Chimaphila Umbellata
By Constantine Hering — The Guiding Symptoms of our Materia Medica
Pipsissewa, Prince's Pine, Ground Holly. Pyrolaceæ.
Grows in all parts of the United States and in Northern Europe and Asia. The Pyrolaceæ are very similar to the Ericaceæ from which we have the three great medicines, Ledum palustre, proved by Hahnemann, Rhododendron
chrysanthum by Seidel, and Kalmia latifolia by the Allentown College ; Arbutus uva ursi (Arctostaphylos officinalis) is still waiting for a prover.
Used by the aborigines in various complaints, principally scrofula, rheumatism and kidney affections. It was also a popular remedy with European settlers. Proved by Jeanes, in 1840 ; by G. Bute, 1856, and later introduced into our
literature by E. M. Hale.
Dr. H. P. Gatchell (one of the provers of the maculata) has made clinical use of it.
This collection contains a few symptoms by E. P. Scales, Mass. Trans., vol. 4, p. 601.
Our learned Doctor S. A. Jones has, in his masterly way, given us the history of this plant. We annex the gist of his compilation :
In 1578, it was recommended "to heal wounds."
In 1633, "fistulas, malignant ulcers, burns, ulcers of the kidneys."
In 1640, again for ulcers of the kidneys and neck of the bladder, fluxes of blood, humors, or women's too abundant courses."It taketh away inflammation rising upon the pains of the hurt, and hindereth any, being presently applied after
the hurt received ; useful also for foul ulcers had to be cured, as also for cankers and fistulas."
In 1657, it was pronounced a principal herb for the throat.
In 1804 and 1814, it was recommended as a useful diuretic.
The authorities quoted by Dr. Jones are Dodoen's History of Plants ; Girarde, General History of Plants ; Parkinson, The Theatre of Plants ; Cole's Paradise of Plants ; Tournefort's Complete Herbal ; Barton's
Collection for an Essay towards Materia Medica of the United States.
The Huron and other Indian nations use it as a diuretic and in gravelly complaints.
Pursch, Flor. Amer., says it is useful in hysteria.
CLINICAL AUTHORITIES.
- Toothache , C. Hering, MSS. ; Obstinate vesical irritability , E. M. Hale, Am. Hom. Obs., vol. 4, p. 92 ; Constant pain in region of kidneys, Hull, Am. Hom. Obs., vol. 4, p. 116 ;
Dysuria, E. M. Hale, New Remedies ; Urethral irritation , Taber, Organ., vol. 1, p. 223 ; Fellger, MSS. ; Urinary difficulty , Kendell, Am. Hom. Obs., vol. 3, 269 ; Stricture of
urethra , H. W., vol. 7, p. 208 ; Ac ute prostitis , E. V. Moffat (contributed by Berridge) ; Atrophy of breasts , Organon, vol. 1, p. 223 ; Tumor of mammæ ,
Hull, Am. Hom. Obs., vol. 4, p. 115 ; Scirrhous tumor of right breast , Hale, N. E. Med. Gaz., vol. 2, p. 4 ; Cancer of breast , E. S. Coburn, Tr. H. M. S., N. Y., 1870, p. 471.
SENSORIUM [2]
Pain in left frontal protuberance.
INNER HEAD [3]
(OBS :) Tinea capitis.
SIGHT AND EYES [5]
Halo around the lamp flame.
Eyes painful.
(In sick :) Sudden stitch in front part of both eyes, from right to left ; eyes run water.
Stabbing or shooting pain in left eyeball.
Itching and smarting of edges of eyelids, and inside of eyelids.
Itching of left eye.
Stinging pain in left eye ; a colored halo around the candle.
Blue rings around eyes.
Pterygium ; cataract.
HEARING AND EARS [6]
Pain in right ear.
UPPER FACE [8]
A flushing of cheeks with some general heat, and accelerated pulse.
Pain at lower edge of zygomatic process of left superior maxillary bone, above second bicuspid tooth, sore on pressure.
TEETH AND GUMS [10]
Continuous pain in upper teeth, extending into right eye.
Drawing in an upper and lower tooth, as if it was being gently pulled.
Toothache, < after eating and from exertion.
Cannot close teeth at night, jaws feel stiff, sleeps with open mouth. θ Toothache.
