Opium
(Papaver somniferum · Opium poppy)
The remedy of the deep, dazed stupor. In the materia medica, Opium is associated with drowsiness, insensibility and lack of reaction, often in people whose complaints began with a fright that never quite left them.
Source
The dried latex of the opium poppy
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Op.
Home acute kit
Usually prescribed by a homeopath
The classic picture
(a remedy is chosen when the whole picture fits the person, not from a single symptom)
Heavy, stupefied sleep with loud, snoring breathing and a hot, sweaty skin
Painless and complains of nothing; seems to want nothing
Effects of a fright, with the fear still lingering long afterward
General sluggishness, including very slow bowels and little response to anything
Tends to feel better
Cold things
Constant walking
Tends to feel worse
Heat
During and after sleep
Stimulants
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Opium)
-
Aconite
(Aconitum napellus)
Both follow a fright; Aconite is panicky and restless, Opium dazed, drowsy and unresponsive.
Read more -
Nux moschata
(Myristica fragrans)
Also deeply drowsy, but Nux moschata is dry-mouthed, dreamy and faint rather than flushed and stuporous.
Read more -
Gelsemium
(Gelsemium sempervirens)
Gelsemium's heaviness is trembling and dull; Opium's goes deeper, into a hot, sweaty stupor.
Read more
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From the classic texts
“All complaints are characterized by sopor. They are painless, and are accompanied by heavy, stupid sleep, stertorous breathing. Sweaty skin.”
“Ailments: with insensibility and partial or complete paralysis; that originate from fright, bad effects of, the fear still remaining (Acon., Hyos.)”
Looking for more than a quick remedy?
Acute remedies can be a starting point for short-term complaints. Ongoing or recurring issues call for a full case: a detailed conversation about your physical, mental and emotional symptoms, so the remedy fits you as a whole person.
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