Lycopus


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


Introduction

Lycopus virginicus, Michaux. Bungle weed. Nat. Ord., Labiatae R.

Provings.

1a. Dr. G. E. CHANDLER, aet. 30, in good health, on Dec, 26th, 1865, took 10 dr. of tinct. at 10 p. m. 27th. -At 7 a. m. took 11dr., and also at 12 m. 11 dr. more; at 5 p. m. a marked pressing pain in supra-orbital region for a few m.; at 5.16 took 11 dr., and also at 10 P. m. 28th. -Took 12 dr. I h. before each meal, and also before retiring. 29th. -At 3:30 p. m., dull pain in l. supra-orbital region of several hours duration. Took 13 dr. 4 times, as yesterday. 30th. -Very marked sensation in cardiac region, constrictive, lasting 3 hours, accelerated respiration during exercise, worse while ascending stairs. These symptoms were in early part of day; during day a huskiness (sic) in l. patella, dull pain in knee, lasting through day, more intense while in motion. Took 14 dr. as yesterday. 31st. -Took 15 dr. as yesterday. Jan. Ist, 1866. -Peculiar beat of heart, Ist sound displaced by a blowing sound. 6th. -At 5:30 p. m. took 15 dr. immediately before eating. 7th. -Last n. very restless, full of trouble dreams; severe pressure in forehead, particularly I. Eyes full, painful, and, pressing outwards. 8 a. m., pulse 48, weak and irregular in force; pressure in forehead. Sp. gr. of urine 120. 9 a. m., 15 dr.; 2 p. m., 1. limb feels 1/2 in. shorter than other, and foot sounds on side walk as if this was so. 8th. -At 8 a. m. 20 dr.; 12, m., diarrhoeic symptoms, tenderness in l. hypochondrium; eyes press out; 12:30 p. m., stitch-like pain in cardia, causing an exclamation; 2, constricting pain and tenderness around heart; pulse 65, weak and irregular in force; 5, increased action of bowels, aggravated diarrhoeic symptoms; could have had a passage any time of day, but had perfect control of sphincter ani; pressure in forehead all d.; passed during day 32 oz. of urine; 11.30, 30 dr. 9th. -At 8 a. m. tenderness in bladder; frontal and vertical portion of head dull and pressing out; took 50 dr.; pulse 56; sp. gr. of urine 1020; 9, slight huskiness of l. patella in motion; 11, pulse 64; 11.45 circumscribed pain and compression epigastric region; 12, m., pain steady and deep in r. parotid gland, and at angle of r. maxilla; burning of r. ear for I h. or more; 3:30 p. m., dull pain in lumbar region, particularly l., and bladder feels much distended when empty. 12th. -at 8. m. took 20 dr. of Ist; 9, severe colic pains followed by profuse and forcible diarrhoeic evacuation; 4 p. m., heart-beat, much more distinct on r. of sternum than on l.; pulse 68, and full; 7:30, flatulence; 8:45, rumbling of bowels with colic; eyes full and heavy all day; 11, took 20 dr., soon followed by griping in bowels; pulse regular in force. 13th. -At 8 a. m. tenderness in abdomen; painful pressure in eyeballs; heart-heat peculiar, as noted on Ist. 14th. – Pressing pain in front of head, but not as marked as formerly; pulse 64, irregular in force. 15th. -3 p. m. throbbing pain in cardia; constant pressure in front of head and eyes; pulse 60 and irregular in force. 16th. -No symptoms. 17th. -Same pain in front of head and eyes, but not constant; 9:45 p. m., tugging pain in spleen of several h. duration; flatulence all day 18th. -Slight pressure in head and eyes in evening; 7:30 p. m., pulse 60, and slightly irregularly in force; very sensible pressure in cardiac region, the cardiac viscera pressing outwards, but not painful. (“During this partial proving of the drug I have not changed my mode of living in any particular, my diet plain and varied. I have never been addicted to the use of tobacco in any form, or spirituous drink of any kind; scarcely ever drink coffee, occasionally tea. During the proving I lost more or less control of my mind, it being wandering from one thing to another. The symptoms were more marked on alternate days.”)