Toothache, > by cold water.
TASTE, SPEECH, TONGUE [11]
Pungent, bitter-sweet taste.
Smarting of tongue.
Tongue sore, full of little vesicles ; great thirst and desire to cool tongue.
(In sick :) Tongue furred, more towards root, no appetite.
INNER MOUTH [12]
Vesicular ulcers in mouth.
PALATE AND THROAT [13]
(In sick :) Palate sore, very sensitive to warm drink or food.
Rawness of upper and back part of palate.
APPETITE, THIRST. DESIRES, AVERSIONS [14]
Great increase of appetite.
Much thirst ; desire to cool tongue.
EATING AND DRINKING [15]
Poor digestion.
Eating aggravates toothache.
SCROBICULUM AND STOMACH [17]
Agreeable sensation in stomach, soon after, followed sometimes by an extraordinary increase of appetite.
HYPOCHONDRIA [18]
Aching pain below right hypochondrium whilst writing.
(OBS :) Hepatitis.
Organic disease of liver with ascites.
Abdomen
ABDOMEN AND LOINS [19]
Abdominal and renal dropsies, in broken down constitutions and intemperate subjects.
Ascents and swelling of legs.
(OBS :) Atonic or passive dropsies.
Abdomen bloated.
Ascites in consequence of organic affection of liver.
Scrofulous swelling of abdominal glands ; enlarged mesenteries.
Worm troubles.
STOOLS AND RECTUM [20]
Griping after stool.
Sticking pain in rectum, left side, deep in.
Shooting pain, deep-seated, in left side of anus ; more internal than a pile, which at times protrudes there.
Bloody mucous stools.
(OBS :) Diarrhœa.
Inclination to stool either ineffectual or attended with great pain.
Obstinate constipation. θ Renal disturbances. θ Cystitis.
Constipation and hemorrhoids. θ Dysuria.
Constipation, stool every third day. θ Vesical irritability.
Sensation of swelling in perineum on sitting down, as if a ball was pressing against it. θ Urinary troubles.
Acute prostitis from sitting on a cold, wet stone ; pain and dysuria, which increased to complete retention from swelling of prostate ; pain and soreness in perineum, with sensation as if sitting on a ball.
Ineffectual urging to stool. θ Dysuria.
URINARY ORGANS [21]
Constant pain in region of kidneys ; urine scanty, dark colored, fetid, and very thick, depositing a copious sediment ; obstinate constipation.
Frequent desire to urinate, with scanty urine. θ Urinary difficulty.
Vesical tenesmus, from prolapsus or retroversion.
Pressing fulness in region of bladder. θ Nephritis. θ Cystitis.
Strangury.
Constant disposition to urinate ; as often as every hour or two ; passes only a small quantity.
Urging to urinate after voiding urine. θ Nephritis, etc.
(OBS :) Retention of urine.
Difficult urination, cutting, scalding pain ; sometimes stream is split, at other times small as a thread, or in drops. θ Stricture.
Inability to pass urine without standing with feet wide apart and body inclined forward.
Catarrhal affection of bladder.
Urethritis with purulent or profuse mucous discharge.
Copious, clear, limpid urine.
Great quantities of thick, ropy, bloody mucus in urine.
Color of urine changed from that of brick-dust to green tea.
(In sick :) Greenish-black color of urine. θ Ague.
Urine thick, ropy, of brick color.
Urine scanty, frequently voided with much pressing pain before, scalding and smarting during and after, and vesical tenesmus. θ Dysuria.
Burning, pricking pain during emission of urine. θ Obstinate vesical irritability.
Urine high colored, depositing a copious mucous sediment. θ Dysuria.
Tenderness of anterior portion of vagina (bladder) and urethra. θ Dysuria.
Constant urging to urinate without sufficient discharge ; catheter will not enter ; < when sitting, walks about.
Causes mucous sediment to disappear from urine. θ Cystitis. θ Nephritis. θ Dropsy,
etc.
Scanty urine, with muco-purulent sediment.
(OBS :) Lessens lithic acid or lithates, while it increases renal secretion. θ Urinary difficulty.
Albuminuria occurring during Bright's disease.
(OBS :) Advanced stages of albuminuria.
