Veratrum album
(Veratrum album · White hellebore)
The remedy of collapse and cold sweat. In the materia medica, Veratrum album is associated with violent vomiting and purging with icy coldness, a cold sweat on the forehead and great weakness.
Source
The root of white hellebore, a European mountain plant
Kingdom
Plant
Abbreviation
Verat.
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)
Sudden, violent vomiting and watery diarrhea, followed by great weakness
Icy coldness, a pale or bluish face, and cold sweat on the forehead
Intense thirst for ice-cold water; craves fruit, ice, salt and sour things
Faints from the least exertion; cramps in the calves
May swing between restless agitation and silent withdrawal
Tends to feel better
Walking
Warmth
Tends to feel worse
Least motion
Drinking
Night and wet, cold weather
Before and during periods
How it compares
(remedies that are often confused with Veratrum album)
-
Arsenicum album
(Arsenicum album)
Also vomiting and diarrhea with weakness, but Arsenicum is anxious, restless and burning, wanting sips of warm drinks.
Read moreCompare side by side -
Camphora
(Camphora officinarum)
Also icy collapse, but dry rather than bathed in cold sweat, and throws off the covers.
Read more -
Cuprum metallicum
(Cuprum metallicum)
Cramping dominates in Cuprum; Veratrum's hallmark is the cold sweat and copious discharges.
Read more
Side-by-side comparisons
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From the classic texts
“A perfect picture of collapse, with extreme coldness, blueness, and weakness, is offered by this drug. … Cold perspiration on the forehead, with nearly all complaints.”
“Thirst: intense, unquenchable, for large quantities of very cold water and acid drinks; wants everything cold. Craving for acids or refreshing things (Phos. ac.).”
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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