1b. Dr. R. LUDLAM makes the following report, after an examination of prover’s heart:-Jan. 15th, 1866, 4:30 p. m., Found on auscultation first sound of heart lacking, sometimes faintly perceptible, displaced by a blowing sound of mitral regurgitation. The second sound is pointed, short, sharp, and more emphatic than natural. Pulse 58, a little irregular; sometimes drags a little and then hurries up; weak. (Dr. J. S.P. Lord confirmed this examination.) 16th. -Pulse 64 and more regular; first sound of heart more distinct, blowing correspondingly less so; second less sharp and emphatic; in short the heart’s action more normal in every respect. (Dr. E. M.P. Ludlam attests.) 18th. -First sound a little more distinct; pulse 56; blowing sound more marked than when last examined. 19th. – Same as yesterday, excepting that first sound is a little more distinct, and blowing soundless so; plus 56. 22nd. -Same report; normal sound evident, blowing sound more faint; plus 62. 24th. – Plus 60 and more regular; sound distinct at apex; this blowing sound is hard upwards in clavicular region and particularly between scapulae. Feb. 14th. -Same excepting in degree; the blowing is less distinct at intervals, sound are nearly normal and then for 6-10 beats blowing displaces first sound. Pulse 70, probably accelerated somewhat by a walk of 1/2 a mile in violent snowstorm. (Not having examined Mr. C-prior to his taking the drug I cannot declare positively that this abnormality is wholly due to the Lycopus, but the probabilities are certainly very strong in support of that view. -R. L.) (HALE, New Remedies,2nd ed.)

2. Dr. MORRISSON. Health usually good, though not robust; for last 9 years, since residing in England, tendency to rheumatic pains, with slightly depressed cardiac action. The oppression of crowded rooms induces faintness. For about a week a tendency to diarrhoea. Slight attacks of spasm of intercostals have troubled me for about mouth, caused by arsenical wall paper. Depression of vital energy form a long strain of work. Examiner’s report. -“Impulse of heart rather feeble. Percussion shows that heart is of natural size. There is distinct systolic basic murmur at second interspace, which I have no doubt is haemic. The first sound at apex is not good, and is rather murmurish. Occasional intermissions in the heart’s beats. ‘ Pulse 70, sitting whole n. ‘ acid, sp. gr. 1012, free from albumen.