Hæmaturia from long-lasting gonorrhœa.
Clots of coagulated blood pass with urine.
(OBS :) Chronic nephritis ; diabetes ; gravel.
Dropsy from renal disease.
MALE SEXUAL ORGANS [22]
Smarting pain from neck of bladder whole length of urethra to meatus.
Excessive itching and painful irritation of urethra from end of penis to neck of bladder. θ Urinary difficulty.
Burning in urethra.
Atrophy of testicles.
Sensation of swelling in perineum, as if in sitting down a ball was pressing against it. θ Urinary difficulty.
Disease of prostate with waste of prostatic fluid.
(OBS :) Gonorrhœa ; chronic gleet ; syphilis.
FEMALE SEXUAL ORGANS [23]
Prolapsus and slight uterine leucorrhœa. θ Dysuria.
(OBS :) Leucorrhœa.
Vaginal prolapsus.
Rapid atrophy of breasts.
Atrophy or tumors of mamma.
Lump in left breast broke, leaving small, irregular ulcer with ragged, everted edges, sloughing and discharging fetid pus. θ Cancer of breast.
Scirrhous tumor of right breast, about an inch in diameter ; hard, but movable ; nipple drawn in ; a good deal of sharp pain in tumor and in axillæ.
(In sick :) Taken as tea for cancer on breast, three years after cessation of menses, she had soon a slight return, three weeks later a copious flow, and another two weeks later.
Painful tumor of mamma in a young unmarried woman.
PREGNANCY. PARTURITION. LACTATION [24]
Undue secretion or suppression of milk.
INNER CHEST AND LUNGS [28]
Dull pains under middle of sternum.
Pain in right side, ribs, and integument below axilla.
Tuberculosis of lungs.
(OBS :) Hydrothorax.
NECK AND BACK [31]
A most uncommon sensation in small of back, in region of kidneys ; sometimes on one side of spine, sometimes on other, as if something was fluttering within, without occasioning pain or uneasiness of any sort.
On back and thighs painless dark red pustules which do not suppurate.
UPPER LIMBS [32]
Acute rheumatism of shoulder.
Pain in right arm about upper half of biceps and shoulder joint.
Pain in lower part of left arm.
Œdematous swelling of right arm as in dropsy.
Stinging in swelling on arm.
Swelling in arm feels better when uncovered.
Fistulous ulcer on right forearm, with stinging and crawling.
Paronychia.
LOWER LIMBS [33]
An opening and shutting pain, slow pulsatory, in middle of anterior part of right thigh, very singular, and leaving a severe aching and a tenderness on pressure, whilst lying down.
Pain in flexors of left knee, extending around thigh, immediately above patella ; pain as if limb was severely grasped.
Bruised sensation in calves and thighs.
Cold feet in evening.
(OBS :) Ischias.
REST. POSITION. MOTION [35]
Lying down : pain in thigh.
On sitting down : as if a ball was pressing against perineum ; urging to urinate <.
Writing : aching below right hypochondrium.
Exertion : < toothache.
NERVES [36]
Inward trembling without mental disturbance. θ Toothache.
Strength improved. θ Liver complaint.
(OBS :) Torpor and debility with kidney affection.
Hysteria.
SLEEP [37]
Would have slept well if he had not been constantly waked by calls to make water. θ Vesical irritability.
Great drowsiness.
Sleeps with open mouth, cannot close the jaws. θ Toothache.
TIME [38]
At night : cannot close teeth.
Worse in evening.
TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER [39]
Temperature and Weather
Worse in damp weather.
Shivering after washing with cold water.
Cold water : > toothache.
From sitting on a cold, wet stone : acute prostitis.
FEVER [40]
Great heat, irritation and redness, followed by such sharp pain that profuse sweat over whole body ensued.
Hectic fever and night sweats. θ Cystitis, or renal disease.
Flushing of cheeks, with some general heat and accelerated pulse.
(OBS :) Intermittent or low fevers, typhus.
ATTACKS, PERIODICITY [41]
Every third day, constipated stool.
Every hour : desire to urinate.
LOCALITY AND DIRECTION [42]
Left : pain in frontal protuberance ; stabbing or shooting pain in eyeball ; itching of eye ; stinging in eye ; pain in superior maxillary bone ; pain in rectum and anus ; lumps in breast ; pain in arm ; pain in knee.
