Bovista

Introduction

Common name: 

Puffball[1]

Family / Group / Class / Order

Fungi kingdom

Habit and habitat / Description

Bovista Lycoperdon, derived from the common Puffball mushroom, is a homeopathic remedy primarily recognized for its association with conditions involving a sense of puffiness, bloating, or distension, mirroring the nature of its source. It is often considered in homeopathy for individuals experiencing marked abdominal bloating and gas, alongside a characteristic awkwardness or clumsiness which might manifest as frequently dropping things or stumbling. Furthermore, Bovista holds relevance in addressing certain hemorrhagic tendencies, such as easy bruising or intermenstrual bleeding, and can also be indicated for specific skin complaints and sensations of enlargement, particularly of the head or hands.

Name of prover

HARTLAUB

Introduction and history

This drug with a limited sphere of curative
action is obtained from a globular fungus. It is eaten
in Italy before it is ripe, and when ripe, it becomes filled with a blackish dust that breaks its husk with
a slight noise. Corresponding to this doctrine ofsi
gnature, bloatedness, puffy condition of the body
surface, signs of enlargement, flatulence, distentionand noisy passage of flatus are the leading features of Bovista PATHOGENESIS is.

Preparation

Bovista, a homeopathic remedy, originates from the fresh spores of puffball fungi like Bovista nigrescens. The preparation begins with the collection of these spores, which are then macerated in an alcohol-water mixture to create the mother tincture (Ø or Q). This mother tincture undergoes serial dilution, typically on the centesimal (C) or decimal (X) scale, where a fraction of the previous dilution is mixed with a larger portion of the menstruum. Crucially, each dilution step is followed by vigorous shaking, termed succussion or dynamization. This process of dilution and succussion is repeated to achieve the desired potency (e.g., 6C, 30C). Finally, these liquid potencies are usually used to saturate inert sugar globules, which are then dispensed as the homeopathic medicine Bovista. This potentization process is fundamental to harnessing the therapeutic properties of the original substance in homeopathy.

Constitution of Bovista

Physical make up

Adapted to old maids who suffer from tettery type of eruptions.

Temperament

Nervous[2]

Diathesis

Dyscratic diathesis.

Relation with heat & cold

Very hot patient

Miasm

Sycosis

Clinical conditions

Coccyx, itching of. Corns. Cysts. Diabetes. Diarrhoea. Ear, eczema of. Eczema. Ganglion. Gleet. Haemorrhages. Hemorrhagic diathesis. Headache. Heart, affections of. Jaundice. Joints, affections of. Menstruation, disordered. Metrorrhagia. Ovaries, affections of. Rheumatic affections. Stammering. Tongue, ulcerated. Tumors. Urticaria. Warts. Whitlow. Wounds.[3]

Sites of action / Pharmacodynamics

With a limited sphere of action on the female uro-genital systems, abdomen, blood and skin, the drug has earned unlimited name and fame.

Patho-physiological changes / Pathogenesis

It produces moist vesicular eruptions with formation of thick crusts. It relaxes the
entire capillary system leading to haemorrhage from various outlets. Loose stool and vomiting are the effects when it produces inflammation of gastro-intestinal tract. On the
skin it causes warts and corns.

Characteristic Mental Symptoms (psychology) of Bovista

Dejection and sadness, when alone.-Placid melancholy, with inquietude and sombre thoughts.-Sad, depressed, and desponding.-Great sensitiveness; irritable, takes everything amiss.-Great loquacity and unreserved conversation.-Weakness of memory.-Absence of mind.-Awkwardness; allowing everything that is taken hold of to fall.-Misapplication of words in speaking and writing.-Laughs and cries alternately.

Guiding Symptoms

Generalities

Has a marked effect on the skin, producing eruption like eczema, also upon the circulation, predisposing to haemorrhages; marked languor and lassitude. Adapted to stammering children, old maids with palpitation; and "tettery" patients. Stage of numbness and tingling in multiple neuritis. Asphyxia due to charcoal fumes.[4]

Head

Sensation AS IF HEAD WERE ENLARGING, especially of occiput. Distensive headache; worse early morning, open air, lying. Discharge from nose STRINGY, tough. Dull, bruised pain in brain. STAMMERING [Stram.; Merc.] Scalp itches; worse, warmth; sensitive; must scratch until sore.

Eye

Objects seem to be nearer than they really are. Staring at one point. Loss of vision from paralysis of optic nerve.[5]

Ears

Boil in right ear, with pain worse swallowing. Discharge of foetid pus. Hearing indistinct, misunderstands much that is spoken.

Nose

Stringy, tough discharge from nose. Nose stopped up; cannot breathe, worse lying down. Scurfs and crusts about nostrils. Bleeding early in the morning; (during sleep); few drops escape on sneezing.

