Veratrum Alb.

Veratrum album

Origin
Grows in mountainous areas, damp meadows, and open woodlands in central and southern Europe, northern Asia, and north Africa.

Background
Reputedly used by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates to cure a young Athenian who had contracted cholera.

Preparation
The fresh root is dug up before flowering, chopped, macerated in alcohol, and succussed.

Common Names
White hellebore, false hellebore.

WHITE HELLEBORE It is said that fatality rarely results from accidentally eating this toxic plant, for upon ingestion it instantly causes vomiting.

Key Symptoms

profuse diarrhea; vomiting with exhaustion; cold perspiration; blue-tinged skin; fainting; hyperactivity or melancholy

Extremely toxic in all its parts, white hellebore was reputedly used in ancient Rome on the tips of weapons. Its toxicity has limited white hellebore's role in herbal medicine, although the plant has been used in insecticides and veterinary medicine. The remedy was proved by Hahnemann between 1826 and 1830. Along with Camphor, it was successfully used to treat victims of the 19th-century cholera epidemic in Europe, helping to make Hahnemann's reputation.

Remedy Profile

Veratrum alb. is thought to work best on those who appear restless, self-righteous, overly critical, haughty, melancholy, and solitary, or who loathe being alone. A hyperactive or manic state, possibly with repetitive behavior, may be evident in people who are best suited to this remedy.

Typical physical symptoms include a poor immune system; extremely cold skin and perspiration, with chilliness possibly extending to the breath and tongue; a blue pallor; a rapid pulse; weakness; anemia; extreme thirst; or cravings for fruit or ice cream. Symptoms tend to become worse for damp cold, at night, following a bowel movement, and after eating fruit.

The remedy is usually given for debilitating gastrointestinal problems with severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is also used to treat collapse and some psychological problems.

Diarrhea

Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, possibly with vomiting, due to cholera, dysentery, gastroenteritis, or other digestive disorders. Stools are watery, green, or colorless. Painful cramps may accompany attacks, and exhaustion may follow, caused by dehydration and exhaustion. There may be a great thirst for cold water and a ravenous appetite, as well as cravings for sour foods, ice, and salt.

Symptoms better: For lying down; for hot drinks, warm foods, and milk.

Symptoms worse: For touch; for movement; for cold drinks.

Collapse

Symptoms: Weakness with a clammy, sweaty forehead, blue-tinged skin, dehydration, and possible fainting. This may be due to cramps, violent vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in pregnancy. Other potential causes include acute fright, menstrual pain, or heatstroke.

Symptoms better: For being covered; for lying down.

Symptoms worse: For touch; at night; for bowel movements; for cold drinks.

Emotional problems

Symptoms: Behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity in some children or emotional disturbances due to the trauma of childbirth. Behavior may be sullen and indifferent. There may be adult insecurity about social position or a lack of one, alternating with ruthless ambition and delusions of grandeur or of becoming the victim of some tragedy.

Symptoms better: For warmth; for lying down; in children who are carried quickly.

Symptoms worse: At night; for exertion; for fright; before and during menstruation; for injured pride.

Vomiting & nausea

Symptoms: Violent vomiting with nausea, a cold feeling in the abdomen, clammy sweat, salty saliva, and possibly also diarrhea and collapse.

Symptoms better: For lying down; for being covered; for hot drinks, warm foods, and milk.

Symptoms worse: For touch; for the slightest movement; at night; for cold drinks.

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