Right : pain in ear ; pain from upper teeth into eye ; aching below hypochondrium ; tumor in breast ; pain in side ; pain in arm ; pain in thigh.
Right to left : sudden stitch in eyes.
SENSATIONS [43]
As if tooth was being gently pulled ; as if a ball was pressing against perineum ; as if sitting on a ball ; as if something was fluttering within small of back ; as if limb was severely grasped.
Pain : in left frontal protuberance ; in eyes ; in right ear ; at lower edge of zygomatic process of left superior maxillary bone ; continuous in upper teeth ; extending into right eye ; in region of kidneys ; in perineum in right side ; in
arms.
Sharp pain : in tumor and axillæ.
Stitch : in front part of both eyes from right to left.
Stabbing : in left eyeball.
Cutting, scalding pain : during urination.
Sticking : in left side of rectum.
Shooting : in left eyeball ; in left side of anus.
Stinging : in left eye ; in ulcer ; in swelling of arm.
Burning, pricking pain : during emission of urine.
Burning : in urethra.
Smarting : of edges of lids and inside of lids ; of tongue ; from neck of bladder to meatus.
Soreness : of palate ; of tongue ; in perineum.
Bruised sensation : in calves and thighs.
Rawness : of upper and back part of palate.
Aching : below right hypochondrium.
Dull pains : under middle of sternum.
Acute rheumatism : of shoulder.
An opening and shutting pain, slow pulsatory : in middle of anterior part of right thigh.
Drawing : in an upper and lower tooth.
Griping : after stool.
Pressing fulness : in region of bladder.
Stiffness : in jaws.
Crawling : in ulcer.
Agreeable sensation : in stomach.
Itching : of edges of eyelids and inside of lids ; of left eye ; of urethra.
Swelling : in perineum.
TISSUES [44]
Acts in a very prominent degree on the kidneys.
Abnormal elimination of solid matters in the urine, with atrophy of glandular structures.
Dropsy from renal diseases.
Anasarca and ascites following intermittents.
Glandular enlargement, especially of lymphatics ; enlargement of mesenteric glands. θ Scrofulosis.
Scrofula, with ulcers of an indolent or flabby character.
Tumors in mamma.
Useful in scrofula and chronic, rheumatic, and nephritic affections.
In strangury, chronic gonorrhœa, and catarrh of bladder ; as antilithic, it is said to diminish lithic acid in urine.
In dropsy it is better adapted to cases accompanied by weakness and loss of appetite.
Enlargement of lymphatic glands in neck.
Enlarged lymphatic and mesenteric glands.
TOUCH. PASSIVE MOTION. INJURIES [45]
Pressure : maxillary bone sore ; right thigh tender.
SKIN [46]
Redness, vesication, or desquamation of skin.
(OBS :) Ulcers of an indolent and flabby character.
(OBS :) Malignant ulcers.
Ulcer, discharging yellowish ichor.
Crawling and stinging in ulcer.
Jaundice and dropsy.
Eruption of dark red spots without sensation.
Anasarca following intermittents.
(OBS :) Scarlet fever.
STAGE OF LIFE, CONSTITUTION [47]
Cachectic and scrofulous individuals.
Broken down constitutions in intemperate subjects ; abdominal and renal dropsies.
A woman, æt. 21 ; cancer of breast.
Woman, æt. 26 ; in a cachectic condition, menses always scant ; scirrhous tumor of breast ; the mother of patient had also had scirrhous tumor of breast, necessitating extirpation of gland.
Plethoric, hysterical young woman ; dysuria.
Married lady, æt. 34, suffering formerly from uterine troubles ; obstinate vesical irritability.
A man, æt. 38 ; stricture of urethra.
Sir James C. ; organic disease of liver with ascites.
Old gentleman ; suffered for years with "the gravel," so called by his physicians.
RELATIONS [48]
Compare : Apocynum ; ( Chimoph . cured ascites and swelling of legs, where Apoc . had been of benefit but did not cure), Coffea
( Chimoph . cured toothache, relieved by cold water, when Coffea failed), Ledum, Rhodod . and Kalmia , all Ericaceæ.
(OBS :) Recommended as a substitute for Uva ursi .