Eupatorium Perfoliatum

Where are the original provings found ?

In the Materia Medica of American Provings and Hale's New Remedies . First proven by Drs. Williamson and Neidhard. Transactions of American Institute, 1845.

How many varieties of Eupatorium do we use, and what are they ?

Two ; first, the Eupatorium perfoliatum or Thorough-wort , or Boneset , or Ague plant , and the Eupatorium purpureum , or Purple Boneset , both of which grow in low, marshy ground all over the northern part of the United States.

From what part of the plant do we make our tincture, and when is the time of gathering ?

A tincture of the whole fresh herb gathered as it is coming into flower.

Describe process of making the tincture.

Chop and pound the whole fresh plant to a fine pulp and weigh. Add gradually two parts of alcohol, by weight, to each part of pulp. Stir thoroughly and pour into a well stoppered bottle and stand in a dark, cool place for eight days, shaking it daily. Decant, strain and filter. Drug power, 1/6. The tincture is opaque, slightly orange-brown, tasting something like ginger. Acid reaction and odor of the plant.

What is the principal homoeopathic use of Eupatorium perfoliatum and its indications ?

Intermittent fever. The chill commences about 7 or 9 in the morning in the back, accompanied by thirst, and there is intense aching in all the bones, as if they were broken ; this is followed by heat and an increase of the aching, and this by a scanty or profuse sweat.

Give a characteristic of the drug in these conditions that is even more characteristic than the break-bone pains.

It is the vomiting. The patient vomits water or food that has been taken, or bile as the chill passes off.

What would be the indications for Eupatorium perfoliatum in influenza or la grippe ?

Great soreness and aching of the entire body ; hoarseness and cough, with great soreness of the larynx and chest ; a great deal of coryza and thirst, and drinking causes vomiting ; the cough hurts the head and chest and the patient holds the chest with the hands.

What other drug has this last symptom ?

Drosera .