Homoeopathy — Page 306
Digitalis 306 become either light-coloured or clay-coloured. The patient may have jaundice. There is a feeling of emptiness and a sinking sensation over the stomach. This particular symptom is noted only in a few remedies. The patient of Sulphur also feels weakness however, he will find relief on taking food. But in Digitalis, food does not relieve the symptoms. This particular sensation is not due to a stomach upset, but it is due to the weakness of the heart (sinking of the heart). It is an established fact that sometimes the pain due to the heart is perceived over the stomach or in the left, upper part of the abdomen, so much so that even the expert cardiologist may not be able to diagnose it in time. Similarly, some stomach problems may be referred to the heart and will not respond to treatment with cardiac medication. If the food increases rather than decreases the discomfort at the stomach and the blood pressure rises, this is a symptom of a heart problem and of Digitalis. In Digitalis, the patient is very restless during his sleep. He experiences nightmares in which he observes many frightful scenes, a sensation of falling down and a desire to run. He dreams of falling from heights. In fact, it is the sinking of the heart that results in the dreams of falling down. During his sleep, the patient may feel jolted due to the weakness of his heart and nervous system. As soon as he goes to sleep, sudden jolting wakes him up (similar to Grindelia). In Digitalis, there is bluish discoloration on the face due to the disturbance of the blood circulation. The hands and feet also become cyanotic, while in Grindelia, there is no such symptom. However, blue coloration is found in Cuprum also, which is due to the other ailments rather than due to the weakness of the heart. In Digitalis, the pulse is slow at the onset of disease, but later on becomes fast. If the basic symptoms of Digitalis are present it will be the most appropriate medication, even if the pulse is very rapid to start with. Its use should not be discarded due to the rapidity of the pulse. In general, the pulse is weak in Digitalis, yet it may be fast at times. In Arsenic, the pulse is rapid but thready and tense. Digitalis is also useful in the treatment of heart problems arising out of grief. The heart flutters or may even be felt to be stopping altogether. There is intense restlessness. The feeling that the heart is going to