LATHYRUS SATIVUS

SOURCE INFORMATION

• Common Name: Chick-pea
• Scientific Name: Lathyrus sativus

Scientific Classification

• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Lathyrus
• Species: Lathyrus sativus

Origin and Historical Facts

• The chick-pea plant is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia.
• Historically, Lathyrus sativus has been recognized for its nutritional value and its role in food security during famines.
• However, its seeds contain a neurotoxin that can cause a condition known as lathyrism, which affects the nervous system.
• This property is harnessed in homeopathy to treat various neurological disorders.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Affects Spinal Cord: Specifically targets the lateral and anterior columns of the spinal cord.
• Increased Reflexes: Reflexes are heightened, which can lead to spastic conditions.
• Paralytic Affections: Especially in the lower extremities, causing spastic paralysis and related conditions.
• No Pain: Symptoms are not typically associated with pain.
• Post-Influenza and Exhaustive Diseases: Useful in conditions following influenza or other debilitating illnesses that result in weakness and slow recovery of nerve power.
• Constant Yawning: Indicative of underlying neurological exhaustion.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

MIND

• Depression: Feelings of sadness and hypochondriacal tendencies.
• Vertigo: Dizziness, especially when standing with eyes closed.

MOUTH

• Burning Pain: Sensation of burning at the tip of the tongue.
• Tingling and Numbness: Tongue and lips feel numb and tingly, as if scalded.

EXTREMITIES

• Numbness: Tips of fingers feel numb.
• Gait Issues: Tremulous and tottering gait, excessive rigidity of legs leading to a spastic walk.
• Knee Problems: Knees knock together when walking.
• Leg Cramps: Worsened by cold and accompanied by cold feet.
• Paralysis: Involves the lower limbs, with symptoms of stiffness and lameness in ankles and knees. Patients have difficulty extending or crossing their legs when sitting.
• Muscle Wasting: Particularly affects the gluteal muscles and lower limbs, which may appear blue and swollen if legs hang down.
• Toe and Heel Issues: Toes do not leave the floor and heels do not touch the floor while walking, indicating severe spasticity.
• Posture Problems: Patients sit bent forward and have difficulty straightening up.

URINE

• Bladder Reflex: Increased reflex leading to frequent urination and urgency, sometimes resulting in involuntary urination.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

Compare with

• Oxytropis: Known for its paralytic symptoms and neurological effects.
• Secale: Used for conditions involving gangrene, spasms, and coldness.
• Petiveria: South American plant used for paralysis and paraplegia with numbness and a sensation of internal coldness.
• Agrostemma githago (Corn-cockle): Known for burning sensations in the stomach, esophagus, lower abdomen, and anus, along with nausea, vomiting, impaired locomotion, and vertigo.

DOSE

• Potency: Third potency is commonly used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What conditions is Lathyrus Sativus used for in homeopathy?

• Lathyrus Sativus is primarily used for neurological and paralytic conditions, especially those affecting the lower extremities, such as spastic paralysis, lateral sclerosis, and post-influenza debility.

Q: How does Lathyrus Sativus affect the nervous system?

• It targets the lateral and anterior columns of the spinal cord, leading to increased reflexes and spastic conditions without causing pain.

Q: Can Lathyrus Sativus be used for urinary issues?

• Yes, it can help with increased bladder reflex, leading to frequent urination and urgency.

Q: What are the key symptoms indicating the use of Lathyrus Sativus?

• Key symptoms include spastic paralysis, numbness in fingers, tremulous gait, knee problems, muscle wasting, and urinary urgency.

Q: How is Lathyrus Sativus administered?

• Lathyrus Sativus is administered in the third potency.