Abstract
Indigenous homoeopathic drugs are substances derived from native plants or minerals that have been traditionally used in various cultures for medicinal purposes and have been incorporated into the practice of homoeopathy. These substances are typically sourced from local flora and fauna, reflecting the medicinal knowledge passed down through generations. Examples include plants like Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot), Aegle marmelos (Bael), Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), each valued for their specific therapeutic properties. Through homoeopathic preparations, indigenous drugs can be used to treat a wide range of complaints, often characterised by their gentle yet effective approach in promoting healing and restoring balance to the body’s natural functions.
Keywords
Indigenous, Homoeopathy, Rauwolfia, Bael, Neem, Tulsi, Materia Medica.
Introduction:
Homoeopathy, a system of medicine founded on the principle of “like cures like,” employs substances derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and animal products. Among these, indigenous herbs like Rauwolfia, Bael, Neem, and Tulsi have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential, contributing to the effectiveness and diversity of homoeopathic treatments. Each plant offers distinct therapeutic benefits validated by homoeopathic materia medica. These remedies exemplify the integration of traditional herbal knowledge into homoeopathy, providing effective, natural treatments for a range of health concerns.
Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina):
Introduction
Rauwolfia serpentina is a popular drug used for the treatment of hypertension. Long before modern humans discovered this herb, it had been used in India for centuries as a tranquiliser. In 1930, Kabiraj Gananath Sen and Dr. Kartick Chandra Bose performed chemical analysis of this drug and used it in insomnia and psychiatric disorder with irritability and impulsiveness, but advised not to use it in melancholy.[1]
Rauwolfia, also known as Indian snakeroot(sarpagandha) was introduced in the Homoeopathic system of medicine in Europe by Dr. W. L Templeton. Apart from hypertension, it is also used in insanity, epilepsy, blindness, fevers and as an antidote for insect and snake bites. It also acts as a sedative and relaxant by causing release of serotonin. It helps in reducing congestions in many parts of the body. It acts as a sedative in cases of anxiety, restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Family: Apocynaceae.
Common names: Rauvolfia root, Serpentina Root, Chotachand.
Part used: Roots.
Pharmacological actions: The alkaloids, reserpine, serpentinine and rescinamine are found to possess blood pressure lowering activity.[1]
Toxic effects: The reported side effects of R.serpentina include nasal congestion, depression, tiredness, drowsiness and erectile dysfunction. It should not be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Reserpine is known to cause cancer in mice.[1]
Preparation:
(a) Mother Tincture Q: Coarse powder of Rauwolfia serpentina root 100g, 200ml purified water, strong alcohol 824 ml to make a thousand millilitre of mother tincture.
(b) Potencies: 2x and higher with dispensing alcohol.[1]
Sphere of action: Mind, heart, circulation and arteries, skin.
The chief action is on the blood vessels, especially the arteries that go into degenerative changes. Constrictive congestions of the blood vessels, localized congestions, the trouble descends along the cardio-vascular channel.[1]
Clinical conditions: Addison’s disease, Angina pectoris, Base Dow’s disease, Colitis, Dystonia, Essential hypertension, Parkinsonism, Hypertension secondary to Thyroid disorders and Vasomotor complaints.[1]
Leading symptoms:
• Constricting, paroxysmal pain in heart, tightness of chest; palpitation < lying down, standing and walking.
• Elevated blood pressure with hard irregular pulse after exertion.
• Dry skin with scaly eruptions, lower lip cracked, dryness and cracking of feet and heels.
• General sensation of heat all over, > in open air.
• Perspiration hot, with red discoloration of skin.
• Symptoms are, < in warmth, wet weather after exertion and climbing, after eating, closed room, in the morning. Patient is generally, > in open air, cold applications, hard pressure, continued motion.
• High blood pressure without marked atheromatous changes in the vessels, irritative condition of central nervous system, insanity, violent maniacal symptoms.[4]
Dose: Give 5 to 10 drops of tincture twice daily in the beginning, then give 1x, 2 drops, twice daily.
