Asarum, Asarabacca, Hazelwort, Wild Spikenard, Asar.
The mental state is dominated by extreme nervous irritability and an inability to tolerate any sensory input, especially auditory. There is a marked tendency toward anxiety, a feeling of being 'frightened' by slight noises, and an overall state of mental fatigue. The patient feels as though they are not fully in contact with their body, contributing to the sensation of weightlessness.
Asarum Europaeum is a remedy of profound nervous sensitivity, characterized by a specific hyperesthesia of the nerves. The keynotes involve a sensation of lightness in the body, as if floating in the air, and an intense aversion to scratching sounds, particularly those of silk, paper, or wool, which cause a cold shuddering sensation to run down the spine. It is a vital remedy for conditions where the nervous system is in a state of excessive tension, leading to irritability, neuralgic pains, and a general feeling of being 'on edge'.
Aggravation: From cold, dry weather; from the sound of scratching silk, paper, or wool; from mental exertion; from drafts of air. Amelioration: From washing the face with cold water; from being in a warm, moist environment; from rest and quiet.
Vertigo is present, often accompanied by a sensation of swaying or floating. It is aggravated by movement of the head or by shifting positions, and the patient feels as if the head were light or detached from the shoulders.
Headaches are typically of a neuralgic or congestive type. The pain is often described as a pressing, heavy sensation in the forehead or temples, frequently triggered by cold weather or mental strain. The scalp may feel sensitive to the touch.
The eyes exhibit a feeling of strain and are sensitive to light. There may be a sensation of heat in the eyes, with a tendency toward watery discharges. Vision may feel blurred or dim, especially during headaches.
Asarum has a heightened sense of hearing, where even moderate sounds become unbearable. There may be a sensation of pressure or fullness in the ears, and high-pitched noises can trigger the characteristic shuddering down the spine.
The face may appear flushed or pale depending on the stage of the nervous excitation. Neuralgic pains in the facial nerves are common, often migrating and sensitive to the slightest touch or exposure to cold air.
Chronic coryza with a feeling of constriction in the nostrils. The sense of smell may be acutely heightened, where even mild odors cause nausea or revulsion. The nose feels dry and irritated.
The tongue is typically clean or slightly coated. A hallmark symptom is the sensation of the teeth being set on edge by scratching sounds. Salivation may be increased, and there is often a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
The throat feels constricted, with a sensation of a lump or dryness. Swallowing may be difficult due to the nervous tension in the pharyngeal muscles, and there is a marked aversion to cold drinks.
Respiration is often short and labored due to the underlying nervous tension. There may be a sensation of pressure in the chest, with a dry, hacking cough that is aggravated by cold air or by the sound of scratching objects.
Appetite is often capricious or absent. There is a strong tendency toward nausea, which is aggravated by the sight or smell of food. The abdomen may feel distended and sensitive, with colicky pains that are relieved by warmth.
The urine is often scanty and high-colored. In females, there may be intense nervous symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, with a feeling of bearing down or pelvic congestion that is exacerbated by cold weather.
The limbs feel light, as if the patient could fly. There is a marked sensitivity to touch, and the muscles may twitch or tremble under stress. Rheumatic-like pains in the joints are common, which worsen in cold, dry weather.
The back is the site of the most characteristic symptom: a cold, shivering, electric-like sensation that runs down the spine upon hearing unpleasant, scratching noises. There is a general feeling of stiffness in the neck muscles.
The skin is highly sensitive, with an intolerance to the touch of certain fabrics. There may be a feeling of chilliness or crawling sensations on the surface of the skin, particularly when the patient is stressed.
Sleep is light, unrefreshing, and easily disturbed by the slightest noise. The patient often wakes up feeling as though they have not slept at all, with a continued sense of nervous restlessness.
Asarum is a remedy for the chilly, sensitive patient who is profoundly affected by the environment. The overarching theme is one of hyper-stimulation, where the nervous system is unable to filter out external stimuli, leading to a state of depletion and physical symptoms that mimic a lack of grounding.
Calcarea Carbonica is often complementary when there is a constitutional background of glandular involvement or slow development, helping to complete the action of Asarum in cases of persistent nervous exhaustion.
Asarum is generally considered inimical to Acetum (vinegar). Vinegar should be avoided during the administration of the remedy as it antidotes its curative effects and may cause a resurgence of the original nervous symptoms.
Phosphorus follows Asarum well in cases where the nervous sensitivity persists and progresses toward deeper systemic weakness, particularly when the chest symptoms or mental exhaustion become more prominent.
Phosphorus, Silicea, Causticum, Coffea
⚕️ Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a professional homeopathic practitioner.