the US. Aristolochia clematitis, however, was also known. Knowing the plant very well from German vineyards, German settlers introduced it in Pennsylvania.
PROVINGS •• [1] Mezger - 18 provers [13 females, 5 males], 1939; method: daily doses of tincture, 2x, 5x, or 12x, for 12 weeks.
•• [2] Robbins, Reijonen and Evans - 21 provers in Australia, Finland and New Zealand; 1998; method: single dose of 30c, also contains data from three dream provings.
[1] Hyam and Pankhurst, Plants and their Names. [2] Grieve, A Modern Herbal.
Affinity
FEMALE ORGANS. URINARY ORGANS; kidneys. Venous system. Skin. * Right side.
Modalities
Worse: Before and especially after menses. Bending forward. Cold food. Light. Reading. Suppressed secretions; suppressed menses; delayed menarche. Menopause. Hysterectomy. Pregnancy. Cold wind.* Motion.*
Better: Cool air; open air. Motion. Menstrual flow. Humid compresses, cold. Stretching.* Before a storm.*
* Observed during proving Robbins.
Main symptoms
M Psychosomatic condition < before and after menses, > DURING menses.
Or amelioration from return of suppressed menstruation. [Mezger]
• "Much irritability before, during and after menses; in morning and evening; before getting a cold. I was irritated as soon as I woke up in the morning. As if my hands were bound and that I am not capable to work out my day as I wanted. Programmed by other people also for the rest of the whole week. I am still irritated and angry, dissatisfied, aggressive. Usually I can cry out this kind of dissatisfaction - now not!" [Robbins]
M < Consolation. • "They are not easily comforted like Pulsatilla but rather inconsolable and cross when in the depression, yet not actively aggravated by consolation like Sepia." [Whitmont] Or: • "Sensation as if someone is kissing my lips, in bed on going to sleep. Same sensation on waking; as if being kissed. As if someone holding my hand; first left, then both. Felt reassuring." [Robbins] M Mentally depressed condition; despair; feeling of loneliness, or fear of the future; refuses society. > Open air; menstruation.
M Extremes of moods.
• "Either a marked depression or a rather forced or unreasonable exhilaration and cheerfulness, even in alternation ... also, extreme states of extrosion or introversion in the same person." [Whitmont]
Emotional instability of the manic depressive kind.
M Connections.
• "One of the central themes was about losing connections. ... Some traumatic experience leads to a state of indifference and exhaustion which goes to a disconnection, an unbalanced and confused state with blocked feeling, or flu like state. ... Disconnection, forgetting and losing of a painful or traumatic experience." [Robbins]
M Self disgust.
• "Self disgust, sexuality increased and anger coming up. Desire to feel and to have salt-baths in order to clean oneself, depressed. Eating is disgusting as well as drinking. Ugly state - feeling that I am ugly. Everything I touched seemed to be dirty. Desire to wash hands frequently. Dreams of putting out the garbage with difficulty. Sensation of being small enough to crawl under the carpet. The Aristolochia plant pollinates by attracting flies with the smell of garbage." [Robbins]
M Indifference and exhaustion. 'What's the point.'
Aversion to monitoring own thoughts and feelings. [Robbins]
M Confinement / restraint / restriction / forcible control.
Confinement might prove to be a theme of Aristolochia. The plant Aristolochia clematitis keeps flies in temporary confinement for the purpose of pollination. Mezger conducted his proving in 1939, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. He builded up his experience with the remedy during the war and in the years after. He frequently mentions confinement and dwelling in camps as causative factors for complaints cured by Aristolochia. Its name means 'the best possible delivery', referring to its ancient use in assisting childbirth. As it happens, the time during which a woman is confined to bed during labour and immediately after giving birth, is called confinement. The following symptom, from the proving by Robbins, seems to support the theme of confinement / restraint: "As if my hands were bound and that I am not capable to work out my day as I wanted. Programmed by other people also for the rest of the whole week."
M Ailments from trauma, shock, bad news.
Shocked out of a pleasant situation. Feels abused.
Losing and forgetting things after trauma.
Fear of forgetting; fear of losing one's feelings.
Need to write things down so they are not lost.
