Jequirity, derived from the plant Abrus precatorius, is known for its significant medicinal properties, particularly in treating eye conditions like granular lids and ophthalmia.
It has a wide range of applications in both traditional and modern medicine, including treating ulcers and skin conditions like lupus and epithelioma.
Table of Contents
ToggleSOURCE INFORMATION
Common Names: Jequirity, Indian Liquorice
Scientific Name: Abrus precatorius
Family: Leguminosae
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Genus: Abrus
- Species: A. precatorius
Origin
- Abrus precatorius is a climbing plant native to India, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
- It has also been introduced to Western tropics, where it is used extensively for its medicinal properties.
Historical Facts
- The seeds of Abrus precatorius are small, nearly globose, and scarlet with a black scar where they attach to the pods. They have been used traditionally in necklaces and as a weight standard called Raté.
- The use of Jequirity in treating eye conditions was discovered by the natives of Brazil.
- It has been traditionally used as a substitute for liquorice roots.
DRUG PATHOGENESIS
- Jequirity primarily acts on the conjunctiva of the eyes, causing inflammation that helps treat conditions like granular ophthalmia.
- It also has significant effects on the skin and can be used to treat ulcers and various proliferative skin conditions.
- Its action can provoke an intense inflammatory response that, when managed correctly, leads to the healing of chronic and severe conditions.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- Ophthalmia: Effective in treating purulent and diphtheritic conjunctivitis.
- Skin Conditions: Useful in conditions showing high cell proliferation like lupus and epithelioma.
- Ulcers: Effective in treating indolent ulcers by promoting healthy granulation.
DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS
EYES
- Granular Ophthalmia: Jequirity induces a severe conjunctivitis to treat granular lids, leading to a significant reduction or elimination of granulations.
- Conjunctival Inflammation: It can cause purulent or diphtheritic inflammation which may spread to the face, neck, and chest.
SKIN
- Lupus and Epithelioma: Promotes healthy granulation and healing in these severe skin conditions.
- Ulcers: Induces a rapid inflammatory response that forms a protective crust over the ulcer, facilitating healing.
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
- Headache: Often accompanied by a fever and malaise.
- Pains in Limbs: Generalized pain in the extremities.
- High Fever and Pulse: Indicative of a strong systemic inflammatory response.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
- Eye Treatment: 32 grains of powdered seeds soaked in 1000 grams of water, applied as an eye bath thrice daily.
- Skin Ulcers: Emulsion made from 200 grains of decorticated beans, applied to ulcerated surfaces. This induces irritation and inflammation, forming a crust that facilitates healing.
MODALITIES
- Worse: Intense inflammation can lead to erysipelatous inflammation and, in weak or irritable patients, significant constitutional disturbances.
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS
Compare with
- Ipecacuanha (Ipec.): Known for its effects on ophthalmia.
- Kamala (Mallotus): Another effective remedy for tapeworm.
Antidotes
- Acetic Acid (Acet ac): Can counteract the effects.
- Coffee (Coff.): Another antidote for the remedy’s systemic effects.
DOSE
- Form: Tincture or trituration of the seeds.
- Administration: Typically prepared in lower triturations for homeopathic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jequirity used for?
- It is primarily used for treating eye conditions like granular ophthalmia and skin conditions like lupus and epithelioma.
How is Jequirity administered?
- It can be used as an eye bath or as an emulsion applied to skin ulcers.
What are the side effects of Jequirity?
- Side effects include intense local inflammation, systemic fever, malaise, and high pulse.
- It should be used cautiously, particularly in weak or irritable patients.
Can Jequirity be used for skin ulcers?
- Yes, it is highly effective in promoting the healing of indolent ulcers.
Is Jequirity safe for everyone?
- It should be used under medical supervision due to its potential to cause severe inflammatory responses.
Glossary of Difficult Words
- Epithelioma: A type of cancer that originates in the epithelial cells.
- Granular Ophthalmia: A chronic form of conjunctivitis characterized by granulations on the eyelids.
- Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease-causing inflammation and damage to various body tissues.
- Ophthalmia: Severe inflammation of the eye.
- Indolent Ulcers: Ulcers that are slow to heal and do not show signs of inflammation.
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye.
- Erysipelatous Inflammation: A type of acute infection causing a distinctive red, swollen, and hot area on the skin.
- Trituration: The process of grinding a substance into a fine powder, often used in homeopathic preparations.
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