Gnaphalium Polycephalum: Homeopathic Medicine – Its Use, Indications And Dosage

Homeopathic medicine Gnaphalium Polycephalum is derived from plant commonly known as  ‘old balsam’ or ‘cud-weed’. This plant belongs to family Compositae. This fresh plant undergoes potentization process (process to prepare homeopathic medicines that arouses medicinal powers of a crude substance) to prepare homeopathic medicine Gnaphalium Polycephalum. This medicine is of great service in treating cases of sciatica when pain is attended with numbness. Sciatica refers to pain in lower back going down the hips, back of thigh, legs up to the feet along the path of sciatic nerve.

Drug Action

The foremost and most outstanding action of Gnaphalium is seen on the sciatic nerve. This medicine acts well on legs, joints and back as well. Besides these, its action is marked on the gastric system. Lastly, its action is noted on the female genitals.

Clinical Indications

Sciatica, numbness, backache, joint pains, gout, anterior crural neuralgia, diarrhea, cholera, colic, dysmenorrhea

 Scope As A Homeopathic Remedy

1. Limbs (Sciatica, Joint Pains, Cramps, Gout, Anterior Crural Neuralgia)

The action of Gnaphalium is most marked on the limbs. It acts magnificently to manage sciatica. Sciatica refers to a pain that travels along the path of sciatic nerve. The pain marks its beginning in the lower back and then it radiates down the hip, back of thigh, back of leg up to feet. Here the classic symptom indication for its use is pain along sciatic nerve when pain alternates with numbness or pain is followed by numbness. This key symptom is specifically kept in mind when Gnaphalium is recommended for sciatica cases. The pain along sciatic nerve is quite intense where this medicine is required. In limbs, it is the most effective on the joints. A very peculiar sensation when the sufferer needs this remedy is pain in the joints as if they lack oil. In general, pain gets worse from motion, stepping and better by flexing limbs on the abdomen. It is well-indicated to manage pain in the ankle, knee, hip, elbow and shoulder joint. Among these, its action is most prominent on the hip joint. The pain can be cutting, darting or dull in nature. In majority of cases requiring it, pain from the hip joint radiates up to the foot. This pain is worse when lying down, stepping and from motion. It is relieved by sitting in a chair. Gnaphalium is also indicated for cases of gout (inflamed, red, hot, painful, swollen joints from rise in uric acid levels in blood). It works best in case of pain in big toes from gout. Another characteristic indication guiding its use is cramps in the calves (muscle in the back of legs) and feet when in bed. Other than these it is suitable for cases of anterior crural neuralgia. It refers to pain in the front of the thighs from compression of crural nerve (this nerve originates from lumbar nerves and supplies the muscles and skin of front part of the thigh).

Key Indicating Features

Pain along sciatic nerve with pain alternating with numbness or pain followed by numbness

Pain in the joints with sensation as if they lack oil

Pain in the big toes from gout

Anterior crural neuralgia – pain in front of thighs from compression of crural nerve

2. Back (Backache, Numbness)

Another action of Gnaphalium is prominent on the back. It can be used in cases of lower back pain. Persons needing it have relief in this pain from lying on the back. In addition to this, numbness may be felt in the lower back. A sensation of weight is felt in the pelvis.

Key Indicating Features

Lower back pain which gets better from lying on the back

Lower backache accompanied by numbness in the lower back

3. Gastric Troubles (Gas, Colic, Diarrhea, Cholera)

This medicine also acts well on the gastric system. Firstly, it is helpful for relieving gas in the abdomen along with burps of wind and nausea. Secondly, it is beneficial for colicky pains in different parts of the abdomen along with sensitivity to pressure. It can be used in cases of diarrhea. Here it is given when the stools are pale when passed in the morning and day accompanied by irritable temper. It can also be given for copious, watery stool at night with nausea, pain in the bowels and excessive weakness. Lastly, it is well indicated for first stage of cholera (an infection of the small intestine occurring from intake of food or water contaminated with bacteria named vibrio cholerae) with vomiting and diarrhea.

Key Indicating Features

Gas in abdomen along with burps of wind and nausea

Diarrhea when the stools are pale when passed in morning and day accompanied with irritable temper

Copious watery stool at night with nausea, pain in bowels and excessive weakness

First stage of cholera with vomiting and diarrhea

4. Female Problems (Painful Menses)

Here this medicine is effective to manage painful menses (dysmenorrhoea). The guiding feature for its use is painful menses with scanty periods. Pain is most marked on the first day of menses. Fullness and weight in the pelvis is also felt.

Key Indicating Feature

Painful menses with scanty periods

Modalities

Worsening factors: Complaints get worse in cold damp, from lying and walking

Relieving factors: Complaints get better from sitting in a chair and flexing limbs

Dosage

This medicine can be used in both low and high potency. The potency and repetition of this medicine varies for every individual case. As a general rule the low potencies can be taken frequently but high potencies should not be repeated often.

Relationship with Other Remedies

It can be compared with other remedies including Colocynth, Chamomilla, Ipecac, Merc Sol, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium and Xanthoxylum