Loss of conception of time. Makes mistakes in time, day, dates, etc. [Robbins]
G Tendency to obesity or "a sensation of an increase in weight." [Mezger]
G Great tiredness and exhaustion.
Or/and: alternating with unusual activity and ability to perform.
G Great chilliness, not relieved by outer warmth.
G Desire for and amelioration by cool air [in spite of chilliness].
[general; headache; coryza]
• "Other symptoms are better from local heat and worse from cold, particularly the facial neuralgia, toothache and cough." [Mezger]
G Insatiable hunger.
G Sleeplessness or restless sleep.
Esp. before menses or with urinary problems.
G < Night 2-4 a.m. • "Several provers awoke at 2-3 a.m. and could not fall asleep before 4-5 a.m. " [Mezger] G > Motion.
[general; joints]
G > ONSET OF ANY DISCHARGE. [Lach.]
G Sensation as if getting the influenza.
Sore and aching all over; chilliness and fever.
Influenza after silent grief. [Robbins]
G Metallic feeling.
As if blood vessels were metallic. As if nerve paths were like thin metal wires.
Wirelike feeling in shoulders. As if wire from back of head to forehead.
Ligaments as if made out of wires. [Robbins]
G NEVER WELL SINCE HORMONAL TREATMENT / PILL.
• "One may very often replace the hormonal treatment of women with Aristolochia, or where there is disability from hormone treatment where women in the height of sexual activity after labour or similar situations lose their menses, Aristolochia is particularly indicated." [Mezger]
G MENSES absent, short lasting, late. Black blood with clots.
G AMENORRHOEA on account of late menarche; [after] childbirth; [early] menopause; [after] exhausting diseases; disturbed ovulation.
Amenorrhoea due to confinement in prison, camps, flight or travel.
• "In routine office work first consideration is to be given to Aristolochia before any other remedy [unless definitely indicated] in any case of suppressed or deficient menses [such as is usually associated with Pulsatilla] as well as in the average case of cystitis." [Whitmont]
G P.M. S.
c Acne.
c Pain and sensation of hardness in breasts [or in left breast only].
c Abdominal cramps.
c Distension of abdomen.
c Heaviness in legs.
c Swelling of fingers and legs.
c Swollen and distended varices.
c Swelling of feet and ankles.
c Joint pains.
c Sleeplessness and restlessness.
G FEMALE ORGANS: Brown discharge, watery.
Eczema of vulva. Voluptuous itching [> leucorrhoea].
G Infertility and suppressed or weakened menses.
G Menopause.
c Excessive flushes of heat with perspiration.
c Arthritis, esp. of knee joints.
c Chronic eczema [pimples and vesicles with violent itching].
G One-sided symptoms esp. right.
• "This remedy is a right side remedy. Somehow I have a need, a want to drag the right foot. Wandering pains of short duration mainly on the right side of the body. Tingling cold chill down right leg and right side of body on falling asleep. Sciatic nerve pain, right side. Right sole numb, soles burning and spongy feeling." [Robbins]
P Headache, diffused, morning on rising;
> Open air; cold compresses; onset of coryza.
