Rhododendron

Will naturally come in for notice while we are upon weather remedies. Like Dulcamara, its strongest characteristic is in its modality, “aggravation in wet stormy weather;” but Rhododendron is particularly worse before the storm, especially a thunder storm; after the storm breaks the patient feels better. The aggravation before the thunder storm does not all seem to depend on the coldness or dampness, but partially at least on the electric conditions of the atmosphere. This is like Phosphorus, Natrum carb. and Silicea. Rhododendron resembles Rhus toxicod. in that it is worse during rest and better during motion. Again, the pains of Rhododendron, which are aggravated in damp weather, differ from those of Rhus toxicod. in that they seem to be deeper seated and are felt in the periosteum, as in the teeth, and in the bones of the forearm and tibia. These pains are not, however, confined to periosteal membranes, but attack also muscles and ligaments, so as to make it difficult to choose between these remedies.

So we have quite a list of marked wet weather remedies in Dulcamara, Natrum sulphuricum, Rhododendron, Rhus toxicodendron and Nux moschata. (Calcarea phosphorica, wet cold, especially melting snow.)

Rhododendron seems to have an especial affinity for the testicles. They are swollen, with drawing contusive pains, which sometimes extend to abdomen and thighs, and they are very sensitive to touch. The remedies most like it are Aurum metall., Clematis erecta, Pulsatilla, Argentum metall. and Spongia. If the affection was of syphilitic origin we would prefer Aurum, especially if the case had been abused by Old School mercurialization. If it came from suppressed gonorrhœa, Clematis or Pulsatilla; if of rheumatic origin, Rhododendron. Of course all the case would come into the calculation when making up the perfect picture.