Dulcamara

Bittersweet / Woody Nightshade

Solanum dulcamara

Since the time of ancient Rome, nightshade has been used to treat a wide range of ailments. One such ailment, abscesses called "felons" on the fingertips, inspired one of the plant's common names, felonwort. The 18th-century Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus prescribed the plant to treat fever and inflammatory infections. The homeopathic remedy, proved in 1811 by Hahnemann, is traditionally associated with people who are highly susceptible to damp and chills.

Dulcamara is typically given to people who are sensitive to cold and damp, with symptoms caused by rapid temperature changes or cold, wet weather.

In the symptom picture for Dulcamara, these physical factors outweigh psychological traits, but some confusion, irritability, impatience, and restlessness may be evident, possibly with a domineering attitude, notably toward family members.

Susceptibility to respiratory infections causing thick, yellow mucus is typical. Hay fever and other allergic reactions are also common, as are head and joint pain, eczema, and diarrhea.

Uses

Dulcamara was used to treat pneumonia, absent menstruation, jaundice, rheumatism, cramps, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, and phlegm. In homeopathy, Dulcamara is similar to the Belladonna, Capsicum, Hyoscyamus, and Stramonium remedies.
Complaints that result from exposure to cold, wet weather, or sudden temperature changes, or cooling down too quickly after sweating are helped by this remedy. People who need Dulcamara are strong-minded, domineering, and possessive. They are extremely sensitive to cold, wet weather, and are susceptible to colds, which may lead to other ailments, for example, conjunctivitis, cystitis, a wheezy cough, or diarrhea.
This remedy is also used for skin conditions such as hives (urticaria), ringworm, itchy, crusting eruptions on the scalp and face.

Colds and  coughs - sore throat, with a thick, yellow discharge from the nose and the eyes. Thick mucus may be due to sinusitis, as may painful pressure and congestion in the head. A stiff neck is common, perhaps with back and limb pain. There may also be conjunctivitis, a rattling cough, bronchitis, or even pneumonia.

Hay fever and asthma - nasal congestion, with profuse, watery discharge from the eyes and constricted breathing. Exposure to animal fur, grass pollen, dust mites, and other allergens may aggravate the severity of symptoms.

Head and facial pain - pain in a specific part of the head, or with a sensation of heaviness, nausea, or confusion. Neuralgic face pain, perhaps caused by Bell's palsy, may be treated, or pain due to sinusitis.

Skin conditions - thickened, crusty, itchy skin, notably on the scalp, which bleeds when scratched. Dulcamara is also used to treat urticaria (hives) brought on by sweating in humid conditions; large, flat, smooth warts,  especially on the palms of the hands, and ringworm, often found on the scalps of children.

Diarrhea - slimy, yellow or green stools, maybe with traces of blood. There may be nausea, and pain before passing stools. In children, symptoms may be triggered during teething.

Joint pain - stiffness and pain in joints, aggravated by damp.

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