Face

Cheeks and lips swollen. Crusts about corners of mouth. Acne worse in summer or use of cosmetics. Twitching of muscles, before asthma. Lips cracked, crusty.

Mouth

Numb. Increases saliva. Gums bleed easily on sucking them. Cutting pain in tongue; before asthma.

Stomach

Sensation as of a lump of ice. Intolerant of tight clothing around waist.

Abdomen

COLIC, with red urine; RELIEVED BY EATING. Must bend double. Pain around umbilicus. Stitches through perineum towards rectum and genitals. Chronic diarrhoea of old people; worse at night and early morning.

Rectum & Anus

Ineffectual urging to stool. Stool hard and difficult. After stool, tenesmus and burning at the anus. Constipation. Hard and compact faeces In the rectum, itching as from worms.

Urinary Organ

Frequent inclination to make water. Frequent desire to urinate, even immediately after urination (diabetes mellitus). In the urethra, stinging, itching, burning, the orifice is inflamed, and feels as if glued up. Pain of ulceration in the urethra on making water.

Sexual Organ

Menses premature and too copious, flow only in the night. Catamenia, too early and too profuse, or too late, too scanty, too short, flowing only at night. Before the catamenia, diarrhoea. Flow of blood during the intervals. Leucorrhoea: a few days before or a few days after menses, while walking, like white of egg, yellow-green, acrid, corrosive, leaving green spots on clothes, thick, slimy, tough. 

Respiratory System

Spasmodic laughing and crying, with asthma. Hoarseness in the morning, and speaking through the nose as from coryza. Scraping and excoriation in the throat, with accumulation of tenacious mucus. Cough, with so viscid and expectoration that it can scarcely be discharged. Dry cough, produced by a tickling in the throat and in the chest.

Heart & Pulse

Beating of the heart, with inquietude, trembling, vertigo, nausea, and headache. Palpitation as if heart working in water. Palpitation accompanies many symptoms. Visible palpitation of heart.

Neck & Back

Sweat of a strong smell under the arm-pits. Swelling of the glands of the neck, with tensive and drawing pains. Pain in the back, with heaviness after stooping. Itching of tip of coccyx.

Extremities

Tingling and numbness in the legs, with inability to stand upright. Shooting in the joints of the knees and of the feet. Strong tension in the calves of the legs, and in the legs, as if the tendons were too short. Cramp in the calves of the legs, in bed, in the morning. Miliary eruption in the legs.

Skin

Skin flabby, blunt instruments leave a deep impression in it. Itching, especially when the body is warm, and of that kind which receives no relief from scratching. Urticaria, covering whole body. Pimples and miliary eruption, with burning itching. Oozing eruptions and with a thick crust, in bends of elbows and knees. Humid tetters. Whitlows. Warts. Violent shootings in corns.

Sleep

Great sleepiness in the morning, and early in the evening. Sleepiness after dinner and early in the evening. Nocturnal sleep, agitated by anxious and frightful dreams.

Fever

Chill after going to bed at night. Shivering, with thirst, even near a fire, and at night in bed. Chilliness and heat, with thirst. Heat with thirst, anguish, agitation, and oppression of the chest. Sweat in the morning, especially on the chest. In the evening, fever with shivering and shuddering in the back, with drawing pains in the abdomen.

Important characteristic features of Bovista

Keynotes / Redline

1. Diarrhoea before and during menses.

2. Menstrual flow only at night.

3. Urticaria on excitement, with diarrhoea or metrorrhagia.

4. Colic > eating, accompanied by red urine.

Guiding

Adapted to old maids with visible palpitation and tremors of hands – nervous and weak jointed. ‘Tettery’ patients.

Generalised PUFFINESS or BLOATED condition of body surface which produces easy INDENTATIONS with blunt instruments, scissors, etc.

Itching eruptions; oozing; form thick crusts or scabs, with pus beneath [Mez].

URTICARIA; ON EXCITEMENT, < bathing < warmth; with diarrhoea or metrorrhagia.

In chronic urticaria, when Rhus-t seems indicated but fails to cure.

Herpes of the lower limbs. Burning vesicular eruptions which become crusted.

Intolerable itching at tip of coccyx; must scratch till part becomes raw and sore.

Of value in METRORRHAGIA, traces of menses between periods from any little overexertion [Ambr]. Blood dark and clotted.

Menstrual flow more at night [Mag-c, Kreos]. Less while moving.

Leucorrhoea after menses, thick, acrid, yellowish-green, leaving green spots on linen.

