Rhus glabra


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


Introductions

Including R. glabra, R. radicans, R, toxicodendron, L; and R. venenata, D.C. Nat. Ord Anacardiaceae Smooth sumach.

Provings

1. Dr. A.V. MARSHALL proved a tinct. of the bark – 1 lb. to Oj. July 14th, 1865, took 30 dr. at 6 a. m., and 60 dr. at 9 and 12. Dull aching in forehead and vertex was felt shortly after each dose, and after last two pain about navel; p. m., diarrhoea, increasing in frequency and severity towards evening, when there was also great fatigue of lower limbs, which was painful on lying down. He slept well, and woke refreshed, with dull, heavy headache, dispelled by exercise. 15th. – 6 a. m., 90 dr. Cutting pain in umbilical region for a few m. also fulness and pain at top of head 9, 120 dr. Pressing pain pain in head continues; sensation of great fatigue p. m., increasing in e. No stool to – day. Sleep a n. disturbed by annoying dreams. 16th. – Woke with severe headache and great fatigue. Stool, first part hard and dry, latter soft and moist; pain in bowels; no appetite. At 6 a. m. and at noon 120 dr. Symptoms continued unabated during d. N. distress at stomach; dreams of flying through air; profuse sweating. 17th. – Took no more medicine on account of exhaustion, fatigue and pain experienced. Stool as yesterday. During this day headache and pain in stomach continued, latter aggravated by either food or drink. There was also sense of hunger; tenderness on pressure at umbilical region; scanty, high – coloured urine; pulse 88, skin hot and dry, thirst; tongue white – furred; stupidity, weakness of memory, indifference; pain in small of back; profuse sweats at n. He had lost 2 lbs. in last 3 days 18th. – Symptoms continued; back still more painful. Flat, alkaline taste in mouth, haemorrhage from left nostril and from mouth; sense of coldness, while skin feels hot; aching of lower limbs. 19th. – Expelled two clots of blood from throat soon after waking; bloody scabs in left nostril. Headache till breakfast, and a little p. m. Hungry at breakfast, but could eat little; to tongue same; pulse 86; urine less deep; stool in m. as before, another – hard and dry – in e. Pain in back and legs continued. Distaste to society; no desire to speak or be spoken to. 20th. – Stool nearly normal, and all symptoms ameliorated, save that left nostril was hot and dry, and bled freely three times. Also several small ulcers in mouth opposite bicuspids. 21st. – Very profuse sweat last night; buccal ulcers very sensitive; general debility, pressure in vertex, and cutting abdominal pains continue. Symptoms now subsided; but ulcers in mouth continued for several day, and the largest of them had to be touched with chloride of zinc before it would heal. (HALE, New Remedies, 2nd ed). The smooth sumach does not cause poisoning by contact or emanations.

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.