Bael (Aegle marmelos):
Introduction
No drug has been longer and better known by the Indians than the Bael fruit. The bael fruit is appreciated for its sacred as well as medicinal properties. The unripe or half fruit is regarded as an astringent, digestive and stomachic and is said to be an excellent remedy for chronic diarrhoea, owing to the presence of tannins or mucilaginous substances.[1] Bael, a sacred tree in India, is valued in homoeopathy for its therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal disorders. It is commonly prescribed for diarrhoea, dysentery, and digestive disturbances. The astringent properties of Bael help in controlling diarrhoea, while its anti-inflammatory actions aid in soothing digestive issues. Its antimicrobial properties also make it effective against infectious diarrhoea.
Family: Rutaceae.
Common names: Bael fruit, Golden Apple, Bilinuphal, Siriphal.
Part used: Fresh pulp of unripe or half-ripe fruit.
Pharmacological actions: An aqueous extract of leaves and roots have been shown to possess hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory effects. Leaves extract has been reported to regenerate pancreatic ẞ-cells in diabetic rats. It is found to be as effective as insulin in the restoration of blood glucose and body weight to normal levels in diabetic animals. Ethanolic extract of fruits showed antiviral activity against Ranikhet disease virus. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves showed anti- bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli antifungal and antiprotozoal effects. The aqueous extract revealed cardiac stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant and uterine stimulant properties while the alcoholic extract showed cardiac depressant, smooth muscle and uterine muscle relaxant properties.
Toxic Effects: The leaves are said to cause abortion and sterility in women. The bark is used as a fish poison in the Celebes. Tannin ingested frequently and in quantity over a long period are anti-nutrient and carcinogenic 2. The alcoholic extract produced a little drowsiness lasting for 4 hours with oral doses of 2 to 4 g/kg body weight in mice.
Leading symptoms:
• It is a laxative due to the existence of mucilage, a stomach refresher, removes wind and checks bowels. In dysentery, it can be administered in early or chronic dysentery. This drug is very useful if there exists a tendency to frequent bowels and inability to hold excremental pressure.
• Chronic acidity-very effective result may be had with this drug because it is alkaline in nature and neutralises hydro-acids.
• Diarrhoea of children-Watery and diarrhoeic bowels with force, the child becomes weak and suffers indigestion, food is not retained by the stomach.
• Chronic diarrhoea, peptic or gastric ulcer is also relieved.
• Dropsy of any part of the body, upper part of the eyelids swollen, dropsical swelling due to heart diseases, excellent medicine in Beri Beri, ascites.[4]
The British Pharmacopoeia says-three preparations commonly used-
1. Extract of the bael made from fresh unripe fruit given in half to one drachm doses several times a day.
2. Liquid extract of bael prepared from dry slices of unripe fruit prescribed in doses of one to two drachms.
3. Powdered dried pulp in air tight bottles given in doses of half to one drachm.[2]
• If bael is continued for some time, the mucus is also decreased and may disappear. It is very useful in patients suffering from chronic dysenteric conditions characterised by alternating diarrhoea and constipation. It relieves flatulent colic in patients suffering from a condition of chronic gastro-intestinal catarrh. In the after treatment of bacillary dysentery, bael is an useful adjurant.
• Cold water should not be mixed with the drug, otherwise, acid may form. Taking burnt bael with molasses is useful.
Neem (Azadirachta indica):
Introduction
This is an Indian remedy of very ancient date. Neem tree is planted in every house in India and its therapeutic uses are greatly acknowledged. All parts of the tree are intensely bitter and are said to possess different therapeutic properties. It is generally used with great success in cases of fever with cough, lassitude, thirst, loss of appetite; helminthiasis; boils and indolent ulcers; bilious derangements; cutaneous diseases etc. Neem is praised for its tonic, antiseptic, astringent and anti-periodic properties. The native physicians of our country use Neem as the principal ingredient in their febrifuge medicines. Sushruta and Charaka considered it effective for treatment of leprosy. It is used effectively in chronic fever associated with the sensation of burning of hands and feet. Dr. P.C Majumdar of Kolkata first proved it. It is bitter in taste, and is effective in bilious fevers with bitter taste in mouth and bitter vomiting.