PQRS

Sensation of Enlargement: A very marked feeling that parts of the body, or the entire body, are greatly enlarged or swollen (e.g., feeling the head is huge, the heart is too large for the chest), even when there’s no visible swelling.
Awkwardness and Clumsiness: A distinct tendency to be clumsy, drop things easily (especially tools like knives or scissors), or stumble, often linked to the sensation of enlarged hands or a general lack of coordination.
Unusual Menstrual Flow: Menstrual bleeding occurs only at night, or perhaps flows more between the periods than during them. Diarrhea often occurs before and during the menses.
Marked Bloating and 

Confirmatory

– Awkwardness.

– Haemorrhagic diathesis.

– Tough, stringy, tenacious discharges.

– Generalised puffiness or bloated sensation.

– Enlarged or swollen sensation.

Nucleus symptoms

– Awkwardness.

– Haemorrhagic diathesis.

– Tough, stringy, tenacious discharges.

– Generalised puffiness or bloated sensation.

– Enlarged or swollen sensation.

Therapeutic Value

-Allergy, Herpes, Infertility, Premenstrual syndrome, Vaginitis, Urticaria.

-It antidotes effects of local application of tar, of cosmetics and suffocation from gas – Dr. H.C. Allen.[6]

Modality of Bovista

Aggravation

• Menses; before and during
  Wine
  Full moon
  Coffee
  Hot weather
  Night
  Getting warm
  Early morning
  Cold food
  On waking

Amelioration

• Bending double
  Hot food
  Eating
  Daytime

Remedy Relationship of Bovista

Follows Well

Gale., Rhus tox., Sepia.

Antidoted By

Camphor

It Antidotes

Effects of tar applled locally.

Comparison

Ambr, Am-c, Ars, Aur, Bell, Bry, Bufo, Calc, Carb-v, Caust, Coloc, Kali-c, Lyc, Merc, Nat- m, Phos, Puls, Rhus-t, Sec, Sep, Sil, Spig, Staph, Stram, Stront, Sulph, Ust, Valer, Verat, Zinc

Dose

Third to sixth potency.

Potency

30C

Duration of Action

7-14 days

Terminologies of Bovista

Main terms

Easy Bruising (Ecchymosis)

This refers to the marked tendency of individuals needing Bovista to develop bruises from very slight pressure or injury. The capillaries seem fragile, leading to extravasation of blood into the tissues.

Painless Swelling

A characteristic of Bovista is swelling, often of the extremities like hands and feet, that occurs without any accompanying pain or tenderness. This suggests a lymphatic or venous stasis rather than inflammation.

Vacillating Symptoms: This describes the tendency for the symptoms of a Bovista patient to be changeable and inconsistent. Complaints might appear suddenly, disappear, and then reappear, or be replaced by entirely different symptoms.

Clumsiness/Awkwardness

 Individuals who might benefit from Bovista often exhibit a peculiar clumsiness, dropping things easily or having a lack of coordination in their movements. This isn’t necessarily due to weakness but more a neuromuscular incoordination.

Throbbing Headache

Headaches associated with Bovista are frequently described as throbbing or pulsating in nature. These headaches can be aggravated by warmth and may have other specific modalities.

Indecisiveness

On a mental level, Bovista is linked with a state of uncertainty and difficulty in making decisions, even about simple matters. This mental wavering is a notable aspect of the remedy’s psychological profile.

Oversensitivity

A general heightened sensitivity to various stimuli, both physical (like tight clothing or touch) and emotional (being easily startled or affected by external events), can be a guiding feature for Bovista.

Menses Profuse

In the female sphere, Bovista is often indicated for profuse menstrual bleeding, sometimes with dark, clotted blood. The timing and associated symptoms during menses are important considerations.

Flatulence

Digestive issues with excessive flatulence, often offensive, can be part of the Bovista picture. The characteristics of the gas (smell, timing, relief) are noted.

Modalities

These are factors that make the symptoms better or worse (e.g., aggravated by warmth, better by cold, worse in the morning). Understanding the modalities associated with Bovista‘s symptoms is crucial for accurate prescribing.

Other Terms

Proving

This refers to the systematic testing of a homeopathic substance (like Bovista) on healthy human volunteers. The provers meticulously record all the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms they experience. These recorded symptoms form the basis of the remedy’s "drug picture." An article on Bovista would likely discuss the key symptoms that emerged during its proving.

Drug Picture

This is the complete collection of symptoms that Bovista is known to produce based on its provings and clinical experience. The article would detail the characteristic aspects of this picture, such as easy bruising, painless swelling, and mental indecisiveness.

Guiding Symptoms (Keynotes)

These are the most distinctive, peculiar, and reliable symptoms that strongly point towards the use of Bovista. An article would emphasize these "must-have" symptoms that help differentiate Bovista from other remedies. Examples for Bovista include the easy bruising from slight pressure and painless swelling of extremities.