2a. Sept. 5th. 1872, 10 a. m., took 10 dr. of tinct. Within 15 m. slight pain in l. frontal eminence, quickly transferred to r., then ceasing and returning in both; succeeded by slight burning r. side back of plate, lasting 10 m. 6th. -10 a. m., 10 dr. No effects. 2 p. m., 10 dr. Within 5 m. oppressed feeling in brain, succeeded by subacute pain an inch below 5 m. oppressed feeling in brain, succeeded by subacute pain an inch below and to outer side of left nipple, quickly subsiding; 20 m. after taking, dull pain in both frontal eminences, succeeded by slight return of subacute pain at apex of heart. 10 p. m., 15 dr. Within 10 m. distinct sensation of rawness at back of palate, right side, extending over to l. Pulse 72, sitting; temp. 36:30 degree C.; urine clear, acid, sp. gr. 1016, free from albumen. 7th. -10 a. m., 20 dr. After 20 m. slight rawness at back and r. side of palate. 2 p. m., 20 dr. Within 5 m. slight burning in plate; slight obtusion of intellect, with dull aching through sinciput. 10, 20 dr. Slight burning r. side of palate, in usual spot. Pulse 76, fairly regular. 8th. – 10 a. m., 20 dr. Within 15 m. frontal headache, succeeded by burning in usual spot of palate. 11, sharp pain in usual spot, lasting several m. 2 p. m., 25 dr. During afternoon pressive frontal headache, relieved by current of air, returning on entering house. 7, cardiac oppression lasting 1 h.; pulse 80, standing, with distinct intermissions; tendency to toothache in r. lower molars, sound teeth, succeeded by subacute pain, first in l., then in r. frontal eminence. 9th. -9 a. m., 30 dr. 3 p. m., subacute pain in both frontal eminences, succeeded by frontal headache. 9, marked cardiac oppression; pulse 80, sitting, with distinct intermissions; sighing and yawning; unsteadiness of hands, rendering writing difficult; strange sensations extending up oesophagus and locating in pharynx. 10, feeling of unsteadiness in walking; continuous subacute aching in frontal eminences, especially l.; tendency to toothache, first in r. lower molars, sound teeth then transferred l, sound teeth. 10,30 dr. With in 1/2 hours, subacute pain in l. frontal eminence and pharynx, in latter increased by deglutition; pulse 66, sitting; temp. 35:90 C.; resp. 19; urine, cloudy deposit, acid, sp. gr. 1021, free from albumen. 10th. -Retired at 2 a. m. On lying down, cardiac depression, with dull, heaving beating, lasting several m.; sleep in n. dreamy and disturbed, not restless; awoke before 8 a. m.; on rising, continuous dull frontal headache, not relieved by cold affusion, slightly relieved by strong pressure. 10 a. m., 30 dr. Return of tremulous feeling in hands while writing, lasting several m.; during day, dull, pressive, frontal headache, occasional pains in left frontal eminence. 10 p. m., 40 dr. Within 2 m., general feeling of oppression, inducing him to sit down; sharp rheumatoid pain from left knee to ankle, quickly settling in loins, then accompanied by sharp darting pains in left thumb succeeded by acute pain in nape of neck (cervical muscles); pressive frontal headache, with acute pain in cerebrum from succession of walking; 11.30, steady subacute pain in cervical muscles, more to l. side; subacute pain in l. frontal eminence; pulse 74, sitting and standing, varying in volume. Examiner’s report. – “Haemic murmur lessened, apex murmurishness imperceptible, pulsation stronger, 70 standing or lying. 11th. -Awoke 6:30, had slept better, than intermittent cardiac pulsation at 7th, 8th, 6th, 21st, 9th, 23rd, and 88th beats; a few m, later, intermissions between 6th and 15th beats; heart beats regularly 70, lying; before rising free from headache, which immediately slightly returned, not relieved by cold affusion. 10 a. m., 40 dr. Pulse at first steadier, then frequent intermissions; increased headache. 11, subacute pain in both temples. 12:15 p. m., pain in temples transferred to cerebellum, like congestion; subacute pain at apex of heart, of short duration; rheumatoid pain in calves of legs, especially 1., succeeded by acute rheumatoid loin pain, extending to lower dorsal region; acute pain in 7th cervical vertebra; pain from cerebellum transferred to temples, more acute. 12:45, congestive pain in occiput, without mitigation of aching in temples; constant severe lumbar aching; slight rheumatoid pain in left supra-scapular muscles; general feeling of weakness and weariness; pulse 76, sitting and standing. 2:30 p. m., flying muscular pains, with persistent aching in loins and occiput, worse by movement, not lessening as formerly after a meal; depression of vital power. 630, by 4 o’clock pains had almost l., but after running upstairs returned sharply, first in loins, then l. leg, extending up thigh, afterwards in r. leg, with increased weakness and weariness; flying pains in various parts; eyes feel weak as if the system were much over-fatigued; symptoms not relieved by evening meal; pulse 72, sitting and standing, with occasional intermission. 