Epiphegus


Proving Symptoms of homeopathy medicine Epiphegus, described by Richard Hughes in his book, A Cyclopedia of Drug Pathogenesis, published in 1895….


Introduction

Epiphegus virginiana, Michaux (Orobanche virginiana, L.). Beech drops. Nat. Ord., Orobanchaceae.

Provings

I. RALPH MORDEN, M. D., April 1st, 1882, at 5:30 p. m, took 3j of tinct. At 6 some pain in right and (slighter) in left temple, lasting until he went to bed. May 15th. – Took 3ss. No marked effect for 1 hours; took 3ss more. In 15 morning decided pain in right temple, slight in left, lasting 3 hours and leaving dull heavy aching behind. Also viscid saliva, and almost constant desire to spit. No marked change impulse. June 23rd. – Took 60 dr. No symptoms for an hour; then repeated dose. Almost immediately felt slight pain in left temple, sense of fulness in fore part of head, and peculiar sticky viscid taste in mouth. At 3:30 p. m. marked pain in both temples as if from pressure of finger-ends in temporal fossae; worse left side and lasting till evening February 1st, 1883, at 1:30 p. m., took 3j of Ix dil. In 20 morning slight pain in left temporal region; viscid taste. at 2:30 repeated dose. In 15 morning sense of fulness in head, scalp felt tight; could not read because words seemed blurred, and when he went to write could not form the letters he wished; also found himself using wrong words. Occasionally piercing pain in right temple. By 8 p. m. had taken two more such doses. Headache in right temple, full in fore part of head, eyes smartings, saliva viscid. 2nd. – Headache in left temple during night, especially on sitting up in bed. Better this morning; no pain in head, but sensation as if somethings was wrong there, especially in fore part; very bitter taste in mouth. At 11 a. m., took 3ss of same. 2:30 p. m.,, severe pain in middle of forehead, coming suddenly and lasting only a few morning. At 2:45 took 3ss more. From that time till retiring severe headache in front part of head, worse in right temple 7th. – At 8:40 a. m., took 3ss of tinct. In 5 morning severe pain in middle of forehead; at 9 severest in right temple, walking in open air makes it worse. At 9:45 repeated dose. 10:30, severe continuous pain in right temple. 11, same pain still severe, some nausea, general languor 8th. – Headache occurred occasionally all day, wit pain in left shoulder and knee. For several day uneasy feeling in fore part of head; also difficulty in passing stool, though faeces were soft. (BOERICKE and TAFEL’S Bulletin, January, 1884.)

2. I induced a young friend of mine to take some of the drug; but as soon as the head pained he desisted, and could not be induced to go on with the proving. He described his head pain as a pressing in the temples from without inwards, left side. He also had the peculiar condition of the salvia I have attempted to describe.(Ibid.).

Richard Hughes
Dr. Richard Hughes (1836-1902) was born in London, England. He received the title of M.R.C.S. (Eng.), in 1857 and L.R.C.P. (Edin.) in 1860. The title of M.D. was conferred upon him by the American College a few years later.

Hughes was a great writer and a scholar. He actively cooperated with Dr. T.F. Allen to compile his 'Encyclopedia' and rendered immeasurable aid to Dr. Dudgeon in translating Hahnemann's 'Materia Medica Pura' into English. In 1889 he was appointed an Editor of the 'British Homoeopathic Journal' and continued in that capacity until his demise. In 1876, Dr. Hughes was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Organization of the International Congress of Homoeopathy Physicians in Philadelphia. He also presided over the International Congress in London.