Opium
Overview:
Opium is a long acting, constitutional, polychrest medicine. Hahnemann remarked that, ‘No medicine in the world has done more harm (with preliminary apparent relief) than this Opium.
Hahnemann distinguished the primary effects of the drugs from the secondary ones and was of the opinion that the primary action of drugs is to be recognised for homeopathic prescriptions and not the secondary effects.
The word ‘papaver’ is derived from the word ‘pap’ because it was used with pap and given to children.
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O
O – Obtunded & Over-excited
Description:
Complete insensibility and dullness of the mind and of all the senses. [4]
Sleeplessness, with acuteness of hearing [2]
References:
Hahnemann, S. (Materia Medica Pura)
Allen, H.C. (Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons)
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T
U
P
O
R
S
S – Sopor & Sleeplessness
Description:
Heavy, deep sleep; sopor. [1]
Sleeplessness, with acuteness of hearing; the striking of a clock in the neighborhood, or the crowing of cocks at a distance, keeps him awake. [2]
References:
Boericke, W. (Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
Allen, H.C. (Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons)
T
T – Torpor & Lack of Reaction
Description:
Want of susceptibility to remedies; the patient does not react. [3]
Ailments from fright, the fear of the fright remaining. [1]
References:
Kent, J.T. (Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
Boericke, W. (Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
U
U – Unconsciousness & Coma
Description:
Complete loss of consciousness; apoplexy. [1]
Face is purple, bloated and swollen. [3]
References:
Boericke, W. (Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
Kent, J.T. (Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
P
P – Painlessness
Description:
Painless conditions that ought to be painful. [3]
Stupor, and entire want of pain. [4]
References:
Kent, J.T. (Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
Hahnemann, S. (Materia Medica Pura)
O
O – Obstinate Constipation
Description:
Constipation from inaction or paresis of the intestines. No desire to go to stool. [1]
The stools are composed of little, hard, dry, black balls. [2]
References:
Boericke, W. (Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
Allen, H.C. (Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons)
R
R – Respiratory Arrest
Description:
Breathing deep, slow, stertorous; rattling-apoplectic. [2]
Breathing stops on falling asleep; has to be shaken to start it again. [3]
Referrences:
Allen, H.C. (Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons)
Kent, J.T. (Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
Introduction
Constitution
Clinical
Mental Symptoms
Guiding Symptoms
Characteristic
Therapeutic Value
Modality
Remedy Relationship
Dose
Terminology
Reference
Also Search As
Introduction
Introduction of Opium
Common name:
Poppy
Synonyms:
Papaver somniferum
Family / Group / Class / Order:
Papaveraceae
Habit and habitat / Description:
It is an annual plant which flowers in February.
The root is white with several strong fibres. The stem is up right. The leaves are alternate, large, wavy and irregularly lobed. The flowers are large.
The whole plant is glaucous and smooth except the flower stalks. It is found in turkey, persia, india,
europe, great Britain, etc.
Name of prover:
Dr Hahnemann in 1805
Introduction and history:
Opium is a long acting, constitutional, polychrest medicine. Hahnemann remarked that, ‘No medicine in the world has done more harm (with preliminary apparent relief) than this Opium.
Hahnemann distinguished the primary effects of the drugs from the secondary ones and was of
the opinion that the primary action of drugs is to be recognised for homeopathic prescriptions and not the secondary effects.
One of the most notable features
of the remedy revealed in its primary symptoms is painlessness associated with all complaints. But, Opium as proved by Hahnemann has in its pathogenesis symptoms characterised by severe pains.
followers of Hahnemann make no
distinction between the primary and secondary effects of drugs, provided that they are produced by potencies. Hence, the distinction between the early and the last effects of drugs is what maybe called as distinction without a difference. Opium is the Latin name.
The word ‘papaver’ is derived from the word ‘pap’ because it was used with pap and given to children. The word ‘somniferum’ means induce the sleep. In ancient days, its juice was given to children to induce
sleep which has carried thousands to the grave.
