DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Caryophyllales
• Family: Droseraceae
• Genus: Drosera
• Species: Drosera rotundifolia

Origin

• Drosera rotundifolia is a carnivorous plant found in bogs and wetlands in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
• In homeopathy, the plant is used to treat spasmodic respiratory conditions, particularly whooping cough.
• The leaves of the plant, known for their sticky dew-like substance used to trap insects, are harvested and processed into a remedy through potentization.

Historical Facts

• Hahnemann identified Drosera as one of the primary remedies for whooping cough.
• It has also been used traditionally to treat tuberculosis and other respiratory infections.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

• Drosera rotundifolia acts primarily on the respiratory system, affecting the larynx, bronchi, and lungs.
• It is known for its ability to relieve spasmodic coughs, which can lead to retching, vomiting, and gastric irritation.
• Drosera is especially indicated for hoarseness, laryngeal phthisis, and deep coughs that are worse at night, after midnight, or when lying down.
• It is also useful in cases of tuberculosis with profuse expectoration and rapid weight loss.

PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION

• Best suited for individuals with weak respiratory systems, prone to spasmodic coughs, whooping cough, or tubercular conditions.
• These patients often experience severe coughing fits, especially during the night.

DIATHESIS

• Drosera is indicated for patients with a tubercular diathesis, particularly those who suffer from chronic coughs and laryngeal phthisis.
• They may also have tubercular glands.

TEMPERAMENT

• The patient may exhibit nervousness or irritability, especially after prolonged coughing fits or during illness.
• Their mental state often mirrors the physical intensity of their coughing spasms, leaving them fatigued and restless.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Spasmodic Cough: A spasmodic, dry cough, like whooping cough, is the hallmark symptom of Drosera.
• The cough often comes in rapid paroxysms (sudden attacks), leaving the patient gasping for breath and choking.
• Worse After Midnight: The cough typically worsens after midnight, causing the patient to wake up with deep, hoarse coughs and retching.
• Lying down or getting warm in bed aggravates the symptoms.
• Gastric Symptoms with Cough: Severe coughing may lead to vomiting of food or bile, particularly in children, who may also suffer from nausea and gastric irritation after coughing.
• Hoarseness and Laryngeal Phthisis: Drosera is useful for hoarseness, especially in those with laryngeal phthisis (tuberculosis of the larynx).
• The voice becomes deep, toneless, and cracked, requiring exertion to speak.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

HEAD

• Vertigo: There is a sensation of dizziness, particularly when walking in the open air.
• The patient may feel inclined to fall to the left side.
• Facial Sensations: Coldness and stinging pains may be felt on the left half of the face, while the right half feels dry and hot.

STOMACH

• Nausea and Vomiting: Often caused by coughing fits, the patient may experience retching and vomiting after severe coughing spells.
• There is an aversion to acids, which can aggravate the symptoms.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• Spasmodic, Irritative Cough: Drosera is primarily indicated for a spasmodic, dry cough resembling whooping cough, where paroxysms (sudden attacks) follow one another rapidly.
• During these attacks, the patient can scarcely breathe and may feel like they are choking.
• Deep, Hoarse Cough: The cough is very deep and hoarse, worsening after midnight.
• Patients may produce yellow expectoration and experience bleeding from the nose and mouth, along with retching due to the force of the cough.
• Hoarseness and Laryngitis: There is significant hoarseness, and the voice becomes deep, cracked, and toneless, making it difficult to speak.
• Drosera is particularly useful for laryngitis and clergyman’s sore throat, with a rough, scraping sensation deep in the fauces (throat) and soft palate.
• Sensation in the Throat: Patients often feel as if crumbs or a feather are lodged in the larynx, causing constant irritation and coughing.
• Laryngeal Phthisis (Tuberculosis of the Larynx): Drosera is effective for treating laryngeal phthisis, a form of tuberculosis that affects the larynx. This condition leads to rapid emaciation and a deep, painful cough.
• Cough in Children: A key symptom is a harassing and titillating cough in children that occurs only at night.
• The cough begins as soon as the child’s head touches the pillow and continues through the night.
• Asthma from Talking: The patient may develop asthma-like symptoms while talking, with a sensation of contraction in the throat after each word spoken.
• This can cause great discomfort and make it difficult to speak continuously.

EXTREMITIES

• Paralytic Pains: The patient may experience paralytic pains in the hip joints and thighs, with stiffness in the feet and joints.
• All limbs may feel lame, and the bed may feel too hard to rest comfortably.

FEVER

• Chilliness and Shivering: The patient often feels chilly, with shivering and a hot face but cold hands.
• There is a distinct lack of thirst during these chills.