STROPHANTHUS HISPIDUS

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Gentianales
• Family: Apocynaceae
• Genus: Strophanthus
• Species: Strophanthus hispidus

Origin

• Native to tropical Africa, Strophanthus Hispidus has been used in traditional African medicine for its potent effects on heart and circulatory health.

Historical Facts

• The seeds of Strophanthus have been used historically to treat various cardiovascular conditions.
• Its use has expanded into modern herbal and homeopathic medicine for heart conditions and dropsy, particularly in cases where other remedies may be less effective.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

Strophanthus Hispidus affects:

• Cardiac Muscle: Increases contractility, improving heart function and reducing rapidity.
• Diuretic Effect: Helps to manage dropsical accumulations and fluid retention.
• Urinary System: Enhances diuresis and impacts urinary output.
• Respiratory System: Addresses congestion and dyspnea.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Cardiac Stimulant: Enhances heart muscle contraction, improving function in cases of heart weakness and dropsy.
• Diuretic: Effective in reducing fluid retention and managing edema.
• No Gastric Distress: Unlike other cardiac remedies, it does not cause gastric discomfort or have cumulative effects.
• Safe for the Aged: More suitable for older individuals due to its minimal impact on vaso-motor functions.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

HEAD

• Temporal Pains: Headaches with double vision and impaired sight; associated with a flushed face and brilliant eyes.
• Senile Vertigo: Dizziness and balance issues in elderly individuals.

STOMACH

• Nausea: Often accompanied by a strong aversion to alcohol, useful in treating dipsomania (alcohol addiction).

URINARY SYSTEM

• Increased Secretion: Produces more urine, often scanty and albuminous.

FEMALE

• Menorrhagia: Excessive menstrual bleeding.
• Uterine Haemorrhage: Heavy bleeding with a congested uterus.
• Climacteric Pain: Aching in hips and thighs during menopause.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing, especially when climbing.
• Lung Congestion and oedema: Fluid accumulation in the lungs.
• Asthma: Both bronchial and cardiac forms.

HEART

• Pulse Changes: Increased pulse rate with weak, rapid, and irregular heartbeats.
• Cardiac Pain: Pain due to muscular weakness and insufficiency.

SKIN

• Urticaria: Chronic hives with skin irritation.

EXTREMITIES

• Swollen and Dropsical: Fluid retention leading to swelling and anasarca (generalized oedema).

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

Compare,

• Digitalis (Digit): Both improve heart function, but Strophanthus acts faster.
• Phosphoric Acid (Phos ac): For similar heart and pulse issues, with a focus on irregular heartbeat and palpitations.

DOSE

• Tincture and 6x Potency: Five to ten drops of the tincture three times a day for acute cases. Use tincture or 6x potency as required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What conditions is Strophanthus Hispidus most effective for?

• It is used for heart weakness, dropsy, fluid retention, and certain respiratory and urinary conditions.

Q: Is Strophanthus Hispidus safe for elderly patients?

• Yes, it is considered safer for older individuals as it does not significantly affect the vaso-motor system.

Q: How should Strophanthus Hispidus be administered?

• It can be administered as a tincture or in homeopathic potencies, with specific dosing depending on the condition and severity.