Modalities

These are conditions or factors that make the symptoms of Bovista better or worse. The article would likely list important modalities, such as aggravation from warmth or relief in certain positions. Understanding these helps in matching the remedy to the patient’s specific experience of their symptoms.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms

A comprehensive article would explore the characteristic mental and emotional states associated with Bovista, such as indecisiveness, anxiety, or feelings of awkwardness. These are crucial for a holistic prescription.

Physical Generals

These are symptoms that affect the whole body, such as a general feeling of heaviness, fatigue, or specific reactions to temperature. The article might discuss general physical characteristics observed in individuals who respond well to Bovista.

Particular Symptoms

These are symptoms specific to certain parts of the body. For Bovista, this could include details about headaches (throbbing), skin issues (easy bruising), or menstrual complaints (profuse flow).

Differential Diagnosis

An article might discuss how Bovista compares to other homeopathic remedies with similar symptoms (e.g., Arnica for bruising, but the cause and other accompanying symptoms would differ). This helps practitioners choose the most appropriate remedy.

Clinical Applications

The article might outline the conditions or situations where Bovista has been found to be clinically effective based on homeopathic practice. This could include specific types of headaches, skin issues, or menstrual problems where the characteristic Bovista symptoms are present.

Potency

While not a symptom, the article might touch upon the potencies (dilutions) of Bovista that are commonly used and in what situations certain potencies might be preferred.

Reference

1.Allen’s keynotes

2. Materia medica by Dr.S.K.Dube

3.Dictionary Of Practical Materia Medica (All 3 Vol.) By Clarke J. H.

4.Materia medica by Dr.Boericke

5.Concise Materia Medica Of Hom. Remedies By S.R. Phatak

6.Zomeo

Also search as of Bovista

1. Using General Internet Search Engines:

Specific Keywords:

Use targeted keywords like:

"Homeopathic materia medica Bovista"

"Bovista homeopathic remedy description"

"Bovista proving symptoms"

"Clinical uses of Bovista homeopathy"

"Bovista homeopathy for [specific symptom or condition]" (e.g., "Bovista homeopathy for easy bruising")

2. Exploring Online Homeopathic Materia Medicas and Repertories:

Dedicated Websites

Many websites host digital versions of classic and contemporary homeopathic materia medicas (detailed descriptions of remedies) and repertories (indices of symptoms with corresponding remedies). Some popular options include:

Boericke’s Materia Medica:

Often available online for free. Searching for "Boericke Bovista" should yield relevant information.

Kent’s Lectures on Materia Medica:

Similarly, online versions can be searched for insights on Bovista.

Hering’s Guiding Symptoms:

Another valuable resource that can be found and searched online.

Complete Dynamics:

A comprehensive homeopathic software and online platform (often subscription-based but may have trial access).

RadarOpus:

Another popular homeopathic software with extensive materia medica and repertory content (also typically subscription-based).

Materia Medica Pura by Samuel Hahnemann:

foundational text; excerpts and discussions can be found online.

Search Functions:

Most online materia medica platforms have built-in search functions. Users can directly search for "Bovista" to find its entry and read about its characteristic symptoms.

3. Consulting Homeopathic Journals and Publications:

Online Archives:

Some homeopathic journals have online archives where articles related to specific remedies might be found. Examples include:

Homeopathy (the journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy).

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy.

Other regional or international homeopathic journals.

Search within Journal Websites:

If a user knows of a particular journal, they can visit its website and use the search functionality to look for articles mentioning Bovista.

4. Utilizing Library Databases:

Academic Libraries:

If individuals have access to academic libraries (through universities or other institutions), they can search library databases that index medical and alternative medicine literature.

Keywords in Databases:

Use the same keywords mentioned in point 1 when searching library databases.

5. Exploring Homeopathic Organizations and Associations Websites:

Resource Sections:

Many national and international homeopathic organizations (e.g., the National Center for Homeopathy, Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis) may have resource sections on their websites that include articles or links to information about specific remedies like Bovista.

6. Checking Online Retailer and Pharmacy Information (with caution):

Product Descriptions:

Websites selling homeopathic remedies often provide brief descriptions of the traditional uses of each medicine. While not in-depth articles, these can offer some basic information about Bovista‘s applications. However, it’s crucial to remember that this information is often for general knowledge and not a substitute for detailed materia medica study.

Tips for Effective Searching:

Be Specific: The more specific the search terms, the more relevant the results are likely to be.

Try Different Combinations: Experiment with various combinations of keywords.

Evaluate Sources: When finding information, consider the credibility of the source. Materia medicas by established authors and peer-reviewed journals are generally more reliable than personal blogs or anecdotal accounts.

Look for Cross-References: Articles on Bovista might reference other remedies or concepts, leading to further avenues of research.