< Bending forward. P Emotional, anticipatory enteritis and colitis. • "Aristolochia has a marked affinity for the colon. Characteristic is a 'never-get-done-feeling', a feeling as if more will come, which frequently is the case." [Mezger] P Urinary tract [irritation, inflammation, cystitis, pyelitis, polyuria]. Renal and vesical pains with frequent micturition. • "Excellent remedy for irritability of the bladder following cystitis from cold. The main indication is frequent nocturnal urging, awakening the patient every 15 to 30 minutes. Also useful in cases of enuresis nocturna." [Mezger] • "A very marked homoeopathic aggravation is apparent, particularly with irritated bladders and cystitis from residual urine among soldiers as result of freezing in the Russian campaign. This is most annoying because of the continuous urinary urging which interrupts the sleep. Here Aristolochia appears to be particularly specific. Soldiers who had to urinate every 1/4 to 1/2 hr. during the night were soon freed of their trouble." [Mezger] P Poorly healing skin, wounds. Infected wounds. All sorts of suppurations. Blisters from rubbing shoes, rowing, garden work, horseback riding, etc. • "For external applications it seems to be superior to Calendula." [Whitmont] • "Excellent remedy for girls with acne and delayed menarche." [Mezger] Chronic and acute eczemas, dermatitis. • "In the skin we have blisters, pimples, a violently itching and burning eczema, particularly on the neck, the scalp, the forearm and the vulva with the formation of crusts. This is particularly the case during the menopause from ovarian insufficiency. Eczemas and dermatitis, particularly baker's eczema or from wetting." [Mezger] - Original proving in: Mezger, Gesichtete Homöopatische Arzneimittellehre, pp. 96-107. - Summaries of the proving in: [1] Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy, Sept.-Oct. 1959; [2] Stephenson, A Materia Medica and Repertory; [3] Whitmont, Psyche and Substance; [4] Julian, Dictionary of Homoeopathic Materia Medica. - Cases and aspects in: Michael Thompson, A little-known and underprescribed polychrest, IFH 1996. Rubrics Mind Anger before menses [1R], with trembling [1R], with weeping [1R]. Anxiety in morning on waking [1R], anticipating an engagement [1R], with cloudiness, confusion [1R], about future [1], about health [1R]. Aversion to husband [1R]. Confusion, loses his way in well known streets [1R]. Dancing [1R]. Delusions, being abused [1R]. blood vessels as if metallic [1/1R], body is diminished [1R], he is dirty [1R], everything is dirty [1R], being fat, swollen [1M], hands being bound to body [1R], that someone were holding one's hand [1/1R], being kissed on the lips on falling asleep [1/1R], that he is separated from the world [1R]. Fear of being alone [2], of failure [1R], of forgetting [1R], of losing one's feelings [1R], panic attacks during menses [1R], of people [2], being ugly [1R]. Forsaken feeling, sensation of isolation [1]. Undemonstrative grief [1R]. Indifference in morning on waking [1R], to one's children [1R], to death of loved one [1R], to everything [1R], to one's family [1R]. Industrious [1]. Irritability alternating with loquacity during menses [1R]. Loquacity during menses [1R]. Restlessness in bed [1], before menses [1]. Sadness > open air [1], during menopause [1], before menses [1R], during menses [1R], > menses [1]. Suicidal disposition; detached and unreachable [1R]. Time passes too quickly [1R]. Always washing her hands [1R]. Weeping [1].
Vertigo
In bed [1R]. With nausea [1]. From sunlight and heat [1R].
Head
Constriction, as of a band, occiput [1R]. Empty, hollow sensation [1R]. Pain, in morning on rising [1], > open air [1], < bending forward [1], > cold damp compresses [1], with icy coldness of body [1R], < motion [1R], < noise [1R], > onset of coryza [1], after menses [1]. Sensitiveness of scalp or brain to change in temperature [1R].
Eye
Sensation of eye falling out when falling asleep [1/1R]. Lachrymation < bright light [1], < reading [1]. Burning pain < bright light [1], < reading [1]. Vision Colours, iridescent blue on closing eyes [1/1R]. Sensation of looking through a hole [1/1R]. Loss of vision, darkness before eyes on rising [1]. Zigzags before headache [1R]. Nose Coryza > morning on rising [1], > open air [1]; profuse [1]. Smell acute for odour of coffee [1R].
Mouth
Oily taste [1R].
Stomach
Appetite decreased [1], ravenous during nausea with vertigo [1/1], ravenous and chilliness [1/1].
Rectum
Discharge of mucus, without stool [1]. Constant urging after eating [1], after stool [2].
Bladder
Irritation of bladder [= constant urging] after exposure to cold [2M]. Frequent urination at night [1M].
Prostate
Pain, chronic inflammation, < cold [2M]. Female Itching voluptuous [1], > leucorrhoea [1]. Menses black, with clots [1], copious [1], too frequent [2], painful [1], scanty [2], suppressed from cold [1].
Larynx
Voice, hoarseness during tonsillitis [1].
Back
Pain, cervical region extending to occiput [1R], sore, bruised, lumbar region, over kidneys [1R].
Limbs
Awkwardness, hands, drops things [1R]. Sensation of heaviness in legs > menses [1]. Tearing pain in joints during pregnancy [1R]. Swelling of feet before menses [1]. Tension and swelling of varicose veins during menses [1].