Family: Meliaceae.
Common names: Neem, Margosa, Limba, Nimb[1]
Part used: Leaves and flowers, Bark.
Pharmacological action: The Chloroform extract of stem bark possesses anti- inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats and mouse ear inflammation. The bark contains Azadirin, Margosin and Catechin. It is popularly used in a great variety of complaints, especially of the eyes, digestive derangements, and skin affections. It is especially useful in cases previously maltreated with quinine.
A methanolic extract of leaves showed antipyretic and analgesic effects in animals. Neem and its constituent have been demonstrated to exhibit immunostimulant, hypoglycaemic, anti-ulcer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant activities. Leaf extract exhibited various degrees of contractive and (CNS) depressant activity in mice.
Toxic effects: Neem oil intoxication by humans produces diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and acidosis. The oil, even in small amount was reported to cause toxic encephalopathy.
Preparation:
(a) Mother tincture: Azadirachta indica, bark, moist magma containing solid 100 gm and plant moisture 25 ml, 125 gms Purified water, 375 ml Strong Alcohol to make one thousand millilitres of tincture.
(b) Potencies: 2x with Dilute Alcohol, 3x and higher with Dispensing Alcohol.
Sphere of action: Liver and spleen, Stomach and abdomen, Skin.
Clinical conditions: Asthma, Constipation, Cough, Diarrhoea, Bad effects of quinine, Intermittent fever, Affections of liver and spleen, Uterine debility.
Leading symptoms
• Chronic malarial fever, liver and spleen are enlarged and indurated, rise of temperature with slight chill in the afternoon, it is very beneficial in fever with burning, thirstlessness, skin diseases with itching without eruption, scabies, leprosy.
• Vertigo when raising the head or when rising from a sitting posture.
• Burning sensation all over in fever, especially in the eyes, face, palms and soles, < in open air.
• Bilious fever; afternoon rise of temperature with slight chill and burning sensation of hands and feet.
•Extreme sensitivity of the scalp, even the hair is painful to touch.
• Putrid taste in the mouth; saliva tastes salty but water has a good taste; sensation as if tongue was scalded. Heaviness and distension of abdomen, with sensation of burning.
• Symptoms are similar to that of Lycopodium but the patient’s thermal reaction is hot and temperament is mild.
• Prone to loose stool; symptoms, during spring (Lach.).
• In therapeutic uses, it is a preventive for frequent bowels, a good appetiser, useful in phlegm, bile disorders, skin diseases, leprosy, pimples, dropsy, fever, thirst, gonorrhoea, loss of appetite, etc.
• It is anti-Malarial. It is an infallible drug in the sinus or any ulcer for the purpose of healing. Useful in the early stage of any boil, it is applied to suppress the boil. If it is too late, then it helps to crack the boil. Neem Oil is a household remedy for skin diseases. Soup of neem is a remedy for pox.
Dose: one drop of this drug in 1x or 3x dilutions, 4 times a day.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum):
Introduction
Ocimum sanctum or holy tulsi is a well known small herb in India.It is a highly sweet scented plant and is considered by natives of India to be of great value. The herb can be found in abundance all over India and no less than half a dozen varieties are found. The black and white varieties are commonly used. Ocimum sanctum is the black variety and Ocimum canum is the white variety. Since antiquity the expressed juice of this herb has been administered with very gratifying and beneficial results to the children who are attacked with catarrh and cough and with fever and constipation. Ocimum sanctum has turned out to be an excellent remedy of our materia-medica. In remittent fevers of children, fever during dentition, diarrhoea and worm affections, Ocimum sanctum is found to be very efficacious. It has an assured place in the treatment of influenza and in common nasal catarrh. Remittent fever associated with cough, cold, diarrhoea, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, bronchitis and asthma often call for this remedy.
