Asarum


Proving Symptoms of homeopathy medicine Asarum, described by Richard Hughes in his book, A Cyclopedia of Drug Pathogenesis, published in 1895….


Introduction

Asarum europaeum, L. Asarabacca, Hazelwort. A canadense,; wild ginger Nat Ord., Aristolochiaceoa.

Provings

1. HAHNEMANN, Mat. Medorrhinum Pura, vol. iii of original, vol. i of translation. Contains 270 symptoms from self and four others, obtained from A. europaeum.

2. Several years ago I attempted to prove the effect of the A. canadense on some women students, but the daily records were not properly written up, and the following fragmentary observations are all I have. They reveal, however, the general character of the drug. They were noted while taking the tincture in doses varying from 3j to 3ss per diem, which were continued over a period of about 2 months. On taking dose it caused burning and smarting in mouth, this being followed by a cold sensation from the secretion of a quantity of tenacious mucus. Nausea with inclination to vomit followed, and vomiting of some fluid occurred in one case. Considerable flatus was produced in both stomach and bowels, and this was followed by loose-coloured stools. The bladder was much irritated, causing very frequent urging, although character of urine did not seem to be changed. The menses appeared several d. sooner than expected, and were much too free, rather dark in colour, and painful. During the provings most of the experimenters were excessively nervous, with dull stupid feeling during day, and restless sleep at n. After a few d. they suffered much from chilliness, as if insufficiently clothed, but did not seem to have any fever or any unusual thirst. There was muscular twitching in various parts of the body, as if cramps were setting in; but this did not occasion much inconvenience. (G. W. WINTERNBURN, M. D., Amer. Hom., April 1883.).

Richard Hughes
Dr. Richard Hughes (1836-1902) was born in London, England. He received the title of M.R.C.S. (Eng.), in 1857 and L.R.C.P. (Edin.) in 1860. The title of M.D. was conferred upon him by the American College a few years later.

Hughes was a great writer and a scholar. He actively cooperated with Dr. T.F. Allen to compile his 'Encyclopedia' and rendered immeasurable aid to Dr. Dudgeon in translating Hahnemann's 'Materia Medica Pura' into English. In 1889 he was appointed an Editor of the 'British Homoeopathic Journal' and continued in that capacity until his demise. In 1876, Dr. Hughes was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Organization of the International Congress of Homoeopathy Physicians in Philadelphia. He also presided over the International Congress in London.