Sleep
Interrupted, 2-4 a.m. or 3-5 a.m.[2] .
Dreams
Babies [1R]. Breastfeeding [1R]. Childbirth [2R]. Danger [1R]. Disgusting [1R]. Losing things [1R]. Rape [1R]. Shock [1R]. Threats [1R]. Stories of trauma [1R].
Chill
At night during menses [1].
Perspiration
During slight exertion [1R]. At night during menses [1]. Offensive odour [1R].
Generals
Varicose veins during pregnancy [2R].
* Repertory additions [M] = Mezger; [R] =Robbins.
Food
Aversion: [1]: Coffee [R]; salt [R]; spicy [R]; sweets [R]; tea [R]; wine [R].
Desire: [1]: Bacon [R]; bitter [R]; black tea [R]; chocolate [R]; coffee [R]; orange juice [R]; salty fatty meat [metwurst] [R]; salty and spicy [R]; sweets [R]; tasteless food [R; on account of very acute taste]; tea [R].
Worse: [1]: Cold food; fats and rich food [R]; milk [diarrhoea]; sauerkraut [= vomiting].
Better: [1]: Milk [vomiting].
[R] Repertory additions based on Robbins' proving.
Arist-cl.
 |
| Aristolochia clematitis |
Because they give birth to it in their children.
[Maxim Gorky]
Signs
Aristolochia clematitis. Birthwort. N.O. Aristolochiaceae.
CLASSIFICATION The family Aristolochia contains eight genera [and 400 species] of mostly warm-temperate to tropical herbs, shrubs and lianas. Homoeopathy uses various species of the genus Aristolochia: Aristolochia milhomens [Brazilian snakeroot], Aristolochia serpentaria [Virginia snakeroot], and Aristolochia clematitis [Birthwort]. Of the genus Asarum, Asarum europaeum [European wild ginger or European snakeroot] is employed. Most species have bad-smelling flowers, which are pollinated by the capture and release of flies.
DISTRIBUTION Native to central and southern Europe, A. clematitis is an unpleasant-smelling perennial with heart-shaped leaves and tubular yellow flowers with flattened lips. The joints of the stem make an angular deviation, so that the stems are zigzag. The plant climbs by twining its stem, as opposed to members of the gourd family [Bryonia, Colocynthis, among others] which climb by means of long tendrils springing from the leaf stalks. The flowers are peculiar, growing from the joints near the root and drooping until they are nearly buried in the earth or in their dried leaves. Esteemed for its medicinal properties in its native countries [Mediterranean and Asia Minor], birthwort was brought to regions north of the Alps by monks, who planted it in monastery gardens. It escaped from such gardens and managed to hold its own in cooler climates to this very day. At one expense, however: it seldom produces ripe fruits in cooler climates, despite all its 'sexual' activities, but reproduces by vegetative propagation. .
NAME The name derives from the Greek aristos, best, and lochia, childbirth, in allusion to the curved form of the flower with base and top together recalling the human foetus in the correct position for birth. 1 The specific name clematitis means 'clematis-like' and refers to its climbing habit.
INSECTS There are insect-eating plants and plants using insects. Homoeopathically employed plants belonging to the first group include Drosera, Nepenthes, and Sarracenia. The Araceae, such as Arum, Caladium, Ictodes, and the Aristolochiaceae represent the second group. Both families apply three basic mechanisms to achieve their purpose of pollination: smell, clearly defined direction marks, and temporary confinement. The smell of decay [Aristolochia emits an odour of rotten fish] serves for attracting flies and other bugs. The entrance to the flower is of an inviting colour, often with contrasting spots, to designate the landing platform. Entering the flower is made easy for the insect, and may even be accelerated by a steep and slippery descent. Escaping, however, is out of the question, being prevented temporarily by stiff, downward-pointing hairs on the inside of the flower. Aristolochia, as one author pointed out, "seems almost to delight in listening to the insect beating its wings against the wall of its prison as it tries to escape." By this tossing about it will perform its task and pollinate the stamens with pollen. Satisfied with the visitor's performance, the stiff hairs will wither, allowing the insect to escape.
