RUTA
GRAVEOLENS
by K. P. Tondon, H.M.D.S.
38/1 Motijheel; Dum Dum; Calcutta, India.Journal of The American Institute
of Homoeopathy
“JAIH” June 1970, Vol.N 63, p.109-112
Reprinted from Torch of Homoeopathy, Vol. 12, N1, 1970.
Russian version
In the Homoeopathic system
of healing, this remedy (RUTA GRAVEOLENS) occupies an important place
although not frequently used. Even Dr. J. T. Kent in his lectures, which
are like gold mines to every Homoeopath, has pointed this remedy as
overlooked in comparison with other medicines, being not used so
frequently hence not so well known because the characteristic symptoms of
this remedy were difficult for classifications. A priority and preference
is given to Rhus Tox on modality, in conditions where the aggravation is
caused by damp weather or cold weather, which are the common modalities
with many other medicines also. RUTA GRAVEOLENS also has similar
modalities, that is, aggravation by cold and damp.In clinical observations comparatively it
has less record of its past practical use made by our leaders in
Homoeopathy and more so it has been rarely used in higher dilution. Dr.
Boericke and Dr. Allen both have recommended its use in 1st dilution to
6th dilution. Dr. Hughes favoured its applicability in 2nd dilution. Dr.
Clarke advised its use in 3x attenuation and for prolonged period in
ganglion, (Acid Benz.). By the aforegoing use of Ruta Graveolens in the
lower scales of dilution it should not be misunderstood that it has no
power of action in higher dilutions. Dr. Rushmore is mentioned to have
successfully cured prolapsus preceding a very difficult stool by a higher
dilution of Ruta Graveolens CH200. This therefore establishes the validity
of its utility in both forms of the potency scales – high as well as low.
Potency rating in selection always depends upon the age of disease and its
prevailing intensity of acuteness. In the former circumstances when the
age or chronicity has been of long duration, the common rule of selection
favours the higher dilution in general pick up.Careful attention to be given to guiding
symptoms:1. Patient feels relieved by covering the
nose by blanket or bed sheets because of his extreme sensitivity to cold
and open air.2. Bruised feeling or numbness – is
another strong key note.3. And thirdly, feeling of dryness in nose
and throat or in general support its selection.* Characteristically, finally it may be
remembered that it is of beneficial value to those also who have a
tubercular diathesis in complex form of their ailments.An example of Ruta Graveolens acting on
epistaxis is worth mentioning here.A Mohamedan girl of 9 years of age had
occasionally attacks of epistaxis. She used to feel dryness and irritation
along the nostril holes and used to scratch with fingers (Cina; Napth;
Arum. Tr.). She also used to sneeze occasionally, and once sneezing
started she used to sneeze continually for some time. There was a feeling
of dryness inside the nose and there used to be no mucous discharge. She
was previously treated by some Hakim on Unani System by Jushanda, but that
gave no useful result and upset her more.While examining her by stethoscope and by
touch inspecting her different parts it was observed that as soon as the
fingers touched near the throat pit she expressed a desire to cough.On interrogation that followed with her
father in regard to her feeling of rawness and dryness in throat and of
any pain there, the father told that she did never complain of any pain
but irritations inside the nose (the girl expressed that she felt dryness
in throat.)Any cough during night? – Reply
“No” (by girl.)Her father told additionally about her
breathing trouble, when there is rain or night is cold, she sometimes
feels upset and has restriction of breath. She felt the tickling on
touching the stomach and could not control the laughter.Her father was further questioned any one,
in close blood relation, has suffered from T.B. The response was negative.About the wetting of bed, was told that
previously there was tendency to wet the bed at times but not always.First consideration was to treat her with
Rumex but some thoughts from inside propelled me to ask a few more
questions.“How is her stool? Is there any
difficulty or it comes out smoothly”.Her father referred that in her early
childhood she had a peculiar tendency of anus protruding before the stool
passed but this not being there any more, she never complained of it.Q. Does she feel any weakness in any part
of the limb?A. Sometimes while playing, she feels
weakness over the buttocks and gets quickly tired in play.Q. How is her sleep?
A. She sleeps sound sleep but tosses about
few times before sleep (a symptom more favoured to Zinc.) She has a
special nature to sleep with a covering even during summer.Q. How is her initiative in domestic
tasks?A. She has very little intention to do any
work. She has to be forced to work (under threatenings.)Q. How is her general demeanour at home?
Smiling, hilarious or gloomy.A. Her general outlook is generally
serious, annoying and sad.Q. Did you try to know what is that for?
A. She never told anything about it.
Having given thoughts to the main symptoms
of:* “Exciting Cough when touched”
* “Throat dry”
* “Getting unwell when Cold and
Damp”* “History of Rectum-Protrusion”
1 dose of Ruta 30 was served on the spot
and 3 doses of Ruta 30 were given for next morning & evening. For two
days one hour before meals, a small bottle of aqua distilla was also
served to be given in spoonful doses. Asked them to report after 2 weeks.