The meaning of ‘pap’ is soft food
for infants or a nipple. The medical properties of Opium were known before the Christian era.
Doctrine of signature:
The poppy capsule holds its numerous seeds tightly, not releasing them easily. They are effectively retained within the pod.
Indication: This is a clear signature for Opium’s famous constipation, which is characterized by the complete inactivity of the bowels and retention of stool with no urge to pass it.
Parts used:
The fresh roots are gathered before the fruit is ripe for the preparation of the mother tincture.
Active principles:
It mainly contains about twenty five alkaloids like morphine, apomorphine, narcotine, papaverine, codeine, iodine, ethyl morphine, nalorphine, heroine, hydromorphine, hydrocodeine, oxymorphone, etc.
Preparation:
Mother tincture is prepared from the exudation. Higher potencies are prepared from the tincture.
Constitution
Constitution of Opium
Physical make up:
light hair, lax muscles and want of physical irritability. [5]
Temperament:
Nervous [5]
Diathesis:
Nervous [3]
Relation with heat & cold:
Affected by extremes of both heat and cold. [5]
Miasm:
Psora and Syphilis is the background. [5]
Clinical
Clinical conditions of Opium
Apoplexy, Brain affections, Colic, Constipation, Effects of marasmus, Epilepsy, Paralysis, Sleeplessness, Sunstroke, Typhoid, Urinary
complaints, etc [5]
Sites of action / Pharmacodynamics:
Mind, senses, nerves, lungs,
digestive tract, mucous membranes, skin, urinary tract, respiratory tract, etc. [5]
Causation (Causes / Ailments from):
Fright, anger, fear, sudden joy, shame, sun, lead, charcoal
fumes, alcohol, inhaling gas. [5]
Physiological action:
Painlessness with almost all complains. Complains of nothing,
asks for nothing.
Relaxation of all muscles; like that of the face, so that the lower lip and jaw hang down. Diminished sexual desire and impotence. Involuntary stools. [5]
Patho-physiological changes / Pathogenesis
Opium belongs to the category of hypnotic sedatives and analgesics in which the action is mainly due to morphine. Morphine is a potent analgesic. Due to its central narcotic effects, it causes addiction, hence, it is given only in severe pains
Morphine has a bi-phasic action on the central nervous system. It sedates the cerebrum and has a mixed effect of stimulation and sedation on the medulla. In the medulla, it sedates the respiratory centre, emetic centre and the cough reflex.
It also stimulates the chemo-receptor trigger zone in the medulla, which
leads to nausea and vomiting. This is considered as a side effect. [5]
Mental Symptoms
Characteristic Mental Symptoms (psychology) of Opium
Feels body parts are enormous.
Deep coma with glassy, half-closed eyes and a pale face.
Complains of nothing, wants nothing.
Delirious with open eyes; persistent delusion of not being home.
Visions of approaching animals; dullness of mind.
Deep, drunken stupor with burning dry eyes; apoplectic state.
Delirious and talkative, especially when disturbed.
Bed feels intolerably hot; constantly seeks a cool spot.
Highly sensitive to sound, light, and faint odors.
Screams before or during spasms.
Picks at bedclothes while sleeping.
Frightful yet daring fancies; unaware of his own suffering.
Careless yet anxious and easily alarmed.
Sees mice or scorpions and wants to escape.
Guiding Symptoms
Guiding Symptoms of Opium
Generalities:
Stupor and profound coma, with irregular, stertorous respiration; contracted pupils.
Pulse slow and feeble, skin cool and moist; finally failure of respiration.
Rarely delirium and convulsions.
Diminished secretions, obstinate constipation, retention of urine; reflex irritability increased, then lost.
Tremblings, twitchings, convulsions, often with terrible pains; with groaning, screaming and biting; difficult irregular respiration; paroxysmal.
[6]
Head:
Vertigo; LIGHTNESS OF HEAD IN OLD PEOPLE. Dull, heavy.
