Ranunculus Bulbosus

Where do we find the original provings of this remedy ?

In Stapf's Additions to the Materia Medica .

What is it common name, what part is used, and when should it be gathered ?

It is the Buttercup , or bulbous crowfoot ; the whole fresh plant is used ; gathered in June while in flower.

How is the tincture prepared ?

The herb is separated from the bulbs, and the juice pressed out ; the bulbs, with the addition of a little alcohol, are pounded to a viscid pulp and also expressed. These juices are mixed, and an equal weight of alcohol is added. Two parts by weight of alcohol are poured upon the residuum of the expressed bulbs, macerated three days and pressed. The essence is mixed with that of the herb and bulbs, and stood eight days in a well-stoppered bottle in a dark, cool place, then filtered. Drug power, one-fourth. The tincture is clear yellow, slightly sweetish taste, changing to acid and has a strongly acid reaction.

What other varieties of Ranunculus are there ?

Ranunculus ficaria, Ranunculus sceleratus, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus repens , etc.

What is the general effect of Ranunculus upon the system ?

It acts especially on the muscular tissue and skin, and its most characteristic effects are upon the chest walls, causing pains like pleurodynia. Its symptoms are especially worse from change of weather.

Give some general indications for its employment.

Sensation as if painful parts were ulcerated. Aggravation of the troubles in damp weather, and from changes in temperature.

Name some diseases in which it may be employed.

Dropsy from kidney affections, hemiplegia from apoplexy, and in epidemic cerebro-spinal meningitis.

What are the indications in the latter affection ?

Relief of the symptoms from sweat and sleep.

In what affection is it most frequently indicated ?

In intercostal rheumatism, with a sharp stitch in the chest, much soreness, and a feeling as if the parts were pounded, worse from every change of weather.

What is the action of Ranunculus on the skin ?

It produces an eruption similar to herpes zoster or shingles, which occurs along the course of nerves ; there are burning vesicles filled with serum and associated with sharp, stitching pains.

What uses may we make of Ranunculus clinically ?

In delirium tremens, to calm the maniacal attacks, and in non-syphilitic pemphigus in children.