Two varieties of this plant are used in homeopathy, the perfoliatum and the pur-pureum. Neither remedy has had its pharmacology determined with exactness, yet we are fairly well acquainted with the tissues upon which they act. Eupatorium perfoliatum has an affinity for muscular tissue and, judging from the character of the pains produced, the bones are also affected.

The action of the remedy is to produce such symptoms as generalized soreness, bruised sensations, and deep, isolated, aching pains. The respiratory organs are somewhat irritated, causing soreness of the chest and symptoms of bronchitis. Accompanying symptoms are pains in the ribs and a distressing cough, which is relieved by holding the chest with the hands. The perfoliatum is claimed to be a diaphoretic, and in large doses it causes purging and vomiting.

Eupatorium purpureum is in general similar in its action to the perfoliatum. Yet it differs in two respects from the latter drug. It affects much the same tissues as does the perfoliatum and in a way quite similar to that drug, yet the soreness and deep-seated pains are not as pronounced as with the perfoliatum. The purpureum has an especial affinity for the bladder, especially of the female, where it sets up a form of mild vesical irritation. Some burning upon urination, and a frequent desire to urinate, are the result of its action upon the bladder. It probably does not produce a real cystitis.

Therapeutics

Bupatorium: The leading indications for this remedy are soreness and agonizing bone pains, vomiting of water, food and bile. Soreness is present in the proving and in the clinical cases requiring its application. The headaches are characterized by soreness, in the parietal protuberances; internally sore, there is pain and soreness of the eyeballs, there is a cough with excruciating soreness down the trachea, soreness of the chest, aching of the limbs and throughout the body.

It should be studied in cases of influenza when there is great soreness and aching of the whole body. There is hoarseness with soreness of the larynx and chest. The cough and soreness compel the patient to hold the chest tightly with the hands, and also aggravate the headache. There is coryza with thirst; drinking causes vomiting. The liver is tender when palpated. The eyeballs are sore, while the conjunctiva and face show an icteric hue.

It is indicated in bilious fever when there is an excruciating headache with soreness of the scalp, and of the eyeballs to touch. There is redness of the face; great prostration, nausea and vomiting of bile, with tenderness of the hepatic region, constipation with whitish stools, and a highly colored, concentrated urine that contains bile.

It should be remembered in intermittent fevers. The chill commences from 7 to 9 A. M., in the back, and is accompanied by thirst. There is intense aching in all the bones, as though they were broken. This is followed by heat and an increase of the aching. There is vomiting, of a bitter, bilious material at the close of the chill or during the hot stage. The sweat may be scanty or profuse.

It should be remembered in catarrhal fevers (colds) when there is aching and soreness, and aching with hoarseness, soreness of the bronchi; the cough produces so much soreness that he supports the chest with his hands.

Every bone is sore and feels as if broken, and the patient is gloomy, moans, and is in despair. Restless, yet a change of position gives no relief.

It is at times indicated in migraine. There is headache, with a sensation of soreness internally. The pain is better while in the house and is aggravated by going outdoors. The pains are of a sore, throbbing character, worse in the occiput. The eyeballs are sore. The pains are so severe about the head that he must aid with the hands in raising the head. This is usually attended with nausea and vomiting of bile.

It is one of the few remedies that have been of real service in relapsing fevers, when soreness as if the bones were broken and a general febrile condition, are present.

Another condition in which this remedy is indicated is aphonia. There is hoarseness with soreness of the larynx, trachea and bronchi. The hoarseness is worse in the morning and is often associated with aching all over the body.

Characteristic Symptoms Of Eupatorium

1. Intermittent fever; violent bone pains, great muscular pain and soreness; violent headache; vomiting; thirst begins several hours before chill and continues through chill and heat; little or no sweat.

2. Catarrhal and bilious fevers; pain and soreness in muscles; bone pains; headache; soreness in head and eyeballs; vomiting of bile. Much thirst.

3. Intense soreness and aching in limbs as if bruised or beaten.

4. Decided restlessness, but a change of position affords no relief.