Ledum ranks next to Colchicum in its action on the serous, fibrous, and mucous membranes. Its action is more powerful than that of Colchicum, producing not only irritation and an increased thickened secretion, but also a deposit of solid, earthy masses.
Vascular System. In their relations to this system are found the true distinctions between Bryonia, Colchicum, and Ledum. Ledum affects the blood distinctly, producing a definite crasis, viz.: a tendency to exudation of blood; hence we find it producing haemorrhages (which are not induced by Bryonia and Colchicum). The blood has a special tendency to the periphery. Moreover, Ledum has far greater relations to the periosteum and mucous membrane than either Colchicum or Bryonia (of these two, Colchicum has the greater affinity for mucous membranes and periosteum). The pains of Ledum are, to a greater extent, sticking and tearing, sticking as if caused by needles, as well in internal as in superficial parts.
A characteristic of Ledum is a deficiency of vital heat, inducing a predominant coldness and chilliness. As in the case with Bryonia and Colchicum, the sticking and tearing pains, and also symptoms that occur at night, are aggravated by motion and by warmth. Like Bryonia, Ledum produces a hot swelling but it has an especially for the hip and shoulder.
Application. 1. In chronic rheumatism Ledum is especially indicated when the secretion is scanty and thick, and is no longer absorbed, but concretions begin to form, residua in periosteal and cartilaginous envelopes, pain greatly increased by motion. Ledum has a special affinity for the regions of the hip and shoulder. The affection must not be entirely chronic; in such a case the mineral remedies are rather indicated, Calcarea, Mercurius, Iodine, etc. To be consulted in coxalgia, lumbago, arthrocace. In affections of the bones, especially in the formation of nodes.
2. Chronic Cutaneous Affections. Transformations of the epidermis. Ecchymoses (rather in chronic cases, such as chronic morbus maculosus). Bleeding ulcers on the forehead. Tuberculous eruptions in drunkards.
3. Intermittent Fever. When the cold stage is of long duration, with violent thirst. Neglected typhus, with 1, important anaemia, or 2, visible alteration of the blood crasis (inducing, for instance, ecchymosis), 3, affections of the mucous membranes especially (nasal haemorrhage or bloody expectoration without irritation).
4. Headache. Especially in the sequelae of syphilis, and in mercurial poisoning.
5. Ophthalmia Chronica. A renowned remedy, especially in affections of the mucous membranes, with copious secretion from the meibomian glands and opacity of the cornea.
6. Dropsy, viz., Ascites. Ledum, like Colchicum, has a great affinity for the abdominal organs, probably because of their great venosity.
7. Chronic Pulmonary Catarrh. Even in pneumonia, if the symptoms correspond, especially if the cough is accompanied by bloody expectoration, and threatens to become chronic. Tuberculosis with haemoptysis.
8. Tubercular disease of the bones. Ulcers of skin and gangrenous ulcers. (Hartmann.)
9. Gout. According to Rau’s experience, one of the chief remedies, even for maladies complicated with gout.
Dr. Dunham graduated from Columbia University with Honours in 1847. In 1850 he received M.D. degree at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York. While in Dublin, he received a dissecting wound that nearly killed him, but with the aid of homoeopathy he cured himself with Lachesis. He visited various homoeopathic hospitals in Europe and then went to Munster where he stayed with Dr. Boenninghausen and studied the methods of that great master. His works include 'Lectures on Materia Medica' and 'Homoeopathy - Science of Therapeutics'.