SQUILLA MARITIMA

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Monocots
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Asparagaceae
• Genus: Drimia (formerly Squilla)
• Species: Drimia maritima

Origin and Historical Facts

• Squilla maritima is a bulbous plant native to the Mediterranean region.
• Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including respiratory issues and heart conditions.
• The plant’s medicinal properties were recognized in ancient herbal practices, particularly for its stimulant effects on the heart and its ability to manage coughs and urinary issues.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

• Squilla maritima is known for its therapeutic action on the respiratory system, particularly in severe, violent coughs with copious expectoration.
• It also affects the urinary system by increasing urinary frequency and inducing involuntary urination during coughing.
• Its role as a cardiac stimulant influences peripheral vessels and coronary arteries, providing benefits in heart-related conditions.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Cardiac Stimulant: Affects peripheral vessels and coronary arteries.
• Respiratory Relief: Effective for violent, exhausting coughs with mucous expectoration.
• Urinary Effects: Promotes frequent urination and involuntary urination during cough.
• Skin and Extremities: Produces small red spots and can cause icy cold extremities.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

FLUENT CORYZA

• Description: A condition characterized by a profuse, runny nose with abundant mucus. The nasal discharge is often thin and watery.
• Associated Symptoms: Margins of the nostrils may become sore from the constant wiping or irritation caused by the discharge.

SORE NOSTRILS

• Description: The skin around the nostrils becomes irritated and painful due to frequent wiping or the presence of continuous discharge.

SNEEZING

• Description: Repeated sneezing episodes, which are a reflex to clear the nasal passages. It is often accompanied by a feeling of irritation in the throat.

THROAT IRRITATION

• Description: A scratchy, burning, or tickling sensation in the throat, which can lead to discomfort and an urge to cough.

SHORT, DRY COUGH

• Description: A cough that does not produce much mucus and feels unproductive. It often accompanies the initial stages of respiratory irritation.

DEEP BREATHING

• Description: The cough or respiratory discomfort often prompts the need to take a deep breath. Deep breathing can sometimes trigger or exacerbate coughing.

DYSPNEA (Difficulty Breathing)

• Description: Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, which may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or constriction in the chest.

STITCHES IN CHEST

• Description: Sharp, stabbing pains in the chest, which can worsen with breathing or coughing. These pains often feel like they are stitching or sewing into the chest area.

PAINFUL CONTRACTION OF ABDOMINAL MUSCLES

• Description: The muscles in the abdomen contract painfully, which may occur during coughing or breathing deeply. This pain is often associated with intense coughing fits.

VIOLENT, FURIOUS, EXHAUSTING COUGH

• Description: A severe and forceful cough that can be physically draining. This type of cough is intense and relentless, leading to exhaustion.

MUCUS EXPECTORATION

• Description: Production of a large amount of mucus from the lungs, which is expectorated (coughed up). The mucus is described as profuse, salty, and slimy.

INVOLUNTARY SPURTING OF URINE

• Description: The cough can be so intense that it causes involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur due to the pressure exerted during coughing.

SNEEZING WITH COUGHING

• Description: Episodes of sneezing occur simultaneously with coughing, which can further irritate the throat and exacerbate coughing.

COUGH PROVOKED BY VARIOUS FACTORS

• Deep Breathing: Taking a deep breath can trigger or worsen the cough.
• Cold Drinks: Consuming cold beverages can initiate or aggravate coughing.
• Exertion: Physical activity or exertion can provoke coughing.
• Change in Temperature: Shifts from warm to cold air can trigger or intensify coughing.

COUGH OF MEASLES

• Description: The cough associated with measles, which may be persistent and accompanied by other measles symptoms.

FREQUENT URINATION AT NIGHT

• Description: Increased need to urinate during the night, passing large quantities of urine. This can be associated with respiratory symptoms and may disrupt sleep.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

• Cardiac Stimulation: Acts as a stimulant for the heart, affecting peripheral vessels and coronary arteries.

URINARY SYSTEM

• Increased Urination: Frequent urges to urinate, with large quantities of watery urine. Involuntary urination during cough.

SKIN

• Eruptions: Small, red spots on the body with a prickling pain.

EXTREMITIES

• Cold Extremities: Icy cold hands and feet with warmth in the rest of the body. Feet may become sore from standing.

MODALITIES

• Better: Rest.
• Worse: Motion and changes in temperature.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER REMEDIES

Compare with,

• Digitalis: Similar cardiac stimulant effects.
• Strophanthus: Related to cardiac conditions.
• Apocynum: Used for cardiac and fluid retention issues.
• Bryonia: For coughs exacerbated by movement.
• Kali carbonicum: For respiratory and chest symptoms.
• Squilla: Often used after Digitalis if it fails to alleviate water-logged conditions.

DOSE

• The recommended potency for Squilla maritima ranges from the first to the third potency, depending on the severity and nature of the symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What conditions can Squilla maritima help with?

• It is useful for severe coughs with copious mucus, urinary issues with involuntary urination during cough, and certain cardiac conditions.

How does Squilla maritima affect the respiratory system?

• It relieves violent coughing and promotes the expectoration of thick mucus.
• It is especially effective in coughs associated with measles and other conditions with heavy mucus production.

What are the typical modalities for Squilla maritima?

• Symptoms generally improve with rest and worsen with motion or changes in temperature.

What is the recommended potency for this remedy?

• Potency typically ranges from the first to the third potency based on individual symptoms and response to the remedy.