10, symptoms severe; pulse 68 sitting, regular, 74 standing, irregular; temp. 36:20 degree C.; resp. 19; urine, cloudy deposit, acid, sp. gr 10I6, free from albumen, phosphates, lithiates, and sugar, microscope shows mucus, epithelial cells, and very minute crystals. Since commencing proving bowels have acted regularly twice a d., motions papescent or watery till to-d., now decidedly constipated. I2th. -Retired last n. at 11, slept well till daylight, then awoke (quite unusual) and had light dreamy sleep after. Before rising, quite free from pain; immediately after, rheumatoid aching in r. scapular muscles. 11 a. m., pain in scapular muscles continues, otherwise feels well. Took 50 dr. In I0 m. dull frontal headache; pain in l. lower molars, transferred to r.; during day, rheumatoid pain, commencing in l. calf and finishing in r.; lumbar pain; frontal headache; occipital pain; flying pains; general malaise; all symptoms much less marked than yesterday. At 11 p. m., pulse 72 sitting and standing, 62 to 66 lying, irregular and intermittent, especially when lying, quickened by each inspiration; bowels moved twice to-day, motions loose, light in colour; urine deposits mucus, acid, sp. gr. I0I2. I3th. -Did not sleep as soundly as usual; on awaking, slight aching in l. calf, quickly transferred to r.; slight aching down l. forearm; after rising, cardiac distress scarcely amounting to pain, most marked at apex. I0 a. m., 50 dr. (new tinct.). In 20 m. frontal oppression, with trembling weakness of hands; return of rawness at back of palate r. side; during afternoon return of lumbar aching, most on l. side; frontal headache; pains in limbs; general malaise; in evening lumbar aching; occasional pains in legs, especially 1.; slight pain in molars passing from r. to 1.; pulse 72, lying, sitting, and standing, quickened by inspiration; temp. 36:30 degree C.; resp. I9; urine deposits mucus while cooling, acid, sp. gr. on passing I0I0, after standing, I0I4; motion slimy, of peculiarly shining dark brown colour. Examiner’s report. – “Pulsation scarcely perceptible to touch, haemic murmur again indistinct, apex murmurishness again perceptible, pulse 72, sitting and standing; all symptoms increased by movement, in lying down, or standing up.” In evening cardiac action regular, pulse 74, not intermittent. I4th. -Awoke 5. a. m. after dreamy, though not restless sleep; pulse 74, intermissions at 7th, 11th, 3Ist, I0th, and 20th beats; slept again indifferently till 8, then awoke free from pain or ache; pulse 72, not intermittent. At I0 a. m., pulse 74, lying and sitting, 82 standing; general debility. Took 60 dr. Within I0 m. severe lumbar aching; frontal headache; pulse 82 sitting, 86 standing, irregular and intermittent; 5 m. later subacute pain at apex, extending to 3rd l. interspace; later, cessation of frontal headache, succeeded by occipital aching and subacute pain in 5th r. interspace, each quickly abating; succeeded by return of pain in temples; loin pain persists. 11 a. m., pulse 72 sitting, 82 standing, occasional intermissions. I2 noon, loin pain and headache in temples persists; slight pain at apex; rheumatoid pains especially in l. leg and forearm; after-noon, sharp aching in r. leg, not relieved by friction; short aching in various parts, l. side the worst. At n. pulse 74; temp. 36:40 degree C; urine deposits mucus, acid, sp. gr., when fresh, I0I2, on cooling I0I6, free from albumen. I5th. -On awaking at 6:30 pleurodynia from 3rd to 7th l. interspace, with acute pain at apex at of heart; contraction of intercostal muscles, worse lying on r. side, lasting till I0 a. m., pulse 68, with oppressed cardiac action. 2 a. m., took 80 dr. Within 1/2 h. sharp pain in r. lower molars, passing to r. temples, then to l. lower molars, then to l. temple, returning to r. lower molars, then settling in loins, with frontal oppression; later pains at apex of heart, in left wrist, 1. leg, r. leg, nape of neck, and loins, passing off quickly, not relieved by friction; palpitation on slight exertion; general malaise. In evening congestive pain in nape of neck, with severe continues lumbar and dorsal pain, worse towards l. side. At I050 p. m., pulse 60 lying, 66 sitting, 80 standing, regular; urine less clouded, acid, sp. gr., fresh I0I2, on cooling, I0I8. I6th. -On waking at 6:30, laboured cardiac pulsation, pulse 62. I0 a. m., pulse 72 sitting, 82 sitting. Took I00 dr. Within I h. dull, pressive, frontal headache, pulse 76 sitting, 80 standing; aching across loins. I2 noon, while sitting strong bearing-down in l. inguinal canal, as if hernia would protrude, with acute pain on walking, relieved by upward pressure on external ring, lasting about I6 m. Afternoon, slight pain in various parts, 1. side the worst. evening, restless activity, ready for any amount of work; slight aching in l. lower molars, sound teeth. 