CONSTITUENTS Aristolochia clematitis contains magnoflorine, a substance also found in Magnolia grandiflora, Cocculus trilobus, and Thalictrum thunbergii. The main constituent is aristolochic acid [see below]. Its high content of allantoin explains its stimulating effect on suppurating wounds and resistant ulcers. Allantoin is present in foetal urine and in allantoic fluid [hence its name]; it is also an oxidation product of uric acid and the end product of purine metabolism in animals other than man and the other primates.
TOXICOLOGY Toxic effects in animals include anorexia, constipation, nephritis, coma, weak pulse, and accelerated heart's action. Particularly horses are very sensitive to the plant. Intoxication generally has no adverse effects, but recovery is slow.
MEDICINE Many Aristolochia species have medicinal properties, and have been used in the past to facilitate childbirth and as an antidote to the bites of snakes and mad dogs. A. clematitis has a long history of use in childbirth, being recorded in ancient Egyptian times.
"Medicinal action and uses: stimulant, tonic and diaphoretic, properties resembling those of valerian and cascarilla. Too large doses occasion nausea, griping pains in the bowels, sometimes vomiting and dysenteric tenesmus. In small doses, it promotes the appetite, toning up the digestive organs. It has been recommended in intermittent fevers, when it may be useful as an adjunct to quinine. In full doses it produces increased arterial action, diaphoresis, and frequently diuresis. In eruptive fevers where the eruption is tardy, or in the typhoid stage where strong stimulants cannot be borne, it may be very valuable. An infusion is an effective gargle in putrid sore throat. It benefits sufferers from dyspepsia and amenorrhoea. ... It is stated that Egyptian jugglers use some of these plants to stupefy snakes before they handle them, while it is related that the juice of the root of A. anguicida, if introduced into the mouth of a serpent, will stupefy it, and if it be compelled to swallow a few drops it will die in convulsions."2
CARCINOGEN Aristolochia stimulates phagocytosis; hence its benefit for patients who have been treated with drugs that inhibit phagocytosis, such as chloramfenicol and immunosuppressants. The main constituent, aristolochic acid, stimulates white blood cell activity, but is also believed to be carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys. In 1992-1994 an outbreak of progressive renal failure occurred in Belgium in women who had followed a weight-loss regimen that included the use of Chinese herbs. Chemical analysis of the powdered herbal extracts demonstrated the presence of Aristolochia fangchi, a potentially nephrotoxic plant due to the high amount of aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid is one of a small group of naturally occurring nitro compounds that have been shown to possess tumour-inhibiting, and tumour-provoking, properties under laboratory conditions. It has antibacterial, antileukemic, contraceptive [or abortifacient], cytotoxic, immunostimulant, and mutagenic properties. Chinese research into aristolochic acid has shown it to be an effective wound healer. In Germany its medicinal use has been banned due to its carcinogenic potential.
SERPENTARIA Being indigenous to North America, Aristolochia serpentaria [named Serpentaria in homoeopathic literature] was used by natives and herbalists in the US. Aristolochia clematitis, however, was also known. Knowing the plant very well from German vineyards, German settlers introduced it in Pennsylvania.
PROVINGS •• [1] Mezger - 18 provers [13 females, 5 males], 1939; method: daily doses of tincture, 2x, 5x, or 12x, for 12 weeks.
•• [2] Robbins, Reijonen and Evans - 21 provers in Australia, Finland and New Zealand; 1998; method: single dose of 30c, also contains data from three dream provings.
[1] Hyam and Pankhurst, Plants and their Names. [2] Grieve, A Modern Herbal.
Affinity
FEMALE ORGANS. URINARY ORGANS; kidneys. Venous system. Skin. * Right side.
Modalities
Worse: Before and especially after menses. Bending forward. Cold food. Light. Reading. Suppressed secretions; suppressed menses; delayed menarche. Menopause. Hysterectomy. Pregnancy. Cold wind.* Motion.*
Better: Cool air; open air. Motion. Menstrual flow. Humid compresses, cold. Stretching.* Before a storm.*
* Observed during proving Robbins.
Main symptoms
M Psychosomatic condition < before and after menses, > DURING menses.