Delirium. Vertigo after fright. Pain in back of head; great weight there.
Bursting feeling.
Complete insensibility; no mental grasp for anything. Paralysis of brain. [1]
Eye:
Half-closed, dilated; pupils insensible, CONTRACTED. Ptosis.
Staring, glassy. [1]
Ears:
Acuteness of hearing. Clocks striking at a great distance keeps her awake. [7]
Nose:
Loss of smell. [8]
Face:
Dark, turgid, *sweaty or hot red or pale red alternately.
Besotted. Corners of the mouth twitch.
Trembling, twitching of the muscles of face, *old look; after cholera infantum; of a suckling three or four weeks old.
Hanging down of lower jaw. Lock-jaw. Lips swollen, protruding. [8]
Mouth:
Tongue; paralyzed; protrudes to right side; black, dry, difficult speech.
Bloody froth.
Dry mouth. [8]
Throat:
Dry.
Inability to swallow.
On swallowing food either goes the wrong way or returns through the nose. [8]
Stomach:
Hungry; but no desire to eat.
Vomiting; in peritonitis; of faecal matter, of urine.
Very thirsty.
Retching from emotions. [8]
Abdomen:
Hard, tympanitic. As of a weight in abdomen.
Bowels feel completely obstructed. *Paralytic atony of bowels; after laparotomy. Lead colic. Incarcerated umbilical or inguinal hernia.
Obstinate constipation.
Stools of hard black balls. Bloody mucus oozes from open anus.
Retention of stools from ileus. Stools involuntary; after fright.
Violent pain in rectum as if pressed asunder.
Difficult emission of flatus. Intestinal spasms, child cries day and night.[2]
Rectum & Anus, Stool:
Obstructed evacuation; stools resemble hard, round, black balls, and are voided in succession; evacuation obstructed from indurated feces. [2]
Urinary Organ:
The expulsive power of the bladder becomes paralyzed, and extensive calculi form in the bladder.
Paralytic incontinence of urine from irritation of the lower portion of the spine; solids greatly increased.
Nocturnal enuresis; urinates very often; bloody urine [9]
Sexual Organ:
Female
Suppressed menses from fright.
Cessation of labor-pains with coma and twitchings.
Puerperal convulsions; drowsiness or coma between paroxysms.
Threatened abortion and suppression of lochia, from fright with sopor.
Horrible labor-like pains in uterus, with urging to stool. [1]
Male:
Excitement of the Sexual organs and violent erections; or impotence. [10]
Respiratory System:
Hoarseness, with dry Mouth and throat and white tongue.
Difficult, intermitting breathing, as from paralysis of the lungs
Pneumonia notha.
Rattling breathing.
Deep snoring breathing, with open mouth.
Tension and constriction of the chest.
Suffocative attacks during sleep, like nightmare.
Cough, with dyspnoea and blue face.
Cough, with frothy expectoration of blood and mucus.
Heat in the chest.
Burning about the heart. [10]
Heart & Pulse:
PULSE SLOW
WITH SLOW, STERTOROUS RESPIRATION
RED, DISTENDED FACE AND SWEAT ON THE FACE WITH CONVULSIONS. [1]
Neck & Back:
Pulsating arteries and swollen veins on the neck.
The back is (spasmodically) bent backwards. [10]
Extremities:
Twitching and spasmodic movements of the arm & Legs.
Paralysis of the arms.
Distended veins on the hands. [10]
Skin:
Dropsical swelling of the whole body.
Redness and itching of the skin.
Blue spots on the skin. [10]
Sleep:
Drowsiness, great inclination to sleep; dreams, and cannot be roused.
Coma vigil.
Stupefying, unrefreshing sleep.
Stupefying sleep, with the eyes half open and snoring.
During sleep, picking of bed-clothes (floccilegium); groaning; voluptuous dreams. [10]
Fever:
Intermittent fever; first shaking chill, afterwards heat with sleep, during which he perspires much.
