The untiring work of Samuel Hahnemann and that of his friends and the adherents to his principles produced provings of many remedies which have eve since served his modern disciples. Through clinical experience these early provings have been verified and extended and to some extent remedies unknown to Hahnemann have been brought to life and subjected to homoeopathic provings. Many of these provings are far from complete, some are not wholly reliable and others are fragmentary, so that remedies have been, and are, prescribed empirically. From the American Indians the valuable uses of many vegetable medicines have been learned and from the Eclectic School of Medicine certain plant remedies have been borrowed. Of late years some of the endocrine or ductless gland remedies have been potentized in accord with homoeopathic pharmaceutical directions and these potencies have frequently produced rather startling results. Homoeopathys storehouse of medicines is almost incredibly large but the major part of these drugs is sorely in need of modern proving. Here indeed is a field for homoeopathic research, though one which will need large sums of money for its tillage. Let us hope that, eventually, sufficient funds may be obtained with which to begin this work, for the benefits to mankind will be beyond our present comprehension!.
It is the intention tonight, to present in sketchy form, various comments upon the use and possibilities of atleast some of these medicines?.
Actaea spicata, commonly known as the bane-berry, a member of the Ranunculaceae family, is a perennial herb from one to two feet high, growing in Europe and was introduced into the homoeopathic materia medica by Dr. Petroz of Spain. The remedy is rather seldom used and has a narrow field of application in rheumatism of the small joints such as the wrists, fingers, ankles and toes. The remedy is credited with the symptom of great oppression and shortness of breath on exposure to cold air; whether these symptoms are due to cardiac weakness or to bronchial disturbances is not mentioned in the provings. Its near relative is Actaea racemosa, the black cohosh, otherwise commonly known as Cimicifuga and a member of the same family.
Agraphis nutans, commonly known as the wild hyacinth or bluebell, is a member of the Liliaceae, introduced by Dr. Cooper of London who states that it is related to catarrhal conditions in the nose, with nasal obstruction and the presence of adenoid growths; enlarged tonsils come within its curative sphere and such cases have been benefited by this remedy.
Adrenalin chloride has the power of shrinking the mucous membranes and of controlling haemorrhage; it also raises the blood pressure. Potentized, it can serve the homoeopathic prescriber as a useful palliative in hypertension, thus lowering the blood pressure; however, such effect is not curative but evanescent; nevertheless, in suitable cases it is of decided use. Adrenalin is derived from the supra-renal bodies which are attached to the upper portion of the kidneys. Adrenalin is known also as Epinephrin.
Alumen or ordinary alum, when given in crude form, has an astringent effect upon mucous membranes; the remedy has been well proved and has numerous useful applications when given in potency and in accord with its symptoms. An elongated uvula, causing an annoying, tickling cough, dry in character, is likely to be relieved by this remedy and hoarseness, made worse by talking, often finds relief from this medicine. A sensation of dryness accompanies these symptoms.
Ambrosia artemisiaefolia, the pesky ragweed, dreaded by hay- fever victims, will often modify existing attacks and sometimes prevent their onset, when given in reasonable potency, such as the 12th or thirtieth. The remedy is not truly curative, but will give relief.
Antimonium sulphuratum nigrum, the black sulphate of antimony, has an effect upon the skin, relieving itching which frequently occurs in old people; it also is very useful in split finger nails and distortions of the nails, though by no means the only remedy for this unsightly condition. Of course, its use must be in potentized form. The remedy has not received a careful proving.
Avena sativa, the common oat, has not been proved, but has been prescribed empirically in ten-to twenty-drop doses of the tincture in a little water, for its alleged tonic effect; numbness of the limbs, as if paralyzed, is said to be a symptom. It does seem to quiet the nervous system and bring about sleep; it likewise relieves nervous headaches and fatigue. Most assuredly it is to be preferred to the powerful coal-tar drugs so constantly abused.
American Homeopathy Doctor.
Rabe graduated from the New York Homeopathic Medical College and trained under Timothy Field Allen and William Tod Helmuth.
Rabe was President of the International Hahnemannian Association, editor in chief of the Homeopathic Recorder, and he wrote Medical Therapeutics for daily reference. Rabe was Dean and Professor of Homeopathic Therapeutics at the New York Homeopathic Medical College.