Or amelioration from return of suppressed menstruation. [Mezger]
• "Much irritability before, during and after menses; in morning and evening; before getting a cold. I was irritated as soon as I woke up in the morning. As if my hands were bound and that I am not capable to work out my day as I wanted. Programmed by other people also for the rest of the whole week. I am still irritated and angry, dissatisfied, aggressive. Usually I can cry out this kind of dissatisfaction - now not!" [Robbins]
M < Consolation. • "They are not easily comforted like Pulsatilla but rather inconsolable and cross when in the depression, yet not actively aggravated by consolation like Sepia." [Whitmont] Or: • "Sensation as if someone is kissing my lips, in bed on going to sleep. Same sensation on waking; as if being kissed. As if someone holding my hand; first left, then both. Felt reassuring." [Robbins] M Mentally depressed condition; despair; feeling of loneliness, or fear of the future; refuses society. > Open air; menstruation.
M Extremes of moods.
• "Either a marked depression or a rather forced or unreasonable exhilaration and cheerfulness, even in alternation ... also, extreme states of extrosion or introversion in the same person." [Whitmont]
Emotional instability of the manic depressive kind.
M Connections.
• "One of the central themes was about losing connections. ... Some traumatic experience leads to a state of indifference and exhaustion which goes to a disconnection, an unbalanced and confused state with blocked feeling, or flu like state. ... Disconnection, forgetting and losing of a painful or traumatic experience." [Robbins]
M Self disgust.
• "Self disgust, sexuality increased and anger coming up. Desire to feel and to have salt-baths in order to clean oneself, depressed. Eating is disgusting as well as drinking. Ugly state - feeling that I am ugly. Everything I touched seemed to be dirty. Desire to wash hands frequently. Dreams of putting out the garbage with difficulty. Sensation of being small enough to crawl under the carpet. The Aristolochia plant pollinates by attracting flies with the smell of garbage." [Robbins]
M Indifference and exhaustion. 'What's the point.'
Aversion to monitoring own thoughts and feelings. [Robbins]
M Confinement / restraint / restriction / forcible control.
Confinement might prove to be a theme of Aristolochia. The plant Aristolochia clematitis keeps flies in temporary confinement for the purpose of pollination. Mezger conducted his proving in 1939, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. He builded up his experience with the remedy during the war and in the years after. He frequently mentions confinement and dwelling in camps as causative factors for complaints cured by Aristolochia. Its name means 'the best possible delivery', referring to its ancient use in assisting childbirth. As it happens, the time during which a woman is confined to bed during labour and immediately after giving birth, is called confinement. The following symptom, from the proving by Robbins, seems to support the theme of confinement / restraint: "As if my hands were bound and that I am not capable to work out my day as I wanted. Programmed by other people also for the rest of the whole week."
M Ailments from trauma, shock, bad news.
Shocked out of a pleasant situation. Feels abused.
Losing and forgetting things after trauma.
Fear of forgetting; fear of losing one's feelings.
Need to write things down so they are not lost.
Loss of conception of time. Makes mistakes in time, day, dates, etc. [Robbins]
G Tendency to obesity or "a sensation of an increase in weight." [Mezger]
G Great tiredness and exhaustion.
Or/and: alternating with unusual activity and ability to perform.
G Great chilliness, not relieved by outer warmth.
G Desire for and amelioration by cool air [in spite of chilliness].
[general; headache; coryza]
• "Other symptoms are better from local heat and worse from cold, particularly the facial neuralgia, toothache and cough." [Mezger]
G Insatiable hunger.
G Sleeplessness or restless sleep.
Esp. before menses or with urinary problems.
G < Night 2-4 a.m. • "Several provers awoke at 2-3 a.m. and could not fall asleep before 4-5 a.m. " [Mezger] G > Motion.
[general; joints]
G > ONSET OF ANY DISCHARGE. [Lach.]
G Sensation as if getting the influenza.
Sore and aching all over; chilliness and fever.
Influenza after silent grief. [Robbins]
G Metallic feeling.
As if blood vessels were metallic. As if nerve paths were like thin metal wires.
Wirelike feeling in shoulders. As if wire from back of head to forehead.
Ligaments as if made out of wires. [Robbins]
G NEVER WELL SINCE HORMONAL TREATMENT / PILL.
