Homeopathy advent count down.

Featuring 'O' in the second in count down to Christmas series and perhaps more suited to the Halloween week upon us is week is a remedy that in its allopathic use carries many warnings; Opium.

OPIUM: Papaver Somniferum

Opium Once known by the Sumerians as the Joy Plant, one of its primary indications for use in Homeopathy is as a remedy for aliments resulting from shock.

We can perhaps understand the descriptive 'Blissed out' state that a person requiring Opium may presenting.

Following a serious head injury or cerebral condition. The person requiring Opium which has an affinity for the mind, nerves and senses is easily confused may appear in a state of paralysis and aside from the head, which may be hot and red or pale with sweat. Also become easily cold and is worse for any kind of emotion or excitement.

Paralysis occurs of many functions. Unable to think or speak or smell. Urine and bowel functions cease. There is polarity in a heightened sense of sound and a racing heart with marked palpitations.

They will be worse for any stimulants, getting too hot or cold, and better walking constantly in the open air.

In a different world, experiences of vivid, frightening recollections of a frightening event are so great. Perhaps producing a period of extreme restlessness and nervous activity conversely Loss of consciousness, Insomnia, hallucinations with tremors or convulsions, may occur.

So they seem withdrawn. Glassy eyed a keynote for Opium is the Pupils. Unlike the wide eye wild look we anticipate. They are small like pin pricks, an indication of their retreat to an inner world. sometimes offering a place of solace described as a 'resting in pleasant nothingness' until they return to the here and now with a fright.

Morrison, R M.D, 1993. Desk top guide to key notes and confirmatory symptoms: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing.

Vermeulen, F, Prisma, 2004, The Arcana of Materia medica illuminated third edition: Emryss bv Publishing.