Helleborus Niger

Where is the pathogenesis of Helleborus to be found ?

In Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura .

What is Helleborus, from what is our mother tincture made ? Give its alkaloids.

Helleborus is a plant growing on the mountains of Central Europe ; our tincture is made from the fresh root. This is cautiously dried and treated in the same manner as described under Staphisagria . The tincture must be imported. It contains two alkaloids, Helleborin and Helleborein .

Give in brief its general action.

Helleborus produces a condition of sensorial depression and general muscular weakness, which may go on to complete paralysis, accompanied by dropsical effusions, hence it is a remedy in low states of vitality and serious diseases.

In what disease is it most often called for and what are the indications ?

Hydrocephalus ; in stage of effusion, with signs of depression ; stupor and unconsciousness ; pupils sluggish ; forehead corrugated, automatic action of one arm or one leg ; the face flushes and pales ; drinks greedily, from nervousness ; child suddenly screams out and bores its head into the pillow ; the head is hot and the eyeballs are distorted ; motion of jaws as if chewing.

Give some further indications for its use.

It may be employed like Arsenicum, Apis, Nitric acid and Hepar sulphuris in scarlatinal dropsies when the urine looks quite dark, or is mixed with dark flocks. In such a case frequent doses of the tincture, two or three drops at a time, are useful.

Give diarrhoea indications.

When in acute hydrocephalus or during dentition there is a diarrhoea of jelly-like mucus or clear water.