Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

56 •MAJOR PLANT REMEDIESHyoscyamus nigerHYOSCYAMUSKEY SYMPTOMS behavioral problems with erotic tendencies • deliriumand paranoia • spasmodic cough • laughter at inappropriate timesHenbane was advocated by the Greek physician Dioscorides in the 1st centuryCE as a painkiller and soporific. The Latin name comes from the Greek hys,“pig,” and kyamos, “bean”—perhaps because pigs are not poisoned by eating it,while humans are. It was the method by which Shakespeare had Hamlet’sfather murdered, and the famous Dr. Crippen used henbane tomurder his wife. Hyoscyamus, proved by Hahnemann in 1805,is used for emotional disorders and coughs.Leaves are highin the sedativealkaloid hyoscine,used to make aconventionalpreoperativeanestheticREMEDY PROFILEHyoscyamus is the best remedy for those withparanoid traits and behavioral problems. Thetypical Hyoscyamus pattern is incoherent,excited behavior, muttering, and obscenesexual exhibitionism. Laughter atinappropriate times is common, as is a senseof being ostracized in a private world.In addition, Hyoscyamus is used for physicalconditions associated with involuntarytwitching, such as delirium, and for fits of drycoughing. Homeopaths may prescribe it forcertain types of convulsions, such as petit mal,epilepsy, and, in children, febrile convulsionswith a rapid rise in temperature. In somecases, the remedy may be given forschizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease, ifaccompanied by marked withdrawal,obscenity, and inappropriate laughter.Behavioral problemsSYMPTOMS Violent outbursts and a desire toshock, with behavior ranging from simplefoolishness to shameless sexualexhibitionism. Characteristic impulses areto appear naked, masturbate, and handlethe genitals. Lewdness, promiscuity, or anerotic obsession may develop. Jealousy iscommon, and in children is often due to anew baby in the family.Symptoms better For warmth.Symptoms worse For fright; for emotionalstress or trauma.DeliriumSYMPTOMS Twitching, starts, and facialgrimaces, with the typical Hyoscyamusmental state (see above). Mania is possible,Leaves may causeskin irritation oncontactHENBANE The antispasmodic properties of this plantare used by herbalists to relieve tremors and rigidityduring the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.triggered by fever, addiction, brain injury,or the trauma of childbirth. Despite ameager flow, there may be a frequentdesire to urinate. Constant fumbling withthe hands or clothing is common. Theremay be convulsions, possibly withinvoluntary urination.Symptoms better For sitting up; for walkingaround; for movement.Symptoms worse For touch; for lying down; foremotional stress or trauma.ParanoiaSYMPTOMS Severe paranoia and jealousy, withintense suspicion of being watched, deceived,or even poisoned.Symptoms better For warmth.Symptoms worse Around the time ofmenstruation; for emotional stress or trauma.CoughSYMPTOMS Dry, spasmodic, tickly cough.Suffocating fits of coughing trigger spasmssevere enough to cause doubling over andcoughing up of blood.Symptoms better For sitting up.Symptoms worse For lying down.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINNative to southern Europe and western Asia,and now found throughout much of Europeand America.BACKGROUNDUsed in herbalism as a painkiller andsedative for urinary tract pain and nervousspasms. Herbalists also massage inthe oil externally for nerve pain andrheumatoid arthritis.PREPARATIONThe whole fresh plant in flower, includingthe root, is chopped finely and steeped inalcohol for ten days. It is then diluted andsuccussed.COMMON NAMESHenbane, common henbane, black henbane,hairy henbane, stinking nightshade, stinkingRoger, hog’s bean, cassilata.See also Stroke, page 187