9:30 p. m., bearing-down in r. inguinal canal, with subacute pain when walking, relieved by upward pressure on external ring, returning when pressure is removed, lasting 2 hours, with severe loin pain, worse to r. of spine, lasting till retiring. During day there has been subacute pain at apex of heart, later in 4th l. interspace; urine less clouded, acid, sp. gr., fresh I008, on cooling I0I2, free from albumen. I7th. -Awoke at daylight free from pain, and slept but indifferently after. On rising, aching returned in both inguinal canals, increased by walking, relieved by upward pressure on external rings; sharp aching in l. lower molars, sound teeth. I0 a. m., took I20 dr. Pulse immediately steadied, soft, regular, 76 sitting, 84 standing. Within 1/2 h. sharp aching l.lower molars, accompanied by fronto-occipital headache; return of lumbar aching. I p. m., subacute superficial pain in 3rd l. interspace, near sternum, becoming acute on moving, lasting I0 m., passing to mid-sternum; continuous aching along inguinal canals, worse on r. side, obliging him to walk cautiously, continuous loin pain; pulse 70 sitting, 77 standing. Afternoon, severe continuous lumbar aching; painful stiffness in l. inframaxillary region, extending to nape of neck, interfering with movement of head; slight tenderness in inguinal canals. evening, continued tenderness of inguinal canals; pulse 70, jerking; temp. 36. I0 degree C.; urine less clouded, acid, sp. gr., fresh I0I4, on cooling I0I7. I8th. -No med. During m. sharp aching down r. tibia, causing lameness, not relieved by friction; aching in various parts, especially l. lower molars and loins; general malaise. Bowels acted this m. only, motion shiny, of peculiar grayish brown, as if mixed with ashes. N., pulse, 58 lying, 70 sitting, 72 standing; temp. 36. I0 degree C.; urine slightly clouded, acid, sp. gr., fresh I007, on cooling I0I0. I9th. -On waking, spasms in r. intercostals; slight aching down r. inguinal canal. I0 a. m., pulse, 70 sitting, 78 standing. Took 3 dr. Within 5 m. sharp aching in nape of neck, l. side, soon transferred to r. frontal eminence; later, pulse very feeble, quickened, 78 sitting, 86 standing irregular. Acute pain in inner muscles of l. calf., with straining and lameness; acute flying pains to r. middle dorsal region, nape, frontal eminence, l. wrist, l. lower molars (sounds teeth), lumbar region, and again in nape. 11 a. m., distressed feeling in cerebellum; sharp in various parts; acute superficial pain in 3rd and 4th l. interspaces; continuous lumbar pain, not worse by stooping, increased by walking; pulse, 82 sitting, 84 standing, regular. 11.30, while sitting, acute pain down r. inguinal canal, quickly abating, leaving steady dull aching; cervical and lumbar pains continue. I2, noon. Examiner’s report. – “Heart-sounds indistinct, systolic running into diastolic, basic murmur very slight, apex murmurishness not perceptible, action very feeble; pulse, 78 sitting, 86 standing, not intermittent.” I.30 p. m., faint nausea, lasting I h., not relieved by dinner; marked cardiac depression; shifting pains. 2, aching down flexor muscles of r. thigh, extending to knee and calf, then to l. knee and calf, then returning to r. thigh and knee, with slight lameness. During afternoon acute pain in usual spots, with steady aching in r. thigh and knee-joint; faint perspiration on covered parts, when walking it repeated sharp superficial and deep pains in precordial region. evening, great debility, especially on walking; has taken extra stimulant to keep him going. Continuous aching in various parts; cardiac pains; slight lameness; slight return of faint nausea. Pulse 60 lying, 62 sitting, regular; 64 standing, irregular; temp. 36. I0 degree C.; resp. I7. Urine scarcely clouded acid, sp. gr. fresh, I008, after cooling I0I2. Before retiring giddiness, with tendency to stagger to r. Motion to-d., dark shining brown, strong odour. 20th. -On waking, pleurodynia below 5th right costal cartilage, passing to left, then again to right side; pulse 70, feeble regular, lying. On rising, aching down both thighs, with weakness in walking; slight achings, relieved by the electric current, not relieved by the galvanic. I0:30 a. m., aching in l. inferior maxillary articulation, and l. wrist. I p. m., subacute pain in l. frontal eminence and precordial region; aching across lumbar region; sensations of faintness, with unsteadiness in walking; trembling in hands; tenderness of right inguinal canal. Pulse 66 sitting, regular. 5, severe aching in both temples, especially 1.; remains of lumbar pain. 6 p. m., acute darting pain at apex of heart. evening, shifting pains, most persistent in right knee; persistent nausea, rising from back of fauces, relieved by eructations, which taste of tea and drug; succeeded by persistent giddiness while sitting, with staggering to right on walking; acute pain in left temple passing to right, followed by severe lumbar aching; darting at apex of heart oppression of respiration; constriction of larynx; acute pain in left frontal eminence, with sensation of compression of brain; aching down right inguinal canal, while sitting; restless activity notwithstanding nausea, giddiness, and pains, all of which have been very severe. 10:30, pain from front of r. knee transferred to back of l. 10:40, darting pains through r. wrist. On retiring, pulse 60 lying, 62 sitting, 64 standing., Urine deposits mucus, acid, sp. gr. fresh 1014, on cooling 1018, free from albumen. Bowels acted twice to-d., motions slimy, of the peculiar dark shining brown, gushing out.

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.