Ocimum sanctum may be summed up as irritability of Chamomilla and Nux-v, red lips of Sulphur, runny nose of Ars-i. and restlessness of Tuberculinum.
Dr. N. C. Ghose, Pramode Prasanna Biswas and N. Sinha proved the drug and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi.
Lotions prepared with corrosive sublimates were often used to disinfect bodies of persons who had died of infectious diseases like typhoid fever, small pox etc. In India, when persons are about to die or are actually dead they are brought near Tulasi herbs or their branches are kept near the person’s head. So, it indicates that Ocimum sanctum may be a potent medicine to destroy and remove bad and filthy odour, to arrest the progress of putrefaction and to kill all kinds of bacteria and bacilli which generate contagious and infectious diseases.
Family: Lamiaceae.
Common names: Holy Basil,Talasi, Tulsi, Varanda.
Part used: Whole plant excluding roots.
Pharmacological actions: The pharmacological activities of O.sanctum include anti-cancer, chemoprotective, radioprotective, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, CNS depressant, anti-arthritic, adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti- inflammatory, analgesic and anti-coagulant.[1]
Preparation:
(a) Mother Tincture: Ocimum sanctum, moist magma containing solids 100gms. and plant moisture approximately 233 ml Strong Alcohol in sufficient quantity to make one thousand millilitres of tincture
(b) Potencies: 2X and higher with Dispensing Alcohol.[1]
Sphere of action: Head, Respiratory organs, Stomach and Abdomen.
Clinical conditions: Aphthous ulcers, Cough and cold, nasal catarrh, Fever, intermittent and remittent, Headache, Heaviness in abdomen with pain in the region of liver, Influenza, Lochia prolonged, Malaria, Nephritis (pain in the region of kidney), Cystitis and urethritis, Worm affection.
Leading symptoms
• Intermittent fever, constantly yawning and stretching during chill, thirst increased with rise of temperature, flashes, first stage of consumption, distressing dry cough, expectoration of phlegm streaked with blood.
• Tulsi is indicated for respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, bronchitis, and asthma. Its expectorant and bronchodilator effects help in relieving respiratory congestion, while its antiviral and antibacterial properties support immune function.
• Face hot and flushed, red lips, red tongue shining at the edges with yellow or brown coating in the middle.
• Eyes congested with lacrimation are the symptoms to be looked for in order to
prescribe Ocimum sanctum. Headache due to congestion, common cold or influenza or headache in other fevers indicate Ocimum sanctum.
Dose: tincture 5 drops or 1x, 2 drops 4 times a day.
Conclusion:
The practical utility of indigenous homoeopathic drugs like Rauwolfia, Bael, Neem, and Tulsi lies in their well-established therapeutic benefits supported by traditional knowledge, different homoeopathic materia medica and modern research. These remedies not only address specific ailments effectively but also promote holistic well-being. By integrating these natural substances into homoeopathic practice, healthcare practitioners can offer patients safe and sustainable treatment options aligned with the principles of natural medicine.
Bibliography:
- Homoeopathic Materia Medica of Indian Drugs; Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi; 2014.
- Banerjee Prosad; Materia Medica of Indian drugs (indigenous system of medicine); 1st edition; 1977
- Clarke John Henry; Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica; 3 volumes (Indian edition). B Jain Publishers (P), Ltd., New Delhi.
- Boericke William; Boericke’s new manual of homoeopathic materia medica with repertory: including Indian drugs, nosodes, uncommon rare remedies, mother tinctures, relationships, sides of the body, drug affinities, & list of abbreviations; third revised and augmented edition based on ninth edition; New Delhi; B. Jain Publishers; 2007.