• "One may very often replace the hormonal treatment of women with Aristolochia, or where there is disability from hormone treatment where women in the height of sexual activity after labour or similar situations lose their menses, Aristolochia is particularly indicated." [Mezger]
G MENSES absent, short lasting, late. Black blood with clots.
G AMENORRHOEA on account of late menarche; [after] childbirth; [early] menopause; [after] exhausting diseases; disturbed ovulation.
Amenorrhoea due to confinement in prison, camps, flight or travel.
• "In routine office work first consideration is to be given to Aristolochia before any other remedy [unless definitely indicated] in any case of suppressed or deficient menses [such as is usually associated with Pulsatilla] as well as in the average case of cystitis." [Whitmont]
G P.M. S.
c Acne.
c Pain and sensation of hardness in breasts [or in left breast only].
c Abdominal cramps.
c Distension of abdomen.
c Heaviness in legs.
c Swelling of fingers and legs.
c Swollen and distended varices.
c Swelling of feet and ankles.
c Joint pains.
c Sleeplessness and restlessness.
G FEMALE ORGANS: Brown discharge, watery.
Eczema of vulva. Voluptuous itching [> leucorrhoea].
G Infertility and suppressed or weakened menses.
G Menopause.
c Excessive flushes of heat with perspiration.
c Arthritis, esp. of knee joints.
c Chronic eczema [pimples and vesicles with violent itching].
G One-sided symptoms esp. right.
• "This remedy is a right side remedy. Somehow I have a need, a want to drag the right foot. Wandering pains of short duration mainly on the right side of the body. Tingling cold chill down right leg and right side of body on falling asleep. Sciatic nerve pain, right side. Right sole numb, soles burning and spongy feeling." [Robbins]
P Headache, diffused, morning on rising;
> Open air; cold compresses; onset of coryza.
< Bending forward. P Emotional, anticipatory enteritis and colitis. • "Aristolochia has a marked affinity for the colon. Characteristic is a 'never-get-done-feeling', a feeling as if more will come, which frequently is the case." [Mezger] P Urinary tract [irritation, inflammation, cystitis, pyelitis, polyuria]. Renal and vesical pains with frequent micturition. • "Excellent remedy for irritability of the bladder following cystitis from cold. The main indication is frequent nocturnal urging, awakening the patient every 15 to 30 minutes. Also useful in cases of enuresis nocturna." [Mezger] • "A very marked homoeopathic aggravation is apparent, particularly with irritated bladders and cystitis from residual urine among soldiers as result of freezing in the Russian campaign. This is most annoying because of the continuous urinary urging which interrupts the sleep. Here Aristolochia appears to be particularly specific. Soldiers who had to urinate every 1/4 to 1/2 hr. during the night were soon freed of their trouble." [Mezger] P Poorly healing skin, wounds. Infected wounds. All sorts of suppurations. Blisters from rubbing shoes, rowing, garden work, horseback riding, etc. • "For external applications it seems to be superior to Calendula." [Whitmont] • "Excellent remedy for girls with acne and delayed menarche." [Mezger] Chronic and acute eczemas, dermatitis. • "In the skin we have blisters, pimples, a violently itching and burning eczema, particularly on the neck, the scalp, the forearm and the vulva with the formation of crusts. This is particularly the case during the menopause from ovarian insufficiency. Eczemas and dermatitis, particularly baker's eczema or from wetting." [Mezger] - Original proving in: Mezger, Gesichtete Homöopatische Arzneimittellehre, pp. 96-107. - Summaries of the proving in: [1] Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy, Sept.-Oct. 1959; [2] Stephenson, A Materia Medica and Repertory; [3] Whitmont, Psyche and Substance; [4] Julian, Dictionary of Homoeopathic Materia Medica. - Cases and aspects in: Michael Thompson, A little-known and underprescribed polychrest, IFH 1996. Rubrics Mind Anger before menses [1R], with trembling [1R], with weeping [1R]. Anxiety in morning on waking [1R], anticipating an engagement [1R], with cloudiness, confusion [1R], about future [1], about health [1R]. Aversion to husband [1R]. Confusion, loses his way in well known streets [1R]. Dancing [1R]. Delusions, being abused [1R]. blood vessels as if metallic [1/1R], body is diminished [1R], he is dirty [1R], everything is dirty [1R], being fat, swollen [1M], hands being bound to body [1R], that someone were holding one's hand [1/1R], being kissed on the lips on falling asleep [1/1R], that he is separated from the world [1R]. Fear of being alone [2], of failure [1R], of forgetting [1R], of losing one's feelings [1R], panic attacks during menses [1R], of people [2], being ugly [1R]. Forsaken feeling, sensation of isolation [1]. Undemonstrative grief [1R]. Indifference in morning on waking [1R], to one's children [1R], to death of loved one [1R], to everything [1R], to one's family [1R]. Industrious [1]. Irritability alternating with loquacity during menses [1R]. Loquacity during menses [1R]. Restlessness in bed [1], before menses [1]. Sadness > open air [1], during menopause [1], before menses [1R], during menses [1R], > menses [1]. Suicidal disposition; detached and unreachable [1R]. Time passes too quickly [1R]. Always washing her hands [1R]. Weeping [1].