Falling asleep during the cold stage and no thirst; during the hot stage thirst and general copious perspiration.
Fever with stupor; snoring with the mouth open; twitches through the limbs and perspiration on the hot body.
Fever with sopor. [10]
Characteristic
Important characteristic features of Opium
Keynotes / Redline:
Painlessness with almost all complaints.
All complaints are accompanied by heavy,comatose sleep.
Lack of vital reaction with want of susceptibility to the action of medicines.
Obstinate constipation with stools of round, hard, black balls.
Checks all secretions of body except skin. Sweaty, hot perspiration.
Fears; after fright, which remains.
Breathing stops on going to sleep; must be shaken to start it again. Rattling, unequal, stertorous breathing. [11]
Guiding:
Painlesssness
Stupor (Sopor)
Lack of Vital Reaction
Obstinate Constipation
Respiratory Arrest
Confirmatory:
Painlessness of normally painful complaints.
Lack of vital reaction with want of susceptibility to the indicated remedies.
All complaints are accompanied by sopor.
Fears; after fright; which remains. [11]
Nucleus symptoms:
Sleepiness.
Painlessness.
Stertorous, rattling breathing.
Hot, sweaty skin.
Paralysis; painless of bowels, brain, tongue.
Constitutional liars.
Insensibility of nervous system.
Lack of vital reaction. [11]
Therapeutic Value
Therapeutic Value of Opium
Apoplexy, Brain affections, Colic, Constipation, Effects of marasmus, Epilepsy, Paralysis, Sleeplessness, Sunstroke, Typhoid, Urinary
complaints, etc. [5]
Modality
Modality of Opium
Aggravation:
From heat, hot bath, during and after sleep, from stimulants, fright, joy. [5]
Amelioration:
Cold, uncovering, constant walking. [5]
Remedy Relationship
Remedy Relationship of Opium
Complimentary:
Acon, Ant-t, Bell, Bry, Hyos, Nux-m, Nux-v. [11]
Follows Well:
Bry, Hyos, Nux-m, Nux-v. [11]
Inimical:
Ant-t, Bell, Dig, Lach, Merc, Nux-v, Plb, Stram, Strych. [11]
Antidoted By:
Arg-n, Bell, Camph, Cham, Ip, Nux-v, Sars, Sulph, Vanil, Vinum. [11]
It Antidotes:
Ant-t, Bell, Dig, Lach, Merc, Nux-v, Plb, Stram, Strych. [11]
Comparison:
Acon, Alum, Ambr, Ant-t, Apis, Apom, Arn, Ars, Bar-c, Bell, Bov, Bry, Calc, Cann-i, Carb-v, Cham, Chel, Chic, Chloral, Cod, Coff, Colch, Croc, Cup, Dros, Gels, Graph, Grin, Hell, Hyos, Ign, Ip, Lach, Lachn, Lauro, Lyc, Mill, Morph [11]
Dose
Dose of Opium
Low to high potencies. [5]
Potency:
3x, 6x, 12x, 30, 200, 1000. [5]
Duration of Action:
40 Days [11]
Terminology
Terminology of Opium
Core Homeopathic Concepts
Constitutional Remedy:
A deep-acting medicine that corresponds to a person’s overall physical, mental, and emotional makeup (their "constitution"), not just a single symptom.
Polychrest:
A remedy that has been proven to have a very broad range of action, making it useful for many different diseases and symptoms. The word means "for many uses."
Materia Medica:
A collection of information on homeopathic remedies, detailing the symptoms they produce in provings and can therefore cure. It’s the encyclopedia of homeopathic drugs.
Prover / Proving:
A "proving" is a systematic process where a substance is given to healthy volunteers (called "provers") to see what symptoms it produces. These symptoms form the basis of the remedy’s entry in the Materia Medica.
Primary & Secondary Effects:
A Hahnemannian concept where the Primary Effect is the initial, direct impact of a drug on the body. The Secondary Effect is the body’s reaction or counter-effect to the primary action. Homeopathy primarily uses the primary effects for prescription.