Her father happened to meet after about a month, and told that there was
no nose bleedings, and she feels much better. He was asked to keep the
specimen of blood in handkerchief in case nose bleeding follows. Until now
more than 3 months have passed, the girl has no attack of epistaxis.RUTA Graveolens, therefore draws a greater
attention for its sphere of action. Hereunder are a few important
characteristics for general information which can be studied and applied
when required:* Moral:
The patient is quarrelsome, melancholic,
sad, dejected in nature (Dr. Lippe) keeps contradicting, himself
dissatisfied and keeps others dissatisfied.* Head:
Vertigo with heat on head (NAT.S; Sulph)
and pain under skull (Ac.Nit.) where spinal column joins.* Eye:
Sees green circle around a light,
sometimes a gauge (netlike vision) appears before eyes. Weak Sight – bad
effects of straining the eyes either on heavy studies or in fine needle
work or sewing work etc. Cold air brings water in eyes.* Nose:
Pain at the root of nose, dryness and
choking in nose.* Face:
Pain in cheek bone of the face.
* Mouth:
Painful bleeding gums. Bleeding while
picking teeth, automatic formations of saliva in mouth.* Throat:
Sensation of a lump substance in
throat (Bromium) causing a spasm of tongue. Thirst for cold water due to
dryness. Aggravated thirst afternoon.* Stomach:
Nausea while eating, odourless
eructations, feeling of something biting persistently inside the stomach
(sometimes accompanied with burning sensation also rumbling and gurgling).
Case history:
A married lady Mrs. K. L.
T. (Marwari woman age 35 fair complexion, flabby muscles had this
predominating symptom of “Biting inside stomach” prior to her
hysteric fits and before her periods. Allopaths told her husband that her
disease can’t be cured. She was given a few doses of Ruta (3 drop doses at
every 3 hours interval 4 times daily for one week.) After a week Ruta 30,
morning and evening (for another 3 days.) On improvement – after another
week – Ruta 1M (3 doses to be taken twice in a week). All her
complications, including hysteria has ceased by the application of Ruta
Gr. only and her health has become better and lively.* Abdomen:
Rumbling and gurgling. Pain and
swelling in splenic region extending sometimes up to navel and spreading
around it – sometimes accompanied with biting and gnawing or scratching
feeling.* Back:
Bruised pains (like Arnica) – More
predominating on right side (Sanguinaria, Bryonia) near shoulders and
aggravated on moving about (like sitting, then walking, then stooping,
etc.) Pain in Coccyx.* Spinal Column:
Pain at top (Bruised) where it joins
head. Spine feels painful as if someone has severely beaten – feelings
(Compare Ars., Rhus., Rhodo.) Better by lying down on bed – hip joints
pain in bones, giving pain while bending (Bryonia Sciatic pain aggravated
by lying on right (Rhus tox.)* Limbs:
Painful elbows and knees, bone pains
in limbs, lower limbs feel as if someone is tearing them. Wrist joints
pain. Ankles pain. Muscles of limbs feel swollen and puffy. Sprain – like
feelings in arms and legs (In bone pains where periosteum is involved –
Ruta G. acts best). On ganglion on wrist (a leading top remedy). Numbness
and contraction in fingers (ladies generally feel it more while cooking
and keep on opening and closing the fingers during work).* Bones:
Ruta Gr. always acts in bruised bone
pains and pains caused due to any injury or strains – pains of
dislocations are also relieved by it.* Sex Females:
White Leucorrhoea discharges of
corrosive nature, irregularities in menstrual periods, bearing down pains
(like Sepia), constant prevailing fear of abortions.* Sex Males:
Ruta Gr. is said to be a specific
for night discharges (wet dreams) of youths whose sex passion is highly
increased (Nymphomania).* Skin:
Itching felt all over the body (Antipyrin
3x; Slag 3x; Fagopyrin 6) Urticarea after eating meat, Smooth warts on
back of palms (Calc. Calcinate 3x, 6x; Dulcam. 30) chafing of skin
(Chilblains), lip corner itchy, sometimes water blisters form on skin
(Nat. M.; Canth).* Sleep:
Occasional getting up from sleep
thinking it is time to get up, fretful and fatigueful dreams. Sleepy
during daytime and occasional yawning and stretching as if from lack of
sleep.* Anus:
Habitual Prolapsus Ani before stool
(either soft or hard) (Podo; Ign.,). Prolapse painful or with no pain.* Stool:
Urging but no stool, constipated,
stool is passed with strain and difficulty and is sometimes mixed with
mucus and frothy at times.* Aggravation:
While resting (Rhus T.). Cold
weather and damp weather, on straining and exertions.* Amelioration:
By movements of body or limbs, and
hot dry weather.* Desires:
Wants warm things which relieve
(hates cold).* Complementary: Calcarea
Phosphorica.* Antidote: Camphora, Mercurius.
* Lotion: 1 part and other base 12 parts
(for external use).* Utility:
Depending upon the modality of
aggravation by cold and damp Ruta graveolens is quite useful in the
ailments like:* Bunions
* Cold and coughs
* Businessmen’s headaches
* Bursa (Mariner’s Elbow or Housemaid
Knee)* Bums (externally and internally used)
* Solid fibrous Tumour.
* Sciatic pains
* Limbs Pain of Bruised nature
* In Back pains
* Thigh Pains less in day and more at
night.* All forms of Asthma and Bronchitis
* Lameness
* Wrist and Ankle sprains
* Contusions and general Sprains in any body parts like
the shoulders, Hips, Back, Chest etc.It shows excellent result in above
complaints and is useful in Rectum Cancer, and Throat and Mouth Cancer
also.
Copyright ©
K. P. Tondon 2001
Photos par Michel Séret Copyright © H.I. 2001