Vertigo
In bed [1R]. With nausea [1]. From sunlight and heat [1R].
Head
Constriction, as of a band, occiput [1R]. Empty, hollow sensation [1R]. Pain, in morning on rising [1], > open air [1], < bending forward [1], > cold damp compresses [1], with icy coldness of body [1R], < motion [1R], < noise [1R], > onset of coryza [1], after menses [1]. Sensitiveness of scalp or brain to change in temperature [1R].
Eye
Sensation of eye falling out when falling asleep [1/1R]. Lachrymation < bright light [1], < reading [1]. Burning pain < bright light [1], < reading [1]. Vision Colours, iridescent blue on closing eyes [1/1R]. Sensation of looking through a hole [1/1R]. Loss of vision, darkness before eyes on rising [1]. Zigzags before headache [1R]. Nose Coryza > morning on rising [1], > open air [1]; profuse [1]. Smell acute for odour of coffee [1R].
Mouth
Oily taste [1R].
Stomach
Appetite decreased [1], ravenous during nausea with vertigo [1/1], ravenous and chilliness [1/1].
Rectum
Discharge of mucus, without stool [1]. Constant urging after eating [1], after stool [2].
Bladder
Irritation of bladder [= constant urging] after exposure to cold [2M]. Frequent urination at night [1M].
Prostate
Pain, chronic inflammation, < cold [2M]. Female Itching voluptuous [1], > leucorrhoea [1]. Menses black, with clots [1], copious [1], too frequent [2], painful [1], scanty [2], suppressed from cold [1].
Larynx
Voice, hoarseness during tonsillitis [1].
Back
Pain, cervical region extending to occiput [1R], sore, bruised, lumbar region, over kidneys [1R].
Limbs
Awkwardness, hands, drops things [1R]. Sensation of heaviness in legs > menses [1]. Tearing pain in joints during pregnancy [1R]. Swelling of feet before menses [1]. Tension and swelling of varicose veins during menses [1].
Sleep
Interrupted, 2-4 a.m. or 3-5 a.m.[2] .
Dreams
Babies [1R]. Breastfeeding [1R]. Childbirth [2R]. Danger [1R]. Disgusting [1R]. Losing things [1R]. Rape [1R]. Shock [1R]. Threats [1R]. Stories of trauma [1R].
Chill
At night during menses [1].
Perspiration
During slight exertion [1R]. At night during menses [1]. Offensive odour [1R].
Generals
Varicose veins during pregnancy [2R].
* Repertory additions [M] = Mezger; [R] =Robbins.
Food
Aversion: [1]: Coffee [R]; salt [R]; spicy [R]; sweets [R]; tea [R]; wine [R].
Desire: [1]: Bacon [R]; bitter [R]; black tea [R]; chocolate [R]; coffee [R]; orange juice [R]; salty fatty meat [metwurst] [R]; salty and spicy [R]; sweets [R]; tasteless food [R; on account of very acute taste]; tea [R].
Worse: [1]: Cold food; fats and rich food [R]; milk [diarrhoea]; sauerkraut [= vomiting].
Better: [1]: Milk [vomiting].
[R] Repertory additions based on Robbins' proving.
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