Mother Tincture:
The original, standardized alcoholic extract prepared from a raw substance (like a plant or mineral) from which homeopathic potencies are made. It is denoted by the symbol .
Potency:
The strength of a homeopathic remedy, determined by how many times it has been serially diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously). Examples include 30c, 200c, etc.
Diathesis:
An inherited constitutional predisposition or tendency to suffer from a particular type of disease (e.g., a rheumatic diathesis is a tendency for joint problems).
Miasm:
A deep, inherited disease tendency that influences a person’s health throughout their life. The primary miasms are Psora, Sycosis, and Syphilis. Think of it as an underlying "disease blueprint."
Causation (Ailments from):
The specific trigger or event that caused the health complaint to begin (e.g., ailments from fright, anger, or sun exposure).
Modalities (Aggravation & Amelioration):
Factors or circumstances that make a person’s symptoms noticeably worse (Aggravation) or better (Amelioration). For example, worse from heat, better from cold.
Medical & Descriptive Terms
Apoplexy:
A stroke; a sudden loss of consciousness and bodily function resulting from a rupture or blockage of a blood vessel in the brain.
Marasmus:
Severe malnutrition and wasting, especially in children, giving them a "dried, old man" appearance.
Paresis / Atony:
Partial paralysis or profound muscular weakness. Atony refers to a lack of normal muscle tone.
Puerperal:
Relating to the period immediately after childbirth.
Stertorous:
Describes a type of breathing that is very noisy and snoring, often due to obstruction in the air passages. It’s a key symptom of Opium.
Trismus:
Spasm of the jaw muscles, causing the mouth to be held tightly closed (lockjaw).
Ptosis:
Drooping of the upper eyelid.
Tympanitic:
A state where the abdomen is swollen and resonant when tapped, usually due to being filled with gas.
Floccilegium:
A delirious symptom where the patient picks at their bedclothes or the air, as if trying to catch imaginary objects.
Strange: Symptoms that are out of the ordinary for the patient.
Reference
References of Opium
- Boericke, W. (Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
- Allen, H.C. (Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons)
- Kent, J.T. (Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica)
- Hahnemann, S. (Materia Medica Pura)
- Textbook of homoeopathic materia medica by Dr. J. D. Patil
- A Primer Of Materia Medica By T. F. Allen.
- Concise Materia Medica Of Hom. Remedies By S.R. Phatak
- Concise Materia Medica Of Hom. Remedies By S.R. Phatak
- Physiological Materia Medica By William H. Burt
- Text Book Of Materia Medica By Adolph Von Lippe
- Zomeo Ultimate pro lan
Also Search As
Also Search As of Opium
Here are the common search terms and questions people use to find information about homeopathic Opium, categorized by their intent.
General & Broad Search
These are used by people looking for a general overview of the remedy.
homeopathic medicine Opium
Opium materia medica
Opium homeopathy uses
Papaver somniferum homeopathic remedy
Opium 30c uses
homeopathy Opium profile
Symptom-Specific Searches
These are used by people looking for a solution to a specific problem.
homeopathic remedy for constipation with no urge
homeopathy for stupor and unconsciousness
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homeopathy for effects of fright or shock
remedy for snoring and stopping breathing during sleep
homeopathic medicine for paralytic ileus
Opium for sleeplessness with acute hearing
In-Depth & Student Searches
These are used by students and practitioners looking for detailed information.
Opium guiding symptoms
Keynote symptoms
mental symptoms of Opium homeopathy
Modalities aggravation amelioration
Opium diathesis and miasm
Opium remedy relationship and comparison
Doctrine of Signatures for Opium
Natural Language" Question Searches
These are common in voice search and modern search engines.
What is homeopathic Opium used for?
Can homeopathy help with paralytic constipation?
Which remedy is for shock with unconsciousness?
What are the main symptoms of the homeopathic remedy Opium?
Is Opium a good remedy for the effects of fear?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is homeopathic Opium primarily used for?
