LAUROCERASUS

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

• Family: Rosaceae
• Genus: Prunus
• Species: Prunus laurocerasus

Origin and Historical Facts

• Cherry-laurel is a shrub native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia.
• It has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties, especially in treating respiratory and cardiac issues.
• The leaves of this plant contain prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid), which gives the remedy its powerful effects on the respiratory and circulatory systems.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Respiratory and Cardiac Affinity: Laurocerasus is highly effective in treating spasmodic coughs and certain heart conditions, particularly those involving mitral valve issues.
• Lack of Reaction: Patients often exhibit a lack of reaction, especially in chest and heart ailments.
• Coldness: General sensation of coldness not improved by warmth, indicating poor peripheral circulation.
• Spasmodic Symptoms: Includes spasms of facial muscles and the esophagus, and severe pains in the stomach.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

HEAD

• Anxiety and restlessness.
• Spasms affecting the facial muscles and oesophagus.

RESPIRATORY

• Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.
• Dyspnea: Difficulty in breathing, worsened by sitting up.
• Cough: Tickling, dry cough often accompanied by cardiac symptoms such as mitral regurgitation. The cough may produce copious, jelly-like, or bloody expectoration.
• Constriction of the Chest: Sensation of tightness and difficulty in breathing.
• Pulmonary Issues: Threatening paralysis of the lungs, leading to severe respiratory distress.

HEART

• Mitral Regurgitation: Incompetence of the mitral valve causing backflow of blood and associated symptoms.
• Cyanosis Neonatorum: Blue discoloration seen in newborns, often related to heart defects.
• Palpitation and Clutching at Heart: Episodes of palpitations and a sensation of clutching at the heart.
• Small and Feeble Pulse: Indicates weak circulation and cardiac function.
• Gasping for Breath: Severe shortness of breath, often requiring the patient to clutch at their heart.

FEVER

• Alternating chills and heat with general coldness.
• Thirst with a dry mouth, especially in the afternoon.

SLEEP

• Episodes of deep sleep accompanied by snoring and stertorous (heavy, labored) breathing.

EXTREMITIES

• Nail Changes: Toe and finger nails become knotty.
• Skin Discoloration: Skin appears blue, indicating poor oxygenation.
• Clubbing of Fingers: Enlargement and rounding of the fingers, often associated with chronic hypoxia.
• Cold, Clammy Extremities: Indicative of poor peripheral circulation.
• Sprained Pains: Pain in the hips, thighs, and heels.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

Compare with

• Hydrocyanic acid: Known for its powerful effects on the nervous system and similar cyanotic symptoms.
• Camphor: Used for sudden collapse and coldness, especially in acute conditions.
• Secale: Indicated for gangrenous conditions and coldness, often with a bluish discoloration.
• Ammonium carb: Useful in respiratory distress and heart conditions with cyanosis.
• Ambra grisea: Effective in treating nervousness and respiratory symptoms.

DOSE

• Potency: Tincture to third potency.
• Cherry-laurel Water: Two to five drop doses for acute conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Laurocerasus used for in homeopathy?

• Laurocerasus is primarily used for respiratory and cardiac conditions, particularly spasmodic tickling coughs, cyanosis, and mitral regurgitation.

Q: How does Laurocerasus affect the respiratory system?

• It helps alleviate symptoms of dyspnea, cyanosis, and spasmodic coughs, often providing relief in cases of severe pulmonary distress.

Q: Can Laurocerasus be used for newborns with cyanosis?

• Yes, Laurocerasus is indicated for cyanosis neonatorum, a condition where newborns exhibit blue discoloration due to heart defects.

Q: What are the key symptoms indicating the use of Laurocerasus?

• Key symptoms include spasmodic tickling cough, general coldness, cyanosis, dyspnea, mitral regurgitation, and a lack of reaction in chest and heart ailments.

Q: How is Laurocerasus administered?

• Laurocerasus is administered in tincture form or in potencies up to the third potency. Cherry-laurel water can be given in doses of two to five drops.