• Mania following disappearance of neuralgias
• illusion of a mouse running from under her chair
• The more the menstrual flow, the greater the suffering

Source: Vegetable kingdom

Synonyms: Black snakeroot, Black cohosh

Family: Ranunculaceae

Proνer: Jeanes

Duration of Action: 8-12 days

Miasmatic Background: Psora

Temperament: Hysterical

Diathesis: Rheumatic and gouty

Thermal Relationship: Chilly patient

Introduction and History: Hughes preferred it to be called by its Linneanean name Actaea. Hughes pharmacodynamics reveals its nick name. “The homeopathic milk for the allopathic babies” for his object was evidently to reconcile homeopathy or atleast make it acceptable to the members of the orthodox school of medicine.

Habit and Habitat: The plant is found in Canada, Georgi and the western states of America.

Preparation and Parts Used: Tincture of the roots is used as mother tincture from which higher potencies are prepared.

Ailments From: Fright, anxiety, child bearing, disappointed love, overexertion, business failures, during dentition.

Seat of Action (Pharmacodynamics): Nervous system, especially the cerebrospinal nerves and motor nerves, female genital organs, joints.

Physio-pathological Changes (Pathology)

1. It disturbs the nerve centres and produces irritation.
2. It also increases arterial tension.

Characteristic Mental Symptoms (Psychology)

1. Sensation as if a heavy black cloud had settled all over her; all is darkness and confusion.
2. Great depression, with dream of impending evil.
3. Fears riding in a closed carriage, of being obliged to jump out.
4. Incessant talking.
5. illusion of a mouse running under the chair.
6. Puerperal mania or melancholia, tries to injure herself, hysterical. Delirium tremens.
7. Mania following disappearance of neuralgia.

Characteristic Physical Guiding Symptoms

Rheumatism: Especially of small joints; wrists most commonly affected; also fingers, toes and ankles; with weakness and trembling. Worse touch and motion.

Menses: Suppressed due to fright or cold.

Respiratory affections: Oppression of chest, shortness of breath.

Convulsions: Hysterical and epileptic convulsions.

General Modalities of Actaea racemosa

Aggravation: From cold, during menses – more severe the flow, greater the suffering.

Amelioration: From warmth.

Comparison

Restlessness and fear of death: Acon.

Rheumatic and uterine affections: Caul, Puls.

Potency: Tincture to 30 potency.

Repetition: Frequent repetition.

Therapeutic Value: Breast affections, Disorders of pregnancy, Hyperemesis gravidarum, Labour, Menstrual disorders, Puerperal mania, Rheumatism,