Homoeopathy — Page 255
Cicuta Virosa 255 Cicuta Virosa (Water Hemlock) Cicuta Virosa is one of the best treatments of convulsions. Convulsions and convulsive fits are its typical sign. When there is increased mental anguish, hypersensitivity and intolerance, where even the slightest pressure causes tingling of the muscles, then some patients may go into a convulsion which starts from the centre of the body and spreads towards the periphery. In Cicuta Virosa, this symptom is just the opposite of other remedies, where the state of convulsion generally starts in the periphery of the body, i. e. the fingers or soles of the feet, and then spreads towards the upper part of the body. But in Cicuta Virosa, if there is severe cramp and colic at the stomach, then it spreads into the other organs. There is tightness of the neck and a spasmodic convulsion which then shifts to the lower part of the body. The spread of the spasmodic condition, starting in the centre and spreading to the periphery, is the special feature of Cicuta Virosa. In Cicuta Virosa, the convulsion generally starts at the stomach or heart, in the form of tingling. The patient is more sensitive than usual in reacting to an injury to sensitive areas or when a thorn pierces the body. If this leads to convulsions, then Cicuta Virosa is a useful remedy. Arnica and Ledum are also very effective remedies. Besides these, Hypericum, Staphysagria and Ruta are also useful in the treatment of injuries to the nerves and the resulting signs and symptoms. Some symptoms of Cicuta Virosa resemble Catalepsy. In this condition, the mind becomes stunned temporarily. The patient forgets who he is and where he is. There is a wave of confusion starting in the head, resulting in the patient becoming completely unaware of his surroundings. Cicuta Virosa is very important in the treatment of this condition. The difference between apoplexy and catalepsy is that in apoplexy, the brain becomes functionless as a result of clotting of the blood and the patient becomes paralysed and motionless. In catalepsy, the patient is apparently lethargic but when questioned, he can answer