Homoeopathy — Page 117
Belladonna 117 Belladonna (Deadly Night Shade) The Belladonna plant grows in dense, shady areas, in most of Europe. It blossoms in July and by September bears a red-coloured fruit. Belladonna is a very poisonous plant. Herbalists use it in the treatment of many diseases. The ointment made out of it is applied to wounds. During its full bloom season, the extract is made out of the whole plant for Homoeopathic use. Belladonna acts on the circulatory system as well as on the heart, lungs, brain and nervous system. Like Aconite, a sudden onset of the disease typifies Belladonna, though the disease process is more prolonged. The salient feature of Belladonna is the inflammation especially affecting the brain, lungs, heart and intestines. Although the acuteness of the symptoms is like that of Aconite, there is no associated fear. The patient expresses his suffering in the form of a groan or remains silent. He does not like to talk much except for crying out on having a nightmare during sleep. He usually remains quiet with the body covered. The slightest sound of somebody walking, and light also, intensify his suffering. His skin is so sensitive that even the touch of a cloth at the site of pain is unbearable. The afflicted part is red, with a severe burning sensation. Due to the rise of blood pressure, the patient may experience spasms or convulsions. Jerky movements of the body during sleep, secondary to stomach upset or disorder of the nervous system, are very responsive to Grindelia. In Grindelia, the jerky movements do not affect the whole body, though may be perceived as the jerking sensation at the heart. In Belladonna, the whole body gets jolted waking the person up. This happens repeatedly and the patient is unable to sleep. A single dose of Belladonna may relieve the symptoms in no time. Photophobia associated with the diseases of the eye or headache, is also a Belladonna symptom. When Belladonna symptoms and the symptoms of the patient match exactly, Belladonna works instantaneously. In fact, the patient is amazed with the prompt efficacy of the treatment rendered.