Primary Indications
Homeopathic Opium is primarily used for conditions marked by a profound lack of reaction, stupor, and unconsciousness.
Key Conditions
It addresses ailments from shock or fright, painlesssness of normally painful conditions, severe constipation from intestinal inactivity, and slow, heavy, stertorous breathing.
What are the most important guiding symptoms of Opium?
Painlesssness
This is a key symptom, referring to the complete lack of pain in conditions that should be extremely painful.
Stupor (Sopor)
This describes an extremely deep, heavy sleep where the person cannot be aroused.
Lack of Reaction
The body fails to respond to external stimuli or even well-selected homeopathic remedies.
Obstinate Constipation
This is a severe constipation with no desire for stool, often with hard, black, round stools.
Ailments from Fright
This applies to conditions that develop after a significant shock or frightening event.
How does Opium help with constipation?
Type of Constipation
Opium is indicated for a specific type of paralytic constipation. It is used when the intestines are inactive (paretic), leading to a complete lack of urge or desire to pass stool.
Stool Characteristics
The resulting stool is typically very hard, dry, and formed into black balls.
What mental symptoms suggest the need for Opium?
States of Consciousness
Mentally, Opium is indicated for conditions ranging from complete unconsciousness and mental dullness to a delirious state with vivid, frightening visions (phantasmagoria).
Emotional Cause
It is a key remedy for the long-lasting effects of fear, where the memory and expression of the fright remain.
What is the diathesis or constitutional tendency of Opium?
Apoplectic Diathesis
This describes a constitutional predisposition to strokes and sudden cerebral congestion.
Torpid or Paretic Diathesis
This refers to a constitutional sluggishness, non-reactivity, and a tendency toward the paralysis of bodily functions.
What are the fever symptoms of Opium?
Body Temperature and State
The fever is characterized by intense, burning heat all over the body, often while the patient is in a stupor. Despite radiating heat, the patient may not complain of feeling hot.
Sweat Pattern
A key feature is profuse, hot sweat on the entire body, except for the lower legs and feet, which remain cold and dry.
Mental State During Fever
The patient is typically in a deep, drowsy, or comatose sleep with loud, snoring (stertorous) breathing.
What are Opium's key respiratory symptoms?
Body Temperature and State
The fever is characterized by intense, burning heat all over the body, often while the patient is in a stupor. Despite radiating heat, the patient may not complain of feeling hot.
Sweat Pattern
A key feature is profuse, hot sweat on the entire body, except for the lower legs and feet, which remain cold and dry.
Mental State During Fever
The patient is typically in a deep, drowsy, or comatose sleep with loud, snoring (stertorous) breathing.
What are the modalities of Opium (what makes symptoms better or worse)?
Aggravation (Symptoms are Worse)
Symptoms are generally worse from heat, during and after sleep (especially breathing), and from stimulants like alcohol.
Amelioration (Symptoms are Better)
The patient and their symptoms are often better from cold things, applying cold, and from constant walking.
How is Opium different from Arnica after an injury or shock?
Opium
Indicated for shock that results in a stuporous, comatose state. The patient is unresponsive, breathing is slow and snoring, and the face is dusky red. There is a remarkable lack of pain where severe pain would be expected.
Arnica Montana
Indicated for shock with a state of bruised soreness and hypersensitivity. The patient is conscious but may be restless, insists they are fine, and does not want to be touched or approached. Pain is a very prominent feature.
What does the "Doctrine of Signatures" suggest for Opium?
The Poppy Head
The poppy seed capsule resembles a human head, pointing to Opium’s strong action on the brain, consciousness, and central nervous system.
The Narcotic Juice
The milky latex (crude opium) is a powerful narcotic, which signifies the remedy’s ability to cause and therefore treat conditions of stupor, coma, and painlessness.
The Retained Seeds
The capsule holds its seeds tightly, a clear signature for the obstinate constipation with no urge that is a keynote symptom of Opium.
